Whether you’re after a breezy layering piece or a standalone summer statement, this lacy top delivers both in one versatile make. The open shell pattern works up faster than it looks, and if you’ve already tried the airy crochet top or the sleeveless top, this one slots right into that same lightweight rotation.
Lacy Crochet Tank Top
White cotton yarn keeps things crisp and easy to wash perfect for the kind of top you’ll actually wear all season. For another take on this same open, lacy aesthetic, the cut-out tank top is worth bookmarking alongside this one.
Materials & Tools
Yarn: Cotton or cotton-blend yarn (Weight 3 or 4 recommended for best definition).
Hook: Size appropriate for your yarn (e.g., 4.0mm for DK or 5.0mm for Worsted).
Notions: Scissors, Stitch markers, Tapestry needle.
Sizing & Preparation
This is a Made-to-Measure pattern, meaning it is customized to your body.
The Vertical Measurement: Measure from your front waist, over your shoulder, to your back waist.
The Foundation: Create a chain based on this measurement.
Important: Your foundation chain must be a multiple of $6 + 2$.
Example: 140 chains for a slightly cropped fit.
Helpful Stitches to Know
Technique Explainers
Pro-Tip: The Stacked Single Crochet (Stsc)
To avoid the “gap” often left by a starting Chain 3, use a Stacked Single Crochet. To do this: Work 1 SC in the first stitch. Insert your hook into the left-hand vertical bar of the SC you just made and work another SC on top of it. This creates a solid, straight edge that looks exactly like a Double Crochet.
The Petal Stitch (2DCTOG Cluster)
Work two double crochets together in the same space: (Yarn over, insert hook, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through 2) twice, then yarn over and pull through all 3 loops on the hook.
- New to crochet and not sure how to read a pattern yet? The video tutorial below will guide you through it step by step, you’ve got this!
The Panel Pattern (Make 2)
Row 1: Double Crochet (DC) in the 3rd chain from the hook and in each chain across. Turn.
Row 2: Single Crochet (SC) in the 1st stitch, Chain 2, skip 2 stitches, (1 DC, Ch 2, 1 DC) in next stitch, Chain 2, skip 2 stitches, 1 SC in next stitch. Repeat from * across. Turn.
Row 3: Stacked Single Crochet (Stsc) to start, in each Chain-2 V-space work (2DCTOG, Ch 2, 2DCTOG, Ch 2, 2DCTOG). Repeat across, ending with 1 DC in the last stitch. Turn.
Row 4: Stsc, Chain 1. Work 1 DC into each open space between the petal groups across. Turn.
Row 5: DC in every stitch and chain space across. Turn.
Row 6: DC in every stitch and chain space across. Turn.
Row 7: DC in every stitch and chain space across. Turn.
The Repeat:
- Repeat Rows 2 through 7 until your panel measures approximately 25 cm wide (or your desired width for half of your torso).
To Finish: Complete one final row of DC to mirror the starting edge.
The Sleeves
Placement: Fold your panel in half at the shoulder point. Use stitch markers to mark your armhole opening.
Attach: Join your yarn at the marked stitch at the bottom of the armhole.
Foundation: Work 2 rows of DC to match the solid section of the body.
Pattern: Continue following the established Row 2–7 pattern until your sleeve reaches your desired length.
Assembly & Finishing
Side Seams: Align the panels. Use slip stitches to join the sides and the under-side of the sleeves.
The Flat Seam: For a professional finish, insert your hook through the back loop only of the front panel and the front loop only of the back panel.
Center Joins: Join the panels down the center front and center back using the same slip stitch method.
Neckline: Stop your center join at a point that leaves an opening for the neck, sized to your personal preference (boat neck or V-neck).
Weaving Ends: Use your tapestry needle to secure all loose yarn tails inside the garment.
Blocking: Crucial Step! Because this is a Lacy Crochet Tank Top, blocking will “open up” the petal stitches and give the garment its final, professional drape. Wet the top, squeeze out excess water, and pin it to shape until dry.
