Teal mesh, short sleeves, and a crew neckline this top is less of a coverup and more of an actual wardrobe piece that happens to be sheer. The square grid stitch is the same all the way through, so once you’ve got the repeat down in the first few rows, the rest is just consistent tension. For a sleeveless take on the same open mesh construction, the mesh panel top keeps the same stitch with a different silhouette.
Crochet Sheer Tank Top
The short sleeves are worked as separate panels and seamed in, which means you can easily adjust sleeve length without touching the body construction. For a long-sleeve mesh version that goes in a different direction, the raglan mesh top is worth a look.
Materials
- Cotton yarn suitable for a 3.5mm hook
- 3.5mm crochet hook
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
Must-Know Crochet Techniques
Pattern Overview
- The design uses an open mesh made from double crochet and chain spaces.
- The panels are worked flat in rows, then seamed.
- Because the fabric is airy and slightly stretchy, exact stitch counts matter less than finished measurements.
- Length and width are controlled by your starting chain and the number of rows worked.
Front and Back Panels Make 2
- Chain 71 or any odd number based on your body measurement
- Chain 5 to start the first row, counting as one double crochet and a chain three space
- Skip 8 chains from the hook and work one double crochet into the ninth chain
- Chain 3, skip 3 chains, and work one double crochet into the fourth chain
- Repeat the mesh pattern across the row
- Chain 5, turn, and work one double crochet into the top of the previous row’s double crochet
- Chain 3 and work one double crochet into the next double crochet across the row
- Repeat this row until the panel reaches your desired length, approximately 20 to 25 rows
Stitch and Row Clarity
- The chain five at the start of each row creates both height and the first mesh space.
- Always place the next double crochet directly into the top of the double crochet below, not into the chain space.
- This keeps the vertical lines of the mesh clean and prevents the panel from drifting sideways.
- Reading crochet patterns can be tricky when you’re just starting out, feel free to follow the video tutorial below instead!
Sleeve Panels Make 2
- Chain 66
- Chain 5, skip 8 chains, and work one double crochet into the ninth chain
- Chain 3, skip 3 chains, and work one double crochet into the fourth chain across
- Repeat the mesh row until you have six rows total
- Work two rows of half double crochet evenly across one long edge to form the sleeve cuff
Sleeve Notes
- The half double crochet rows add stability to the sleeve opening.
- Work these stitches evenly without increasing or decreasing so the cuff sits flat and does not flare.
Assembly and Finishing
- Place the front and back panels together and seam the shoulders, leaving a centered opening for the neckline
- Attach each sleeve panel to the shoulder seam, centering it evenly
- Sew the side seams of the body and continue down the underarm seams of the sleeves
- Optionally leave a small slit at the bottom edge for added design detail
- Join yarn at the bottom edge and work one round of half double crochet around the entire hem
- Work one round of half double crochet evenly around the neckline to finish
Assembly Guidance
- When seaming the shoulders, count mesh spaces from the center outward to keep the neckline balanced.
- For sleeves, align the center of the sleeve panel with the shoulder seam before stitching.
- This prevents twisting and helps the sleeve fall naturally.
Fit and Sizing Guidance
- Adjust width by changing the starting chain for the body panels.
- Use your body measurement rather than a fixed stitch count.
- Length is controlled by the number of mesh rows worked.
- For a longer top, add rows before assembly.
- For a cropped fit, stop earlier.
Beginner Notes
- Keep your chain stitches relaxed, especially the chain three spaces, to maintain consistent mesh openings.
- Use stitch markers at the start of rows if you tend to lose track of turning chains.
Troubleshooting
- If the panel edges lean, check that you are placing double crochets into stitch tops, not chain spaces.
- If the fabric feels stiff, try a slightly larger hook while keeping the same stitch pattern.
- If the neckline feels tight, leave a wider opening when seaming the shoulders.
Finishing Notes
- Block the finished piece lightly to open the mesh and smooth seams.
- Weave in ends along seam lines so they stay hidden within the structure of the top.
