Warm weather is just around the corner, and what better way to welcome the sunshine than by stitching up a breezy handmade wardrobe? The Renea Top is a gorgeous, easy-to-make crochet summer scallop tank top that you’ll want to live in all season long. Whether you’re heading to the beach or enjoying a backyard barbecue, this sleeveless wonder pairs perfectly with your favorite bottoms.
Designed with an easy skill level in mind, this pattern relies on simple half double crochets to create a beautifully draped fabric. It’s a highly customizable project, allowing you to measure as you go for the absolute perfect fit. If you love creating complete summer looks, you might also enjoy making these Crochet Granny Square Shorts or these Stylish Crochet Granny Square Pants to match!
Materials Needed
- DK/Light Worsted (3) Yarn
- Number of skeins: 2 (2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4)
- 4.00mm Crochet Hook
- Scissors
- Darning Needle
- Stitch Markers
- Gauge: 4” x 4” square = 16 hdc sts wide x 14 hdc rows tall (measurements taken laid flat and not stretched)
Abbreviations Used
- Ch = Chain
- Fhdc = Foundation Half Double Crochet
- St(s) = Stitch(es)
- Hdc = Half Double Crochet
- Hdc2tog = Half Double Crochet 2 (stitches) Together/Half Double Crochet Decrease
- Sl st = Slip Stitch
- Sk st = Skip a stitch
- Dc = Double Crochet
Pattern Instructions
This pattern uses USA crochet terminology.
Pattern follows size XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL). E.g. “Hdc 49 (53, 61, 65, 73, 77, 85, 89)” means Hdc 49 for XS, 53 for S, 61 for M, 65 for L, 73 for XL, 77 for 2XL, 85 for 3XL, 89 for 4XL. If there is only one number, it applies to ALL sizes.
Turning ch 1 does NOT count as a stitch in this pattern.
Front Panel
Row 1: Fhdc 49 (53, 61, 65, 73, 77, 85, 89). (how to linked) (Or you can just chain 50 (54, 62, 66, 74, 78, 86, 90), work a hdc into the 2nd chain from the hook and then work 1 hdc into each chain until the end of the chain.)
NOTE: if it seems that the top may not be wide enough for the size you are making, crochet your foundation chain as wide as you need it for it to cover over the front of your bust and reach on either side of the middle of your sides/right under and in the middle of your armpits. MAKE SURE your chain is done in multiples of 4’s if you are wanting the scallop edging at the bottom of your top.
Row 2: Turn your work and ch 1. Work 1 hdc into each hdc st until the end of the row <49 (53, 61, 65, 73, 77, 85, 89) sts total>
Repeat row 2 through row 26 (28, 31, 33, 36, 39, 43, 47) (OR you can make your top LONGER or SHORTER if you would like to work more or less rows. Refer to the picture below on how you show hold the top over bust and under your armpits to judge approximately how long your top will be when you are done.)
Row 27 (29, 32, 34, 37, 40, 44, 48): Turn your work and ch 1. Hdc2tog first 2 sts, work 1 hdc into each st until there are 2 sts remaining. Hdc2tog last 2 sts. <47 (51, 59, 63, 71, 75, 83, 87) sts total>
NOTE: if you made a custom size with the ‘measure over your bust method’, continue to decrease using the instructions for whatever size you typically wear.
Rep row 27 (29, 32, 34, 37, 40, 44, 48) through row 39 (41, 46, 48, 53, 56, 62, 66)
For Size XS (S)
Row 40 (42): Turn your work and ch 1. Hdc in each st until the end of the row.
For Size M (L)
Rows 47-48 (49-50): Turn your work and ch 1. Hdc in each st until the end of the row.
For Size XL (2XL)
Rows 54-56 (57-59): Turn your work and ch 1. Hdc in each st until the end of the row.
For Size 3XL (4XL)
Rows 63-66 (67-70): Turn your work and ch 1. Hdc in each st until the end of the row.
Fasten off.
Back Panel
Row 1: Fhdc 49 (53, 61, 65, 73, 77, 85, 89) (Or you can just chain the same way you did if you chained for the front panel)
NOTE: OR chain as many as you worked for the front of your top if you made a custom size using the ‘measure over your bust method’.
Row 2: Turn your work and ch 1. Work 1 hdc into each hdc st until the end of the row <49 (53, 61, 65, 73, 77, 85, 89) sts total>
Repeat row 2 through row 26 (28, 31, 33, 36, 39, 43, 47) (OR how ever many rows you worked for your front panel BEFORE the decrease rows.)
Fasten off.
Assembly
Sew your front and back panels together.
Straps
Row 1: Attach yarn. Ch 1 and then work a hdc into the same stitch you attached your yarn to your work, work 1 hdc into the next 3 sts.
Row 2: Turn your work and ch 1. Work 1 hdc into each st until the end of the row.
Repeat row 2 through row 40 (45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75) I recommend, since all bodies are different, making the straps however long or short you need to fit YOU. Crochet straps to recommended OR desired row length, use stitch markers/safety pins and pin in place on the back panel OR temporarily sew it in place and try on the top to make sure it is a good length for you.
Repeat for the second strap.
Scallop Edging
This is optional, you do not have to add the scallop edging, but if you are interested in it, here’s how you do it!
Row 1: Attach yarn. Ch 1 and then work a sl st into the same stitch you attached your yarn to your work, sk st, work 5 dc into the next st, sk st, *work a sl st into the next st, sk st, work 5 dc into the next, sk st, *repeat this sequence until the end of the row. You should be ending with a sl st, you will be sl stitching into the very same st where you attached your yarn, chained and worked your first sl st.
Weave in all your ends and…
YOU’RE DONE!
Tips for Success
- Customize Your Fit: Don’t be afraid to step away from the exact row counts if your body requires a few more or less. Trying the piece on as you go is the best way to ensure a flattering fit.
- Mind Your Tension: Keep your half double crochets relaxed. If your gauge is too tight, your tank top will lose its beautiful, drapey summer feel.
- Expand Your Skills: Once you master this gorgeous top, you can expand your handmade wardrobe even further by checking out this Classic Granny Square Pattern Guide to create stunning matching accessories!
FAQ
Can I make this top longer? Absolutely! The pattern notes explicitly mention that you can work more or fewer rows before the decrease section to achieve your desired length.
What if my bust doesn’t fit the standard measurements? The pattern encourages you to use the ‘measure over your bust method’. Simply chain multiples of 4 until the foundation chain comfortably covers your bust and reaches under your armpits.
Conclusion
Congratulations on creating your beautiful Summer Scallop Tank Top! This customizable, breezy piece makes a perfect addition to your warm-weather wardrobe. Share your gorgeous creation in the comments below!