Looking for a breezy, stylish project that works up in a flash? This chunky crochet tie-top is the perfect addition to your summer wardrobe. Using a beautifully textured lemon peel stitch, it creates a stretchy, comfortable fabric that feels entirely custom-made.
Best of all, this pattern is completely beginner-friendly! You only need to know basic stitches, and the “make-to-fit” design means you can easily adjust the dimensions as you go for a flawless fit every time.
Materials Needed
- Super Chunky Weight Yarn (6)
- The Wool from We Are Knitters (Used 315 grams for size S)
- Giga Amigo from Hobbii – a great cheaper alternative (Used 211 grams for size S)
- Yarn quantities: 2 skeins for sizes XS-M, 3 skeins for sizes L-2XL, 4 skeins for sizes 3XL-5XL (Note: Yarn needed varies depending on adjustments made and your tension. This is a “make-to-fit” type of top.)
- 10.00mm Crochet Hook
- Scissors
- Darning Needle
- Stitch Markers
Abbreviations Used
- Ch = Chain
- St(s) = Stitch(es)
- Sc = Single Crochet
- Dc = Double Crochet
Pattern Instructions
This pattern uses USA crochet terminology Turning Ch 1 DOES NOT count as a stitch in this pattern.
Bodice
Foundation: Ch 18+1 OR how ever long you want your top to roughly be, just make sure it’s an even number (the +1 is a turning chain and does not count for the total amount of stitches needed).
Now we will learn the lemon peel stitch. It’s VERY easy, all you need to do is alternate between working a sc and then a dc in every stitch!
Row 1: Work 1 sc into the 2nd ch from the hook, work 1 dc into the next ch, *work 1 sc into the next ch, work 1 dc into the next ch, *repeat switching between the two stitches until the end of the chain. You should be ending on a dc.
Row 2: Ch 1 and turn your work. Work 1 Sc in to the first st, work 1 dc into the next st, *work 1 sc into the next st, work 1 dc into the next st, *repeat switching between the two stitches until the end of the row. You should be ending on a dc.
Row 3-40 (or however many you need for YOUR size): Repeat row 2. To keep up with the lemon peel stitch pattern, every row should START with a single crochet stitch and END on a double crochet stitch. Work as many rows you need until the rectangle is as long enough to wrap around you
Straps
Now time to make the straps!
Map out where you want your straps to be with some stitch markers. Now starting in place of where one of your stitch markers are, remove stitch marker, insert hook, pull through slip knot to the front of your work and chain 25 (More/less depending on how you want the length of your straps), cut yarn and yarn through the last loop to fasten off.
Repeat 3 more times for other straps.
Assembly
When you have a many rows as you think you need, its time to sew the top up. You can cut the yarn, leave a long tail and sew it up with darning needle OR you can slip stitch the top together (the method I used).
Then fasten off and turn your work inside out.
Tips
- The top will have some stretch to it, so you might need a few less rows than you think you do.
- If you slip stitch your top together and DON’T fasten off or cut your yarn, you can try on your top to see if its a good fit. See if it needs more or less rows. If it DOES need some adjustments, you can easily unravel the slip stitches and take away/add more rows! I originally started with 50 rows, and it was a bit big, so I kept taking out 2 rows at a time and slip stitch it back together until I found that 40 rows was a good fit for me.
- Now all you need to do is weave in your ends and YOU’RE DONE!
FAQ
How do I adjust this for my size? This is a “make-to-fit” pattern! To change the width, adjust your starting foundation chain (keeping it an even number). To change the length, simply work more or fewer rows until it wraps around your body perfectly.
Can I use a different yarn? You can substitute with any Super Chunky Weight (6) yarn. Just keep in mind that different fibers and brands may affect your overall yardage and the amount of stretch in the finished garment.
More Summer Crochet Patterns
If you loved making this top, you’ll definitely want to try out a few of our other warm-weather favorites! Check out the Easy Summer Scallop Crochet Tank Top, the Easy Off-the-Shoulder Crochet Crop Top, or the cozy Everyday Crochet Sweater Vest Pattern.
Conclusion
Congratulations on creating your new favorite summer top! This customizable, breezy design makes a perfect staple for warm-weather wardrobes. Share your beautiful creation in the comments below!