I already wrote four tops for you (the hdc tank, the mesh crop top, the granny stripe crop top, and the triangle halter), so this one is a different design: a joined granny square tank. Instead of working long rows, you make identical motifs and join them. Each square is small and portable, the fit is easy to adjust by adding or removing squares, and the square count is simple to check. Wear it over a swimsuit, with high-waisted shorts, or layered over a tee.
Pattern Information
Skill level: Advanced beginner, using chains, double crochet, and joining.
Terms: US crochet terminology.
Construction: Identical granny squares are worked separately, then joined with slip stitches into a front panel and a back panel. The panels are seamed at the sides and shoulders, and a single crochet edging finishes the neckline, armholes, and hem.
Sizes: S (M, L, XL). Finished bust: 88 (96, 104, 112) cm / 34.5 (37.75, 41, 44) in, including about 2 to 6 cm of ease.
Finished length: About 45 cm (17.75 in) from hem to shoulder in all sizes (three squares tall plus straps).
Pattern note: This is an original design based on the title concept. Stitch counts have been checked, but the pattern has not been physically crocheted or independently tested. Make one square and check its size before you make the rest.
Materials
- DK-weight cotton yarn in cream (main color), approximately 150 (170, 190, 210) g, and sage green, approximately 40 (45, 50, 55) g, for the first round of each square.
- A 3.5 mm hook as a starting point (adjust so each square measures 11 cm).
- Tapestry needle, scissors, stitch markers, and pins.
- A measuring tape, and a blocking mat or towel.
Stitches and Abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ch | chain |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| sc | single crochet |
| dc | double crochet |
| sp | space |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| RS | right side |
Worked in joined rounds. Ch 3 at the start of a round counts as a dc.
Gauge
One finished square = 11 cm (4.25 in) square after blocking.
Make one square before anything else and measure it. If it is smaller than 11 cm, go up a hook size. If it is larger, go down. Every square must be the same size.
Size Chart
| S | M | L | XL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finished bust | 88 cm | 96 cm | 104 cm | 112 cm |
| Squares across each panel | 4 | 4.5* | 5 | 5.5* |
| Squares per panel (body, 3 rows) | 12 | 12 + 3 half | 15 | 15 + 3 half |
| Strap squares per panel | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
*Half sizes need half squares, which add complexity. For a simpler fit, choose S (4 across) or L (5 across), and adjust the ties or edging for the in-between sizes.
Before You Begin
Because the top is made of squares, the width goes up in steps of 11 cm per panel. Stay with 4 or 5 squares across, and fine-tune the fit with the side seams and edging. Block each square before joining, so they all match.
Granny Square (make the number in the chart)
Round 1 (sage): Ch 4, join with a sl st to form a ring. Ch 3 (counts as a dc), 2 dc in the ring, ch 2. (3 dc in the ring, ch 2) × 3. Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch-3. Fasten off. [4 groups of 3 dc, 4 corner ch-2 sps]
Round 2 (cream): Join cream in any corner ch-2 sp. Ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the same sp. Ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the next corner sp. Repeat from * twice more. Ch 1, join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch-3. Fasten off. [8 groups of 3 dc, 4 corners]
Round 3 (cream): Join cream in any corner ch-2 sp. Ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the same sp. Ch 1, 3 dc in the next ch-1 sp, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the next corner. Repeat from * twice more. Ch 1, 3 dc in the last ch-1 sp, ch 1, join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch-3. Fasten off. [12 groups of 3 dc, 4 corners]
Weave in the ends and block each square to 11 cm.
Layout
Front and back panels (make 2 the same), for sizes S and L:
- Body: 4 (5) squares across by 3 squares tall.
- Straps: 2 squares stacked on each shoulder, above the outer square of the top row, leaving the center squares open for the neckline. That gives 2 straps of 2 squares each, in line with the outer squares.
For size S, the top row has 4 squares. Place the straps above squares 1 and 4, which leaves a 2-square-wide neckline (22 cm). For size L, the top row has 5 squares, and the straps go above squares 1 and 5, which leaves a 3-square-wide neckline (33 cm).
Joining the Squares
Lay out the squares for one panel. Hold two squares with wrong sides together, and with cream slip stitch through the back loops of both squares along one edge, working in each stitch and each ch-1 space (about 15 slip stitches). Join all the squares in each row first, then join the rows together. Fasten off and weave in the ends.
Assembly
- Block both panels flat, to the measurements in the size chart.
- Shoulder seams: Place the front and back panels together with right sides facing. Join the top edges of the strap squares with mattress stitch or slip stitch.
- Side seams: Seam the sides from the hem up to the bottom of the top row of squares, about 33 cm (13 in). The top row is the armhole.
- Weave in all ends.
Edging
Work one round of single crochet around the neckline, each armhole, and the hem for a neat finish.
Neckline and armholes: Join cream at a shoulder seam. Ch 1, sc evenly around, working 1 sc in each stitch and ch-1 space, and 3 sc at each inner corner. Join with a sl st to the first sc. Fasten off.
Hem: Join cream at a side seam, ch 1, and work sc evenly around the bottom edge, 1 sc in each stitch and ch-1 space. Join and fasten off.
Note: the stitch counts depend on your tension. If the edge ripples, skip a stitch here and there. If it pulls in, add one.
Finishing
Wash gently in cool water, press out the water in a towel without wringing, and lay it flat to dry. Cotton stretches when wet, so do not hang it up.
Practical Tips and Troubleshooting
The squares are different sizes. Check your tension, and count the dc groups in each round. Block all squares to the same measurement before joining.
The panel is wavy. The joins are too tight or too loose. Use the same hook size for joining as for the squares.
The top is too tight or too loose. Choose the next size, or add a column of squares at the side seam.
The straps slip. Add a square of sc rows at the top of each strap, or sew a few stitches across the inside.
The colors look uneven. Use the same dye lot for each color.
FAQ
Can I use acrylic or cotton blend yarn? Yes. Check that it is DK weight and re-check the square size.
Can I make it a crop top? Yes. Work 2 rows of squares instead of 3, and shorten the side seams to match.
Can I use one color? Absolutely. A single-color top looks modern, and a multicolor one is a classic.
Do I need to block it? Yes, it is recommended. Blocking evens out the squares and makes joining neater.
More Free Crochet Patterns
- Easy Crochet Top Pattern for Beginners
- Easy Crochet Crop Top Pattern (Granny Stripe)
- Beginner-Friendly Crochet Halter Top Pattern
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Pin this Easy Crochet Granny Square Top Pattern to your Pinterest board for your next wearable project. Happy crocheting!
