I already wrote five tops for you (the hdc tank, the mesh crop top, the granny stripe crop top, the triangle halter, and the granny square tank), so this one is a different design: a lacy V-stitch tank. The V-stitch is a simple pair of double crochets with a chain between them. It makes an airy, feminine lace that is easy to memorize, and every row is the same. The top is two rectangles with a straight neckline and wide straps. Wear it over a camisole, with high-waisted jeans, or layered under a cardigan.
Pattern Information
Skill level: Beginner to advanced beginner, using chains, double crochet, and simple seams.
Terms: US crochet terminology.
Construction: The front and back are identical rectangles worked flat from the bottom up in V-stitch. The straps are worked straight off the top. The top is seamed at the shoulders and sides, then finished with a single crochet edging.
Sizes: S (M, L, XL). Finished bust: 88 (98, 108, 118) cm / 34.5 (38.5, 42.5, 46.5) in. Lace stretches, so it fits close to the body with about 0 to 6 cm (0 to 2.5 in) of ease.
Finished length: About 50 cm (19.5 in) from hem to shoulder.
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. Always check your gauge and adjust the hook size before you commit to the full top.
Materials
- DK-weight cotton or cotton-blend yarn, approximately 140 (160, 180, 200) g, or about 350 (400, 450, 500) m. These are starting allowances, so buy one extra ball if you are between sizes or want to lengthen the top.
- A 4 mm hook as a starting point (adjust to match the gauge).
- 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 |
| V-st | V-stitch: (dc, ch 1, dc) in the same stitch or space |
| sp | space |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| RS | right side |
Numbers in brackets give the number of V-stitches at the end of each row.
Gauge
4 V-stitches and 9 rows = 10 cm (4 in) in the pattern, after blocking.
Chain 28, work Row 1 and then 9 more rows of the pattern, and block it. Measure across 10 cm.
- Too few V-stitches in 10 cm: go down a hook size.
- Too many V-stitches in 10 cm: go up a hook size.
Size Chart
| S | M | L | XL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finished bust | 88 cm | 98 cm | 108 cm | 118 cm |
| Panel width | 44 cm | 49 cm | 54 cm | 59 cm |
| V-stitches per panel | 18 | 20 | 22 | 24 |
| Foundation chain | 55 | 61 | 67 | 73 |
| V-stitches per strap | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
Before You Begin
Each V-stitch is worked into the ch-1 space between two V-stitches of the row below, so every row looks the same. Count your V-stitches at the end of every row. The count must stay the same all the way up, or the edges will go wavy. Try the first panel against your body before making the second. Nine rows add about 10 cm (4 in).
Front and Back (make 2 the same)
Ch 55 (61, 67, 73).
Row 1: Dc in the 4th ch from the hook and in the next ch. Skip 2 ch, V-st in the next ch. Repeat from * across until 3 ch remain. Skip 2 ch, dc in the last ch. Turn.
Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as a dc), dc in the first dc. V-st in the next ch-1 sp. Repeat across. Dc in the top of the turning chain. Turn.
Row 3: Ch 3, V-st in the next ch-1 sp. Repeat across. Dc in the top of the turning chain. Turn.
Rows 4–45: Repeat Row 3. [18 (20, 22, 24) V-stitches per row]
The panel should measure about 40 cm (16 in) tall. Do not fasten off.
Note: the half-V at each edge is made by the turning chain and the last dc. Count only full V-stitches.
Straps
Work the straps directly onto each panel.
Right strap: Ch 3, V-st in the next 3 (3, 4, 4) ch-1 spaces, dc in the next ch-1 sp. Turn. Work the same row 9 more times (10 rows total, about 11 cm). Fasten off with a long tail.
Left strap: With the RS facing you, skip the center 10 (12, 12, 14) V-stitches, then join yarn in the next ch-1 sp. Work the left strap the same way. Fasten off with a long tail.
Assembly
- Block both pieces. Pin each panel flat to the measurements in the size chart, spray lightly with water, and let it dry completely.
- Shoulder seams: Place the front and back panels together with right sides facing. Use the long tails to sew the top edge of each front strap to the matching back strap with mattress stitch or a loose whip stitch.
- Side seams: Seam the sides from the hem up to about 28 cm (11 in). The rest of each side is the armhole.
- Weave in all ends.
Edging
Neckline and armholes: Join yarn at a shoulder seam. Ch 1, sc evenly around, working about 1 sc per row end along the straps and 3 sc in each ch-1 space along the bottom of the neckline. Join with a sl st to the first sc. Fasten off.
Optional hem: Join yarn at a side seam, ch 1, and work 1 sc in each foundation chain around the hem. Join and fasten off. This stops the hem from curling.
Note: edging counts depend on your tension. If the edge ripples, skip a stitch here and there. If it pulls in, add one.
Finishing
Wash the top 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 edges are wavy. The V-stitch count changed. Count at the end of every row and mark the turning chain.
The lace looks too open. Go down half a hook size, or wear it over a camisole.
The top is too tight. Make the next size up. Always check gauge against the chart.
The straps slip. Work the strap rows with a smaller hook, or make them one V-stitch wider.
The top rides up. Add 9 rows before the straps, or add the optional hem.
FAQ
Can I use acrylic or cotton blend yarn? Yes. Check that it is DK weight and re-check your gauge. A blend has more stretch than pure cotton.
Can I make it a crop top? Yes. Work 27 rows instead of 45, and shorten the side seams to match.
Can I add a color stripe? Yes. Change color every 3 rows, and carry the yarn up the side.
Do I need to block it? Yes. Blocking opens the lace and makes the seams neater.
More Free Crochet Patterns
- Easy Crochet Top Pattern for Beginners
- Easy Summer Crochet Top Pattern (Mesh Crop Top)
- Easy Crochet Granny Square Top Pattern for Summer
Save This Pattern
Pin this Beautiful Crochet Lace Top Pattern to your Pinterest board for your next wearable project. Happy crocheting!
