I already wrote six tops for you (the hdc tank, the mesh crop top, the granny stripe crop top, the triangle halter, the granny square tank, and the lacy V-stitch tank), so this one is a different design: a square-neck bralette cover-up worked in one piece, in the round, with no side seams. It is a short, stretchy tube with a ribbed band at the bottom, wide straps worked from the top edge, and a simple shell edging. It is meant for the beach, not for swimming. Wear it over a swimsuit, with a sarong, or with high-waisted shorts.
Pattern Information
Skill level: Beginner to advanced beginner, using chains, single crochet, half double crochet, and simple shaping.
Terms: US crochet terminology.
Construction: The body is worked in joined rounds from the bottom up, with no seams. The top edge is split for the front and back, and the straps are worked back and forth from the top edge. A shell edging finishes the neckline.
Sizes: S (M, L, XL). Finished bust: 80 (88, 96, 104) cm / 31.5 (34.5, 37.75, 41) in. The fabric is stretchy, so it fits close to the body with 0 to 4 cm of negative ease.
Finished length: About 24 cm (9.5 in) from hem to top edge, before the 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. Always check your gauge and try the piece on as you go.
Materials
- DK-weight cotton yarn, approximately 80 (90, 100, 110) g, or about 200 (225, 250, 275) m. These are starting allowances.
- A 3.5 mm hook as a starting point (adjust to match the gauge).
- Tapestry needle, scissors, stitch markers, and a measuring tape.
Stitches and Abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ch | chain |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| sc | single crochet |
| hdc | half double crochet |
| dc | double crochet |
| sc2tog | single crochet 2 stitches together |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| RS | right side |
Rounds are joined with a sl st to the first stitch and not turned. Ch 1 at the start of a round does not count as a stitch. Numbers in brackets give the stitch count at the end of each round.
Gauge
17 sts and 13 rounds = 10 cm (4 in) in half double crochet, after blocking.
Chain 22, work 15 rows of hdc, and measure across 10 cm. If you have too many stitches, go up a hook size. If too few, go down.
Size Chart
| S | M | L | XL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finished bust | 80 cm | 88 cm | 96 cm | 104 cm |
| Stitches per round | 136 | 150 | 164 | 176 |
| Foundation chain | 136 | 150 | 164 | 176 |
| Stitches per strap | 12 | 12 | 14 | 14 |
Check: 136 stitches at 17 stitches per 10 cm gives 80 cm. The other sizes follow the same ratio, rounded to an even number.
Before You Begin
Because the body is a tube with no seams, the foundation chain must be joined without a twist. Lay the chain flat, check that all the bumps face the same way, then join. Try the tube on early. The fabric is stretchy, so the join point can sit at the center of one side.
Body
Ch 136 (150, 164, 176). Join with a sl st to the first ch, being careful not to twist.
Round 1: Ch 1, sc in each ch around. Join with a sl st to the first sc. [136 (150, 164, 176)]
Rounds 2–5 (ribbed band): Ch 1, hdc in the back loop only of each st around. Join. [136 (150, 164, 176)]
Rounds 6–16: Ch 1, hdc in each st around. Join. [136 (150, 164, 176)]
The tube should measure about 24 cm (9.5 in) from the bottom edge. Try it on, and add rounds if you want it longer. Each 13 rounds add about 10 cm (4 in). Do not fasten off.
Straps
Divide the tube into a front half and a back half: place a marker at the join point and a second marker exactly halfway around (68 (75, 82, 88) stitches). The front half is the one with the join point at its center.
Front right strap: Count from the center of the front half. Skip the center 20 (22, 24, 26) stitches for the neckline (10 (11, 12, 13) on each side of center). Join yarn in the next stitch to the right of the gap, ch 1, sc in the same stitch and in the next 11 (11, 13, 13) stitches. Turn. [12 (12, 14, 14)]
Rows 2–14: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. [12 (12, 14, 14)]
Fasten off with a long tail. This is about 11 cm (4.25 in) long.
Front left strap: On the other side of the gap, join yarn and work 12 (12, 14, 14) stitches the same way, with 14 rows. Fasten off with a long tail.
Back straps: Work the same two straps on the back half, mirroring the front placement, with the neckline gap in the center of the back half.
Joining the Straps
Sew each front strap to the matching back strap over the shoulder with mattress stitch, with the right sides facing out. Weave in the ends.
Shell Edging
Work one round along the front and back neckline edges only, from one shoulder seam around the neckline to the other.
Row 1: Join yarn at a shoulder seam. Ch 1, sc evenly along the strap edge and across the neckline gap, about 1 sc per row end and 1 sc in each stitch. Turn.
Row 2: Ch 1, sc in the first st. Skip 1 st, 5 dc in the next st, skip 1 st, sc in the next st. Repeat to the end. Fasten off.
Note: the stitch count must work with the shell repeat. If the last shell is short, finish with 3 dc, or skip a stitch earlier in the row.
Repeat for the other neckline edge and for each armhole if you want a matching edge.
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, and do not wear it for swimming.
Practical Tips and Troubleshooting
The tube twists. The foundation chain was twisted before joining. Undo the join and re-check.
The top is too tight. Make the next size up, or go up a hook size.
The top rides up. Add 3 to 5 rounds before the straps, or add a second ribbed band at the top.
The straps slip. Work the strap rows with a smaller hook or make them 2 stitches wider.
The shell edging ruffles. Skip an extra stitch between shells, or use a smaller hook for the edging.
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.
Is it a swimsuit? No. Crocheted cotton stretches, sags, and becomes see-through when wet. Wear it as a beach cover or sunny-day top over a swimsuit.
Can I make it longer? Yes. Add rounds in the body section. Thirteen rounds add about 10 cm (4 in).
Can I add a color stripe? Yes. Change color every 4 rounds and carry the yarn inside the tube, or cut and weave in the ends.
More Free Crochet Patterns
- Easy Crochet Top Pattern for Beginners
- Beginner-Friendly Crochet Halter Top Pattern
- Easy Summer Crochet Top Pattern (Mesh Crop Top)
Save This Pattern
Pin this Easy Crochet Beach Top Pattern to your Pinterest board for your next sunny-day project. Happy crocheting!
