A quick and easy Crochet Crop top ~ The Sprinter Top~ is a fun and flirty tank top with flare! It is beginner friendly Free Crochet Pattern here on the blog!

Read through my inspiration and design process, scroll down for the Free Pattern or purchase the Full Color coded Printable PDF Here!

Inspiration + Design

Hey guys, I’m back again with another quick and easy summer tank top design. But this time, I decided that it was finally the time to design a crochet crop top. I know I say this every time, but I am really excited about this one!

The Sprinter, crochet crop top, uses one of my all time favorite stitches the extended single crochet stitch, which creates and very simple yet interesting texture. Pair that with the semi cropped length, and a hood, and we have the perfect combination for a really fun summer tank top!

The Yarn

For this Crochet Crop Top, I used another one of our hand dyed custom color-ways. This specific color-way was dyed on our category 3 light weight 100% Bamboo base. The bamboo creates an extremely soft and light weight fabric that feels fantastic on the skin. Plus, the drape is just something that can’t be beat. For these reasons, Bamboo is my absolute favorite fiber to work, and I don’t see myself designing with any other fiber in the near future.

If you are interested in checking out some of our hand dyed custom Cactus & Lace Color-ways for your crochet crop top, you can check them out here!

Pattern

~Purchase the Color Coded Printable PDF Here.

~Save it to your Ravelry Here.

To Sum it up:

The Sprinter, crochet crop top is a beginner friendly pattern that is worked all in once piece and then splits for arm holes. It uses just two simple stitches, the Single crochet and the extended single crochet stitch making this top perfect for new and experienced crocheters alike. You can make it plain or add a fun hood and pocket to complete the look!

Yarn

Category 3 Light Weight Yarn. Sample uses our Cactus & Lace Hand dyed yarn.

Below is the approximate yardage for all sizes:

Notions

-Size I (5.5 mm) Hook

-Yarn Needle

-Stitch Markers

Gauge

15 Esc and 15 Esc rows = 4” 

Sizing

This Crochet Crop Top is made to be fitted. The measurements are Finished garment sizes. When choosing your size, find the bust measurement that equals your approximate bust measurement and make that size. 

Abbreviations Used

Ch- Chain

Yo- Yarn Over

St- Stitch

Sc- Single Crochet 

Blo- Back Loop Only 

Esc- Extended Single Crochet 

Esc2tog- Extended Single Crochet 2 Together

Pattern Notes

-This Crochet Crop Top is worked from the bottom up in one piece and then divided for the armholes. 

-Main body portion is worked in TURNED rounds. After you have joined with a slip stitch to end each round, Turn your work so that the next round is worked in the opposite direction. 

-Chain Stitches Do NOT count as stitches throughout. 

-Total Stitches are indicated between [ ].

-The sizing guide follows size XS(S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X). E.g. “Esc 90(100, 120, 130, 150, 160, 180, 190, 210)” means Esc 90 for XS, Esc 100 for Small, Esc 120 for Medium, Esc 130 for Large, Esc 150 for XL, Esc 160 for 2X, Esc 180 for 3X, Esc 190 for 4X, Esc 210 for 5X. If there is only one number, it applies to all sizes.

-The Row count follows XS(S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X). E.g. “Row 16(19, 25, 27, 31, 34, 38, 38, 38)” means Row 16 for XS, Row 19 for Small, Row 25 for Medium, Row 27 for Large, Row 31 for XL, Row 34 for 2X, Row 38 for 3X, Row 38 for 4X, Row 38 for 5X. If there is only one number, it applies to all sizes.

Special Stitches

Extended Single Crochet– insert hook into stitch, draw up a loop. Yo, pull through one loop. Yo, pull through remaining 2 loops.

Extended Single Crochet two Together– insert hook into stitch, draw up a loop. Insert hook into next stitch, draw up a loop (3 loops on hook). Yo, pull through one loop. Yo, pull through remaining 3 loops. 

The Sprinter Crochet Crop Top

Sizes Written XS(S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL)

Starting with the Ribbing

Ch 19

Row 1: Sc in the 2nd Ch from hook and each Ch across. [18]

Row 2-  Row 90(100, 120, 130, 150, 160, 180, 190, 210): Ch 1, Turn. Sc in the Blo of each St across. [18]

Do not Fasten Off

You will now be connecting the two short ends of the ribbing by slip stitching them together. 

Fold the ribbing with the short sides together (row 1 & row 90(100, 120, 130, 150, 160, 180, 190, 210). 

Going through both loops on each end of the band, Sl St the edges together. (18 Sl St)

Ch 1 and flip the band to where the seam is now on the inside of the band and turn your ribbing to face you.

You will now start working the main portion of the Crochet Crop top. 

Round 1: Ch 1, Esc 90(100, 120, 130, 150, 160, 180, 190, 210) evenly around the top of the  ribbing. 

***This portion of the crochet crop top is worked in TURNED rounds. Join at the end of each round with a Sl St and then TURN your work so that your next round will be worked in the opposite direction.***

Round 2: Ch 1, Turn. 2 Esc in the first St. *Esc in the next 8(9, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20) St,  then 2 Esc in the next*. Repeat from * to * around. [100(110, 130, 140, 160, 170, 190,  200, 220) Esc]

Round 3- Round 16(19, 25, 27, 31, 34, 38, 38, 38): Ch 1, Turn. Esc in each St around.   [100(110, 130, 140, 160, 170, 190, 200, 220) Esc]

Do not Finish off. This is where we will divide for arm holes. 

***If you would like your crochet crop top to be shorter or longer simply add or omit rows before you divide for your arm holes and continue working in the pattern.***

You will no longer be working in rounds but in rows to make a front and back panel. 

With working yarn still attached begin your front panel. 

Front Panel 

Row 17(20, 26, 28, 32, 35, 39, 39, 39): Ch 1, Turn. Esc2tog, Esc 46(51, 61, 66, 76, 81, 91, 96,  106), Esc2tog. [48(53, 63, 68, 78, 83, 93, 98, 108) Esc]

Row 18(21, 27, 29, 33, 36, 40, 40, 40)- Row 23(26, 32, 34, 38, 41, 45, 45, 45): Ch 1, Turn. Esc  in each St across. [48(53, 63, 68, 78, 83, 93, 98, 108) Esc]

Row 24(27, 33, 35, 39, 42, 46, 46, 46): Ch 1, Turn. Esc2tog, Esc 44(49, 59, 64, 74, 79, 89, 94,  104), Esc2tog. [46(51, 61, 66, 76, 81, 91, 96, 106) Esc]

Row 25(28, 34, 36, 40, 43, 47, 47, 47)- Row 30(33, 39, 41, 45, 48, 52, 52, 52): Ch 1, Turn. Esc  in each St across. [46(51, 61, 66, 76, 81, 91, 96, 106) Esc]

Row 31(34, 40, 42, 46, 49, 53, 53, 53): Ch 1, Turn. Esc2tog, Esc 42(47, 57, 62, 72, 77, 87, 92,  102), Esc2tog. [44(49, 59, 64, 74, 79, 89, 94, 104) Esc]

Row 32(35, 41, 43, 47, 50, 54, 54, 54)- Row 37(40, 46, 48, 52, 55, 59, 59, 59): Ch 1, Turn. Esc  in each St across. [44(49, 59, 64, 74, 79, 89, 94, 104) Esc]

Row 38(41, 47, 49, 53, 56, 60, 60, 60): Ch 1, Turn. Esc2tog, Esc 40(45, 55, 60, 70, 75, 85, 90,  100), Esc2tog. [42(47, 57, 62, 72, 77, 87, 92, 102) Esc]

Row 39(42, 48, 50, 54, 57, 61, 61, 61)- Row 41(44, 50, 52, 56, 59, 63, 63, 63): Ch 1, Turn. Esc  in each St across. [42(47, 57, 62, 72, 77, 87, 92, 102) Esc]

Neckline Decreases Start 

Row 42(45, 51, 53, 57, 60, 64, 64, 64): Ch 1, Turn. Esc in the first 19(21, 24, 27, 30, 32, 37, 38,  43) St, then Esc2tog 1(1, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4) times. Leave the rest of the row unworked.  [20(22, 26, 29, 33, 35, 40, 42, 47) Esc]

Row 43(46, 52, 54, 58, 61, 65, 65, 65): Ch 1, Turn. Esc2tog 1(1, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 3, 4) times, then  Esc 18(20, 22, 25, 27, 29, 34, 36, 39). [19(21, 24, 27, 30, 32, 37, 39, 43) Esc]

Row 44(47, 53, 55, 59, 62, 66, 66, 66): Ch 1, Turn. Esc in the first 17(19, 20, 23, 24, 26, 31, 33,  35) St, then Esc2tog 1(1, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 3, 4) times. [18(20, 22, 25, 27, 29, 34, 36, 39) Esc]

Row 45(48, 54, 56, 60, 63, 67, 67, 67): Ch 1, Turn. Esc2tog 1(1, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 3, 4) times, then  Esc 16(18, 18, 21, 21, 23, 28, 30, 31). [17(19, 20, 23, 24, 26, 31, 33, 35) Esc]

Row 46(49, 55, 57, 61, 64, 68, 68, 68): Ch 1, Turn. Esc in the first 15(17, 16, 19, 20, 22, 25, 27, 29) St, then Esc2tog 1(1, 2, 2, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3) times. [16(18, 18, 21, 22, 24, 28, 30, 31) Esc]

Row 47(50, 56, 58, 62, 65, 69, 69, 69): Ch 1, Turn. Esc2tog 1(1, 1, 2, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3) times, then  Esc 14(16, 16, 17, 18, 20, 22, 24, 25). [15(17, 17, 19, 20, 22, 25, 27, 28) Esc]

Row 48(51, 57, 59, 63, 66, 70, 70, 70): Ch 1, Turn. Esc in the first 13(15, 15, 15, 16, 18, 21, 21, 22) St, then Esc2tog 1(1, 1, 2, 2, 2, 2, 3, 3) times. [14(16, 16, 17, 18, 20, 23, 24, 25) Esc]

Row 49(52, 58, 60, 64, 67, 71, 71, 71): Ch 1, Turn. Esc2tog 1(1, 1, 1, 2, 2, 2, 3, 3) times, then  Esc 12(14, 14, 15, 14, 16, 19, 18, 19). [13(15, 15, 16, 16, 18, 21, 21, 22) Esc]

Row 50(53, 59, 61, 65, 68, 72, 72, 72)- Row 53(56, 62, 64, 68, 71, 75, 75, 75): Ch 1, Turn. Esc  in each St across. [13(15, 15, 16, 16, 18, 21, 21, 22) Esc]

Finish off leaving a tail to seam shoulders.

Opposite shoulder

Lay your panel in front of you with your finished shoulder on the right side.

Sizes S, M, 2XL & 3XL Only 

Skip the St immediately to the left of the first shoulder piece and join yarn with a Sl St. 

Sizes XS, L, XL, 4XL & 5XL Only 

Join yarn with a Sl St in the St immediately to the left of the first shoulder piece. Then Ch 1.

Row numbers will start over for simplicity. 

Row 1: Starting in the same St as the Ch 1. Esc2tog 1(1, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4) times, then Esc in the last 19(21, 24, 27, 30, 32, 37, 38, 43) St. [20(22, 26, 29, 33, 35, 40, 42, 47) Esc]

Row 2: Ch 1, Turn. Esc 18(20, 22, 25, 27, 29, 34, 36, 39), then Esc2tog 1(1, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 3, 4) times. [19(21, 24, 27, 30, 32, 37, 39, 43) Esc]

Row 3: Ch 1, Turn. Esc2tog 1(1, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 3, 4) times, then Esc in the last 17(19, 20, 23, 24, 26, 31, 33, 35) St. [18(20, 22, 25, 27, 29, 34, 36, 39) Esc]

Row 4: Ch 1, Turn. Esc 16(18, 18, 21, 21, 23, 28, 30, 31), then Esc2tog 1(1, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 3, 4) times. [17(19, 20, 23, 24, 26, 31, 33, 35) Esc]

Row 5: Ch 1, Turn. Esc2tog 1(1, 2, 2, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3) times, then Esc in the last 15(17, 16, 19, 20, 22, 25, 27, 29) St. [16(18, 18, 21, 22, 24, 28, 30, 31) Esc]

Row 6: Ch 1, Turn. Esc 14(16, 16, 17, 18, 20, 22, 24, 25) , then Esc2tog 1(1, 1, 2, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3) times. [15(17, 17, 19, 20, 22, 25, 27, 28) Esc]

Row 7: Ch 1, Turn. Esc2tog 1(1, 1, 2, 2, 2, 2, 3, 3) times, then Esc in the last 13(15, 15, 15, 16, 18, 21, 21, 22) St. [14(16, 16, 17, 18, 20, 23, 24, 25) Esc]

Row 8: Ch 1, Turn. Esc 12(14, 14, 15, 14, 16, 19, 18, 19), then Esc2tog 1(1, 1, 1, 2, 2, 2, 3, 3) times. [13(15, 15, 16, 16, 18, 21, 21, 22) Esc]

Rows 9- 12: Ch 1, Turn. Esc in each St across. [13(15, 15, 16, 16, 18, 21, 21, 22) Esc]

Finish off, leaving a tail to seam shoulders. 

Back Panel

With your front panel in front of you, join yarn in the stitch immediately to the left of the front panel. 

Row numbers will start over for simplicity

Row 1: Ch 1. Esc2tog, Esc 46(51, 61, 66, 76, 81, 91, 96,  106), Esc2tog. [48(53, 63, 68, 78, 83, 93, 98, 108) Esc] 

Rows 2-7: Ch 1, Turn. Esc in each St across. [48(53, 63, 68, 78, 83, 93, 98, 108) Esc]

Row 8: Ch 1, Turn. Esc2tog, Esc 44(49, 59, 64, 74, 79, 89, 94, 104), Esc2tog. [46(51, 61, 70, 76, 81, 91, 96, 106) Esc]

Rows 9- 14: Ch 1, Turn. Esc in each St across.[46(51, 61, 70, 76, 81, 91, 96, 106) Esc]

Row 15: Ch 1, Turn. Esc2tog, Esc 42(47, 57, 62, 72, 77, 87, 92, 102), Esc2tog. [44(49, 59, 64, 74, 79, 89, 94, 104) Esc]

Rows 16- 21: Ch 1, Turn. Esc in each St across. [44(49, 59, 64, 74, 79, 89, 94, 104) Esc]

Row 22: Ch 1, Turn. Esc2tog, Esc 40(45, 55, 60, 70, 75, 85, 90, 100), Esc2tog. [42(47, 57, 62, 72, 77, 87, 92, 102) Esc] 

Rows 23- 37: Ch 1, Turn. Esc in each St across. [42(47, 57, 62, 72, 77, 87, 92, 102) Esc]

Finish Off

Construction

Lay your panels on top of one another with right sides facing each other. Using your yarn needle and the yarn tail, seam the shoulders together using the mattress stitch. Turn work right side out. 

Hood (Optional)

With your Tank laying in front of you, join yarn in the top right corner (where your shoulder seam is). 

Row 1: Ch 1. Esc 17 down the neckline, 1 Esc in the Center St, then Esc 17 up the neckline. You will now be at the opposite shoulder seam. Esc 45 evenly across the back. You will now be where you started. Do not join, just continue to Esc in the next 7 St. 

Row 2: Ch 1, Turn. Esc in the first 28 St. 2 Esc in the next St, Esc in the next St (this is your middle St, place a St marker), 2 Esc in the next St. Then Esc 28. [61]

Row 3: Ch 1, Turn. Esc in each St across. 

Row 4: Ch 1, Turn. Esc 29, 2 Esc, Esc, 2 Esc, Esc 29. [63]

Row 5: Repeat row 3.

Row 6: Ch 1, Turn. Esc 30, 2 Esc, Esc, 2 Esc, Esc 30. [65]

Row 7: Repeat row 3.

Row 8: Ch 1, Turn. Esc 31, 2 Esc, Esc, 2 Esc, Esc 31. [67]

Row 9: Repeat row 3.

Row 10: Ch 1, Turn. Esc 32, 2 Esc, Esc, 2 Esc, Esc 32. [69]

Row 11: Repeat row 3.

Row 12: Ch 1, Turn. Esc 33, 2 Esc, Esc, 2 Esc, Esc 33. [71]

Row 13: Repeat row 3.

Row 14: Ch 1, Turn. Esc 34, 2 Esc, Esc, 2 Esc, Esc 34. [73]

Row 15: Repeat row 3.

Row 16: Ch 1, Turn. Esc 35, 2 Esc, Esc, 2 Esc, Esc 35. [75]

Row 17: Repeat row 3.

Row 18: Ch 1, Turn. Esc 36, 2 Esc, Esc, 2 Esc, Esc 36. [77]

Row 19: Repeat row 3.

Row 20: Ch 1, Turn. Esc 37, 2 Esc, Esc, 2 Esc, Esc 37. [79]

***If you want your hood to be slightly larger, repeat this pattern for a few more rows until moving on.***

Row 21-35: Repeat row 3.

Finish off leaving a long tail to seam up hood. 

Fold your hood right sides facing in. Using your yarn needle and yarn tail, seam up the hood. 

Pocket (Optional)

Ch 31(35, 45, 49, 61, 63, 75, 79, 91)

Row 1: Esc in the 2nd Ch from hook and in each Ch across. [30(34, 44, 48, 60, 62, 74, 78, 90)]

Row 2- Row 12(13, 14, 14, 13, 14, 13, 12, 10): Ch 1, Turn. Esc in the first St and each St across. [30(34, 44, 48, 60, 62, 74, 78, 90)]

Row 13(14, 15, 15, 14, 15, 14, 13, 11): Ch 1, Turn. Esc2tog. Esc 26(30, 40, 44, 56, 58, 70, 74, 86), then Esc2tog. [28(32, 42, 46, 58, 60, 72, 76, 88)]

Row 14(15, 16, 16, 15, 16, 15, 14, 12): Ch 1, Turn. Esc2tog. Esc 24(28, 38, 42, 54, 56, 68, 72, 84), then Esc2tog. [26(30, 40, 44, 56, 58, 70, 74, 86)]

Row 15(16, 17, 17, 16, 17, 16, 15, 13): Ch 1, Turn. Esc2tog. Esc 22(26, 36, 40, 52, 54, 66, 70, 82), then Esc2tog. [24(28, 38, 42, 54, 56, 68, 72, 84)]

Row 16(17, 18, 18, 17, 18, 17, 16, 14): Ch 1, Turn. Esc2tog. Esc 20(24, 34, 38, 50, 52, 64, 68, 80), then Esc2tog. [22(26, 36, 40, 52, 54, 66, 70, 82)]

Row 17(18, 19, 19, 18, 19, 18, 17, 15): Ch 1, Turn. Esc2tog. Esc 18(22, 32, 36, 48, 50, 62, 66, 78), then Esc2tog. [20(24, 34, 38, 50, 52, 64, 68, 80)]

Size XS & S Finish Off leaving a long tail for attaching pocket

Row x(x, 20, 20, 19, 20, 19, 18, 16): Ch 1, Turn. Esc2tog. Esc x(x, 30, 34, 46, 48, 60, 64, 76), then Esc2tog. [x(x, 32, 36, 48, 50, 62, 66, 78)]

Row x(x, 21, 21, 20, 21, 20, 19, 17): Ch 1, Turn. Esc2tog. Esc x(x, 28, 32, 44, 46, 58, 62, 74), then Esc2tog. [x(x, 30, 34, 46, 48, 60, 64, 76)]

Size M Finish Off leaving a long tail for attaching pocket

Row x(x, x, 22, 21, 22, 21, 20, 18): Ch 1, Turn. Esc2tog. Esc x(x, x, 30, 42, 44, 56, 60, 72), then Esc2tog. [x(x, x, 32, 44, 46, 58, 62, 74)]

Size L Finish Off leaving a long tail for attaching pocket

Row x(x, x, x, 22, 23, 22, 21, 19): Ch 1, Turn. Esc2tog. Esc x(x, x, x, 40, 42, 54, 58, 70), then Esc2tog. [x(x, x, x, 42, 44, 56, 60, 72)]

Row x(x, x, x, 23, 24, 23, 22, 20): Ch 1, Turn. Esc2tog. Esc x(x, x, x, 38, 40, 52, 56, 68), then Esc2tog. [x(x, x, x, 40, 42, 54, 58, 70)]

Size XL & 2XL Finish Off leaving a long tail for attaching pocket

Row x(x, x, x, x, x, 24, 23, 21): Ch 1, Turn. Esc2tog. Esc x(x, x, x, x, x, 50, 54, 66), then Esc2tog. [x(x, x, x, x, x, 52, 56, 68)]

Row x(x, x, x, x, x, 25, 24, 22): Ch 1, Turn. Esc2tog. Esc x(x, x, x, x, x, 48, 52, 64), then Esc2tog. [x(x, x, x, x, x, 50, 54, 66)]

Size 3XL Finish Off leaving a long tail for attaching pocket

Row x(x, x, x, x, x, x, 25, 23): Ch 1, Turn. Esc2tog. Esc x(x, x, x, x, x, x, 50, 62), then Esc2tog. [x(x, x, x, x, x, x, 52, 64)]

Size 4XL Finish Off leaving a long tail for attaching pocket

Row x(x, x, x, x, x, x, x, 24): Ch 1, Turn. Esc2tog. Esc x(x, x, x, x, x, x, x, 60), then Esc2tog. [x(x, x, x, x, x, x, x, 62)]

Row x(x, x, x, x, x, x, x, 25): Ch 1, Turn. Esc2tog. Esc x(x, x, x, x, x, x, x, 58, then Esc2tog. [x(x, x, x, x, x, x, x, 60)]

Size 5XL Finish Off leaving a long tail for attaching pocket

Attaching Pocket

Find the middle of the front of your top, either by dividing your panel width in 2 or by folding the width of your panel. Place a stitch marker to mark the center stitch. Find the center stitch of the top of your pocket, place a stitch marker. Position the bottom of your pocket right above the ribbing. Then, align the center stitch of the pocket with the center stitch on your front panel and attach the pocket with your stitch marker to the panel. 

Place stitch markers on the corners of your pocket attaching them to the panel for easier seaming and begin to seam the pocket on to the panel using a whip stitch. 

Once you get to the corner, you will not be attaching the pocket to the sweater. You will do a running stitch down the inside edge of the pocket. When you get approximately 1.5” from the bottom of the pocket, you will begin attaching it to the top again. 

Continue seaming across the bottom edge of the pocket and up approximately 1.5” on the other side of the pocket. 

Tie off, tuck in those ends and enjoy your new Sprinter Crochet Crop Top!

Make sure to pin this pattern for later, and if you do make one tag me @Cactus.and.lace on Instagram and use the hashtag #CactusandlaceDesigns . I can’t wait to see your Sprinter Crochet Crop Tops, and I would love to share your pics! 🌵

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