This Simple Crochet Top is a beginner friendly crochet pattern with a fun racerback style. The Rowan Racerback Tank is a Free 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

The end of August is drawing near and with that, I am releasing my last summer crochet top of the year!

This tank is a really exciting one for me because it is the first design I have created in a “racerback” style! It is also one of my favorites tanks to make right now because of how extremely simple it is, and how quick it works up.

This Simple crochet top is made completely with double crochet and single crochet stitches. Pair that with a large hook and a lightweight yarn and you have the perfect combination for a light, breathable texture which is perfect for those hot August temperatures.

The Yarn

For this Simple Crochet Top, I used Alize Bahar yarn from Perfect Yarns on Etsy. It is a category 3 light weight yarn. I love this yarn because it is 100% mercerized cotton which makes the top very breathable yet durable at the same time. It also comes in over 50 different colors, so there is sure to be the perfect color for everyone!

Since this yarn is not as readily accessible to everyone, a good substitution would be Lion Brand Coboo yarn. It is a cotton bamboo blend, which has definitely become my go-to yarn over the summer. The bamboo makes this yarn so soft and breathable that I am sure you will be wanting to make all your new wearables with it!

Shop For Coboo Here!

Pattern

~Purchase the Color Coded Printable PDF Here.

~Save it to your Ravelry Here.

To Sum it up:

This Simple Crochet Top is light and airy, making it the perfect top for those hot summer days, or pair it with a cute jean jacket for those cooler evenings. It uses only basic single crochet and double crochet stitches and works up in just a few days.

Yarn

~Lion Brand Coboo Yarn or appropriate Size 3 light weight yarn substitute.

Below is the approximate yardage for all sizes:

Size	XS	S	M	L	XL	2X	3X
Approx Yds	400- 450	450- 500	500- 550	575- 625	625- 675	700- 750	775- 825

Notions

–Size J (6.0 mm) Hook

–Yarn Needle

–Stitch Markers

Gauge

Working your DC stitches IN BETWEEN the stitches from the previous row.

11 Dc and 10 Dc rows = 4” x 4” square 

Sizing

This Simple Crochet Top is made to be slightly loose fitting, with approximately 2”-4” of positive ease added. The measurements are Finished garment sizes, not actual bust measurements. When choosing your size, find the bust measurement that equals approximately 2” more than your actual bust measurement and make that size. 

Size	XS	S	M	L	XL	2X	3X
Bust	32”	36”	40”	44”	48”	52”	56”
Length	21”	21.5”	21.75”	22”	22.25”	22.5”	23”

Abbreviations Used

Ch- Chain

Yo- Yarn Over

St- Stitch

Sc- Single Crochet  

Dc- Double Crochet 

Fdc- Foundation Double Crochet 

Dc2tog- Double Crochet 2 together 

Pattern Notes

~This simple crochet top is worked in 2 separate panels from bottom up 

~Ch 2 does NOT count as a stitch throughout 

~ALL the DC stitches are worked in BETWEEN the DC stitches from the previous row, not into the top loops as normal.

~The back panel is 5 rows longer than the front, creating a high/low look. 

~Pattern is written for more of a “cropped” fit, add rows where indicated for a longer top.

~Total Stitches are indicated between [ ]

~The sizing guide follows size XS(S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X). E.g. “Ch 46(52, 57, 62, 68, 74, 79)” means Ch 46 for XS, Ch 52 for Small, Ch 57 for Medium, Ch 62 for Large, Ch 68 for XL, Ch 74 for 2X, Ch 79 for 3X. If there is only one number, it applies to all sizes. 

Special Stitches

DC in between the DC from previous row– All of the Double crochet stitches in this summer crochet top are done in between the stitches from the previous rows instead of into the top two loops as you usually would. Make sure to go under all 3 loops and to the left of the stitch post. The last stitch is in between the last post and the Ch 2 turning Ch. 

Dc2tog in between the next 2 St– Yo, insert hook in between the next 2 St, draw up a loop. Yo, pull through 2 loops. Yo, insert hook in between the next 2 St, draw up a loop. Yo, pull through 2 loops. Then Yo, pull through the remaining 3 loops. 

Need Help with the Foundation Double Crochet Stitch? Click Here for a full photo tutorial!

The Rowan Racerback Tank

Front Panel 

Instructions written XS(S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X)

Row 1: Fdc 44(50, 55, 60, 66, 72, 77). Ch 2, Turn.

*If you are uncomfortable with the Fdc, you can Ch 46 (52, 57, 62, 68, 74, 79), Dc in the 3rd Ch from the hook and in each Ch across*

Row 2-19(20, 21, 22, 23, 23, 24): Dc (in between) each St, making sure that the last St is in  between the last post and the Ch 2 turning chain. Ch 2, Turn. [44(50, 55, 60, 66, 72,  77)]

***Tip: if you would like your summer crochet top to be longer add more rows before you start your armhole decreases. Be sure to add the same amount of rows to the front and back panels.***

Arm hole decreases begin

Row 20(21, 22, 23, 24, 24, 25): Dc2tog (in between) the first 2 St. Dc (in between) each St until  last 2 St. Dc2tog (in between) the last 2 St. Ch 2, Turn. [42(48, 53, 58, 64, 70, 75)]

Row 21(22, 23, 24, 25, 25, 26)- 27(28, 29, 30, 31, 31, 32): Repeat row 20(21, 22, 23, 24, 24,  25). [28(34, 39, 44, 50, 56, 61)]

Row 28(29, 30, 31, 32, 32, 33) – 31(32, 33, 34, 35, 35, 36): Dc (in between) each St across. Ch  2, Turn. [28(34, 39, 44, 50, 56, 61)]

Neckline Decreases begin here you will no longer be working across the entire row 

Row 32(33, 34, 35, 36, 36, 37): Dc (in between) the first 10(13, 15, 18, 21, 24, 26) St. *Dc2tog  (in between) the next 2 St* 2 times. Ch 2, Turn. [12(15, 17, 20, 23, 26, 28)]

Row 33(34, 35, 36, 37, 37, 38): *Dc2tog (in between) the next 2 St* 2 times. Dc (in between) the  last 8(11, 13, 16, 19, 22, 24) St. Ch 2, Turn. [10(13, 15, 18, 21, 24, 26)]

Row 34(35, 36, 37, 38, 38, 39): Dc (in between) the first 6(9,11, 14, 17, 20, 22) St. *Dc2tog (in  between) the next 2 St* 2 times. Ch 2, Turn. [8(11, 13, 16, 19, 22, 24)]

Row 35(36, 37, 38, 39, 39, 40): *Dc2tog (in between) the next 2 St* 2 times. Dc (in between) the  last 4(7, 9, 12, 15, 18, 20) St. Ch 2, Turn. [6(9, 11, 14, 17, 20, 22)]

Row 36(37, 38, 39, 40, 40, 41): Dc (in between) the first 2(5, 7, 10, 13, 16, 18) St. *Dc2tog (in  between) the next 2 St* 2 times. Ch 2, Turn. [4(7, 9, 12, 15, 18, 20)]

Size XS only 

Row 37-52: Dc (in between) each St across. Ch 2, Turn. [4]

Finish off and move on to the opposite shoulder.

All other Sizes 

S(M, L, XL, 2X, 3X)

Row 38(39, 40, 41, 41, 42): *Dc2tog (in between) the next 2 St* 2 times. Dc (in between) the  last 3(5, 8, 11, 14, 16) St. Ch 2, Turn. [5(7, 10, 13, 16, 18)]

Size S only 

Row 39: Dc (in between) the first 3 St. Dc2tog (in between) the last 2 St. Ch 2, Turn. [4]

Row 40-53: Dc (in between) each St across. Ch 2, Turn. [4]

Finish off and move on to the opposite shoulder.

All other Sizes 

M(L, XL, 2X, 3X)

Row 40(41, 42, 42, 43): Dc (in between) the first 3(6, 9, 12, 14) St. *Dc2tog (in  between) the next 2 St* 2 times. Ch 2, Turn. [5( 8, 11, 14, 16)]

Size M Only

Row 41: Dc2tog (in between) the first 2 St. Dc (in between) the last 3 St. Ch 2, Turn. [4]

Row 42-54: Dc (in between) each St across. Ch 2, Turn [4]

Finish off and move on to the opposite shoulder.

All other Sizes

L(XL, 2X, 3X)

Row 42(43, 43, 44): *Dc2tog (in between) the next 2 St* 2 times. Dc (in between) the  last 4(7, 10, 12) St. Ch 2, Turn. [6(9, 12, 14)]

Row 43(44, 44, 45): Dc (in between) the first 2(5, 8, 10) St. *Dc2tog (in between) the   next 2 St* 2 times. Ch 2, Turn. [4(7, 10, 12)]

Size L Only 

Row 44-55: Dc (in between) each St across. Ch 2, Turn [4]

Finish off and move on to the opposite shoulder.

All other Sizes

XL(2X, 3X)

Row 45(45, 46): *Dc2tog (in between) the next 2 St* 2 times. Dc (in between) the last 3(6, 8) St. Ch 2, Turn. [5(8, 10)]

Size XL Only 

Row 47:Dc (in between) the first 3 St. Dc2tog (in between) the next 2 St. Ch 2, Turn. [4]

Row 48-56: Dc (in between) each St across. Ch 2, Turn. [4]

Finish off and move on to the opposite shoulder.

All other Sizes 

2X(3X)

Row 46(47): Dc (in between) the first 4(6) St. *Dc2tog (in between) the next 2 St* 2 times. Ch 2,   Turn. [6(8)]

Row 47(48): *Dc2tog (in between) the next 2 St* 2 times. Dc (in between) the last 2(4).   Ch 2, Turn. [4(6)]

Size 2X Only 

Row 48-56: Dc (in between) each St across. Ch 2, Turn [4]

Finish off and move on to the opposite shoulder.

Size 3X Only 

Row 49: Dc (in between) the first 2 St. *Dc2tog (in between) the next 2 St* 2 times. Ch 2,   Turn. [4)]

Row 50-57: Dc (in between) each St across. Ch 2, Turn [4]

Finish off and move on to the opposite shoulder.

Opposite shoulder 

Join yarn in the farthest St to your right from row 31(32, 33, 34, 35, 35, 36). Then Ch 2. 

Repeat rows 32(33, 34, 35, 36, 36, 37)-  52(53, 54, 55, 56, 56, 57) from first shoulder 

Finish Off 

Back Panel 

Row 1: Fdc 44(50, 55, 60, 66, 72, 77). Ch 2, Turn.

*If you are uncomfortable with the Fdc, you can Ch 46 (52, 57, 62, 68, 74, 79),  Dc in the 3rd Ch from the hook and in each Ch across*

Row 2-24(25, 26, 27, 28, 28, 29): Dc (in between) each St, making sure that the last St is in  between the last post and the Ch 2 turning chain. Ch 2, Turn. [44 (50, 55, 60, 66, 72,  77)]

If you added more rows to the front of your top make sure to add the same amount of rows to the back.

Arm hole decreases begin 

Row 25(26, 27, 28, 29, 29, 30): *Dc2tog (in between) the next 2 St* 3 times. Dc (in between)  the next 32(38, 43, 48, 54, 60, 65) St. *Dc2tog (in between) the next 2 St* 3 times. Ch 2,  Turn. [38(44, 49, 54, 60, 66, 71)]

Row 26(27, 28, 29, 30, 30, 31): *Dc2tog (in between) the next 2 St* 3 times. Dc (in between) the  next 26(32, 37, 42, 48, 54, 59) St. *Dc2tog (in between) the next 2 St* 3 times. Ch 2,  Turn. [(32, 38, 43, 48, 54, 60, 65)]

Row 27(28, 29, 30, 31, 31, 32): *Dc2tog (in between) the next 2 St* 3 times. Dc (in between) the  next 20(26, 31, 36, 42, 48, 53) St. *Dc2tog (in between) the next 2 St* 3 times. Ch 2,   Turn. [(26, 32, 37, 42, 48, 54, 59)]  

Row 28(29, 30, 31, 32, 32, 33):  *Dc2tog (in between) the next 2 St* 3 times. Dc (in between)  the next 14(20, 25, 30, 36, 42, 47) St. *Dc2tog (in between) the next 2 St* 3 times. Ch 2,  Turn. [(20, 26, 31, 36, 42, 48, 53)]

Row 29(30, 31, 32, 33, 33, 34): *Dc2tog (in between) the next 2 St* 3 times. Dc (in between) the  next 8(14, 19, 24, 30, 36, 41) St. *Dc2tog (in between) the next 2 St* 3 times. Ch 2,  Turn. [(14, 20, 25, 30, 36, 42, 47)]

Size XS Only 

Row 30-52: Dc (in between) each St across. Ch 2, Turn [14]

All other Sizes

S(M, L, XL, 2X, 3X)

Row 31( 32, 33, 34, 34, 35): *Dc2tog (in between) the next 2 St* 3 times. Dc (in between) the  next 8(13, 18, 24, 30, 35) St. *Dc2tog (in between) the next 2 St* 3 times. Ch 2, Turn.  [14(19, 24, 30, 36, 41)]

Size S Only 

Row 32-53: Dc (in between) each St across. Ch 2, Turn [14]

All other Sizes 

M(L, XL, 2X, 3X)

Row 33(34, 35, 35, 36): *Dc2tog (in between) the next 2 St* 3 times. Dc (in between) the next   7(12, 18, 24, 29) St. *Dc2tog (in between) the next 2 St* 3 times. Ch 2, Turn. [13(18, 24,  30, 35)]

Size M Only 

Row 34-54: Dc (in between) each St across. Ch 2, Turn [13]

All other Sizes 

L(XL, 2X, 3X)

Row 35(36, 36, 37): *Dc2tog (in between) the next 2 St* 2(3, 3, 3) times. Dc (in between) the  next 10(12, 18, 23) St. *Dc2tog (in between) the next 2 St* 2(3, 3, 3) times. Ch 2, Turn.  [14(18, 24, 29)]

Size L Only 

Row 36-55: Dc (in between) each St across. Ch 2, Turn [14]

All other Sizes 

XL(2X, 3X)

Row 37(37, 38): *Dc2tog (in between) the next 2 St* 2(3, 3) times. Dc (in between) the next  10(12, 17) St. *Dc2tog (in between) the next 2 St* 2(3, 3) times. Ch 2, Turn. [14(18, 23)]

Size XL Only 

Row 38-56: Dc (in between) each St across. Ch 2, Turn [14]

All other Sizes 

2X(3X)

Row 38(39): *Dc2tog (in between) the next 2 St* 2(3) times. Dc (in between) the next 10(11) St.  *Dc2tog (in between) the next 2 St* 2(3) times. Ch 2, Turn. [14(17)]

Row 39(40)-56(57): Dc (in between) each St across. Ch 2, Turn. [14(17)]

Back Strap 

Row 53(54, 55, 56, 57, 57, 58): Dc (in between) the first 4 St . Ch 2, Turn. [4]

Row 54(55, 56, 57, 58, 58, 59) – 57(58, 59, 60, 61, 61, 62): Repeat row 53(54, 55, 56, 57, 57, 58)

Finish off and move to opposite strap

Opposite strap 

Join yarn in the farthest St on the right from row 52(53, 54, 55, 56, 56, 57). Then Ch 2. 

Repeat row 53(54, 55, 56, 57, 57, 58) – 57(58, 59, 60, 61, 61, 62) from first strap

Finish off 

Construction

Lay your two panels on top of one another lining up the shoulder straps and making sure to line up row 1 of the front panel to row 5 of the back and row 20(21, 22, 23, 24, 24, 25) of the front to row 25(26, 27, 28, 29, 29, 30) of the back. (Place stitch markers if desired) 

Using your yarn needle, sew the two shoulder straps together along the edges. 

Then, starting from the bottom, sew up along the outside edges, stopping when you have stitched up to row 20(21, 22, 23, 24, 24, 25). 

Neckline Trim (optional)

Join yarn with a Sl St where the top shoulder seam and Ch 1.

Round 1: Sc evenly around the neckline. Join with a Sl St to the first Sc.

Round 2-3: Repeat round 1.

Finish Off 

ArmHole Trim (optional)

Join yarn with a Sl St in the bottom of the arm hole opening and Ch 1. 

Round 1: Sc evenly around the armhole. Join with a Sl St to the first Sc.

Round 2-3: Repeat round 1.  

Finish Off

Tie off, tuck in those ends and enjoy your new Rowan Racerback Tank

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 Rowan Tanks, and I would love to share your pics! 🌵

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