A lacy summer crochet top~ The Aria 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

It’s June, and summer is definitely on the brain, well….. it’s on my brain anyways. So, as the heat is rising and all we want to do is crochet nice airy summer crochet tops, I thought now would be the perfect time to share my Aria Tank as a Free Pattern!

Way back last year when I designed this tank, I was looking to make something that was light, easy, and had a “retro 70’s vibe” to it. I don‘t know exactly what it is about summer, but it always brings out the inner free spirited boho hippie feeling in me!

A Modern Tank with Retro Flare

This summer crochet top is the perfect tank for a beginner crocheter who is looking to try their hand at making their own clothes. It is made all in one piece, which means that there is virtually no seaming! The simple crochet stitches mixed with a larger hook size, creates an open, breathable texture and works up in no time. Talk about a win win!

The Yarn

For this summer crochet top I used Lion Brand Zz Twist, a size 4 worsted weight yarn. This yarn is quite different than any other yarn I have used before! It is actually spun in the opposite direction of most yarns, making it effortlessly glide off your hook! It is every crocheters dream! Not to mention that the drape this yarn creates is something out of this world! And as we all know, drape is one the most important things when it comes to making garments.

It comes in 18 different colors that range from the perfect muted neutrals to vibrant pinks, greens and blues! So there is definitely something for everyone!

Shop for Zz Twist Here!

Pattern

~Purchase the Color Coded Printable PDF Here.

~Save it to your Ravelry Here.

To Sum it up:

This lacy summer crochet top will keep you cool this summer while still looking stylish! This tank is the perfect beginner pattern with its simple stitches and minimal increases. Made all in one piece, this tank works up in a flash! It comes in Adult sizes XS-2XL.

Yarn

~Lion Brand ZZ Twist Yarn

Below is the approximate yardage for all sizes:

Notions

–Size K (6.50 mm) Hook 

–Stitch Markers

–Yarn Needle

Gauge

Gauge can be measured in two ways

-14 Hdc by 12 Hdc rows = 4”x 4” square 

-Or 12 Xtr by 5 Xtr rows = 4”x 4” square

Sizing

This Summer Crochet Top is designed to be slightly fitted with little to no positive ease added. The length of this tank without straps is approximately 18” in the front and 20” in the back for all sizes.

Abbreviations Used

Ch- Chain 

Yo- Yarn Over 

Sl St- Slip Stitch 

Fhdc- Foundation Half Double Crochet 

Hdc- Half Double Crochet

Xtr – Crossed Treble Stitch (explained below) 

Pattern Notes

-This pattern is worked in continuous rounds for the bodice portion and then joined with a Sl St after each round for the bottom portion of the tank.

-The yarn this tank calls for has a lot of stretch to it, so gauge is very important.

-Chain Stitches do not count as a stitch throughout the pattern.

Special Stitches

Crossed Treble Crochet- Skip the next stitch, Tr into the following stitch. Then working behind the Tr stitch that you just made, Tr into the previously skipped stitch.

The Aria Summer Crochet Top

Size instructions in pattern will be (XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL)

Starting with the Bodice

Round 1: Fhdc (74, 88, 102, 116, 130, 144). Join with a Sl St to the first Fhdc, making sure not to twist the Chain. (74, 88, 102, 116, 130, 144)

*If you are uncomfortable with the Fhdc, you can Ch (74, 88, 102, 116, 130, 144), join with a Sl St to the first Ch, Ch 1, Hdc in the first St and each St around.*

Round 2: Ch 1, Hdc in the first St, (the same St as your Ch 1), and in each St around. (74,      88, 102, 116, 130, 144)

Do not join. Place a stitch marker in your last St and move it up with each Round.

Round 3-20: Hdc in each St around. (74, 88, 102, 116, 130, 144)

Round 21: Hdc in each St around. After your last St, join with a Sl St to the first Hdc (the St right after your stitch marker.) (74, 88, 102, 116, 130, 144)

Remove St marker, you will now join each round with a Sl St for the remainder of the rounds.

We will now start working on the lower lacy section 

Round 22: Ch 4, skip the first St (where your Ch 4 is), Tr in the next St. Then working behind the Tr you just made, Tr in the skipped St. Tr in the next open St. Working behind the Tr you just made, Tr in the previous St. (There will be 2 Tr in this St, one increase made). Continue to work Xtr around until you have 1 St remaining. (There will now be only 1 Tr in each St around until you get to the last St). Tr in the last St, then working behind the Tr you just made, Tr in the previous St (There will be 2 Tr in this St, second increase made.) Join with a Sl St to the first Tr. (76, 90, 104, 118, 132, 146)

Round 23-37: Repeat Round 22. Your St count will increase by 2 every round. 

When you finish round 37, your St count should be (106, 120, 134, 148, 162, 176)

If you would like to make your top longer, just continue to repeat round 22 until the tank measures your desired length. 

Finish Off

Straps (Make 2)

Row 1: Ch 5,  Hdc in the second Ch and across. Ch 1, Turn. (4)

Row 2: Hdc in first St and across. Ch 1, Turn. (4)

Size XS and S: Repeat row 2 until you have 35 rows 

Size M and L: Repeat row 2 until you have 40 rows

Size XL and 2XL: Repeat row 2 until you have 45 rows

If you would like your straps to be longer or shorter, simply increase or decrease the amount of rows in your straps.

Attaching the Straps

The placement of the straps can be done however you feel most comfortable. For your convenience I have included both general and specific instructions on strap placement, please choose the method best for you. 

General Instructions 

Lay your top on a flat surface, making sure to have your Xtr joins lined up directly in the center back. Place stitch markers where you want your straps to be placed. This step is completely personal preference. I placed my straps 9 stitches from each side on a size small top. After you decide on the strap placement, use your yarn needle to sew them on. 

Specific instructions 

Find the center of the back. From this central stitch count (7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16) stitches to the right,  place a stitch marker in the next stitch. Going back to the center count (7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16) stitches to the left and place a stitch marker on the next stitch to the left. These stitch markers are for the inner part of the strap. Count 3 stitches outwards from those markers, place a stitch marker in these stitches.

Then from those markers count (15, 18, 22, 25, 29, 32)  stitches heading towards the front, place stitch markers in the next stitch. Do this for both the left and right side of the tank. Next, count 2 stitches (for XS, S, M, L) and 3 (for XL and 2XL) inward from those markers. This is where the front straps will sit. Then you should be left with (14, 18, 20, 24, 28, 32) stitches between the two straps at the front.  

Tie Off, Tuck in those ends and enjoy your new Aria 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 Aria Tanks, and I would love to share your pics! 🌵

Other Free Crochet Patterns You Might Love

The Wren Tank// The Wren Tee// The Ivy Tee // The Summer Breeze Tank