The Laced Manley Beginner Crochet Crop Top is a free and easy crochet pattern that is made to measure, size inclusive and designed to be intuitive and beginner friendly.
We have been slowly converting our commercially sized patterns (XS, S, M, L etc) into made to measure, size inclusive patterns. It’s taken a while as the patterns need to be written in a different way…but we think it’s totally worth it. If you are going to take all this time and effort to make your own clothing, then of course it should fit your preferred dimensions perfectly. We are happy to leave commercial sizing to … well big box commercial stores that have to accommodate for the masses.
The Manley Striped Crochet Fitted Crop Top was one of those tops that needed conversion to a made to measure pattern. Here is a photo of the original yellow and white striped crop top.
You can find the original yellow crop top pattern by clicking here. We matched it with the Manley Striped Fitted Skirt and you can find the pattern for the skirt by clicking here.
We are trying to keep all our crochet patterns free for everyone, when you access them online. We meet the costs of running this website through coffee donations at https://ko-fi.com/kiksandjackcrochet and ad revenue. When you buy us a cup of coffee, you buy us a cup of motivation. Thank you for keeping us motivated and inspired every day to keep designing free crochet patterns for you.
For The Laced Manley Beginner Crochet Crop Top, we also wanted to do a little upgrade on the straps and at the bottom by adding a lacy edge. We love the end result and decided to write this as a separate pattern. If you prefer the more simple minimalistic straps we show you how in the original pattern.
For this version we used one of our favourite cotton/wool blend. We are confident this would work well with any stretchy worsted weight yarn (weight 4). You can find all the details in the section “Crochet Materials’ below.
We really hope you will make a few crop top tanks this summer. They are so fast to finish and our made to measure pattern means you can customize everything …. from the length, to the straps, to the fit.
Let’s get you started on this easy crochet pattern, The Laced Manley Beginner Crochet Crop Top. Tag us your work in progress on social media and we promise to cheer you on.
DESCRIPTION of The Laced Manley Beginner Crochet Crop Top
The Laced Manley Beginner Crochet Crop Top is a sleeveless tank top using a striped colour stitch. It is designed to be fitted and cropped however you can customize it with this made to measure, size inclusive pattern. It features lacy shoulder straps that are crocheted then sewn on to the front and back of the top. We also add a matching lacy ruffle to the bottom of the crochet crop top.
This is a free and easy crochet pattern that is made to measure, size inclusive and beginner friendly. The Laced Manley Beginner Crochet Crop Top primarily uses the half double crochet stitch and 2 yarn colours to create the stripe.
CROCHET MEASUREMENT & SIZES
The Laced Manley Beginner Crochet Crop Top pattern instructions are made to measure, based on your required measurements.
Kiks + Jack Crochet will always try to write patterns that are “made to measure” (versus commercially graded sized patterns) so that crocheters can get the wonderful benefits of making a garment that fits perfectly. However we do appreciate taking measurements can be inconvenient for some and have also provided standard measurements for those who wish to use it.
To use this pattern you will need the following measurements and you should write them down for easy reference:
Chest/Bust: Measure around the fullest part of your chest/bust. Do not draw the tape too tightly.
Finished length: Measure from your waistline (or where you would like the top to end) up to the top of your shoulder. We wanted a cropped look, however if you would like to make this top longer you can take the measurement further down towards your hips.
Length to armpit: Measure from where you would like the top to end up to bottom of your armpit
If you would like to use standard sizing for the chest/bust – then for XS (S, M , L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL) use approximately 28-30 (32-34, 36-38, 40-42, 44-46, 48-50, 52-54, 56-58, 60-62) inches or 71-76 (81-86, 91-96, 102-107, 112-117, 122-127, 132-137, 142-147, 152-158) centimetres.
Note: Designed as a classic fit although this can be adjusted.
CROCHET GAUGE for The Laced Manley Beginner Crochet Crop Top
Using a crochet hook size 4.5mm (US size 7) approximately 14 stitches and 12 rows of half double crochets in 4″ x 4″ (10 cm x 10 cm).
Note the Laced Manley Beginner Crochet Crop Top pattern is made to measure and can accommodate for different crochet gauges. However you should try to select a yarn and hook with a similar gauge to this version.
CROCHET MATERIALS
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Yarn brand: Happy Place by Hobbii. Weight 3/Light Worsted/DK. 100g per skein and 273 yards (or 250m) per skein.
Kiks + Jack crocheted a size XS with a finished width of 15 inches and a finished length of 11.5 inches (without straps) and used approximately 355 yards (or 325 m) in total. However due to the stripe we required a skein of each colour (Petrol and Cream).
Substitutions: We would love to make this top again with
Feels Like Heaven by Lion Brand Yarns. Weight 3/Light/Light Worsted. 100g per skein and 246 yards (or 225 metres).
This weight 4/aran/worsted yarn by Yarnspirations.
This weight 3/light worsted/DK Bernat yarn.
4.5 mm crochet hook (US size 7). We use many different crochet hooks and if you are looking for some great budget friendly ergonomic crochet hooks try these from Amazon. It comes in a set and the grip and the shape is amazing for beginner crocheters. However our absolute favourite, slightly more pricey crochet hooks are clover crochet hooks. You can buy then in a set or individually.
Measuring Tape. We use a super budget friendly measuring tape. Make sure it has cm and inches (not all patterns are written with both). We are always crocheting on the go so we like our tapes small and compact and we put one in our design area, one in our bag and one in our car. Retractable works best! We use these super cheap mini measuring tapes from Amazon.
Stitch Markers. We use these locking crochet stitch markers from Amazon and these stitch markers that do not lock. They are cheap and colourful.
Blocking Pins. You should buy more pins than you think you need. If you are going to take the time to block don’t skimp on the pins. We like T shaped stainless steel pins that don’t rust when they get wet. We love these blocking T pins from Amazon and the tin means the pins don’t fall out on the floor.
Yarn Needle. Buy blunt needles with large eyes for yarn. We use these Yarn Needles because we like the convenient bottle, they are budget friendly and we get lots of them!
Scissors. We love these thread snippers because they are cheap, we get two of them AND they come with a case (some don’t). Don’t carry these without the case! After you use thread snippers you won’t want to snip with scissors.
CROCHET STITCHES & ABBREVIATIONS
ch = chain
sc = single crochet (Insert hook into desired stitch. Yarn over and pull through the stitch. You now have two loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through all two loops)
hdc = half double crochet (Yarn over and insert hook into desired stitch. Yarn over and pull through the stitch. You now have three loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through all three loops)
tch = turning chain
ch-5 = chain 5 space (you are crocheting into the space)
st = stitch
sk = skip stitch
sl st = slip stitch
* = repeat the instructions following the * as directed
Note unless stated otherwise turning chains do not count as a stitch if there are 1 or 2 chains and the turning chain does count as a stitch if there are 3 or 4 chains.
SUMMARY OF CROCHET CONSTRUCTION
The Laced Manley Beginner Crochet Crop Top is made by first crocheting a bandeau or tube. We will crochet this bottom up in the joined turning round until we have reached the desired length. Next we will measure and crochet ruffle lace straps. We will sew these directly on.
Finally we will crochet a matching ruffle edge to the bottom of the top.
This top is constructed primarily using the half double crochet and 2 different colours to create a striped effect. You will draw each coloured yarn loosely up the sides as you switch the colours to minimize weaving in.
PERMISSIONS & COPYRIGHT
Please do not publish or share The Laced Manley Beginner Crochet Crop Top pattern as your own. You may crochet items to sell using this pattern upon permission by email at [email protected]. Please link back to this post in exchange. Please do NOT use my photos as your own photos.
PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS for The Laced Manley Beginner Crochet Crop Top
Crochet the Main Bandeau (Tube)
For our version:
Colour A = Blue
Colour B = Cream
Calculate the length of your foundation chain as follows:
| Take your “Chest/Bust Measurement“ | Our chest/bust measurement = 32 inches around |
| If you would like your top to be fitted and your yarn is stretchy, you can keep the measurement as is. If you would like a more loose top, then you can add an inch. We will check this again after a few rows. | We wanted a tighter fit and our yarn was quite stretchy so we left as is at 32 inches. |
Using colour A (Yarn A), chain a length as calculated above and count the number of stitches. Do not pull the chain too tight when you measure it.
We want your total chain to be an even number of stitches. If your chain is not an even number of stitches then add one more stitch to make it an even number of stitches.
Example: Our chest/bust measurement = 32 inches around and we reached 32 inches after chaining 73 chains. We add one more chain to give a total of 74 chains to achieve an odd number of stitches.
Slip stitch (sl st) to join to the start of the chain.
Tip: Make sure your chain is not twisted when you join it. You should now have a loop. If you are new to crocheting in the round, it may be helpful to count the number of stitches for the first few rounds and every now and then to ensure your stitch number stays consistent. For this main bandeau panel, there will not be any shaping so you should always be crocheting the same number of stitches as your initial foundation loop.
Round 1 (Yarn A): ch2 (add a stitch marker to the 2nd ch), hdc in the 1st st and around, sl st to join at the top of the tch (where you placed your stitch marker). Turn
Now you will drop Yarn A. Do not fasten off, just drop Yarn A. Take Yarn B, make a small loop and draw Yarn B through the last loop. When you bring in Yarn B, make sure Yarn A is positioned on the wrong side of your top ie. you want all the colour changes to sit on the wrong side of your top so it is covered on the inside.
Round 2 (Yarn B): ch2 (add a stitch marker to the 2nd ch), hdc in the 1st st and around, sl st to join at the top of the tch (where you placed your stitch marker). Turn
Now you will drop Yarn B. Once again, do not fasten off and just drop Yarn B. Take Yarn A (make sure Yarn B is hanging on the wrong side of your garment), and draw Yarn A through the last loop.
Round 3 (Yarn A): repeat round 1
It’s a great time to check if you are completely happy with the width of the top before you crochet any further. You may want to hold it up against you after approximately 3-4 rows of crochet to see if you want to make changes to the width. If it’s perfect keep going. If you would like to make changes to the width, it is best to start again increasing or decreasing the number of chains that you originally used.
Continue to repeat round 1 and round 2, switching the yarn after each round until you reach the desired “Length to Armpit Measurement“. You can also pull the bandeau up under your armpits to double check the length.
Fasten off.
Kiks + Jack Crochet highly recommends blocking your crochet. We block our panels by pinning all the pieces on to an old yoga mat and manipulating the edges. We then spray it with water focusing on the edges and ensuring it is well saturated. Do not remove the pins until the panels are completely bone dry.
Crochet the Straps
If you prefer simple straps you can go back to the original pattern, The Manley Striped Crochet Fitted Crop Top.
If you would like to crochet the lace straps continue on.
Using Yarn B, chain a strap length that will cover from the front of your top over your shoulder to the back of your top. Make sure you add approximately 1.5-2 inches for seaming on both ends. Count the number of chains as you crochet and make sure it is a multiple of 4.
If you need an estimate (eg you are crocheting this for someone else), then the (“Finished Length Measurement“ – “Length to Armpit Measurement“) will give you an approximation of how long the strap needs to be on one side. Remember to double it so it can fit over the other side and add 1.5 – 2 inches for seaming.
Row 1: 1dc into the 6th ch from the hook, *ch1, sk1, 1dc in next ch, rep from * across. Turn
Change to Yarn A and continue to Row 2.
Row 2: ch1, 1sc in 1st dc, *ch5, sk next dc, 1sc in next dc, rep from * across ending with a sc in top of tch (4th ch). Turn.
Row 3: ch1, 1sc in 1st sc, *7sc in each ch-5 loop across, rep from * across ending with a sc in last st.
Fasten off.
Make a second strap so you have two identical straps.
Assemble the Straps
Try your top on. Using locking stitch markers, attach the two straps to the front side and the back side of your top. Make sure the top and straps feel secure. Using a yarn needle and identical yarn, sew the two straps to the inside back of the top (wrong side).
Crochet the bottom laced edge
Attach Yarn B to the bottom side of the top.
Row 1: ch3 (place a stitch marker in the top of the chain), sk2, 1dc into the next st, *ch1, sk1, 1dc in next ch, rep from * across. At the end, ch1, sl st to the top of tch (where you placed the stitch marker).
Change to Yarn A
Row 2: ch1, 1sc in 1st dc, *ch5, sk next dc, 1sc in next dc, rep from * across ending with a sc in the first st in the round to close off the loop.
Row 3: ch1, 1sc in 1st sc, *7sc in each ch-5 loop across, rep from * across ending with a sc in last/first st.
Fasten off.
Finish & Celebrate The Laced Manley Beginner Crochet Crop Top
Weave in all your ends.
Congratulations you have finished The Laced Manley Beginner Crochet Crop Top. We hope you enjoyed this free crochet pattern.
We are trying to keep all our crochet patterns free for everyone, when you access them online. We meet the costs of running this website through coffee donations at https://ko-fi.com/kiksandjackcrochet and ad revenue. When you buy us a cup of coffee, you buy us a cup of motivation. Thank you for keeping us motivated and inspired every day to keep designing free crochet patterns for you.
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