The Quinn Fast Summer Crochet Tank is a free crochet pattern below that is designed as a made to measure, size inclusive and easy crochet pattern. It is designed and written specifically for beginners.
We love this tank! We love the vertical crochet and the wide V neck. We love the deconstructed edges and it’s easy, casual feel. Most of all, we love the drape.
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.
One of the reasons why The Quinn Fast Summer Crochet Tank is so special to us, is that we crocheted this as a personal project. We had this incredible yarn on our design shelf, that we knew would just hang in the most amazing way. We also felt we had a gap in our summer wardrobe…for easy to wear, light and breezy, summer tanks.
We really wanted to combine the ease and comfort of The Campbell Everyday Crochet Sweater Top with the summery feel of The Sakura Summer Cotton Crochet Vest.
So after we crocheted it, we decided to photograph it and we put it up on our social media channels as a “personal project”. We received many requests to make the pattern available on our blog, so we crocheted another one in blue (photos coming soon). But this time, we crocheted with the intention of writing an easy to follow pattern (which is different to crocheting for a personal project which is often pretty mindless in front of Netflix ha ha).
First we want to say that The Quinn Fast Summer Crochet Tank is an easy top to crochet. It really is very very simple and doesn’t really stray from the half double crochet. However, we do want to pre-warn you that there are some mathematical calculations that need to be done for the V neck slant. We promise to step you through all the calculations.
If you would like to crochet a very similar top with less math (and a lot easier), take a look at The Casey Draping Vertical Stitch Stripe Crochet Top.
We admit we could have made it easier and just given you the stitch counts for graded sizing (S, M, L, XL etc). However Kiks + Jack Crochet really want to stick to our goal of providing made to measure patterns that are therefore size inclusive. As a result, there is a lot more math for The Quinn Fast Summer Crochet Tank pattern, but if you stick with it, you will have a tank that fits your desired measurements exactly. If you are going to take the time to make your own clothes, then we believe it should be made to measure to fit to your specific measurements.
One final note about this design! Please select a yarn that drapes and is on the lighter side. Our made to measure pattern can accommodate for different gauges, however this is a pattern where you do want tp use a draping yarn. We offer some suggestions below in the section “Crochet Materials”. Once you have worked out your math and your yarn, it’s so much fun to crochet!! Crocheting vertically to create the V neck is so rewarding as you see the neckline take shape!!
So let’s get started on The Quinn Fast Summer Crochet Tank!
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DESCRIPTION OF The Quinn Fast Summer Crochet Tank
The Quinn Fast Summer Crochet Tank is a sleeveless top with a simple half double crochet stitch and simple edging. It features a V neck design with wider comfortable shoulder straps. The tank is crocheted in vertical rows and not horizontally side to side. There is a simple double crochet edge around the V neck and simple optional frill edging around the base.
We highly recommend you select a yarn that drapes well for this pattern.
The Quinn Fast Summer Crochet Tank is a made to measure pattern, designed for beginners and super fast and easy to crochet.
CROCHET MEASUREMENT & SIZES
The pattern instructions for The Quinn Fast Summer Crochet Tank are made to measure, based on your required measurements.
Kiks + Jack Crochet will always try to write patterns that are “made to measure” (versus 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:
Finished length: Measure from your waistline (or where you would like the top to end) up to the top of your shoulder. We wanted our top to hit a little lower than the waistline.
Armpit to Centre of Chest Measurement: Measure from your armpit across to the centre of your chest. You can also use the standard sizing for chest/bust below and divide by 2. If you want it to be a little more oversized, you can add an inch to this measurement.
Armhole Depth Measurement: Measure from the top outside edge of the shoulder down to the armpit
Shoulder Strap Measurement: Measure how wide you would like the shoulder strap to be. We recommend using a thicker strap for this design. We measured from the edge of our shoulder to the start of our collar bone and added an inch for an oversized feel.
Width of 1 stitch and the width of 1 row: We show you how to calculate this in the section below “Crochet Gauge”.
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.
If you would like to use standard sizing for armhole depth – then use approximately 6-6.5 (6.5-7, 7-7.5, 7.5-8, 8-8.5, 8.5-9, 9-9.5, 9.5-10, 10-10.5) inches or 15.5-16.5 (16.5-17.5, 17.5-19, 19-20.5, 20.5-21.5, 21.5-23, 23-24, 24-25.5, 25.5-26.5) centimetres
Note: The Quinn Fast Summer Crochet Tank is designed as a classic fit with some positive ease.
CROCHET GAUGE for The Quinn Fast Summer Crochet Tank
Using a 4mm hook (US 6), approximately 16 stitches and 14 rows of half double crochet in 4โณ x 4โณ (10 cm x 10 cm).
The Quinn Fast Summer Crochet Tank is a made to measure pattern and can accommodate for different gauges, however we suggest you do select a yarn and hook that has a similar gauge to ours.
From your crochet gauge, you will need to calculate the width of 1 stitch and the width of 1 row. Using our crochet gauge, this is how you will calculate it.
Width of 1 stitch = 4 inches/16 stitches = 0.25 inches approximately
Width of 1 row = 4 inches/14 rows = 0.3 inches approximately
CROCHET MATERIALS for The Quinn Fast Summer Crochet Tank
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We only recommend products that we love and that we use.
Yarn brand: Truboo by Lion Brand Yarn. Weight 3/Light/Light Worsted. 100g per skein and 241 yards (or 220 metres). Approximately 2.2 skeins or 531 yards (or 484m) used for our garment (approximately XS) with a finished width of 16 inches and a finished length of 22 inches approximately.
Color used is Mushroom (note we found this colour to be much lighter than what is shown online)
We highly recommend you select a yarn that drapes well for this pattern.
Here are some other options that we think will work really well:
Coboo Yarn: we have provided an alternative to purchasing this yarn through the link
Alize Diva Silky Effect: super affordable and lots of colours
4 mm crochet hook (US size 6). 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. We started our collection just purchasing the size 4 ,5 and 6.
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
The Quinn Fast Summer Crochet Tank uses US terminology.
ch = chain (With one loop on your hook, yarn over and pull through the loop)
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)
sl st = slip stitch
tch = turning chain
st = stitch
sk = skip 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 Quinn Fast Summer Crochet Tank is made by first crocheting a front panel and an identical back panel. The panels will be crocheted vertically (up and down rows) and not horizontally (side to side rows). We will crochet a shoulder strap, then start to crochet the V neck. First we will reduce stitches in each row to crochet the descending part of the V neck, then we will increase stitches in each row to crochet the ascending part of the V neck. We will finish off by crocheting the shoulder strap on the other side.
We will seam the two panels together to complete the tank top. We will crochet a large ribbed edge around the V neck and optional edging at the base and armholes.
PERMISSIONS & COPYRIGHT
Please do not publish or share The Quinn Fast Summer Crochet Tank 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 Quinn Fast Summer Crochet Tank
Crochet the Back Panel
Chain a length equal to your “Finished Length Measurement” (not width) and count the number of chains at the same time. Take a note of the number of the chains. Turn.
Row 1: ch2, hdc in the 3rd st from the hook, hdc in each st across until the end. Turn
Row 2-3: repeat row 1
Hold the two rows up against you. Double check that you are happy with the length? If not, we suggest you frog and start again.
We now have to do some math. As mentioned above, there is more math in this pattern compared to our other patterns. We will provide you the calculations with explanations so you can understand the construction of this top. Afterwards we will provide a summarized table of calculations if you would prefer to just follow a set of steps without the explanations.
If you really get stuck on the math, email us at [email protected] and we will try to help you out! Also if math is something you would prefer not to do, take a look at The Casey Draping Vertical Stitch Stripe Crochet Top. It’s very similar with a lot less math.
Let’s start! Have all your measurements from above written down next to you along with a paper and pencil to write down your calculations:
For the entire top, you will be crocheting up and down (vertically). You will not be crocheting left to right (horizontally). To create the V neck slant you will start by crocheting shorter and shorter rows until you reach the bottom of the V neck. Then you will be crocheting longer and longer rows to create the other side of the V neck slant.
Step 1: Crochet the Shoulder Strap (and stop just before the top of the V neck Slant)
You have already crocheted 3 rows vertically on the left side of the top by repeating Row 1. Repeat row 1 until the width of your panel is equal to you “Shoulder Strap Measurement“.
For example, Kiks + Jack full length is 22 inches and our strap is 5 inches. See the diagram below (not to scale and for illustrative purposes only)
Step 2: Calculate the Number of Rows in the V Neck Slant
You need to calculate how many rows it will take to crochet from the top of the V neck slant (where you currently are), to the bottom of the V neck slant.
First you will need to calculate “how wide is your V neck slant?”
Calculate “Armpit to Centre of Chest Measurement” minus “Strap Width Measurement“. (Remember if you want the top to be a little more oversized you can add an inch to your “Armpit to Centre of Chest Measurement”).
In Kiks + Jack’s example it is 8 inches – 5 inches = 3 inches. ie. the width of our V neck slant is 3 inches for our version. See the diagram below (not to scale and for illustrative purposes only)
Second you will need to calculate “how many vertical rows make up the width of the slant?”
Calculate “The Width of the Slant” divided by “Width of 1 row“.
In Kiks + Jack’s example: 3 inches / 0.3 inches = 10 rows. So in Kiks + Jack’s example it will take us 10 rows to get us from the top of the V neck to the bottom of the V neck.
Here is a summary of Step 2 calculations:
Step 2 Calculations | Kiks + Jack Crochet Example |
1. What is your “Shoulder Strap Measurement”? | 5 inches. |
2. What is your “Armpit to Centre of Chest Measurement”? | 8 inches |
3. Calculate the “Width of the V Neck Slant” = “Armpit to Centre of Chest Measurement” minus “Shoulder Strap Measurement” | 8 inches – 5 inches = 3 inches The width (not length) from the top of our V neck slant to the bottom of our V neck slant is 3 inches |
4. What is the width of 1 row in inches? (You calculated this up in gauge above) | 0.3 inches (rounded) |
5. Calculate how many rows do you need to crochet to create the V neck slant = “Width of V Neck Slant” divided by “Width of 1 row” (round if necessary) | 3 inches divided by 0.3 inches 3/0.3 = 10 rows It will take us 10 rows to take us from the top of our V neck to the bottom of our V neck. |
Step 3: Calculate the Total Number of Stitches Reduced to create the V Neck Slant
To actually crochet the V neck slant we are reducing a certain number of stitches in each row (in our version it is 10 rows).
First you will need to calculate “how long is the V neck slant”?
For this we are going to use our standard “Armhole Depth Measurement”.
For Kiks + Jack’s version this is 7 inches. See the diagram below (not to scale and for illustrative purposes only)
Second you will need to calculate how many total stitches are in the length of your V neck slant? (In our version it is, “how many stitches are in 7 inches?”)
Calculate the “Armhole Depth Measurement” divided by “Length of 1 stitch“.
In Kiks + Jack’s version this is 7 inches/0.25 inches = 28 stitches. So Kiks + Jack has to reduce 28 stitches from the top of the V neck slant to the bottom of the V neck slant.
Here is a summary of Step 3 calculations:
Step 3 Calculations | Kiks + Jack Crochet Example |
6. What is your “Armhole Depth Measurement”? | 7 inches |
7. What is the width of 1 stitch in inches? (You calculated this up in gauge above) | 0.25 inches |
8. Calculate how many total stitches you need to reduce to create the V neck slant = “Armhole Depth Measurement divided by “Width of 1 stitch” | 7 inches / 0.25 inches = 28 stitches in total |
Step 4: Calculate the Number of Stitches Reduced in each row to create the V Neck Slant
How many stitches per row do we need to reduce? We want to reduce the total stitches evenly to create the slant.
Calculate the “total number of stitches in the length of the V neck slant” divided by “total number of rows for the width of the slant“.
In Kiks + Jack’s example it is 28 stitches/10 rows = 2.8 stitches. We round this up to 3 stitches. So for Kiks + Jack’s example we will reduce 3 stitches for 10 rows to create the V neck slant.
Here is a summary of Step 4 calculations:
Step 4 Calculations | Kiks + Jack Crochet Example |
9. Calculate how many stitches per row you need to reduce to create the V neck slant = “Total Stitches to Create V Neck Slant” divided by “Total Rows to Create V Neck Slant” (Note round up and the V neck will be a little deeper than your armpit or round down and the V neck will be less deep than your armpit). | 28/10 = 2.8 stitches We will round up to 3 stitches per row. |
10. Double check you are happy with the exact depth of your V neck by calculating the stitches reduced per row x number of rows in V neck slant x width of 1 stitch | 3 stitches x 10 rows x 0.25 inches = 7.5 inch depth Our V neck will be 7.5 inches. |
To summarize, for KIks + Jack’s version we will reduce 3 stitches per row (“S” stitches) for 10 rows (“R” rows) to create the V neck with a depth of 7.5 inches.
Step 5: Crochet the V Neck Slanting Downwards (towards the tip)
Note: We edited this section (July 24) to make it easier for beginners. If you used the original instructions that reduced “S” stitches in each row it will still work, however the instructions below are even more simple. We think it works better for beginners as it cuts out a step. Email us at [email protected] if you need any help relating the original instructions to the new instructions.
We will now reduce stitches in the vertical rows to create the V neck slant downwards. In the first row you will reduce it by “S x 2” stitches and in the second row you will crochet a regular half double crochet row that matches the height of first row.
In Kiks + Jack’s version we are reducing 6 stitches (S x 2) in every other row for 10 rows (R).
Remember we assume you are starting at the top of your top.
Row 1: sl st “S x 2” stitches, sl st one more st, ch2, hdc in same st, hdc across the row (towards the bottom). Turn
Row 2: ch2, hdc in 1st st, hdc across the row (towards the top) until the end. Turn
Tip: Place a stitch marker at the top to represent 2 rows. It will be very helpful in the next section when you match heights to corresponding rows.
Repeat Row 1 and Row 2 in that order until you have reached R number of rows. At this point measure your total width and it should equal your “Armpit to Centre of Chest Measurement”. Finish at the top and don’t fasten off.
Step 6: Crochet the V Neck Slanting Upwards (away from the tip)
Let’s start crocheting the V neck ascent. We will do this by crocheting chains on top of the vertical rows. This is opposite to the V neck descent where we made the vertical rows smaller by reducing the number of chains in the row.
Tip: It’s important that your V neck slant upwards is roughly symmetrical to your V neck slant downwards. We like to keep folding our V neck in half to check that it is roughly symmetrical. We find that this intuitive check is the best way to ensure the V neck slant upwards is roughly symmetrical. Do not worry if the edges on your V neck are not super even. We will be crocheting an edge around the V neck edge.
Step 1: ch2, hdc in 1st st, hdc across the row (towards the bottom) until the end. Turn. Ch2, hdc in 1st st, hdc across the row (towards the top) until the end. Do not turn. You will have crocheted 2 vertical rows and be at the top
Step 2: At the end of the row, ch “Sx2” stitches, plus ch 2 more. Turn. You should have a little tail sticking up on top of your row
Step 3: hdc into the 3rd chain from the hook, hdc across the entire row (towards the bottom). Turn. Ch2, hdc in 1st st, hdc across the row (towards the top) until the end. Do not turn. You will have crocheted 2 vertical rows and be at the top
Tip: Fold over your top to check that the height of this row matches the height of the corresponding row on the other side. We like to use the stitch markers you placed in each row to guide you. You should always do this after steps 2-3. Simply put, you are trying to ensure the V neck slant is roughly symmetrical.
Repeat Step 2-3 for a total of “R” rows and until the length of the V neck matches the other side.
Do not fasten off.
Step 7: Crochet the Second Shoulder Strap
You will now crochet regular full length rows until the second shoulder strap is equal to your first shoulder strap.
Step 1: ch2, hdc into 1st st, hdc across the row. Turn
Repeat Step 1 until the second shoulder strap is equal to your “Shoulder Strap Measurement” and your first shoulder strap. Once again we also like to use the intuitive method as a double check by folding our top in half to ensure the second strap matches the first strap.
Fasten off.
Crochet a Front Panel
Repeat all the instructions for the Back Panel to create an identical Front Panel.
Assembly and Finishing the Quinn Fast Summer Crochet Tank
Kiks + Jack Crochet highly recommends blocking your panels before assembly. We block our panels by pinning all the pieces on to an old yoga mat and manipulating the shape and edges so the front and back panel are similar. 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 dry.
Step 1: Seam the Front and Back Panel at the shoulder.
Place the front and back panels together with the right sides facing together. With a yarn needle, seam the two panels together across the shoulders starting from the edge and across the top.
Fasten off.
Step 2: Seam the Sides Together
Measure from the top at the shoulders and down the side, your “Armhole Depth Measurement” + 1 inch and place a stitch marker through both panels. Do the same on the other side.
For example, our armhole depth measurement is equal to 7 inches so we measure 8 inches (7 + 1= 8 inches) from the top of the sweater down the side and place a stitch marker through both panels. This will be the bottom of the sleeve opening.
Kiks + Jack Crochet Tip: Try it on and see if you are comfortable with the arm opening. Adjust the stitch markers if necessary and make sure it is even on both sides.
Double check the panels are facing wrong side up (right sides together). With a yarn needle and matching yarn, seam the two panels together from the bottom up to the stitch markers on both sides.
Fasten off.
Crochet around the V Neckline
Attach yarn at the top of the V neck on the left side. We used very draping yarn and a hdc stitch around the neckline. If your yarn has less drape you may find single crochets work better. If you are using single crochets you should chain 1 instead of a chain 2 at the start of the round.
Round 1: ch2, hdc around the V neckline evenly, sl st to join
Tip: For Round 1, keep the stitches loose. It is more important that the hdc are evening out the V neck than the actual number of hdc stitches.
Round 2-3: ch2, hdc in 1st st, hdc around, sl st to join
Tip: We crocheted 3 rounds, however feel free to stop after 1-2 rounds, whatever looks best with your yarn!
Fasten off.
Crochet a Ruffle Edge around the Base
This is an optional small ruffle edge around the bottom of your tank top. We really like how it gave a raw deconstructed look (without it actually being raw). Another option is to follow the same edging you crocheted around the V neckline.
Row 1: ch 1, sc in the 1st st, sc evenly around the base of the tank top, sl st to join
Row 2: ch3, sc in 1st st, *ch3, sc in next st, rep from * until the end of the round, sl st to join.
Fasten off.
Crochet around the sides
You can crochet a single crochet around the armholes as an optional edge. We have tried this is in another version with a slightly smaller hook size and it gives it a neater edge. Once again if you prefer the slightly more raw deconstructed look you can leave this step out.
Row 1: ch 1, sc evenly around the armhole, sl st to join
Fasten off.
Finish & Celebrate The Quinn Fast Summer Crochet Tank Top
Weave in all your ends.
Congratulations you have finished The Quinn Fast Summer Crochet Tank. We hope you enjoyed this free crochet pattern.
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