The Astoria Simple Lace Crochet Top is a free and easy crochet pattern that is made to measure and size inclusive. It is designed to be intuitive and is written for beginners.
We have been crocheting a lot of simple basic tees for summer this year. Our first love has always been the crochet mesh, but more recently we have really enjoyed making and wearing basic crochet tees and short sleeved tops.
One day we will crochet a very very simple white tee made only from single or half double crochets. We often start out with that intention, but then the thrill of adding a new stitch pattern, or a colour change gets us so excited. As a result we often end up with these short sleeved tops with gorgeous lace and multiple stitch changes, like The Astoria Simple Lace Crochet Top!
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.
The Astoria Simple Lace Crochet Top uses a really fun clustered stitch. One row involves multiple double crochets into one stitch and the other row uses the 3dctog (3 double crochets together). It’s one of those stitches that may seem complicated at first, but once you understand it you will love how it moves so easily on and off your crochet hook. It’s that perfect crochet dance between yarn and hook that we are always seeking!
To make this top we used one of our favourite yarns. It’s very affordable and we love how soft it is. It’s a cotton and acrylic blend and comes in a range of beautiful colours. You can find all the details in the section “Crochet Materials” below.
Although we do love a good boatneck off the shoulder design, we kept the neckline tight and high for The Astoria Simple Lace Crochet Top. When we finished we decided to add a contrasting colour to the base of the top, the sleeves and the neckline. It completely changed the feel and style of the top. You could wear this under a jacket in a more formal setting, or team it with jeans, shorts and skirts for a casual look.
If you are looking for more cute tee tops, check out The Sea to Sky Laced Short Sleeve, The Holiday Lace and Mesh Crochet Top and The Work to Weekend Pretty Lace Crochet Tee Top.
Let’s get you started on this easy crochet pattern, The Astoria Simple Lace Crochet Top. Tag us your work in progress on social media and we promise to cheer you on.
DESCRIPTION of The Astoria Simple Lace Crochet Top
The Astoria Simple Lace Crochet Top is a short sleeved top using two stitch patterns. The first stitch pattern is a clustered lace design and the second stitch pattern is a basic stitch that gives the top some structure. It is designed to be slightly oversized however you can customize this based on your desired fit.
The Astoria Simple Lace Crochet Top features a simple, high crew neck design. The sleeves are short with a lacy finish. We added a contrasting trim to the base of the top, the sleeves and the neckline.
The Astoria Simple Lace Crochet Top is a made to measure, size inclusive, and beginner friendly pattern. It can accommodate different yarn gauges.
CROCHET MEASUREMENT & SIZES
The Astoria Simple Lace Crochet 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 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 the Astoria Simple Lace Crochet Top 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 below 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 ie. just above the hips.
Armhole Depth: Measure from the top outside edge of the shoulder down to the armpit
Length to armpit: Measure from armpit to where you would like the sleeve to end. For this version we kept our sleeves short from about mid upper arm.
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 for XS (S, M , L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL) 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 Astoria Simple Lace Crochet Top is designed as a classic fit with some positive ease.
CROCHET GAUGE
Using a crochet hook size 4 mm (US size 6) approximately 18 stitches and 12 rows of double crochet in 4″ x 4″ (10 cm x 10 cm).
The Astoria Simple Lace Crochet Top pattern can accommodate for yarns with different gauges, however try to select a yarn and hook with a gauge similar to this version.
CROCHET MATERIALS for The Astoria Simple Lace Crochet Top
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Yarn brand: Softee Cotton by Bernat. Weight 3/DK/Light Worsted. 120g per skein and 254 yards (or 232 m). We used the colour Cotton.
Note that if you want to add a contrasting trim you will need to purchase this too. We used Black.
Other yarns that we would love to try with this pattern include:
24/7 Cotton by Lion Brand Yarns or purchased here on Amazon.
Happy Place by Hobbii. This is a cotton wool blend and is one of our favourite cotton blend yarns.
Approximately 2.8 skeins of Softee Cotton or 720 yards (or 657 m) used for our garment (approximately XS) with a finished width of 17 inches and a finished length of 18 inches.
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 them 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
The Astoria Simple Lace Crochet Top pattern uses US terminology.
ch = chain (With one loop on your hook, yarn over and pull through the loop)
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)
dc = 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 the first two loops. You now have two loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through all two loops)
dc3tog = double crochet 3 together (*Yarn over and insert hook into desired stitch. Yarn over and pull through the stitch. Yarn over and pull through two loops. Repeat from * two more times. Yarn over and pull through all 4 loops on the hook).
hdc2tog = half double crochet 2 stitches together (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 insert hook into next stitch. Yarn over and pull through the stitch. You now have five loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through all the loops) There are a number of ways to crochet a hdc2tog, however I find this way is great for beginners. Feel free to use another technique for hdc2tog if that works better for you.
tch = turning chain
sl st = slip stitch
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 CONSTRUCTION for The Astoria Simple Lace Crochet Top
The Astoria Simple Lace Crochet Top is made by first crocheting a back panel and an identical front panel. We will start by crocheting the panels bottom up. We will then crochet the neckline on both panels after customizing the neckline opening.
The two panels will then be seamed together. Small lacy sleeves will be crocheted directly on to the panels. A simple contrasting edge will be added to the base of the top, sleeves and neckline.
This pattern is made to measure and can accommodate for different gauges.
PERMISSIONS AND COPYRIGHT for The Astoria Simple Lace Crochet Top
Please do not publish or share this pattern as your own. You may crochet items to sell using The Astoria Simple Lace Crochet Top 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 The Astoria Simple Lace Crochet Top
Crochet the Main Back Panel
Calculate the length of your foundation chain as follows:
| Halve your “Chest/Bust Measurement“ | Our chest/bust measurement = 32 inches aroundHalf our chest/bust measurement = 32/2 = 16 inches |
| Add additional 1-2 inches for positive ease | 16 + 1 = 17 inches |
Chain a length as calculated above counting the number of chains at the same time. Do not pull the chain too tight when you measure it.
Make sure the total number of chains is a multiple of 3. If the total number of chains is not a multiple of 3, then increase the number of chains so that the total number of chains is a multiple of 3. If you already have a multiple of 3 then keep it as is.
Chain 1 more.
Kiks + Jack Crochet Example: Our chest/bust measurement = 32 inches around and we have to chain 17 inches as per our calculation above. We reached 17 inches after chaining 75 chains. 75 is a multiple of 3. We add 1 extra chain to make the total number of chains 76.
Row 1: ch4, 3dc in 5th ch from hook, *sk 2ch, 3dc in next ch, rep from * across to end of row and end with a dc in last ch. Turn
Row 2: ch4, *dc3tog in next 3dc cluster, ch2, rep from * across to end of row ending with dc in top of tch. Turn
Here is a reminder on how to crochet a dc3tog = double crochet 3 together (*Yarn over and insert hook into desired stitch. Yarn over and pull through the stitch. Yarn over and pull through two loops. Repeat from * two more times. Yarn over and pull through all 4 loops on the hook).
Row 3: ch3, *3dc in top of next cluster, rep from * to end of row ending with dc in 3rd ch of tch. Turn.
Row 4: repeat row 2
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 to check. 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 making sure you follow all the rules relating to the stitch multiples.
Row 5: repeat row 3
Row 6: repeat row 2
Row 7: repeat row 3
Row 8: ch2, hdc in first st, hdc across the row, hdc in the last st. Count the hdc stitches as you crochet this row and make sure you finish with the same number of hdc stitches as your foundation chain.
In Kiks + Jack’s example we would crochet 76 hdc stitches in Row 8.
Row 9-10: repeat row 8
Row 11: ch4, 3dc in 2nd st, *sk 2st, 3dc in next st, rep from * across to end of row and end with a dc in last st. Turn
Repeat rows 2-11 in that order until the total length is equal to your “Finished Length Measurement” less 1-2 inches (depending on how deep you would like your neckline). The neckline will be crocheted as half double crochets so try to finish on a row 8.
In Kiks + Jack’s example our Finished Length Measurement is approximately 18 inches, so we stopped at approximately 17 inches finishing on a row 8.
Do not fasten off.
Measure the Neckline on the Back Panel
We will now measure out the neckline opening on the back panel.
Measure the same distance on each side of your panel to represent the start and finish of your neck opening. We wanted a tighter neckline and measured 6 inches in from each side (our total width is approximately 17 inches). Use locking stitch markers to mark out the neck opening.
You can place it up against you to double check you are happy with it.
If you would like it tighter then move the stitch markers closer to your neck. If you would like the neck opening wider, then move the stitch markers away from your neck. Make sure it is the same distance (use a measuring tape) on either side of the back panel.
Crochet the Neckline on the Back Panel
Using the same working yarn:
Row 1: ch2, hdc in first st, hdc across the row towards the stitch marker, hdc2tog the last two stitches (the stitch before the stitch marker and the stitch with the stitch marker in it). Turn
Row 2: ch2, hdc2tog the first 2 stitches, hdc across towards the edge of the top, hdc in the last st. Turn
Row 3: ch2, hdc in first st, hdc across the row towards the centre, hdc2tog the last 2 stitches. Turn
Kiks + Jack Crochet stopped after 3 rows as this was sufficient depth for a tight high neckline and to reach our “Finished Length Measurement”. If you would like your neckline to be deeper you may want to continue crocheting a few more rows 2-3 in that order until the total length of your top reaches the “Finished Length Measurement” and you are happy with the depth of the neckline.
Finish off.
Repeat the instructions on the other side of the back panel.
You should now have a back panel completed with a tight crew neckline. You will be adding a trim around this neckline so don’t worry too much if you neckline isn’t completely rounded and smooth.
Crochet the Main Front Panel
Repeat all the instructions under the Back Panel so that you have an identical Front Panel.
Assembling the Astoria Simple Lace Crochet Top
Kiks + Jack Crochet highly recommends blocking all your panels before assembly. Blocking your panels will set your panels to the shape and size you want and give it a polished look.
Kiks + Jack Crochet 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 bone dry.
Place the two panels together with the right side facing together and the wrong side facing outwards.
Using a yarn needle and matching yarn, seam the two shoulders together. Attach a yarn on the left side and seam (on the wrong side) across to the first stitch marker that is marking out the start of your neckline. Do the same on the other side.
Measure the “Armhole Depth Measurement“+ 2 inches from the top edge towards the bottom edge on the front and back panel, and place a locking stitch marker clipping both panels. This will mark the bottom of your sleeve opening under the armpit.
Do the same on the other side of the top.
You may want to try the top on again and see if you are comfortable with the armhole depth. Make sure you use the same measurement on both sides. We recommend giving yourself a generous armhole depth for this stitch pattern.
Using a yarn needle and matching yarn seam the sides of your top together (make sure you are seaming on the wrong side and right sides are facing together). Start from the bottom edge and seam all the way up to the stitch markers.
(See diagram below – illustrative purposes only)
Do the same on the other side.
You should now have two panels seamed together at the shoulders and the sides, with arm openings. We will now crochet the sleeves directly on.
Crochet the Sleeves
You will now be crocheting directly around the sleeve opening.
Turn the top right side out.
Attach yarn at the stitch marker (at the bottom near the armpit).
Round 1: ch1 (place a stitch marker for reference in the chain 1), sc evenly around the armhole. We suggest 2sc into each space and 1sc into each st. Try to be even and don’t make the sc stitches too far apart. End the row on a multiple of 3 stitches. At the end of the row sl st into the ch1.
Round 2: ch4, 3dc in 2nd st, *sk 2st, 3dc in next st, rep from * across to end of round, dc in final st and end with a sl st to top of tch.
Round 3: ch4, *dc3tog in next 3dc cluster, ch2, rep from * across to end of round, dc in final st and end with a sl st to top of tch.
Round 4: ch3, *3dc in top of next cluster, rep from * across to end of round, dc in final st, and end with a sl st to top of tch.
Kiks + Jack Crochet Tip: we suggest you “try it on” after 4 rounds of sleeve. Does it feel comfortable? Is it too tight? You may need to frog and make some adjustments if necessary, however it is best to make these adjustments before you complete the sleeve.
Repeat round 3 – 4 in that order until your sleeve reaches the “Arm Length Measurement”.
Fasten off.
Repeat the sleeve on the other side of the top so that it is identical.
Crochet around the neckline, base and sleeves
We did a simple single crochet around the neckline, base and sleeves using a contrasting colour for the Kiks + Jack version. This is optional or you could crochet this edge in the same colour as the main panel so you neaten the edges but do not have the contrast.
Attach contrasting (or not) yarn to the side of the neckline, sleeve and/or base of your top.
ch1, sc around, sl st to join. Once again try to sc around evenly and don’t make it too tight.
Fasten off.
Celebrate The Astoria Simple Lace Crochet Top
Weave in all your ends.
Congratulations you have finished The Astoria Simple Lace Crochet Top and we hope you enjoyed this free crochet pattern.
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