Beginner
What the pattern's own author called it. Nothing here is graded again.
Garments 4 Laid out for paper No account, no download
A beginner’s guide to a two-panel crochet tank top
A top-down tank top worked in two flat panels with alternating double crochet and mesh rows, shaped by increase rows on
- Skill
- Beginner
- Time
- 4-6 hours
- Yarn weight
- Worsted
- Hook
- 5 mm
- Rounds
- 4
Worsted
What the sample was worked in. Any weight works; the size moves with it.
4
Each one is typed out whole and gets its own line.
This tank top takes shape as two flat panels, worked from the shoulder down to the underarm, then joined at the sides and straps. Each panel alternates a solid double crochet row with an open mesh row, so the fabric builds drape without extra weight. Rows repeat until you reach your desired length to the underarm; the front panel also works increase rows to flare the sides, while the back panel repeats the same stitch pattern without shaping. Before picking up the hook, have cotton yarn, a 5mm hook, scissors, a yarn needle, and stitch markers ready, along with a chest measurement for your starting chain.
Common mistakes and their fixes
- Chaining an odd stitch count
- The dc and mesh rows need an even number of starting chains plus the turning chains; count the chain twice before turning the first row.
- Skipping the back bump start
- Working into the top loop of the foundation chain instead of the back bump shifts the stitch count; check Row 1 before continuing across the row.
- Adding increases to the back panel
- Only the front panel takes the Increase Row; keep the back panel's rows flat so the back seam stays straight.
The materials list
- Cotton yarn (e.g., Modern Cotton by Berroco, weight 4 yarn)
- 5mm crochet hook
- Scissors
- Yarn needle
- Stitch markers
Listed by the pattern's own author, in their words.
Key to this pattern, 4 short forms
Front Panel
Starting the Top
Chain (ch) an even number of stitches that span from one shoulder to the opposite side of your chest. For example, if the measurement is 44 chains (ch), ensure it's an even number for the stitch pattern to work. Add 2 additional chains (ch) as your turning chain.
Row 1
(Double Crochet Row): Turn your chain, and starting from the third ch from the hook, make a double crochet (dc) into the back bumps of the chain. Continue with dc all the way across. Turn your work, preparing for the next row.
Row 2
Mesh Stitch Row Start with ch 3 (counts as dc and ch 1). Skip the first dc, dc in the next stitch, ch 1, skip 1 stitch. Repeat from * to * across, ending with a dc in the last stitch.Repeat Row 1 and Row 2 until you reach your desired length down to where your armpits would be, alternating between the solid dc row and the mesh stitch row.After establishing the basic fabric, you'll begin to make increases to accommodate the width of the back.
Increase Row
For each increase row: Work 2 dc in the first stitch and 2 dc in the last stitch of the row, creating a gradual flare.Alternate an increase row with a regular row of the established stitch pattern to maintain the shape of the tank top.
Back Panel
Replicate the front panel stitch pattern and row count but without increases for a simple fit across the back.
Assembly, in order
Step 1Shoulder Straps: After both panels are completed, determine the width of the shoulder straps by connecting a few points between the front and back panels at the top.
Step 2Use slip stitches or single crochets (sc) to join the panels together at these points, leaving space for the head opening.
Step 3Side Seams: Align the side edges of the front and back panels.
Step 4Use slip stitches or sc to join the panels from the bottom up to under the arm area (where the increases start).
Step 5Weave in any remaining ends with a yarn needle.
Step 6Optional: Block your tank top by wetting it, shaping to size, and allowing it to dry for the best fit and finish.
Check these before you start
- The pattern can be adjusted for size by increasing or decreasing the initial chain number and modifying the increase sections accordingly.
- If you're new to crochet or garment making, it might help to frequently try it on to ensure a good fit.
On one line
| Rounds | 4 |
|---|---|
| Parts | 2 |
| Level | Beginner |
| Time | 4-6 hours |
| Hook | 5 mm |
| Yarn | Worsted |
Set-up
- Measure your chest and calculate an even starting chain, then add two turning chains before the first stitch.
- Set out stitch markers to flag where the front panel's Increase Row falls, so the flare stays even on both sides.
- Read the front panel's Increase Row instructions before reaching the underarm, since the back panel's row count repeats flat without this shaping.
Construction
The front panel's Increase Row adds stitches at both edges and alternates with a plain repeat row, so the flare at the underarm builds gradually rather than in one jump.
Both panels are worked flat, row by row, because the two-piece construction only becomes a wearable tube once the side seams are sewn after each panel is complete.
Photographs of this one
Every one was taken by whoever published the pattern, in the order the source listed them.
Common questions
These answers came from whoever first published the pattern, kept word for word.