If you are looking for a handmade cropped top that feels as cool to wear as it is pretty to look at, try making this one. It is super girly thanks to the little bows that fasten at the sides, it is so openwork it almost looks like lace so it is practically weightless to wear, and it is made with Baratti, a 100% cotton yarn.

Here we have styled it in a layered outfit, with a simple white tank top and a pair of jeans. But you can also wear it over a nude bandeau top, or even over a shirt, why not.

Choose your favourite Baratti shade in our online shop, then start the pattern.

Tutorial: how to crochet a lacy cropped top

MATERIALS
Baratti yarn col. Pink 150 g / 5.3 oz
Crochet hook n° 3 EU / D US
Tapestry needle

GAUGE – FANTASY MESH STITCH
10 cm x 10 cm / 4″ x 4″
10 repeats and 10 rows

CROCHET STITCHES USED
Chain stitch
Slip stitch
Single crochet
Double crochet
Treble crochet
Fantasy mesh stitch:
(work over an even number of stitches)
row 1: chain 3 (counts as 1 double crochet), repeat (chain 1, skip the next stitch, 1 double crochet in the next stitch) to the end of the row, turn
row 2: chain 4 (counts as 1 treble crochet), 1 treble crochet in the next chain, repeat (chain 1, skip the next double crochet, 1 treble crochet in the next chain) to the last stitch, 1 treble crochet in the last stitch, turn
row 3: chain 1 (counts as 1 single crochet), work 1 single crochet in each following treble crochet and chain to the end of the row, turn
repeat rows 1 to 3

SIZES
Instructions are given for size S (M, L)

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS SIZE S (M, L)
Bust circumference 84 (86, 88) cm / 33″ (33.8″, 34.6″)
Total length 44 (46, 48) cm / 17.3″ (18.1″, 20″)
Length from underarm 13 (14, 15.5) cm / 5.1″ (5.5″, 6.1″)
Neck opening 10 (10, 11) cm / 4″ (4″, 4.3″)

DIFFICULTY
Advanced

METHOD

The top is worked flat in 2 pieces, back and front. The edgings are worked afterwards in the round. The shoulders are joined with crochet and the sides are left open, held only by a pair of ties knotted in a bow.

How to crochet the back

With crochet hook n° 3 EU / D US, chain 88 (90, 92) stitches.

Row 1: chain 3 (counts as 1 double crochet), work 1 double crochet in each following chain to the end of the row, turn
row 2: chain 4 (counts as 1 double crochet and 1 chain), 1 double crochet in the space between the second and third double crochets below, repeat (chain 1, skip the stitch below next to the double crochet just made and the following stitch, work 1 double crochet in the space between the second skipped stitch and the next stitch) to the last 3 stitches (the first of these 3 stitches is the one next to the last stitch of the last repeat you will work), chain 1, skip the next 2 stitches, 1 double crochet in the last stitch, turn
row 3: chain 4 (counts as 1 treble crochet), 1 treble crochet in the next chain, repeat (chain 1, skip the next double crochet, 1 treble crochet in the next chain) to the last stitch, 1 treble crochet in the last stitch, turn
row 4: chain 1 (counts as 1 single crochet), work 1 single crochet in each following treble crochet and chain to the end of the row, turn
row 5: chain 3 (counts as 1 double crochet), repeat (chain 1, skip the next stitch, 1 double crochet in the next stitch) to the end of the row, turn
row 6: chain 4 (counts as 1 treble crochet), 1 treble crochet in the next chain, repeat (chain 1, skip the next double crochet, 1 treble crochet in the next chain) to the last stitch, 1 treble crochet in the last stitch, turn
row 7: chain 1 (counts as 1 single crochet), work 1 single crochet in each following treble crochet and chain to the end of the row, turn. Rows 5 to 7 set the fantasy mesh stitch pattern
rows 8 to 13: repeat rows 5 to 7 twice more.

Instructions now continue separately for the 3 sizes.

SIZE S
Begin side decreases for the armholes.

Row 14: decrease 2 stitches for the armhole by working chain 3 and 2 double crochets together over the first 3 stitches, repeat (chain 1, skip the next stitch, 1 double crochet in the next stitch) to the last 4 stitches, chain 1, skip the next stitch, decrease 2 stitches for the armhole by working 3 double crochets together over the last 3 stitches, turn
row 15: decrease 2 stitches for the armhole by working chain 4 and 2 treble crochets together over the first 3 stitches, work 1 treble crochet in the next chain, repeat (chain 1, skip the next double crochet, 1 treble crochet in the next chain) to the last 3 stitches, decrease 2 stitches for the armhole by working 3 treble crochets together over the last 3 stitches, turn
row 16: decrease 2 stitches for the armhole by working chain 1 and 2 single crochets together over the first 3 stitches, work 1 single crochet in each following treble crochet and chain to the last 3 stitches, decrease 2 stitches for the armhole by working 3 single crochets together over the last 3 stitches, turn
rows 17 to 22: repeat rows 14 to 16 twice more. The armhole decreases are complete
row 23: chain 3 (counts as 1 double crochet), repeat (chain 1, skip the next stitch, 1 double crochet in the next stitch) to the end of the row, turn
row 24: chain 4 (counts as 1 treble crochet), 1 treble crochet in the next chain, repeat (chain 1, skip the next double crochet, 1 treble crochet in the next chain) to the last stitch, 1 treble crochet in the last stitch, turn
row 25: chain 1 (counts as 1 single crochet), work 1 single crochet in each following treble crochet and chain to the end of the row, turn
rows 26 to 40: repeat rows 23 to 25 five more times
rows 41 and 42: repeat rows 23 and 24. From the next row, shape the neckline
row 43: chain 1 (counts as 1 single crochet), work 1 single crochet in each following treble crochet and chain for a total of 16 single crochets, turn without working the remaining stitches
row 44: decrease 1 stitch for the neckline by working chain 3 and 1 double crochet together over the first 2 stitches, work 1 double crochet in the next stitch, repeat (chain 1, skip the next stitch, 1 double crochet in the next stitch) to the end of the row. Fasten off. The first side is complete.

Now resume working on the stitches of the second side: skip the 17 center stitches for the neckline, those after the last stitch of row 43 of the first side corresponding to 9 mesh repeats, join the yarn in the next stitch and work the second side as for the first, but mirrored. Fasten off.

SIZE M
Row 14: chain 3 (counts as 1 double crochet), repeat (chain 1, skip the next stitch, 1 double crochet in the next stitch) to the end of the row, turn. From the next row begin the side decreases for the armholes
row 15: decrease 2 stitches for the armhole by working chain 4 and 2 treble crochets together over the first 3 stitches, work 1 treble crochet in the next chain, repeat (chain 1, skip the next double crochet, 1 treble crochet in the next chain) to the last 3 stitches, decrease 2 stitches for the armhole by working 3 treble crochets together over the last 3 stitches, turn
row 16: decrease 2 stitches for the armhole by working chain 1 and 2 single crochets together over the first 3 stitches, work 1 single crochet in each following treble crochet and chain to the last 3 stitches, decrease 2 stitches for the armhole by working 3 single crochets together over the last 3 stitches, turn
row 17: decrease 2 stitches for the armhole by working chain 3 and 2 double crochets together over the first 3 stitches, repeat (chain 1, skip the next stitch, 1 double crochet in the next stitch) to the last 4 stitches, chain 1, skip the next stitch, decrease 2 stitches for the armhole by working 3 double crochets together over the last 3 stitches, turn
rows 18 to 23: repeat rows 15 to 17 twice more. The armhole decreases are complete
row 24: chain 4 (counts as 1 treble crochet), 1 treble crochet in the next chain, repeat (chain 1, skip the next double crochet, 1 treble crochet in the next chain) to the last stitch, 1 treble crochet in the last stitch, turn
row 25: chain 1 (counts as 1 single crochet), work 1 single crochet in each following treble crochet and chain to the end of the row, turn
row 26: chain 3 (counts as 1 double crochet), repeat (chain 1, skip the next stitch, 1 double crochet in the next stitch) to the end of the row, turn
rows 27 to 44: repeat rows 24 to 26 six more times. From the next row, shape the neckline
row 45: chain 4 (counts as 1 treble crochet), 1 treble crochet in the next chain, repeat (chain 1, skip the next double crochet, 1 treble crochet in the next chain) 7 times, 1 treble crochet in the next chain, turn without working the remaining stitches
row 46: chain 1 (counts as 1 single crochet), work 1 single crochet in each following treble crochet and chain to the end of the row. Fasten off. The first side is complete.

Now resume working on the stitches of the second side: skip the 19 center stitches for the neckline, those after the last stitch of row 45 of the first side corresponding to 10 mesh repeats, join the yarn in the next stitch and work the second side as for the first. Fasten off.

SIZE L
Row 14: chain 3 (counts as 1 double crochet), repeat (chain 1, skip the next stitch, 1 double crochet in the next stitch) to the end of the row, turn
row 15: chain 4 (counts as 1 treble crochet), 1 treble crochet in the next chain, repeat (chain 1, skip the next double crochet, 1 treble crochet in the next chain) to the last stitch, 1 treble crochet in the last stitch, turn. From the next row begin the side decreases for the armholes
row 16: decrease 2 stitches for the armhole by working chain 1 and 2 single crochets together over the first 3 stitches, work 1 single crochet in each following treble crochet and chain to the last 3 stitches, decrease 2 stitches for the armhole by working 3 single crochets together over the last 3 stitches, turn
row 17: decrease 2 stitches for the armhole by working chain 3 and 2 double crochets together over the first 3 stitches, repeat (chain 1, skip the next stitch, 1 double crochet in the next stitch) to the last 4 stitches, chain 1, skip the next stitch, decrease 2 stitches for the armhole by working 3 double crochets together over the last 3 stitches, turn
row 18: decrease 2 stitches for the armhole by working chain 4 and 2 treble crochets together over the first 3 stitches, work 1 treble crochet in the next chain, repeat (chain 1, skip the next double crochet, 1 treble crochet in the next chain) to the last 3 stitches, decrease 2 stitches for the armhole by working 3 treble crochets together over the last 3 stitches, turn
rows 19 to 24: repeat rows 16 to 18 twice more. The armhole decreases are complete
row 25: chain 1 (counts as 1 single crochet), work 1 single crochet in each following treble crochet and chain to the end of the row, turn
row 26: chain 3 (counts as 1 double crochet), repeat (chain 1, skip the next stitch, 1 double crochet in the next stitch) to the end of the row, turn
row 27: chain 4 (counts as 1 treble crochet), 1 treble crochet in the next chain, repeat (chain 1, skip the next double crochet, 1 treble crochet in the next chain) to the last stitch, 1 treble crochet in the last stitch, turn
rows 28 to 45: repeat rows 25 to 27 six more times
row 46: work as row 25. From the next row, shape the neckline
row 47: chain 3 (counts as 1 double crochet), repeat (chain 1, skip the next stitch, 1 double crochet in the next stitch) 8 times, turn without working the remaining stitches
row 48: chain 4 (counts as 1 treble crochet), 1 treble crochet in the next chain, repeat (chain 1, skip the next double crochet, 1 treble crochet in the next chain) to the last stitch, 1 treble crochet in the last stitch. Fasten off. The first side is complete.

Now resume working on the stitches of the second side: skip the 21 center stitches for the neckline, those after the last stitch of row 47 of the first side corresponding to 11 mesh repeats, join the yarn in the next stitch and work the second side as for the first. Fasten off.

How to crochet the front

With crochet hook n° 3 EU / D US, chain 88 (90, 92) stitches and work as for the back to row 17 (18, 20). From the next row, while continuing the side decreases for the armholes as for the back, divide the work and continue each side separately for the neckline; instructions follow for each size.

SIZE S
Row 18: decrease 2 stitches for the armhole by working chain 4 and 2 treble crochets together over the first 3 stitches, work 1 treble crochet in the next chain, repeat (chain 1, skip the next double crochet, 1 treble crochet in the next chain) 14 times, chain 1, skip the next double crochet, decrease 1 stitch for the neckline by working 2 treble crochets together over the next 2 stitches, turn without working the remaining stitches. Continue only on the stitches of this second side
row 19: decrease 2 stitches for the neckline by working chain 1 and 2 single crochets together over the first 3 stitches, work 1 single crochet in each following treble crochet and chain to the last 3 stitches, decrease 2 stitches for the armhole by working 3 single crochets together over the last 3 stitches, turn
row 20: decrease 2 stitches for the armhole by working chain 3 and 2 double crochets together over the first 3 stitches, repeat (chain 1, skip the next stitch, 1 double crochet in the next stitch) to the last 3 stitches, chain 1, skip the next stitch, decrease 1 stitch for the neckline by working 2 double crochets together over the last 2 stitches, turn
row 21: decrease 2 stitches for the neckline by working chain 4 and 2 treble crochets together over the first 3 stitches, work 1 treble crochet in the next chain, repeat (chain 1, skip the next double crochet, 1 treble crochet in the next chain) to the last 3 stitches, decrease 2 stitches for the armhole by working 3 treble crochets together over the last 3 stitches, turn
row 22: decrease 2 stitches for the armhole by working chain 1 and 2 single crochets together over the first 3 stitches, work 1 single crochet in each following treble crochet and chain to the last 2 stitches, decrease 1 stitch for the neckline by working 2 single crochets together over the last 2 stitches, turn. The armhole decreases are complete
row 23: decrease 2 stitches for the neckline by working chain 3 and 2 double crochets together over the first 3 stitches, work 1 double crochet in the next stitch, repeat (chain 1, skip the next stitch, 1 double crochet in the next stitch) to the end of the row, turn. The neckline decreases are complete
row 24: chain 4 (counts as 1 treble crochet), 1 treble crochet in the next chain, repeat (chain 1, skip the next double crochet, 1 treble crochet in the next chain) to the end of the row, turn
row 25: chain 1 (counts as 1 single crochet), work 1 single crochet in each following treble crochet and chain to the end of the row, turn
row 26: chain 3 (counts as 1 double crochet), repeat (chain 1, skip the next stitch, 1 double crochet in the next stitch) to the last stitch, 1 double crochet in the last stitch, turn
rows 27 to 44: repeat rows 24 to 26 six more times. Fasten off.

Now resume working on the stitches of the first side: skip the center stitch, the one after the last stitch of row 18 of the second side, which forms the tip of the V-neck, join the yarn in the next stitch and work the first side as for the second, but mirrored. Fasten off.

SIZE M
Row 19: decrease 2 stitches for the armhole by working chain 1 and 2 single crochets together over the first 3 stitches, work 1 single crochet in each following treble crochet and chain for a total of 31 stitches, decrease 1 stitch for the neckline by working 2 single crochets together over the next 2 stitches, turn without working the remaining stitches. Now continue only on the stitches of this first side
row 20: decrease 2 stitches for the neckline by working chain 3 and 2 double crochets together over the first 3 stitches, repeat (chain 1, skip the next stitch, 1 double crochet in the next stitch) to the last 4 stitches, chain 1, skip the next double crochet, decrease 2 stitches for the armhole by working 3 double crochets together over the last 3 stitches, turn
row 21: decrease 2 stitches for the armhole by working chain 4 and 2 treble crochets together over the first 3 stitches, work 1 treble crochet in the next chain, repeat (chain 1, skip the next double crochet, 1 treble crochet in the next chain) to the last 3 stitches, decrease 2 stitches for the neckline by working 3 treble crochets together over the last 3 stitches, turn
row 22: decrease 2 stitches for the neckline by working chain 1 and 2 single crochets together over the first 3 stitches, then work 1 single crochet in each following treble crochet and chain to the last 3 stitches, decrease 2 stitches for the armhole by working 3 single crochets together over the last 3 stitches
row 23: decrease 2 stitches for the armhole by working chain 3 and 2 double crochets together over the first 3 stitches, repeat (chain 1, skip the next stitch, 1 double crochet in the next stitch) to the last 4 stitches, chain 1, skip the next stitch, decrease 2 stitches for the neckline by working 3 double crochets together over the last 3 stitches, turn. The armhole and neckline decreases are complete
row 24: chain 4 (counts as 1 treble crochet), work 1 treble crochet in the next chain, repeat (chain 1, skip the next double crochet, 1 treble crochet in the next chain) to the last stitch, 1 treble crochet in the last stitch, turn
row 25: chain 1 (counts as 1 single crochet), work 1 single crochet in each following treble crochet and chain to the end of the row, turn
row 26: chain 3 (counts as 1 double crochet), repeat (chain 1, skip the next stitch, 1 double crochet in the next stitch) to the end of the row, turn
rows 27 to 46: repeat rows 24 to 26 six more times, then work rows 24 and 25 once more. Fasten off.

Now resume working on the stitches of the second side: skip the center stitch, the one after the last stitch of row 19 of the first side, which forms the tip of the V-neck, join the yarn in the next stitch and work the second side as for the first, but mirrored. Fasten off.

SIZE L
Row 21: decrease 2 stitches for the armhole by working chain 4 and 2 treble crochets together over the first 3 stitches, work 1 treble crochet in the next chain, repeat (chain 1, skip the next double crochet, 1 treble crochet in the next chain) 14 times, decrease 2 stitches for the neckline by working 3 treble crochets together over the next 3 stitches, turn without working the remaining stitches. Now continue only on the stitches of this first side
row 22: decrease 2 stitches for the neckline by working chain 1 and 2 single crochets together over the first 3 stitches, then work 1 single crochet in each following treble crochet and chain to the last 3 stitches, decrease 2 stitches for the armhole by working 3 single crochets together over the last 3 stitches
row 23: decrease 2 stitches for the armhole by working chain 3 and 2 double crochets together over the first 3 stitches, repeat (chain 1, skip the next stitch, 1 double crochet in the next stitch) to the last 3 stitches, decrease 2 stitches for the neckline by working 3 double crochets together over the last 3 stitches, turn
row 24: decrease 2 stitches for the neckline by working chain 4 and 2 treble crochets together over the first 3 stitches, work 1 treble crochet in the next chain, repeat (chain 1, skip the next double crochet, 1 treble crochet in the next chain) to the last 3 stitches, decrease 2 stitches for the armhole by working 3 treble crochets together over the last 3 stitches. The armhole decreases are complete
row 25: chain 1 (counts as 1 single crochet), work 1 single crochet in each following treble crochet and chain to the last 3 stitches, decrease 2 stitches for the neckline by working 3 single crochets together over the last 3 stitches. The neckline decreases are complete
row 26: chain 3 (counts as 1 double crochet), repeat (chain 1, skip the next stitch, 1 double crochet in the next stitch) to the end of the row, turn
row 27: chain 4 (counts as 1 treble crochet), 1 treble crochet in the next chain, repeat (chain 1, skip the next double crochet, 1 treble crochet in the next chain) to the last stitch, 1 treble crochet in the last stitch, turn
row 28: chain 1 (counts as 1 single crochet), work 1 single crochet in each following treble crochet and chain to the end of the row, turn
rows 29 to 48: repeat rows 26 to 28 six more times, then work rows 26 and 27 once more. Fasten off.

Now resume working on the stitches of the second side: skip the center stitch, the one after the last stitch of row 21 of the first side, which forms the tip of the V-neck, join the yarn in the next stitch and work the second side as for the first, but mirrored. Fasten off.

Finishing and edging

Join the shoulders by working 1 row of slip stitch: insert crochet hook n° 3 EU / D US first into a front shoulder stitch, then into the corresponding back shoulder stitch and work 1 slip stitch. For the entire outer edge (back lower edge, whole first side edge of back and front, front lower edge, whole second side edge of front and back), with crochet hook n° 3 EU / D US join the yarn at a lower back corner and work 1 round of single crochet along the entire outer perimeter: work 1 single crochet in each stitch (single crochet, double crochet, and treble crochet) and each vertical bar of single crochet, work 2 single crochets in each vertical bar of double crochet, and 3 single crochets in each vertical bar of treble crochet and at the corners to round them; at the end of the round, close with 1 slip stitch in the first stitch. Continue in single crochet in the round for 3 more rounds: replace the first stitch of each round with chain 1 and close each round with 1 slip stitch in the beginning chain; at the corners always work 3 single crochets to keep them rounded. Fasten off. For the neck edging, with crochet hook n° 3 EU / D US join the yarn in a stitch at center back neckline and work 1 round of single crochet along the entire neckline edge: distribute the single crochets as for the outer edging; at the tip of the front V-neck work 3 single crochets together (the center stitch of these 3 single crochets together corresponds to the center of the V); at the end of the round, close with 1 slip stitch in the first stitch. Continue in single crochet in the round for 3 more rounds: replace the first stitch of each round with chain 1 and close each round with 1 slip stitch in the beginning chain; at the corners always work 3 single crochets to round them and at the front tip always work 3 single crochets together. Fasten off. For the tie on the right back side, with crochet hook n° 3 EU / D US join the yarn about 12 (13, 14) cm / 4.7″ (5.1″, 5.5″) from the lower corner of that side and work 1 single crochet in each of the next 4 stitches along the side edging. Continue in single crochet over these 4 stitches for about 38 cm / 15″, then fasten off. Work the tie on the left back side and on the right and left front sides in the same way. Tie the front and back ties in a bow to close the sides.