Easy Quick Knit Crop Top Pattern (Cute For Summer)

If you’re searching for a fun and quick knit crop top pattern to wear this summer, this beginner-friendly project is just the thing!

This lightweight top is made from breathable cotton yarn in two contrasting colors and can be worn in two different ways.

It’s the perfect addition to your warm-weather wardrobe—whether you’re heading to the beach or lounging at home.

Please scroll down to view the free pattern or grab the inexpensive ad-free PDF in my shop here.

Knit A Stylish Summer Crop Top

This easy knit crop top pattern is a great project for beginner knitters.

It’s worked in two square panels with no shaping, using only basic stitches.

Made with The Cotton yarn from We Are Knitters, this design features a breezy openwork stitch and reversible color styling—making it a wardrobe essential for hot days.

Wear it with shorts, jeans, or layered over your swimsuit for effortless summer style.

The Stitches and Techniques You’ll Need

This pattern uses the knit stitch, purl stitch, and a simple lace technique using yarn forward (YF).

To create the stitch pattern, you’ll use:

YF (yarn forward)
K2
Pass the yarn forward stitch over the knitted stitches

You can follow along with this technique on my YouTube video tutorial:
How To YF K2 Pass Increased Stitch Over

Make a matching Summer Set

Planning your handmade vacation wardrobe?

These coordinating patterns will complete your look:

Helpful knitting tutorials and resources

Whether you’re brand new or brushing up on basics, these tutorials will help you along the way:

Free Knit Crop Top Pattern

Skill Level – Basic (Beginner)

Pattern notes

This top is knit flat in two square panels (front and back) and seamed at the sides and shoulders.
It uses a simple 2-row lace repeat.
It’s a quick knit with no shaping.
The fit is loose and flowy, perfect for warm summer days.

Copyright Info

Please do not copy, sell, redistribute, or republish this pattern.
If you wish to share this pattern, please provide a link to the pattern page only.
You may sell items produced using this pattern.
Do NOT use the copyrighted photos for your product listing.
For the copyright T&C, please read my Terms of Use.

Size Information

Gauge

14 sts in 18 rows in 10×10 cm/4×4 inches measured over stitch pattern.

Measurements/Sizes

Available to make in 8 sizes – Size XS to 5XL.
The sizes – S / M / L-XL / 1X / 2X / 3X / 4X / 5X
Finished Bust About – 36 (38, 40, 42, 46, 48, 50, 54) in.
Finished Length About – 15, (16 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22) inches.
To make the top in a larger size, you can cast on more stitches x 6 so for the next size up, you cast on 112, then 118, etc.
You will also need to purchase more yarn if you are making the top in a larger size, than what is listed in the pattern.

The supplies you need…

Yarn

1 (1, 1, 2, 2, 3, 3) x We Are Knitters – The Cotton in the color Light Salmon
1 (1, 1, 2, 2, 3, 3) x We Are Knitters – The Cotton in the color Natural
This cotton is 100% Pima Cotton/10g/3.05oz/232 yds/212m.
Use my code – MGM4VHHAT – for 10 off on your WAK yarn order.

Needles

6 mm (US 10) knitting needles.
I used interchangeable circulars on a 24″ cable to accommodate the number of stitches.
You can use straight needles or a circular needle – this top is knit flat, not in the round.

Notions

Scissors.
Darning needle.
Tape measure.
Stitch markers.

Knitting abbreviations

You can grab a free list of US and UK knitting terms here.

K – knit
P – purl
Rep – repeat
RS – right side
St(s) – stitches
WS – wrong side
YF – yarn forward

Knit Crop Top Pattern Instructions

Front and back…

This top is knit in two panels with no shaping.

Knit one panel in Yarn A – Natural
Knit one panel in Yarn B – Light Salmon

With 6 mm (US 10) knitting needles cast on 68 (74, 80, 86, 90, 96, 100, 106)sts.

Rows 1 and 2: Knit

3rd row (RS): K1 edge, *YF, K2, pass increased stitch over knitted sts*, rep from * to * to last st, K1.

4th row (WS): Purl all sts.

You can view a video tutorial to help you on my YouTube channel here – How To YF K2 Pass Increased Stitch Over.

The last 2 rows form the pattern, rep until the piece measures 15, (16 17, 18, 19, 20, 2, 22) inches from the cast-on edge.

*Please note you can adjust the length easily, to make your top shorter or longer. Knit fewer rows for a shorter length or add more rows for a longer length.

Knit 2 rows.

Cast off.

You can leave a length for seaming – around 20+ inches.

Weave in any other loose ends you do not need for seaming.

Finishing/making up

Weave in any loose ends you don’t need (weave along the seams).

Seam the shoulders on either side using the mattress stitch.

Each shoulder seam should measure – 4.5 (5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 7.5) inches.

Stitch the side seams on either side of the top using the mattress stitch.

Each side seam should measure – 8 (8.5, 8.5, 9, 9, 10, 10, 11) inches.

Please note – You can adjust how long your shoulder seams and side seams are for your own preference.

Weave in any loose ends.

*Tip – Place markers where you have measured your shoulder seams and side seams to make the seaming easier.

Grab The Ad-Free Printable PDF Pattern Here…

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Could you share your work with us…

I love seeing your finished projects on social media.

If you enjoyed making the easy knit crop top pattern, I’d love to see yours on Instagram, be sure to tag me @handylittleme.

If you are on Facebook, stop over to the Handylittleme Facebook group and share a photo.

You can also find us on Ravelry, Pinterest, Etsy, and YouTube.

I’d love to see your work.

Happy Knitting!

What Do You Wear Under A Knitted Crop Top?

Wearing a knitted crop top offers a lot of versatility and style options, allowing you to create looks that range from casual to chic, depending on what you wear underneath.

Here are some suggestions:

1. High-Waisted Bottoms:

Pairing a knitted crop top with high-waisted jeans, shorts, or skirts minimizes the amount of skin shown and can create a balanced silhouette. This is a great everyday look that’s both comfortable and stylish.

2. Layer Over a Dress:

For a unique and stylish outfit, layer your knitted crop top over a slip dress or a sundress. This adds texture and interest to your look, making it ideal for outings or casual events.

3. Bralette or Bandeau:

Wearing a bralette or bandeau under a knitted crop top is a popular choice, especially if the top is somewhat sheer or has an open knit pattern. This combination is perfect for a laid-back, bohemian vibe.

4. Camisole or Tank Top:

For more coverage, consider wearing a fitted camisole or tank top underneath your crop top. This is particularly useful if the knit is loose or if you prefer to keep your midriff covered. Choose a color that complements or closely matches your crop top for a cohesive look.

5. Under a Blazer or Jacket:

For a more sophisticated or professional outfit, wear your knitted crop top under a blazer or jacket. This works well for cooler weather or for occasions that call for a more polished appearance.

6. With a High-Waisted Pencil Skirt:

Pairing a knitted crop top with a high-waisted pencil skirt creates a sleek, elegant look that’s suitable for more formal events or evenings out.

7. Sports Bra for Active Wear:

If your knitted crop top is part of an active or sporty ensemble, wearing a supportive sports bra underneath provides both comfort and functionality.

8. Layered Over a Collared Shirt:

For a preppy, fashion-forward look, layer your knitted crop top over a collared button-down shirt. This look works well for transitioning into fall or for creating an outfit with a bit of edge.

9. Swimwear:

At the beach or poolside, a knitted crop top can be stylishly worn over a bikini top, making it easy to transition from water to a casual outing.

Choosing what to wear under a knitted crop top ultimately depends on your personal style, the occasion, and the level of coverage you’re comfortable with.

Experimenting with different combinations can help you find the perfect look that’s both fashionable and true to your personal style.

More Free Knitting Patterns You’ll Love

7 Comments

Catherine Gautier says:

February 27, 2024 at 3:35 pm

Hi Louise! this cropped top looks wonderful, I’m wondering if you would consider making a video on teaching how to do the yarn in front stitch please?

1. Louise Bollanos says:
  
  February 28, 2024 at 8:11 am
  
  Hello Catherine,
  I’m so happy you like the top.
  I will add a video tutorial for the YF stitch to my list.
  Happy knitting!
  Louise
  
  1. Catherine Gautier says:
    
    March 2, 2024 at 3:54 am
    
    Thank you so much for the video, I’m a very visual learner and that demonstration made it very obvious.
    
    1. Louise Bollanos says:
      
      March 3, 2024 at 10:22 am
      
      Hello Catherine, thank you, I am working on a video tutorial for the stitch pattern used in this pattern.
      It will be coming soon.
      Happy knitting!
      Louise
      
Catherine Gautier says:

May 3, 2024 at 11:55 pm

Hi Louise, I started the top but with a different cotton pima yarn than what your pattern calls for. I’m having problems changing the gauge because although the yarn I bought says it’s DK I wind up with more stitches per 4 inch. I suppose it’s not overly complicated since the top is not fitted (it’s two squares) could you tell me what mathematical equation is necessary to attain gauge Or should I say to change the gauge. And I had to change the needle size to 5 mm since with the 6 mm I wind up with gaping holes.

Thanks.

1. Louise Bollanos says:
  
  May 4, 2024 at 10:49 am
  
  Hello Catherine,
  
  An easy way to make the size you need is to make one size up from your original size – for example if you would normally make a medium, then make a large.
  
  Testing the gauge will be trial and error because of the change in materials, a tighter gauge may affect the fabric’s drape and softness.
  
  The tighter gauge can make the knitted fabric stiffer.
  
  Always knit a swatch to see how the fabric feels and behaves before committing to the entire project.
  
  You could try this…
  
  Use your new gauge to adjust the pattern. If your original pattern specifies the total number of stitches or rows to achieve a certain dimension, recalculate these numbers based on your new gauge.
  
  Stitch Calculation:
  
  New Number of Stitches = (Original Number of Stitches × New Gauge (stitches per inch))/Original Gauge (stitches per inch)
  
  Row Calculation: New Number of Rows = (Original Number of Rows × New Gauge (rows per inch))/Original Gauge (rows per inch)
  
  Happy knitting!
  
  Louise
  
  1. Catherine Gautier says:
    
    May 4, 2024 at 8:20 pm
    
    I just looked at yarn sub website and it says that The Cotton by we are knitters is worsted / aran weight. Mine is DK. I tryed to double up to two strands but it just doesn’t work for this type of stitch. Since the pattern is simple I’ll change the type of stitch and double up to two strand. It won’t make a lacy type of stitch. But it’s worth a try. Thank you for the gauge math. It will prove to be useful just the same.