One Skein Summer Tank Top Crochet Pattern

A breezy, one skein summer tank top crochet pattern easy enough for confident beginners.

🤍
Difficulty
🟢 Beginner
Time
⏱️ 4-6 hours
Hook
🪡 H / 5.0mm
Yardage
🧶 approximately 330-350 yards
Finished Size
📏 32-36 inches bust circumference, 18 inches length
⚠️
Always make a gauge swatch before starting!
Gauge: 16 dc x 8 rows = 4 inches in double crochet
Adjust hook size as needed to match gauge.
📋

At a Glance

The One Skein Summer Tank Top Crochet Pattern is a free Beginner-level wearable pattern with a H / 5.0mm hook . Estimated time: 4-6 hours. Finished size: 32-36 inches bust circumference, 18 inches length. You'll need approximately approximately 330-350 yards of yarn.

16 steps across 4 sections  ·  Free under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — you can sell finished items

🛒 Materials

DK weight yarn
330-350 yards, cotton or cotton blend recommended
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Crochet hook
Size H / 5.0mm
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Tapestry needle
For weaving in ends
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Stitch markers
Optional, for marking sides
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📖 Abbreviations

ch — chain
dc — double crochet
sc — single crochet
sl st — slip stitch
st(s) — stitch(es)
sp — space

📌 Before You Begin

💡

Tank is worked flat from bottom up in one piece, then seamed at sides leaving armholes open.

💡

Turning chain 3 counts as first dc throughout.

💡

Pattern creates a mesh-like fabric perfect for layering over tanks or camis.

💡

Adjust length by adding or removing rows before armhole shaping.

🧶 Pattern Instructions

💡 Tip: Count stitches periodically to ensure accuracy. The open mesh pattern is forgiving for gauge variations.
  1. Foundation
    Ch 131. This creates a piece approximately 32 inches wide to wrap around body.
  2. Row 1
    Dc in 4th ch from hook (skipped chs count as first dc), dc in each ch across. Turn. (129 dc)
  3. Row 2
    Ch 3 (counts as first dc), skip first st, dc in next st, *ch 1, skip 1 st, dc in next st; repeat from * across, ending with dc in top of turning ch. Turn. (65 dc, 64 ch-1 sps)
  4. Row 3
    Ch 3, skip first st, dc in next st, *dc in ch-1 sp, dc in next st; repeat from * across, ending with dc in top of turning ch. Turn. (129 dc)
  5. Rows 4-28
    Repeat Rows 2-3 alternately, ending with Row 2. Piece should measure approximately 14 inches from foundation.
Row counter:
💡 Tip: The 33 skipped stitches on each side create comfortable armholes. Try on as you go to adjust if needed.
  1. Row 29
    Ch 3, skip first st, dc in next 31 sts/sps (working dc in each dc and ch-1 sp). Turn, leaving remaining sts unworked. (32 dc for front)
  2. Rows 30-35
    Ch 3, skip first st, dc in each st across. Turn. (32 dc)
  3. Row 36
    Ch 1, sc in each st across. Fasten off. (32 sc)
  4. Back Section
    With right side facing, skip 33 sts from front for armhole. Join yarn to next st. Ch 3, dc in same st and next 31 sts/sps. Turn. (32 dc)
  5. Rows 30-36
    Repeat as for Front section (Rows 30-36 above). (32 sc)
Row counter:
💡 Tip: Seam with right sides together for invisible seam on outside, or wrong sides together for decorative visible seam.
  1. Side Seams
    Fold piece in half widthwise with right sides together. Using tapestry needle and yarn, seam the first 14 inches from bottom edge on each side using whipstitch or mattress stitch, leaving top 4 inches open for armholes.
  2. Bottom Edging
    With right side facing, join yarn to bottom edge. Ch 1, sc evenly around bottom opening, working approximately 129 sc. Sl st to first sc. Fasten off.
  3. Armhole Edging
    Join yarn at underarm of one armhole. Ch 1, sc evenly around armhole opening, working approximately 66 sc. Sl st to first sc. Fasten off. Repeat for second armhole.
Row counter:
💡 Tip: Tie straps allow adjustable fit. Make them longer for bows or shorter for simple knots.
  1. First Strap
    Join yarn at front top edge, approximately 4 inches from side seam. Ch 80 (or desired length to tie comfortably). Fasten off, leaving 6-inch tail.
  2. Remaining Straps
    Repeat to create 4 total straps: 2 on front, 2 on back, positioned symmetrically at shoulders approximately 4 inches from each side seam.
  3. Alternative
    For fixed straps, measure desired length, ch accordingly, then sl st strap to back edge. Or work wider straps: Ch 6, dc in 4th ch from hook and each ch across for 3 dc. Continue in dc for desired length.
Row counter:

✂️ Finishing

Weave in all ends securely using tapestry needle. Block piece gently by misting with water and laying flat to dry, stretching slightly to open up mesh pattern and even out stitches. Tie straps into bows or knots at shoulders as desired. The open stitch pattern creates a relaxed, drapey fabric perfect for wearing over camis or swimwear.

🧺 Care Instructions

Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent. Gently squeeze out excess water without wringing. Lay flat to dry, reshaping as needed. Cotton yarns may be machine washed on gentle cycle in a mesh bag, but hand washing extends garment life. Steam lightly if needed to refresh.

🤖 This pattern was generated by AI and may contain errors. Always test your gauge before starting.

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Questions About This Pattern

Absolutely — just match the weight (Dk). You'll need about approximately 330-350 yards, so make sure your substitute has enough meterage. Acrylic is budget-friendly and machine-washable; wool gives better stitch definition and drape.
Yes! This is one of the friendlier patterns to start with. You only need to know: ch, dc, sc, sl st. Work slowly, count your stitches at the end of each row, and don't be afraid to frog (rip back) and redo a section — that's how everyone learns. Budget about 4-6 hours; beginners often take a bit longer, and that's totally fine.
Usually it's the joining or finishing — where individual sections meet and need to align. Read through the entire pattern once before you start so there are no surprises. Use stitch markers generously to track your place, especially in rounds. If a section looks wrong, count your stitches before proceeding — catching an error early saves a lot of frogging later.
For this pattern, gauge is "16 dc x 8 rows = 4 inches in double crochet". For decorative or non-fitted items it's less critical, but matching gauge ensures you use the right amount of yarn and get the proportions the pattern intends. If your swatch is too small (too many stitches/inch), go up a hook size. Too large — go down.
Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent. Gently squeeze out excess water without wringing. Lay flat to dry, reshaping as needed. Cotton yarns may be machine washed on gentle cycle in a mesh bag, but hand washing extends garment life. Steam lightly if needed to refresh. A general rule: when unsure about the yarn, hand wash in cool water with a drop of gentle detergent, squeeze (don't wring), and block flat to dry. This is safe for almost every fiber.
Each section builds on the last, so yes — follow them in order. That said, some finishing sections (like embellishments or optional edging) can be skipped if you prefer a simpler look. Read through all sections before starting so you understand how the pieces fit together and can plan your yarn usage across sections.