Light, breathable crochet tank top worked flat in two panels with simple mesh stitch and optional ribbed hem. Sized XS (S, M, L, XL, 2X). Suitable for DK/light-worsted yarn. Calm, modern, wearable—great for layering or summer days.
Worked flat in rows: back and front panels then seamed at sides. Front has a gentle scoop created by leaving center stitches at the top and finishing shoulders; you can also skip shaping and add straps instead for a boxier look. Pattern gives exact starting chains, target row counts, and a clear method to add straps if you prefer.
Mesh stitch: 18 sts x 16 rows = 4 in (10 cm) using 5.0 mm (US H/8) hook. That is approximately 4.5 sts per inch and 4 rows per inch. Always make a gauge swatch and adjust hook if necessary.
Row A (right side): dc in 4th ch from hook (counts as dc), *ch1, sk next ch, dc in next ch; rep from * across; turn.
Row B: ch3 (counts as dc), dc in each dc and dc from previous row, working dc into the top of each dc and into the ch-1 spaces as written by treating each mesh repeat as one dc followed by ch1 space; see sample swatch to match layout; turn.
Chain counts give the width per front or back panel. The foundation chain should be a multiple of 2 plus 1 to keep the mesh pattern consistent (pattern is worked on odd chains). Use the counts below for each size.
With 5.0 mm hook, ch the number for your size.
Row 1 (setup): Dc in 4th ch from hook (3 skipped chains count as first dc), *ch1, sk next ch, dc in next ch; rep from * to last 2 ch, dc in last ch; turn. (You will have the same number of dc positions as half of your chain approximately; follow the mesh pattern so your stitch count stays even.)
Row 2–work even in mesh pattern until panel measures to armhole row count listed below (measure from start to underarm). Keep count of rows for symmetry between front and back.
At this point stop and leave both panels aside. The back will be worked straight to shoulder; the front will be shaped for the scoop neckline.
Continue in mesh pattern until back panel measures (from cast-on) 1.5 in (4 cm) shorter than your front panel final length so that front can have a slightly deeper scoop. Alternatively work same length for a balanced hem. Fasten off and weave in ends. When assembling you will seam shoulders at the width recommended in "Strap and shoulder placement."
Work even in mesh until you reach the armhole row count specified above. Next row will create the neckline opening.
On the next row: work mesh across until you reach the center neck opening width. For this pattern we recommend a front neck width of about 8 in (20 cm). To calculate center skipped stitches: center_ch = round(8 in * 4.5 sts/in) = 36 sts (XS example). Use the specific starting chain for your size and compute: center_skipped_sts = total_panel_sts - (2 * shoulder_sts). For simplicity use these suggested center skips per size:
Procedure: On the neck-row, work mesh across to first shoulder (work the number of sts for left shoulder), fasten off, reattach yarn at right shoulder edge and work to the end. Now you will have two shoulder pieces with the center neck gap open.
Work each shoulder separately for 6–8 rows in mesh to build strap thickness at the top of the shoulder; then fasten off. These shoulder pieces will join the back shoulders when seaming.
If you prefer not to shape the front, simply work the front panel straight to same length as back. When panels are complete, fold and seam shoulders leaving a 6–8 in (15–20 cm) gap for the neck, or seam fully and then attach straps. To make straps: with 4.0 mm hook, attach yarn at top edge near armhole and ch 5 (or 6 for wider straps), dc in each chain until strap reaches desired length (see strap lengths below). Make 4 straps total (two for front, two for back) and sew to secure.
Use finished bust values above. Body depth from hem to shoulder ≈ 14–18 in depending on size (see Rows to armhole + shoulder finishing). Armhole depth ≈ 7.5–9 in. Neck width ≈ 8 in (front) or customize.
Designed for PurlJam. For support or to share a FO photo tag us on social #purljam or email team@verde.uk. Pattern and images (where used) are for personal use; please credit PurlJam for pattern reuse. Website: https://purljam.verde.uk
Enjoy your tank! Calm, modern, and easy to make—reach out via team@verde.uk or tag #purljam on socials.