purlJam

# Keyhole Crush Crop Tank
*A modern, fitted crochet crop top worked in smooth Half Double Crochet, featuring an elegant centered front keyhole at the neckline. Two simple panels, easy seaming, beginner-friendly.*

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## Skill Level
**Easy** — straight rows of HDC, one simple split for the keyhole, and basic seaming.

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## Finished Measurements (Bust, fitted)

| Size | Finished Bust | Length |
|------|--------------|--------|
| XS | 30" (76 cm) | 14" (35.5 cm) |
| S | 32" (81 cm) | 14.5" (37 cm) |
| **M** | **34" (86 cm)** | **15" (38 cm)** |
| L | 38" (96.5 cm) | 15.5" (39.5 cm) |
| XL | 42" (106.5 cm) | 16" (40.5 cm) |

> Sample and full row-by-row counts below are written for **Size M**. Stitch counts for other sizes are given in brackets: XS [S] **M** [L] [XL].
> This is a *fitted* crop designed with slight negative ease — choose the size closest to or just below your actual bust measurement.

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## Materials
- **Yarn:** Worsted weight (Medium / #4), smooth cotton or cotton-blend recommended for stitch definition.
  - Yardage: approx. **350 (380) 420 (470) 520 yds** / 320 (348) 384 (430) 475 m
- **Hook:** US H/8 (5.0 mm)
- **Notions:** Yarn needle, stitch markers (4), scissors

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## Gauge
**14 hdc × 11 rows = 4" (10 cm)** in HDC, worked flat after blocking.
- Stitches per inch: 3.5
- Rows per inch: 2.75

> **Always make a gauge swatch.** A correct gauge is essential for fit on a fitted garment.

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## Abbreviations (US Terms)
- **ch** — chain
- **hdc** — half double crochet
- **st(s)** — stitch(es)
- **sl st** — slip stitch
- **RS / WS** — right side / wrong side
- **rep** — repeat

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## Pattern Notes
- Worked as **two flat panels** (Back + Front), bottom-up. Then shoulders and sides are seamed, leaving openings for armholes and the front keyhole.
- **Turning chain:** Each row begins with **ch 1**, which does **NOT** count as a stitch. Work your first hdc into the very first stitch.
- Work in **both loops** unless otherwise stated.
- Stitch counts appear in parentheses at the end of each row.
- Size M is written in full; substitute the bracketed counts for your size.

**Key numbers (Size M):**
- Panel width: **60 sts** → 60 ÷ 3.5 = 17.1" ≈ 17" per panel × 2 = **34" bust** ✓
- Total length: **41 rows** → 41 ÷ 2.75 = 14.9" ≈ **15"** ✓
- Armhole begins at **Row 30** (≈10.9"), giving a ~4" shoulder/strap zone.

Per-size starting chain (panel width + 1 for turning chain at start):
- Width sts: XS **52** [S **56**] **M 60** [L **66**] [XL **74**]
- Starting chain: width + 1 → XS 53 [S 57] **M 61** [L 67] [XL 75]
- Total rows: XS 38 [S 40] **M 41** [L 43] [XL 44]
- Armhole start row: XS 28 [S 29] **M 30** [L 31] [XL 32]

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## INSTRUCTIONS

### BACK PANEL

**Foundation:** Ch **61** [adjust per size].

**Row 1 (RS):** Working in the 2nd ch from hook, hdc in each ch across. (60 sts)
*Math check: 61 ch − 1 (skipped ch) = 60 hdc ✓*

**Rows 2–29:** Ch 1 (does not count), turn. Hdc in each st across. (60 sts)

> You now have 29 rows worked, measuring approx. 29 ÷ 2.75 = 10.5". This is the underarm point.

**Row 30 (Armhole shaping — bind off sides):**
Ch 1, turn. **Sl st in first 6 sts** (this removes them from work), ch 1, hdc in each st across until 6 sts remain, leave those **6 sts unworked**. (48 sts)
*Math check: 60 − 6 − 6 = 48 sts ✓*

**Rows 31–41:** Ch 1, turn. Hdc in each st across. (48 sts)

Fasten off. The remaining 48-st width forms the upper back and shoulder straps.

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### FRONT PANEL (with Keyhole)

Work exactly as the Back through **Row 30** (armhole shaping), ending with **48 sts**.

**Rows 31–33:** Ch 1, turn. Hdc in each st across. (48 sts)

#### Begin Keyhole Split (Row 34)
The keyhole is created by working the two halves separately. Split the 48 sts evenly into **24 + 24**.

**Row 34 — Right Side of Keyhole:**
Ch 1, turn. Hdc in first **24 sts**, leave remaining 24 sts unworked. (24 sts)

**Rows 35–38:** Ch 1, turn. Hdc in each of 24 sts. (24 sts)
Fasten off this side.

**Row 34 — Left Side of Keyhole:**
With RS facing, rejoin yarn to the 25th st (the first unworked st from Row 34). Ch 1, hdc in each of remaining **24 sts**. (24 sts)

**Rows 35–38:** Ch 1, turn. Hdc in each of 24 sts. (24 sts)
Do **not** fasten off the final row if continuing to join shoulders by seaming; otherwise fasten off.

> **Keyhole result:** A clean vertical opening up the center front, approx. 5 rows tall ≈ 5 ÷ 2.75 = 1.8" tall × about 1" wide at the gap — a flattering modern keyhole detail. To make a taller keyhole, simply begin the split one or two rows earlier.

*Math check: 24 + 24 = 48 sts total ✓*

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### ASSEMBLY

1. **Block** both panels to measurements (lightly steam or wet-block). This evens out the HDC and sets the fit.
2. **Shoulder seams:** With RS together, align the two outer **strap sections** at the top. The upper edge of each panel is 48 sts wide; the keyhole sits centered on the front. Seam each shoulder strap (approx. the outer 12 sts on each side) using a whip stitch or mattress stitch, leaving the **center neckline open** between the straps.
   - Each strap join: approx. **12 sts** per side. Center neck opening ≈ 48 − (12 + 12) = 24 sts wide across the front/back neck. ✓
3. **Side seams:** With RS together, align Back and Front side edges from the **bottom up to the underarm** (Rows 1–29). Whip stitch the side seams, leaving Rows 30–41 open to form the **armholes**.

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### EDGING & FINISHING

#### Neckline & Keyhole Edging
With RS facing, join yarn at a shoulder. **Sc evenly around** the entire neckline opening AND around the keyhole opening, working approx. **3 sc for every 4 rows** along vertical edges and **1 sc in each st** along horizontal edges. Join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off.

> Tip: Keep tension snug around the keyhole so it lies flat and holds its shape.

#### Armhole Edging
With RS facing, join yarn at an underarm seam. Sc evenly around the armhole opening (approx. 3 sc per 4 rows along the vertical strap edges, 1 sc per st along bound-off underarm edges). Join with sl st. Fasten off. Repeat for second armhole.

#### Bottom Edging (optional)
With RS facing, join yarn at a side seam. Work **2 rounds of sc** around the bottom hem for a clean, stable edge. Join and fasten off.

**Weave in all ends.** Give the finished top a final light blocking.

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## Final Verification (Size M)
- Panel width: 60 sts ÷ 3.5 spi = 17.1" × 2 panels = **34" bust** ✓
- Length: 41 rows ÷ 2.75 rpi = **14.9" ≈ 15"** ✓
- Armhole opening: Rows 30–41 = 12 rows ÷ 2.75 = **4.4"** deep ✓
- Keyhole split: 24 + 24 = **48 sts** matches upper panel ✓
- Bind-off math: 60 − 6 − 6 = **48 sts** at underarm ✓

**Enjoy your modern handmade Keyhole Crush Crop Tank!**