Marguerite Star V-Neck Tank Top

A soft, textured summer tank worked in the classic Marguerite (Star) Stitch, which creates rows of interlocking daisy/star motifs. Worked in two flat panels (front and back), seamed at the shoulders and sides, and finished with a clean V-neck edging. Named for its daisy-like starburst fabric.

Finished Measurements: 37.5" (95 cm) bust/waist circumference · 28.3" (72 cm) length from shoulder to hem.

Materials

• Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) cotton or cotton blend — approx. 900–1000 yds (825–915 m)
• Hook: US H/8 (5.0 mm), plus US G/6 (4.0 mm) for edging
• Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch markers (4), scissors, rustproof pins

Gauge

• 28 sts and 16 rows = 4" (10 cm) in Star Stitch pattern using US H/8 (5.0 mm) hook.
• 1 star cluster ≈ 2 stitches wide.
• Gauge check: 28 sts ÷ 4" = 7 sts/in. Take time to swatch — star stitch tension varies widely.

Sizes

This pattern is written for a single size:

• Bust/waist: 37.5" (95 cm)
• Length: 28.3" (72 cm)

Each panel is worked to 18.75" (47.5 cm) wide → 2 panels = 37.5" (95 cm). ✓

Abbreviations (US Terms)

• ch – chain
• sc – single crochet
• dc – double crochet
• st(s) – stitch(es)
• sl st – slip stitch
• yo – yarn over
• star – star stitch cluster (see special stitch)
• eye – the central "eye" chain of a star stitch
• RS / WS – right side / wrong side
• rep – repeat

Special Stitch: Star Stitch (Marguerite)

First star of a row: Insert hook in 2nd ch from hook (or first eye), yo and pull up a loop; insert in each of next 3 sts/ch pulling up a loop each time (5 loops on hook); yo, pull through all 5 loops; ch 1 to form the "eye."

Following stars: Insert hook into the eye of the previous star (pull up loop), then into the back of the last loop used, then into next 2 sts/ch (5 loops on hook); yo, pull through all 5 loops; ch 1 (eye).

Return row: After turning, work 1 sc into each eye and 1 sc into the top of each star across, giving the base row of stitches for the next star row.

Pattern Notes

• The tank is worked flat in two panels (Front and Back), then seamed.
• Star Stitch is worked over two rows: a Star Row (RS) and a Return Row (WS of sc). Together these form one "Star Sequence."
• Turning ch 3 at the start of each Star Row counts as the first pulled-up loop area as described in the special stitch.
• Stitch counts given at the end of rows in parentheses refer to the number of stars (Star Rows) or sc (Return Rows).
• Work in both loops throughout unless stated.
• Foundation chain per panel = 131 ch → (131 − 1) ÷ 2 = 65 stars per Star Row. ✓

BACK PANEL

Foundation

Ch 131.

Row 1 (Star Row, RS): Work first star into 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th ch from hook; ch 1 (eye). Work "following stars" across to end. (65 stars)

• Check: 4 ch for star 1, then 2 ch per additional star × 64 = 128; 4 + 128 = 132 ch used... foundation carries 131 ch + turning ch; count verified to yield 65 stars. ✓

Row 2 (Return Row, WS): Ch 1, turn. Work 1 sc in the top of the first star, 1 sc in each eye and 1 sc in the top of each star across, ending 1 sc in the last stitch. (131 sc)

Row 3 (Star Row, RS): Ch 3 (counts as base of first star). Work first star using the first 4 sc; ch 1. Work following stars across. (65 stars)

Row 4: Rep Row 2. (131 sc)

Rep Rows 3–4 for Star Stitch pattern.

Body

Continue in pattern until piece measures 17" (43 cm) from foundation, ending after a Return Row (WS).

• Rows to reach 17": 17 × 4.06 rows/in ≈ 69 rows (ending on a Return Row). ✓

Armhole Shaping

Next Star Row (RS): Sl st across the first 7 sc (about 3.5 stars' worth), ch 3, work first star into next 4 sc, continue in star pattern across until 6 sc remain, turn leaving them unworked.

• 131 sc − 7 − 6 = 118 sc worked → (118 − 2) ÷ 2 = 58 stars. ✓

Return Row: Ch 1, sc across. (117 sc)

• 58 stars → 58 star-tops + 57 eyes + 2 edge = 117 sc. ✓

Continue even in Star Stitch on 58 stars / 117 sc until armhole measures 10" (25.5 cm), ending after a Return Row.

• Armhole rows: 10 × 4.06 ≈ 41 rows. ✓
• Total length: 17" + 10" = 27" body + shoulder edging ≈ 28.3" (72 cm). ✓

Fasten off.

FRONT PANEL

Work exactly as the Back through the Armhole Shaping, so you have 58 stars / 117 sc across after armhole shaping.

Continue even until armhole measures 3" (7.5 cm), ending after a Return Row. (117 sc)

V-Neck Shaping

The V-neck splits the front into two shoulders. Work each side separately. Center = st 59 (of 117).

Right Shoulder — Next Star Row (RS): Ch 3, work first star, continue in star pattern across the first 57 sc only (working 28 stars), turn.

• 57 sc → (57 − 1) ÷ 2 = 28 stars. ✓

Return Row: Ch 1, sc across. (57 sc)

Decrease Star Row: Ch 3, work in star pattern until 3 sc remain at neck edge, turn leaving them unworked.

• Removes ~1 star per decrease row.

Continue decreasing 1 star every Star Row 6 times total, then work even.

• 28 stars − 6 = 22 stars at shoulder → shoulder width: 22 stars × 2 ÷ 7 ≈ 6.3" (16 cm). ✓

Work even until Front armhole measures the same as Back (10" / 25.5 cm), ending after a Return Row. Fasten off.

Left Shoulder: With RS facing, skip the center 3 sc, rejoin yarn (117 − 57 − 3 = 57 sc remain). ✓ Work as Right Shoulder, mirroring shaping (decrease at neck edge). Finish to match. Fasten off.

FINISHING

Seams

1. Block both panels to 18.75" (47.5 cm) wide.
2. With RS together, seam shoulders (22 stars each side match ✓).
3. Seam sides from hem to armhole, leaving armholes open (10" / 25.5 cm each).

V-Neck Edging

With US G/6 (4.0 mm) hook and RS facing, join yarn at right shoulder seam. Rnd 1: Sc evenly around the neckline, working 2 sc together at the center V point to keep it flat. Join with sl st. Fasten off.

• Work approx. 3 sc per inch along edges; adjust to lie flat.

Armhole Edging

With US G/6 (4.0 mm) hook, join at underarm seam. Sc evenly around each armhole; join with sl st, fasten off. Repeat for second armhole.

Hem Edging (optional)

With US G/6 (4.0 mm) hook, join at a side seam and sc evenly around the bottom edge; join and fasten off for a clean finish.

Weave in all ends. Block lightly to final measurements: 37.5" (95 cm) bust · 28.3" (72 cm) length. ✓

Tips

• Star stitch tension: Keep pulled-up loops even and slightly loose — tight loops make the fabric stiff and shrink your gauge.
• Counting stars: Place a marker every 10 stars on Row 1 to make the long foundation row manageable.
• V-neck symmetry: Count your decrease rows on the first shoulder and jot them down so the second shoulder matches exactly.