purlJam

# Summer Breeze Crop Top

A lightweight, beginner-friendly crop top perfect for warm weather! This simple rectangular design features adjustable straps and an elastic bottom for a comfortable, flattering fit. Ideal for teens and made with breathable fingering weight yarn.

## SIZES
Teen Medium (to fit bust 32-34")

**Finished Measurements:**
- Bust circumference: 32" (unstretched)
- Length (underarm to bottom edge): 12"

## MATERIALS

**Yarn:** Approximately 500 yards of fingering weight yarn (sample shown uses 100% cotton fingering weight for breathability)

**Hook:** US C/2 (2.75mm) for body, or size needed to obtain gauge

**Notions:**
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends
- 1 yard of 1/2" elastic
- Sewing needle and thread (to match yarn color)
- Stitch markers (optional but helpful)
- Scissors

## GAUGE
24 sc × 28 rows = 4" in single crochet

**Gauge is important for proper fit!** Take time to check your gauge and adjust hook size if needed.

## ABBREVIATIONS
- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- RS = right side
- WS = wrong side
- ( ) = stitch count at end of row

## PATTERN NOTES
- The top is worked flat in rows to create a rectangular panel.
- Turning chain does NOT count as a stitch throughout.
- Stitch count is provided at the end of each row in parentheses.
- The panel is seamed at the back, and straps are worked separately and sewn on.
- For a longer top, add rows in multiples of 2. Each 7 rows adds approximately 1" of length.

## SPECIAL STITCHES
None required - this pattern uses basic stitches only!

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## INSTRUCTIONS

### MAIN BODY PANEL

**Foundation:** Ch 193.

**Row 1 (RS):** Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn. (192 sc)

**Row 2 (WS):** Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn. (192 sc)

**Rows 3-84:** Repeat Row 2. (192 sc)

*Math check: 84 rows ÷ 28 rows per 4" × 4 = 12" length ✓*

**After Row 84:** Fasten off, leaving a 24" tail for seaming.

### STRAPS (make 2)

**Foundation:** Ch 9.

**Row 1:** Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn. (8 sc)

**Row 2:** Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn. (8 sc)

**Rows 3-112:** Repeat Row 2. (8 sc)

*Note: This creates straps approximately 16" long. For longer or shorter straps, add or remove rows as desired.*

**After Row 112:** Fasten off, leaving a 10" tail for sewing.

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## FINISHING

### Seaming the Body

1. Fold the body panel in half widthwise with RS together, so the short edges meet.
2. Using the long tail and yarn needle, whipstitch or mattress stitch the back seam together, working through both layers. This creates a tube.
3. Weave in the end securely.

*Seam verification: After seaming, you should have a tube that measures approximately 32" around and 12" tall.*

### Adding Elastic Casing (Bottom Edge)

1. Measure your elastic around the wearer's ribcage where the top will sit (typically 28-30" for size medium). Cut elastic to this measurement plus 1" for overlap.
2. Overlap elastic ends by 1" and securely stitch together using sewing needle and thread.
3. On the WS (inside) of the top, pin the elastic around the bottom edge, spacing evenly.
4. Using sewing needle and thread, stitch the elastic to the bottom edge using a whipstitch or zigzag stitch, stretching the elastic slightly as you sew to gather the fabric evenly.

### Attaching Straps

1. Lay the top flat with the back seam centered at the back.
2. Mark strap placement on the front: Position straps approximately 6" apart (3" on each side of center front).
3. Mark strap placement on the back: Position straps approximately 4" apart (2" on each side of center back seam).
4. Using yarn needle and the tail from each strap, securely sew one end of each strap to the inside front of the top, approximately 1" below the top edge.
5. Try on the top and adjust strap length as needed by pinning at back.
6. Securely sew the back ends of straps to the inside back of the top, approximately 1" below the top edge.

*Strap placement math check: Front spacing = 6" (centered on 16" front panel) ✓; Back spacing = 4" (centered on 16" back panel) ✓*

### Final Touches

1. Weave in all remaining ends.
2. If desired, work one round of slip stitch around the top edge for a cleaner finish: Join yarn at back seam, ch 1, work sc evenly around top edge, sl st to first sc to join. Fasten off.
3. Block lightly if desired by dampening and laying flat to dry.

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## CUSTOMIZATION TIPS

**Length Adjustment:** 
- For a longer top, work additional rows on the body panel. Each 7 rows adds approximately 1" of length.
- For a shorter crop, work fewer rows (minimum 56 rows for an 8" crop).

**Width Adjustment:**
- For smaller size: Start with ch 169 (creates 168 sc = 28" width)
- For larger size: Start with ch 217 (creates 216 sc = 36" width)

**Strap Variations:**
- For wider straps: Start with ch 13 (creates 12 sc wide straps)
- For tie straps: Work straps 24-28" long and tie at shoulders instead of sewing

**Color Blocking:**
- Change colors every 14-21 rows for horizontal stripes
- Work straps in contrasting color

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## CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Hand wash in cool water and lay flat to dry, or follow yarn label instructions. The elastic may lose stretch over time with machine washing.

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## YARN SUBSTITUTION
Any fingering weight yarn will work. For summer wear, choose cotton, linen, bamboo, or cotton blends for breathability. Approximately 500 yards needed.

**Pattern designed for beginner crocheters | Summer 2024**