Twisted Surplice Crop Tank

A fitted crochet tank with a crossover V-neckline, single-crochet bodice, openwork shell body, and scalloped hem

A feminine, waist-length tank designed for warm-weather layering. The lower body is a light, airy shell-lace worked seamlessly in the round. The upper bodice uses tight single crochet for full coverage, shaping, and a smooth twisted crossover that forms a flattering surplice V-neckline. Wide straps keep it comfortable and supportive.

Difficulty: Easy Construction: Bottom-up, worked in the round for the body, then split flat for the bodice panels.

Materials

• Yarn: Lace weight (US #0 / Lace), cotton or cotton-blend recommended for drape and stitch definition.
• Yardage (approx.):

  Size	XS	S	M	L	XL	XXL
  Yards	850	900	975	1050	1150	1225
  Meters	777	823	892	960	1052	1120

• Hook: US B/1 (2.25 mm) for main fabric; US 7 (1.65 mm) steel or 2.0 mm for hem edging (optional, for a tighter scallop).
• Notions: Tapestry needle, 6–8 stitch markers, scissors, blocking pins/mat.

Gauge

• Single crochet (bodice): 28 sc × 32 rows = 4" (10 cm), worked in both loops. → 7 sc per inch.
• Shell lace (body): 24 sts (4 shell repeats-worth measured across) = 4" (10 cm); 8 rounds = 3" (7.5 cm). → 6 sts per inch in pattern.

Blocking: Gauge is measured after light steam/wet blocking, which opens the lace.

⚠️ Gauge matters. This is a fitted garment with light negative ease. Make a 4" swatch in both stitches before starting.

Sizes (XS–XXL)

Designed with 1–2" negative ease at the bust for a fitted look.

Body stitch check: 180 ÷ 6 = 30 shell repeats (XS); 192 ÷ 6 = 32; 204 ÷ 6 = 34; 216 ÷ 6 = 36; 228 ÷ 6 = 38; 240 ÷ 6 = 40. ✓ All divisible by the 6-st shell repeat. Circumference check (6 sts/in): 180 ÷ 6 = 30"; 192 ÷ 6 = 32"; 204 ÷ 6 = 34"; 216 ÷ 6 = 36"; 228 ÷ 6 = 38"; 240 ÷ 6 = 40". ✓

Instructions are written as: XS (S, M, L, XL, XXL). When only one number appears, it applies to all sizes.

Abbreviations (US terms)

Special Stitches

• Shell: 5 dc in the same stitch or space.
• V-st (for join rounds): (dc, ch 1, dc) in same st.
• sc2tog: [Insert hook, yarn over, pull up loop] twice, yarn over, pull through all 3 loops.

Pattern Notes

• The lower body is worked in the round (joined rounds); the beg ch-3 counts as a dc unless stated otherwise.
• At the underarms, the tube is split into a front and back and worked flat in single crochet.
• The bodice uses two overlapping single-crochet triangular panels to form the twisted surplice crossover; the right panel crosses over the left.
• Wide straps are extensions of the bodice panels worked over the shoulder.
• Stitch counts are given in parentheses at the end of rounds/rows.
• Work in both loops unless noted.

PART 1 — Lower Body (worked in the round)

Foundation

With B/1 (2.25 mm) hook, ch 180 (192, 204, 216, 228, 240). Being careful not to twist, join with sl st to the first ch to form a ring. PM in the join.

Foundation check: counts are multiples of 6 — required for shell pattern. ✓

Establish Shell Pattern

Round 1 (RS): Ch 1, sc in same st, sk 2 ch, shell (5 dc) in next ch, sk 2 ch, sc in next ch; rep from * around, ending with the last shell, sl st to first sc to join.

• Each 6-ch group = 1 sc + 1 shell. Total groups = 30 (32, 34, 36, 38, 40). (180 (192, 204, 216, 228, 240) sts consumed) ✓

Round 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in same sc, sc in center (3rd) dc of next shell, shell in next sc; rep from *, ending with 2 dc in the beg sc, sl st to top of ch-3.

• This shifts the pattern so shells stack over sc and vice versa (classic offset shell).

Round 3: Ch 1, sc in same st, shell in next sc, sc in center dc of next shell; rep from * around, sl st to first sc.

Rounds 4 and onward: Rep Rounds 2–3 for pattern.

Continue in shell pattern until body measures 8 (8, 8.5, 8.5, 9, 9)" from foundation, ending after a Round 3 (a round that ends with sc).

Tip: Count your shells each round — you should always have 30 (32, 34, 36, 38, 40) shells. If a round drifts, re-check your offset.

Transition Round (even up for bodice)

Next round: Ch 1, sc evenly around, working 6 sc across each shell and 1 sc in each sc, to return to a solid stitch count.

• 6 sc × 30 (32, 34, 36, 38, 40) shells + 30 (32, 34, 36, 38, 40) sc = 210 (224, 238, 252, 266, 280) sc.

Transition check: (6 × 30) + 30 = 210 (XS). ✓ Repeat logic holds for all sizes.

Sl st to join. Do not fasten off.

PART 2 — Split for Front & Back (worked flat in sc)

Total sc = 210 (224, 238, 252, 266, 280). Divide into front and back equally.

• Front sts = 105 (112, 119, 126, 133, 140)
• Back sts = 105 (112, 119, 126, 133, 140)

Split check: 210 ÷ 2 = 105. ✓ All sizes divide evenly.

Back Panel

Row 1 (RS): Ch 1, sc in first 105 (112, 119, 126, 133, 140) sts. Turn, leaving remaining sts unworked for the front. (105 (112, 119, 126, 133, 140) sc)

Rows 2–6: Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn. (count unchanged)

Armhole shaping (both edges): Row 7: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc to last 2 sts, sc2tog, turn. (103 (110, 117, 124, 131, 138)) Rep the decrease row 3 (3, 4, 4, 5, 5) more times.

• Sts remaining: 97 (104, 109, 116, 121, 128).

Armhole check (XS): start 105, minus 2 per row × 4 rows = 105 − 8 = 97. ✓

Work even in sc until armhole measures 6 (6.5, 6.5, 7, 7, 7.5)". Fasten off.

PART 3 — Front Crossover Bodice Panels (twisted surplice)

The front is worked as two overlapping triangular panels. Each panel starts at a side and angles up to a shoulder strap, crossing at the center to form the twisted V.

Re-join yarn to the front sts (105 (112, 119, 126, 133, 140) sts available).

Split the front sts into two overlapping halves. Because the panels overlap ~2–3", each panel is worked over 60 (64, 68, 72, 76, 80) sts (they share center stitches for the crossover).

Overlap check: 2 × 60 = 120 vs. 105 front sts → overlap of 15 sts ≈ 2.1" (XS). This creates the crossover depth. ✓ (Overlap: 128−112=16 S; 136−119=17 M; 144−126=18 L; 152−133=19 XL; 160−140=20 XXL.)

Right Panel (crosses on top)

Row 1 (RS): Join yarn at the right side edge. Ch 1, sc in first 60 (64, 68, 72, 76, 80) sts (working toward center). Turn. (60 (64, 68, 72, 76, 80))

Row 2 (WS): Ch 1, sc to last 2 sts, sc2tog. Turn. (decrease at center/neck edge) (−1 st)

Row 3 (RS): Ch 1, sc2tog (armhole edge), sc across. Turn. (−1 st)

Continue: decrease 1 st at the neck edge every RS row and 1 st at the armhole edge every 4th row until 18 (20, 20, 22, 22, 24) sts remain — this forms the wide strap.

Strap width check: 18 sts ÷ 7 sc/in ≈ 2.6" (XS); 24 ÷ 7 ≈ 3.4" (XXL). ✓ Wide, supportive straps.

Work strap even in sc until it reaches the shoulder to meet the back panel (measure against back shoulder, approx. 2 (2, 2, 2.5, 2.5, 2.5)"). Fasten off.

Left Panel (crosses underneath)

Work exactly as the Right Panel, mirrored (join at left side, decrease at opposite edges). The Left Panel sits under the Right Panel at the crossover.

Twisted crossover tip: When seaming, physically lap the Right Panel's center edge OVER the Left Panel by the overlap amount above, and give a soft half-twist where they cross to create the "twisted" surplice look. Pin before sewing.

PART 4 — Assembly

1. Shoulder seams: With RS together, whipstitch each front strap to the corresponding back shoulder edge. The back shoulder should be 18 (20, 20, 22, 22, 24) sts wide to match the straps — if wider, ease evenly.
2. Crossover: Lap and tack the two front panels at center front per the overlap measurement. Secure the twist with a few discreet stitches on the WS.
3. Weave in all ends except the hem tail.

PART 5 — Scalloped Hem Edging

Turn work so the foundation edge (bottom) is up. Join yarn (use 1.65–2.0 mm hook for a tighter scallop if desired).

Round 1: Working into the free loops of the foundation chain, ch 1, sc in first st, sk 2 sts, shell (5 dc) in next st, sk 2 sts, sc in next st; rep from * around, sl st to join.

• 30 (32, 34, 36, 38, 40) scallop shells. ✓ (matches shell count)

Round 2 (picot scallop): Sl st into first 2 dc of a shell, ch 3, sl st in top of same dc (picot), sc in next dc; work a picot between each dc of every shell, sc in the sc between shells; rep around. Sl st to join, fasten off.

This creates a delicate picot-tipped scalloped hem.

PART 6 — Neckline & Armhole Edging

Neckline (surplice V): Join yarn at one back neck edge. Ch 1, sc evenly down the crossover V-neck edges, across the center overlap, and up the other side. Keep tension firm to prevent gaping. Work 1 round of sc, then a second round of reverse sc (crab stitch) for a clean, non-curling edge. Fasten off.

Armholes (×2): Join at underarm. Ch 1, sc evenly around each armhole, keeping the count a multiple that lies flat (ease as needed). Sl st to join. Optional second round of reverse sc. Fasten off.

Anti-gape tip: Along the deep V, work sc at about 3 sc for every 4 row-ends to snug the bias edge.

Finishing

• Weave in all remaining ends.
• Wet block to open the lace and set the crossover. Pin the shell hem into even scallops and the V-neck flat. Let dry completely.
• Measure finished bust; it should sit at 30 (32, 34, 36, 38, 40)" relaxed.

Optional Customization Notes

• More coverage / less crop: Add pattern repeats before the split. Each additional Round 2–3 pair adds ~¾".
• Longer straps / different shoulder fit: Add plain sc rows to the straps before seaming.
• Deeper or shallower V: Change where neck-edge decreases begin — start them lower for a deeper V, higher for modest coverage.
• Bust adjustment: For a fuller bust, work 2–4 extra sc rows even in the front bodice before shaping, and/or increase panel overlap by 4–6 sts.
• Firmer bodice support: Add a lined layer by working a second front sc panel underneath, or thread thin elastic through the transition round.
• Color play: Work the shell body and picot hem in a contrast color for a color-blocked look.

Final Math Summary (verification)

All counts divide cleanly per their required repeats. ✓

Enjoy your Twisted Surplice Crop Tank!