Summer days are a breeze with The Clarity Top, a lightweight and relaxed fit summer crochet top featuring a scooped neckline coupled with a high-low ribbed hem for a versatile and fashionable addition to your summer wardrobe! Additionally, this easy crochet top features a cotton blend sport-weight yarn for the ultimate soft and drapey fit.
Scroll down for the free lightweight crochet top pattern for the Clarity Top and click here to PIN this for later!
Summer Fashion
It is the height of summer here in the US South, which means the temperature is consistently in the upper 80s with a few 90-plus days and it’s too hot to wear anything but tank tops and shorts. But what do you wear when you don’t like tank tops or shorts?? You wear lightweight, cool cotton tops that are comfortable and easy to wear, of course. With this in mind, I am thrilled to introduce the stylish and relaxed fit Clarity Crochet Top, a lightweight crochet top available in sizes XS to 5X!
This boxy summer tee is loose-fitting without feeling too oversized or tunic-like and features a cotton blend sport-weight yarn for undoubtedly the best drape. The open stitch work keeps this lightweight crochet top from being too clunky and the generously scooped neck also creates a comfortable hand-made garment that wears like a dream. In summary, my favorite part of this top is the high-low ribbed hemline!
Purchase the PDF digital download version from my ETSY and RAVELRY shops here!
Lightweight Crochet Top Design and Inspiration
The inspiration for the Clarity Top comes from a boxy short-sleeved top I wear at least once a week. The fit of that shirt is so flattering and simple with cuffed sleeves and it’s not too short or tight-fitting. I hate clothes that cling to me when it’s 90 degrees outside! With this purpose in mind, I wanted to create the fit of that favorite top with an open stitch that wasn’t too lacey, and I tried out quite a few stitch combinations before landing on the alternating wrapped stitch and half double crochet stitches that make up this lightweight crochet top. In addition, the scooped neckline sits below the collarbone to add to the overall relaxed fit of this top, and ribbed cuffs matching the high-low hem are the perfect final touches.
The Clarity Top has 7 inches of positive ease for generous sizing and with this in mind, I made the size large as my sample for an extra comfy fit; it looks great with jeans! Most important is that there are nine sizing options from XS to 5X, giving you the option to customize your fit and select the size that fits either your measurements or the fit that you want.
Let’s talk yarn . . .
This lightweight crochet top features Shine Sport by WeCrochet, and I previously purchased this yarn for a summer cardigan design that ended up going in a different direction. It’s always great when you can shop from your own yarn stash for a project, and I am so glad I gave this yarn another chance because it’s pretty great! The Pima cotton and modal blend creates a smooth and super soft yarn with a slight sheen and without doubt, the drape is incredible. I named this project The Clarity Top after the colorway I chose for my project because it reminds me of those bright summer days when the sky is full of wispy clouds. To be sure, I love making summer crochet tops with cotton yarns and I want to make all my warm-weather garments with sport-weight yarn now!
Scroll down for the free lightweight crochet top pattern for the Clarity Top and click here to PIN this for later!
Purchase the PDF digital download version from my ETSY and RAVELRY shops here!
The Clarity Top – A Lightweight Summer Crochet Top
This lightweight crochet top was so fun to make and is perfect for beginner crocheters making their first garment! I love my yarn choice for my project, however this would be stunning in a hand-dyed yarn; get started today on your Clarity Top, and let me know how it turned out!
Additionally, if you are looking for more summer crochet inspiration, check out these other patterns: The Nadia Cardigan, The Blue Sky Crochet Tee and The Seaside Beach Tote!
Scroll down for the free crochet pattern for the Clarity Top and click here to PIN this for later!
–THE CLARITY TOP–
FREE PATTERN FOR A LIGHTWEIGHT CROCHET TOP
SKILL LEVEL: Advanced Beginner
MATERIALS:
US Size G/6 4.00 mm crochet hook
WeCrochet Shine Sport (Weight: #2/Sport 60% Pima Cotton, 40% Modal natural beech wood fiber –110 yards/50 grams)
- Clarity – 9 (9, 10 10, 11) (11, 12, 13, 14) skeins; approximately 990 (990, 1100, 1100, 1230) (1230, 1320, 1430, 1540) yards.
THE CLARITY TOP SIZES:
| FITS ACTUAL BUST* | FINISHED BACK WIDTH (shoulder to shoulder) | LENGTH OF FRONT PANEL (not including ribbing) | LENGTH OF BACK PANEL (not including ribbing) | HEIGHT OF HEM RIBBING | ARMHOLE DEPTH | |
| XS | 28-30” | 21.5” | 19” | 20.5” | 1.5” | 6.5” |
| S | 32-34” | 22.5” | 20” | 21.5” | 1.5” | 7” |
| M | 36-38” | 23” | 20.5” | 22” | 1.5” | 7.5” |
| L | 40-42” | 24” | 21” | 22.5” | 1.5” | 8” |
| XL | 44-46” | 24.5” | 21.5” | 23” | 1.5” | 8.5” |
| 2X | 48-50” | 25” | 21.5” | 23” | 1.5” | 9” |
| 3X | 52-54” | 25” | 22.5” | 24” | 1.5” | 9.5” |
| 4X | 56-58” | 25.5” | 23” | 24.5” | 1.5” | 10” |
| 5X | 60-62” | 25.5” | 23” | 24.5” | 1.5” | 10.5” |
*This lightweight crochet top is intended to have a relaxed and boxy fit with 7 inches of positive ease.
*The model is wearing a size Large and is 5’4” with a 38” bust.
GAUGE: 18 dc stitches X 9 rows = 4 inches
11 rows of hdc ribbing = 4 inches
ABBREVIATIONS:
ch(s) – chain(s)
sc – single crochet
hdc – half double crochet
dc – double crochet
hdc BLO – half double crochet BACK LOOP only
hdc FLO – half double crochet FRONT LOOP only
hdc2tog – half double crochet two together (decrease)
sl st – slip stitch
sl st BLO – slip stitch BACK LOOP only
st(s) – stitch(es)
tch – turning chain
PM – place marker
RS – right side
WS – wrong side
YO – yarn over
OVERALL PATTERN NOTES:
- Pattern is written in smallest size with larger sizes following in parentheses, as follows: XS (S, M, L, XL) (2X, 3X, 4X, 5X).
- This lightweight crochet top will be worked in two panels from the bottom hem up starting with ribbing in the length desired for your chosen size. You will turn the ribbing in order to work the first row into the ends of the ribbing rows.
- The front panel is worked from the ribbing and finished with short shaping rows in order to create an open neckline. The back panel is also worked from the ribbing and is longer than the front panel to create a high-low hemline; there are no shaping rows on the back panel.
- The panels are then seamed together, leaving openings for the armholes. You will make the cuffs separately and then seam them onto the armholes.
- Finish this lightweight crochet top by crocheting the collar directly onto the panels in rounds that do not turn.
- Turning Ch 1 does NOT count as a stitch.
- The turning Ch 2 DOES count as a stitch unless otherwise indicated in the pattern.
- Turning Ch 3 DOES count as a stitch.
Special Stitches
Half Double Crochet Two Together (hdc2tog): YO, insert hook into intended stitch. YO, pull through the stitch (three loops on the hook). Insert the hook into the next stitch, YO and pull through the stitch (four loops on the hook). YO and pull through all four loops.
Wrapped Stitch: Work one double crochet into the stitch indicated. YO, insert hook around the post of the double crochet stitch just worked, YO and pull up a loop (3 loops on the hook). YO, pull through two loops, YO and pull through the remaining two loops on the hook.
FRONT PANEL
Notes: Ribbing is crocheted first, and then turned horizontally to work half double crochet across the ends of the rows to continue the panel from the bottom up.
RIBBING
Foundation Row: Ch 9.
Row 1: Hdc in 2nd ch from the hook and each ch across, turn. (8 hdc sts)
Row 2: Ch 2 (does not count as a st), hdc in both loops of first st, hdc BLO in next 6 sts, hdc in both loops of last st, turn. (8 hdc sts)
Rows 3 – 59 (61, 63, 66, 68) (69, 69, 70, 70): Repeat Row 2.
Do not fasten off; continue using same working yarn from ribbing.
You will work approximately 5 hdc stitches for every 3 ribbing rows as per below:
- XS – 5 hdc stitches for every 3 ribbing rows, working 2 hdc into last 2 rows (98 sts across 59 rows)
- S – 5 hdc stitches for every 3 ribbing rows, working 3 hdc into last row (102 sts across 61 rows)
- M – 5 hdc stitches for every 3 ribbing rows, working 3 hdc into last 3 rows (104 sts across 63 rows)
- L – 5 hdc stitches for every 3 ribbing rows, working 7 hdc into last 6 rows (108 sts across 66 rows)
- XL – 5 hdc stitches for every 3 ribbing rows, working 4 hdc into last 5 rows (110 sts across 68 rows)
- 2X/3X – 5 hdc stitches for every 3 ribbing rows, working 6 hdc into last 6 rows (112 sts across 69 rows)
- 4X/5X – 5 hdc stitches for every 3 ribbing rows, working 3 hdc into last 4 rows (114 sts across 70 rows)
FRONT PANEL
Row 1: Ch 2 , hdc evenly across ribbing rows according to size instructions above, turn. [98 (102, 104, 108, 110) (112, 112, 114, 114) hdc sts]
Row 2: Ch 3, dc in next st, dc around post of st just made (wrapped stitch created). *Sk next st, dc in next st, dc around post of st just made (wrapped stitch created).* Repeat from * to * across until one st and tch remain. Sk next st, dc in top of tch, turn. [98 (102, 104, 108, 110) (112, 112, 114, 114) dc sts]
Row 3: Ch 2, hdc FLO in next st and each st across, turn. [98 (102, 104, 108, 110) (112, 112, 114, 114) hdc sts]
Row 4: Ch 3, dc in next st, dc around post of st just made (wrapped stitch created). *Sk next st, dc in next st, dc around post of st just made (wrapped stitch created).* Repeat from * to * across until one st and tch remain. Sk last st, dc in top of tch, turn. [98 (102, 104, 108, 110) (112, 112, 114, 114) dc sts]
Repeat Rows 3 and 4 until 38 (38, 40, 40, 42) (42, 44, 44, 44) rows are completed.
Row 39 (39, 41, 41, 43) (43, 45, 45, 45): Repeat Row 3. Do not fasten off, you will now continue to create the short rows for the neckline. First, create the right side of the neckline.
REFERENCE PHOTOS
Ribbing for hemline. 
Beginning of hdc stitches worked into the ends of the ribbing rows. 
Continuing with hdc stitches, the stitch marker is moved down every three rows to keep your place. 
The end of the first row of wrapped stitches (Row 2 in the pattern for front and back panels). 
Showing the progress of the half double crochet row (Row 3 in the pattern for front and back panels. 
The completed front panel with all rows worked before begining the shaping neckline rows.
With the front panel lying flat, you will place stitch markers to indicate where the neckline shaping will begin. Place stitch markers by counting from the outer edge of the panel inwards.
Count 32 (34, 34, 36, 36) (38, 38, 38, 38) sts from both right and left side and place marker in last st counted. Sts between markers should count 34 (34, 36, 36, 38) (36, 36, 38, 38) sts for neckline.
RIGHT SHOULDER – Continuing with working yarn:
Shoulder Row 1: Ch 3, dc next st, dc around post of st just made (wrapped stitch created). *Sk next st, dc in next st, dc around post of st just made (wrapped stitch created).* Repeat from * to * across until 15 (16, 16, 17, 17) (18, 18, 18, 18) wrapped sts are made. Sk next st, dc in marked st, turn. [32 (34, 34, 36, 36) (38, 38, 38, 38) total dc sts]
Shoulder Row 2: Ch 1, hdc2tog in FLO of first 2 sts and PM in first st worked. Hdc FLO in next st and each st to tch, leave tch unworked, turn. [30 (32, 32, 34, 34) (36, 36, 36, 36) total hdc sts]
Shoulder Row 3: Ch 3, dc in next st, dc around post of st just made (wrapped stitch created). *Sk next st, dc in next st, dc around post of st just made (wrapped stitch created).* Repeat from * to * across until 14 (15, 15, 16, 16) (17, 17, 17, 17) wrapped sts are made. Sk next st, dc in marked st, turn. [30 (32, 32, 34, 34) (36, 36, 36, 36) total dc sts]
Shoulder Row 4: Ch 1, hdc2tog in FLO of first 2 sts and PM in first st worked. Hdc FLO in next st and each st to tch, leave tch unworked, turn. [28 (30, 30, 32, 32) (34, 34, 34, 34) total hdc sts]
Size XS: Fasten off and leave a long tail for seaming.
Shoulder Row 5 for Sizes S and M Only: Ch 2, hdc FLO in next st. Hdc FLO in next st and each across, fasten off and leave a long tail for seaming. (30 total hdc sts)
Continuing for Sizes – (–, –, L, XL) (2X, 3X, 4X, 5X):
Shoulder Row 5: Ch 3, dc in next st, dc around post of st just made (wrapped stitch created). *Sk next st, dc in next st, dc around post of st just made (wrapped stitch created).* Repeat from * to * across until — (–, –, 15, 15) (16, 16, 16, 16) wrapped sts are made. Sk next st, dc in marked st, turn. [– (–, –, 32, 32) (34, 34, 34, 34) total dc sts]
Shoulder Row 6: Ch 1, hdc2tog in FLO of first 2 sts and PM in first st worked. Hdc FLO in next st and each st to tch, leave tch unworked, turn. [– (–, –, 30, 30) (32, 32, 32, 32) total hdc sts]
Sizes L/XL/2X Only: Fasten off and leave a long tail for seaming.
Shoulder Row 7 for Size 3X Only: Ch 2, hdc FLO in next st. Hdc FLO in next st and each across, fasten off. (32 total hdc sts)
Continuing for sizes 4X/5X:
Shoulder Row 7: Ch 3, dc in next st, dc around post of st just made (wrapped stitch created). *Sk next st, dc in next st, dc around post of st just made (wrapped stitch created).* Repeat from * to * across until — (–, –, –, –) (–, –, 15, 15) wrapped sts are made. Sk next st, dc in marked st, turn. [– (–, –, –, –) (–, –, 32, 32) total dc sts]
Shoulder Row 8: Ch 1, hdc2tog in FLO of first 2 sts and PM in first st worked. Hdc FLO in next st and each st to tch, leave tch unworked, turn. [– (–, –, –, –) (–, –, 30, 30) total hdc sts]
Size 4X/5X: Fasten off and leave a long tail for seaming.
REFERENCE PHOTOS – RIGHT SIDE SHOULDER
The completion of the first right shoulder row, with last dc worked in the marked stitch. 
The beginning of the 2nd right shoulder row. 
After ch 1, you will work the hdc2tog (decrease stitch) into the first two stitches as per the pattern, and place a stitch marker in this stitch. 
All shaping neckline rows are completed for the right shoulder (size L shown).
LEFT SHOULDER:
With panel lying flat and finished shoulder on the right side, join yarn at the stitch marker placed on the left side.
Shoulder Row 1: Ch 3, dc in next st, dc around post of st just made (wrapped stitch created). *Sk next st, dc in next st, dc around post of st just made (wrapped stitch created).* Repeat from * to * across one st and tch remain. Sk last st, dc in top of tch, turn. [15 (16, 16, 17, 17) (18, 18, 18, 18) wrapped sts are made] [32 (34, 34, 36, 36) (38, 38, 38, 38) total dc sts]
Shoulder Row 2: Ch 2, hdc FLO in next st and each st across until two sts remain. Hdc2tog FLO in last two sts, turn. [30 (32, 32, 34, 34) (36, 36, 36, 36) total hdc sts]
Shoulder Row 3: Ch 3, dc in next st, dc around post of st just made (wrapped stitch created). *Sk next st, dc in next st, dc around post of st just made (wrapped stitch created).* Repeat from * to * across one st and tch remain. Sk last st, dc in top of tch, turn. [14 (15, 15, 16, 16) (17, 17, 17, 17) wrapped sts are made] [30 (32, 32, 34, 34) (36, 36, 36, 36) total dc sts]
Shoulder Row 4: Ch 2, hdc FLO in next st and in each st across until two sts remain. Hdc2tog FLO in last two sts, turn. [28 (30, 30, 32, 32) (34, 34, 34, 34) total hdc sts]
Size XS: Fasten off and leave a long tail for seaming.
Shoulder Row 5 for Sizes S and M Only: Ch 2, hdc FLO in next st. Hdc FLO in next st and each across, fasten off and leave a long tail for seaming. (30 total hdc sts)
Continuing for sizes – (–, –, L, XL) (2X, 3X, 4X, 5X):
Shoulder Row 5: Ch 3, dc in next st, dc around post of st just made (wrapped stitch created). *Sk next st, dc in next st, dc around post of st just made (wrapped stitch created).* Repeat from * to * across one st and tch remain. Sk last st, dc in top of tch, turn. [ — (–, –, 15, 15) (16, 16, 16, 16) wrapped sts are made] [– (–, –, 32, 32) (34, 34, 34, 34) total dc sts]
Shoulder Row 6: Ch 2, hdc FLO in next st and in each st across until two sts remain. Hdc2tog FLO in last two sts, turn. [– (–, –, 30, 30) (32, 32, 32, 32) total hdc sts]
Size L/XL/2X: Fasten off and leave a long tail for seaming.
Shoulder Row 7 for Size 3X Only: Ch 2, hdc FLO in next st. Hdc FLO in next st and each across, fasten off. (32 total hdc sts)
Continuing for sizes 4X/5X:
Shoulder Row 7: Ch 3, dc in next st, dc around post of st just made (wrapped stitch created). *Sk next st, dc in next st, dc around post of st just made (wrapped stitch created).* Repeat from * to * across one st and tch remain. Sk last st, dc in top of tch, turn. [– (–, –, –, –) (–, –, 15, 15) wrapped sts are made] [– (–, –, –, –) (–, –, 32, 32) total dc sts]
Shoulder Row 8: Ch 2, hdc FLO in next st and in each st across until two sts remain. Hdc2tog FLO in last two sts, turn. [– (–, –, –, –) (–, –, 30, 30) total hdc sts]
Size 4X/5X: Fasten off and leave a long tail for seaming.
REFERENCE PHOTOS – LEFT SIDE SHOULDER
The beginning of the first left shoulder row: Yarn is joined at the marked stitch and the row begins with a ch 3. 
The completion of the first left shoulder row. 
The end of the first left shoulder row, two double crochet stitches remain. 
You will work hdc2tog (decrease row) into the last two stitches, leaving the turning chain unworked. 
Completed left shoulder Row 2. 
All shaping neckline rows are completed for the left shoulder (size L shown).
BACK PANEL
Repeat instructions for front panel ribbing hem and beginning rows 1 and 2 and then repeat Rows 3 and 4 until 46 (48, 50, 50, 52) (52, 56, 56, 56) rows are completed.
Row 47 (49, 51, 51, 53) (53, 57, 57, 57): Repeat Row 3. Fasten off and leave a long tail for seaming.
Seaming the Panels Together
Seam the panels together with the inside of the top facing out as I have shown in the reference photos below. I used the whip stitch to seam my panels together.
Lay the back panel flat with the RS facing up and lay the front panel on top with the WS facing up (SEE PHOTO REFERENCE to identify the right side and wrong side). The front panel will be shorter than the back panel. Line up the rows on the side and pin with stitch markers, leaving 6.5 (7, 7.5, 8, 8.5) (9, 9.5, 10, 10.5) inches for the armholes.
Seam the shoulders. Join yarn at the armpits and seam down the sides to the end of the front panel ribbing.
REFERENCE PHOTOS
The completed neckline. 
Completed front panel. 
The back panel is laid out with RS facing up and the front panel is laid on top with WS facing up. 
The front panel hemline will be higher than the back panel hemline. 
Line up the stitches at the shoulders and pin for seaming. 
The inside (WS) of the top after seaming, ready to begin the collar rounds.
Adding the Collar at the Neckline
- Create the collar by attaching yarn at the neckline and working stitches in rounds that do not turn.
- The total number of stitches worked is not specified as long as you crochet stitches evenly into the ends of the shaping rows so that the first round does not pucker or curl.
- Make sure to work the final round slip stitches with loose tension so the stitches do not pull too tightly.
With the top still facing WS out, lay the top flat with the shaped front panel facing up. Join yarn at the right side of the collar opening where the back panel meets the shoulder seams as I have shown in the below photos.
Working across the back panel:
Round 1: Ch 1, sc in same st as ch and PM in this st. Sc in each st of the back panel, sc evenly into the ends of the shaping rows of the front panel, sc in each st of the front panel and evenly into the ends of the shaping rows back around to the marked st. Do not turn.
Round 2: Sc in marked st, move marker to this st. Sc in each st back around to the marked st. Do not turn.
Round 3: Sl st to marked st, move marker to this st. Sl st BLO in each st back around to the marked st, sl st to marked st and fasten off.
REFERENCE PHOTOS
You will join your yarn at the top of the panel on the right shoulder where the front and back panels meet. 
The first single crochet stitch is worked into the same stitch as the joined yarn/chain 1. You will crochet the first collar round in the direction indicated by the arrow, across the stitches that make up the top of the back panel. 
The beginning single crochet stitches of collar Round 1. 
The end of Round 1, single crocheting back around to the marked stitch. 
You will continue Round 2 without turning, working the first single crochet into the marked stitch. 
Continuing Round 2, the marker is moved to the first stitch worked. 
To begin Round 3, the first slip stitch is worked in both loops of the marked stitch. 
Do not turn to begin Round 3, continue with slip stitches worked into the back loops only. The stitch marker is moved to the first stitch worked. 
Completed collar and neckline. 
Cuffs for the Sleeves
You will make the cuffs separately and then seam them onto the armholes.
Foundation Row: Ch 7.
Row 1: Hdc in 2nd ch from the hook and each ch across, turn. (6 hdc sts)
Row 2: Ch 2, hdc in both loops of same st, hdc BLO in next 5 sts, hdc in both loops of last st, turn. (6 hdc sts)
Repeat Row 2 to work as many rows as will comfortably fit on the armhole. For reference, I crocheted 45 rows for the size L. Fasten off and leave a long tail for seaming.
Seaming the Cuffs to the Armholes
With WS still facing out, attach the cuffs to the armholes with stitch markers. Try on your lightweight crochet top at this point and determine if additional rows are necessary. Remove rows if necessary to ensure the ribbing lays flat.
Seam the cuffs to the armholes using the mattress stitch.
REFERENCE PHOTOS
Weave in all your ends! You have finished this easy lightweight crochet top with plenty of summer left!
Purchase the PDF digital download version from my ETSY and RAVELRY shops here!
Beautiful pattern!!! Living in Florida, I can definitely appreciate a nice light, loose fitting top!!! This is definitely on my ‘must make’ list!!!
Thanks!!!
Thanks Lucille! Its been pretty hot here in NC this last week so I can imagine summer crochet can be a challenge in Florida.