Crochet A Ruffle Tank Top: Beginner's Guide To Summer Style

If you're looking to make a stylish crochet ruffle tank top, there are plenty of free patterns and tutorials available online. The patterns are generally beginner-friendly and made-to-measure, allowing customisation of the length, width, and ruffle size. Basic stitches are used, and the tops are often worked in a round with separate straps. The Sea Breeze Tank Top, Sagebrush Ribbed Tank Top, and Ava Tank Top are popular patterns, with the latter featuring ruffled straps, a square neckline, and a relaxed fit.

Choosing the right yarn

Yarn Weight

The weight of the yarn refers to its thickness. The thicker the yarn, the bulkier it is. The yarn weight listed in your crochet pattern will impact the project's final size and drape. Using a larger yarn than specified in the pattern will result in a larger garment. For crochet clothing, it is generally best to use a light to medium weight yarn. For a ruffle strap tank top, a worsted weight yarn, such as aran/heavy worsted or aran/HW, is a good choice. Aran weight yarns are slightly heavier than worsted weight and are often used for sweaters and accessories.

Fiber Content

The fiber content of the yarn, whether natural, synthetic, or a blend, will affect the look and feel of your final product. Natural yarns are derived from animal fur or silk, or plant sources like bamboo, cotton, or linen. They are often more expensive but offer benefits like durability and breathability. Synthetic yarns, on the other hand, are typically more affordable, widely available, and suitable for beginners. They are made from materials like acrylic, nylon, or rayon and are easy to care for and hypoallergenic. Blended yarns combine the best qualities of different fibers, improving characteristics like strength or shine.

Practical Considerations

When purchasing yarn for your crochet tank top, there are a few practical considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, check the dye lot to ensure that all the yarn you buy is from the same lot, ensuring a consistent colour. Secondly, consider the care instructions and choose a yarn that aligns with how you intend to wash the final garment. Thirdly, calculate the required yardage by dividing the total yardage specified in your pattern by the yardage per ball of your chosen yarn, then round up to the nearest whole number. Finally, it is always a good idea to buy an extra ball or two of yarn to ensure you have enough to complete your project without interruption.

Colour Selection

Colour selection is a personal choice and depends on your unique style. Light-coloured yarns are generally recommended for beginners as they make it easier to see your stitches. However, with a wide variety of colours available, you are sure to find the perfect shade for your ruffle tank top project.

Remember, the most important thing is to choose a yarn that you love and that suits your project. Don't stress too much about finding the "perfect" yarn, as you can create beautiful crochet pieces with any type of yarn.

Taking measurements

To make a ruffle tank top that fits your body perfectly, you will need to take some measurements. First, measure the fullest part of your chest and call this number "A". For example, if your bust measurement is 38 inches, then A = 38 inches.

Next, you will need to create a chain that is 2 inches less than "A". In this example, you would chain 36 stitches. This accounts for the stretch of the yarn and the expansion of the chain when you start adding stitches.

After making your chain, you will join it with a slip stitch to create a loop. This will be the start of working in the round to create the tube top portion of the garment.

The number of chains you need to make will vary depending on your bust size and the stretchiness of your yarn. The provided example is for a medium size top using the suggested yarn and hook size.

Creating the top

The first step is to take measurements of your body. Measure the fullest part of your chest and call this "A". For example, if your bust measurement is 38 inches, then you will need to chain 36 inches (i.e. 2 inches less than "A"). This will ensure that the top stretches comfortably and fits well.

Now, create a loop by slip stitching into the first chain, then chain 2. Make sure that your chain is not twisted before joining. Single crochet into the next stitch from the chain, single crochet across, and then slip stitch into the second chain from the start of the round. Chain 2 and turn.

Single crochet into the next stitch from the chain, single crochet across, and then slip stitch into the second chain from the start of the round. Chain 4 and turn. Skip the next stitch, double crochet in the next stitch away from the chain, chain 1, skip a stitch, and then double crochet in the next stitch. Repeat this pattern until the end of the round, slip stitch into the third chain from the start of the round, and chain 2 and turn.

In the next round, single crochet across, working into the chain spaces and the double crochet stitches. Slip stitch into the second chain from the start of the round, chain 2, and turn. Repeat this round until you reach your desired length for the body of the top.

In your final round for the body, chain 3 at the end instead of 2. Now, work 2 double crochets into the front loop only of the next stitch, 3 double crochets into the front loop only of the following stitch, and then 2 double crochets into the front loop only of the next stitch. Repeat this pattern until the end of the round, slip stitch into the third chain from the start of the round, and chain 3 and turn.

In the next round, double crochet into each stitch across, slip stitch into the third chain from the start of the round, and chain 3 and turn. Repeat this round until you reach your desired ruffle length.

Creating the straps

To determine the length of the straps, use a bra or tank top that you like the length of, and chain enough stitches so that your chain, when stretched, matches the length of the straps on your reference garment. For a medium size, you may need around 30 chains.

Chain 1, single crochet in the third loop from the hook, and single crochet across. Chain 2 and turn. Single crochet across, chain 4 and turn. Skip the next stitch, double crochet in the next stitch away from the chain, chain 1, skip a stitch, and then double crochet in the next stitch. Repeat this pattern until the end of the round, chain 2 and turn.

In the next round, single crochet across, working into the chain spaces and the double crochet stitches. Chain 2, turn, and single crochet across. Cut the yarn and fasten off.

Assembly

Try on the top and place stitch markers where you would like the straps to go. To ensure even spacing, count the number of stitches from the side seam to the stitch marker, and then count the same number of stitches in the opposite direction from the seam. Place another stitch marker there. Repeat this process for the second strap.

Now, attach the centre stitch of each strap to the stitch markers. From the wrong side of the garment, slip stitch the straps to the top. Do this for all four ends of the straps. Weave in your ends, and your ruffle tank top is complete!

Making the straps

The length of the straps is up to you. You can make them as long or as short as you like. To figure out the best length, use a bra, bralette, or tank top that you like the length of the straps on and use that as a reference.

After you have chosen the bra or tank top you want to work from for the straps, chain enough stitches so that your chain, when stretched, is the exact length of the strap on your favourite bra or tank top. Write down the number of chains that you needed for this. For a medium size, I needed 30 chains at this step.

Now, chain 1, then single crochet in the third loop from the hook. Single crochet across, chain 2, and turn. Single crochet in each stitch across, chain 4, and turn.

Skip the next stitch, double crochet in the next stitch away from the chain. Chain 1, skip a stitch, then double crochet in the next stitch. Repeat until the end of the round, chain 2, and turn.

If you have an extra stitch left over, double crochet in the last stitch. Single crochet across, working in the chain spaces as you come across them, as well as working in the regular double crochet stitch. Chain 2, turn, and single crochet across. Cut the yarn and fasten off.

Assembly

Lay the two body pieces on top of each other.

Whip stitch the tops of the straps together and down the sides of the top.

With the right side facing up, insert the hook along the inner edge of the strap. Secure the yarn and pull up a loop.

Round 1: Ch 1 (counts as a stitch), sl st evenly along the edge of the neckline. (Please refer to the detailed demonstration in the video and photos). Sl st into the 1st ch to join, turn.

Along the straps, place 1 ch in each st.

Along the increases and decreases, the goal is to 'smooth out' the bumps. I found that the best way is to space stitches evenly in a curved line.

Don't place stitches in the points/tips of the corners (this 'highlights' the bumps instead of smoothing them out), rather insert your hook into the middle of the stitch.

Also, don’t worry if a small amount (less than 0.4 cm / 1/8”) of the corners ‘peek out' from behind the sl sts, they’ll be hidden in the next round of stitches.

Round 2: Ch 1 (counts as a st), BLO sl st in each st around, sl st into the 1st ch to join. Fasten off. *Make sure your BLO sl sts are worked into the sl sts of Round 1 – not the BLO HDCs!

Repeat the edging steps for the two armholes.

Weave in all of your ends.

Frequently asked questions