Knit Your Own Crop Tank Top: A Beginner's Guide

Knitting your own clothes is a great way to get started with knitting and a crop tank top is a perfect beginner project. It doesn't require much yarn, knits up fast, and is very easy to make. You can use any type of yarn, but ribbon yarn is a good choice because it's wide, fast to knit, light, and creates a textured surface. You can also get creative with the stitch pattern and try something new, or keep it simple with just knits and purls. The crop tank top is a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down, making it a great addition to any wardrobe.

How to Knit a Crop Tank Top

Choosing the right yarn

Yarn Weight

When knitting a crop tank top, it is recommended to use lightweight yarn, such as DK or Light (3) weight yarn. This type of yarn will give your top a light and breathable feel, making it perfect for warmer weather. However, if you prefer a thicker crop top, you can opt for a bulkier yarn such as worsted weight yarn. Worsted weight yarn is a good choice for beginners as it is easy to work with and provides good stitch definition.

Yarn Fibre

The fibre content of your yarn will impact the drape, durability, and feel of your crop tank top. Here are some common yarn fibres to consider:

• Merino Wool: This natural fibre is soft, smooth, and breathable, making it an excellent choice for all seasons. Merino wool also has a good amount of stretch, making it ideal for fitted crop tops.
• Acrylic: Acrylic yarn is known for its durability and affordability. It is easy to care for and comes in a wide range of colours. Acrylic yarn also has a good amount of stretch, making it suitable for fitted crop tops.
• Cotton-Acrylic Blends: These blends combine the breathability and softness of cotton with the durability and stretch of acrylic. They are a good choice if you want a lightweight and comfortable crop top that holds its shape.
• Cotton: Cotton yarn is soft and comfortable, making it ideal for summer garments. However, it is important to note that 100% cotton yarn may stretch out and not regain its original shape. If you choose cotton yarn, look for a cotton-synthetic blend to ensure your crop top maintains its shape.

Yarn Colour and Texture

The colour and texture of your yarn can add visual interest to your crop tank top. Consider using a yarn with a textured surface, such as ribbon yarn, to create a unique look. You can also experiment with different colours and yarn weights to create a multi-coloured or striped top.

Remember to choose a yarn that you enjoy working with and that suits your skill level. Always check the yarn label for care instructions and knitting needle size recommendations to ensure your crop tank top turns out just right!

Knitting techniques

Knitting a crop tank top is a fun and simple project that can be easily tackled by beginner knitters. The process is straightforward and does not require much yarn, making it a quick knit.

The first step is to choose your yarn. Ribbon yarn is a great option as it is wide, making it fast to knit, and it also creates a textured surface. The type of yarn you choose will play a major role in the final look of your top.

Next, you'll want to decide on the stitch pattern. The simplest stitch is the stockinette stitch, which creates a classic, reversible look. If you want to get more creative, you can try a combination of knits and purls to add texture and a modern ribbed appearance.

When it comes to the actual knitting process, you'll be working with a single rectangle. Cast on the number of stitches that correspond to your size, keeping in mind that the stitch count is just a reference and you may need to adjust it to fit your body type. The rectangle will be folded in half and sewn together to create a tube.

For the straps, you have a couple of options. You can either wrap strands of yarn around each other or create a long chain of single crochets. Add as many straps as you like and adjust them to your preferred fit.

Finally, you can finish off your crop tank top by sewing up the sides and trying it on. This project is meant to be fun and casual, so don't stress too much about perfection. Feel free to experiment with different yarns, stitches, and strap options to create a unique crop tank top that's all your own!

Stitch patterns

The stitch pattern you choose for your knit crop tank top will depend on your skill level and the style you wish to achieve. For instance, a simple knit stitch pattern is perfect for beginners, whereas detailed cables and intricate Fair Isle patterns are more suitable for advanced knitters.

The Yarnalina blog features an easy knit beginner crop top pattern that only consists of knits and purls. The top is made from a single rectangle, sewn together with twisted straps. The pattern is written for US terms and uses Lion Brand LB Collection Superwash Merino Yarn and Clover Single Point Knitting Needles, size 6 (4.0mm).

Co in a multiple of 4 + 2 (104, 114, 124, 134, 144, 154, 164, 174, 184)

R1: Knit across (104, 114, 124, 134, 144, 154, 164, 174, 184) *the right side*

R2: P2, *K2, P2* across (104, 114, 124, 134, 144, 154, 164, 174, 184) *the wrong side*

Repeat R1 – R2 until Row (55, 65, 75, 85, 95, 105, 115, 125, 135)

For a stretchy cast-off: K2, insert your left-hand needle underneath both loops on the right-hand needle and knit the two loops, then repeat *K1, insert your left-hand needle underneath both loops on the right-hand needle and knit the two loops* all across.

Leave a long tail of yarn, cut it, and tie it off.

Fold the rectangle in half *with the right side facing up*, thread the needle with the yarn tail, and sew the rectangle together into a tube.

For the straps, cut 5 strands of yarn in the following lengths: (35″, 39″, 43″, 47″, 51″, 55″, 59″, 63″, 67″) or (90cm, 100cm, 110cm, 120cm, 130cm, 140cm, 150cm, 160cm, 170cm). Fold the strands in half, tie them onto the edge of one side of the tube, and secure by wrapping the two outermost strands around the remaining strands. Trim the ends to create tassels. Repeat this process three more times to create four straps.

Finally, tie the straps according to your preferred fit and style.

Assembly

To assemble the knit crop top, start by folding the knitted rectangle in half, with the right side facing up. Then, using the yarn tail, sew the rectangle together to form a tube.

Next, cut 5 strands of yarn in the following lengths: 35″, 39″, 43″, 47″, 51″, 55″, 59″, 63″, or 67″, depending on your desired length. These will serve as the straps for the top. Fold each strand in half and tie it onto one edge of the tube. For a decorative touch, take two strands and wrap them around the remaining strands. Secure the ends with a knot, and trim them to create tassels. Repeat this process three more times to create four straps on the same side of the tube.

Finally, try on the top and adjust the straps according to your preferred fit. And that's it! You've now assembled your very own knit crop top.

Customisation

Yarn Choice:

The type of yarn you choose will impact the look and feel of your top. For example, the blogger at Yarnalina chose a merino wool yarn for their crop top, specifically the Lion Brand LB Collection Superwash Merino Yarn, which comes in a variety of colours. The blogger at Gift of Knitting chose ribbon yarn for their top because it is fast to knit, light, and creates a textured surface. You can also choose from a variety of other yarns, such as cotton, linen, or synthetic blends, each of which will give your top a different look and feel.

Stitch Pattern:

The stitch pattern you use can also affect the appearance of your top. The Yarnalina blogger used a simple stitch pattern of knits and purls, while the Gift of Knitting blogger used the stockinette stitch. You can also experiment with different stitch patterns, such as cables, lace, or ribbing, to create a unique texture and look for your top.

Colour:

As mentioned above, yarn comes in a variety of colours, so you can choose a colour that suits your style or the season. You can also create a multicoloured top by using different coloured yarns or dyeing your yarn.

Fit:

You can customise the fit of your top by adjusting the number of stitches and rows. For a looser fit, cast on more stitches at the beginning, and for a tighter fit, cast on fewer stitches. The Yarnalina blogger also suggests tapering the number of stitches and rows to fit your body type and size.

Straps:

The straps of your top can also be customised. The Yarnalina blogger suggests making twisted straps by wrapping strands of yarn around each other, or you could crochet a long chain of single crochets for a different look. You can also adjust the length of the straps to ensure a comfortable fit.

Reversibility:

You can also make your top reversible by choosing a stitch pattern that looks good on both sides or by sewing the pieces together with the "wrong" side facing out. This gives you two different looks in one top!

Frequently asked questions