How to Crochet a Tanktop
If you know how to crochet a basic stitch, you are able to create many different types of garments. Tank tops are a favorite addition to most wardrobes because of their versatility. They look good when paired with a casual pair of jeans and are also attractive if worn on top of a shirt for a more formal look. You can even create a dressy look if you choose to use a metallic thread for the tank top.
Things You'll Need
- 4 mm Crochet hook (size F)
- 9, 10 or 11 50 gram balls of yarn to produce the required guage
- Ruler or tape measure
- Scissors
- Yarn needle
Instructions
-
-
1
Chain 20 stitches to make a test swatch to determine the correct gauge. Make a double crochet stitch in the third chain from the hook. Keep making double crochet stitches to the end of the row. Turn the work, chain 3. Continue making double crochet stitches in each stitch of the previous row until the row is complete. Keep making these rows until there are a total of 10 rows. Use a ruler to measure the gauge. Adjust the size of your hook until you achieve the desired gauge which should be: 18 double crochet stitches and 8 rows = 4 inch square.
-
2
Chain 84 stitches with the crochet hook for the back section of the tank top in small size. (For sizes medium and large, chain 89 and 91 stitches). Make a double crochet stitch in the 4th stitch from the hook. Continue making double crochet stitches in each chain, all the way to the end of the row.
-
-
3
Turn the work and chain 4. Make a double crochet stitch in the third chain from the hook. Continue making double crochet stitches through the double loops in the top of each stitch from the previous row.
-
4
Repeat Step 3 until your work measures 12 inches from your beginning row. Fasten off your last stitch and clip the long thread.
-
5
Repeat Steps 2 through 4 to begin the front section of the tank top. Skip the first 7 (7, 8) stitches on the next row to shape the armhole and form the shoulder straps. Join the yarn in the next double crochet stitch and chain 3. Make a double crochet stitch in each of the next 9 stitches.
-
6
Turn the work and chain 3. Make a double crochet in each of the stitches from the previous row. Repeat this row until the strap measures 13 (14, 15) inches in length, or the desired length that will place the neckline of the tank top as high or low as you wish. Fasten off the last stitch.
-
7
With the right side of the garment front facing you, join the yarn in the double crochet stitch that is 16 (16, 17) stitches from the side edge. Make a double crochet stitch in each of the next 9 stitches.
-
8
Turn the work and chain 3. Make a double crochet in each of the stitches from the previous row. Repeat this row until the strap measures 13 (14, 15) inches, to match the length of the other strap. Fasten off the last stitch.
-
9
Lay the back section on the front section and align all edges with the right sides of the garment facing each other on the inside and the wrong side facing you. Pin the side seams in place. Thread a yarn needle that has an extra-large eye with the yarn and stitch the side seams by lifting one thread from the edge of each section. Fasten off your last stitch and clip the excess yarn.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If your crocheting skills are a little more advanced, consider creating an attractive border at the bottom of the tank top by skipping alternate stitches to produce a more open, lacy effect.
Take your bust measurement at the fullest part of your bust before you begin, in order to determine your correct size. The size small tank top is designed for a bust measurement of 35 inches, 37 inches for medium size, and 39 inches for large size.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
