How to Crochet a Shirt

Crochet T-shirts are best worn in cool or cold weather.

If you're a seasoned knitter and you're looking to crochet something more challenging, try crocheting a T-shirt. Crocheting a T-shirt requires contrasting yarn and the ability to crochet single and double knots. This project is time consuming, so it may take several hours to complete. The T-shirt will be crocheted in four separate pieces (front, back, left arm and right arm) and then stitched together. You can also use the same directions with a few modifications for the sleeve length to create a sweater.

Things You'll Need

• Worsted weight yarn:
• 14 ounces (397 grams), main color
• 1 ounce (29 grams), contrasting color
• Size H hook
• Yarn needle
• Gauge:
• 14 ½ stitches (double crochet measuring across)
• 7 ½ rows (top to bottom)

Instructions

Front and Back

1. Chain 55 contrasting yarn colors.

2. Work one crochet from the hook into the second chain. Work one crochet into each following chain for a total of 54 stitches. These stitches form the right side of your shirt.

3. Chain one, then flip the piece to the other side. Work a single crochet into each of the previous single crochets. Repeat this process three times, flipping the work over with each repeat. Cut the yarn after the third crochet to complete the four rows.

4. Thread the main shirt’s colored yarn through the last stitch's chain. Then chain two and turn the work over. In each single crochet, work a double crochet.

5. Chain two, then turn the work over. In each of the completed double crochets, work a double crochet. Repeat this step until your work measures 11 inches in total.

6. Form a marker for the bottom of the armhole by tying a piece of yarn at the top of the first and last stitches in the last row. Repeat the previous step, followed by this step until your piece equals 20 inches from the beginning, then cut the yarn.

7. Attach the contrasting colored yarn through the final stitch and chain one. Turn the work over and work a single crochet into each of the double crochets.

8. Make a second piece following Steps 1 through 7. This will complete the front and back of the shirt.

Sleeves

1. Chain 48 using the main color for your shirt.

2. In the second chain from the hook, work in a single crochet, then follow with an additional crochet in each of the remaining chains. You should have 47 stitches at the end. This will be the right side of your shirt.

3. Chain one, then turn the work over and begin working one single crochet into each single crochet. Repeat this step two more times for a total of four single crochet rows.

4. Chain two, turn the work over and work one double crochet into every single crochet. Repeat this step until the piece is 12 inches from the beginning, then cut the yarn.

5. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 to make the second sleeve.

Completing

1. Attach the front and back shoulder pieces together using sewing pins, making sure the right sides are together. Start at the outside of one side and sew the pieces together for 3 inches, using contrasting yarn. End the stitch and conceal it by circling it around the stitches on the "wrong" side of the shirt. Repeat this step on the other side.

2. Attach the sides of the front and back pieces together using sewing pins, making sure to pin the areas between the bottom and the armhole markers. Sew a side seam from the markers to the bottom using your main yarn color.

3. Turn your sleeves inside out and fold them in half lengthwise. Sew together the underarm seams starting from the bottom going up. Repeat this step on the other sleeve.

4. Pin the top of the sleeve into the open armhole and sew it closed. Repeat on the other sleeve, then turn the shirt inside out.