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Cropped Lace-Up Top Pattern

Cropped Lace-Up Top Pattern
4.3★ Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
1.7K Made This
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Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic crochet experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

⏱️

Weekend Treat

Takes 5-7 hours, making it an enjoyable project to finish over a couple of days.

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Casual Chic

Relaxed style with a modern twist, perfect for everyday wear while maintaining that handcrafted uniqueness.

About This Cropped Lace-Up Top Pattern

This pattern creates a colorful cropped lace-up top with a structured front panel, adjustable back panels and shoulder straps. It combines simple double crochet bands with decorative shell and lace rows for feminine texture. Sizes S through XL are included, with notes on customizing cup coverage and strap length for a better fit.

Cropped Lace-Up Top Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Worked in five colors using 4mm and 7mm hooks, the top features a lace-up back and optional sleeves. Clear row-by-row instructions and photos guide you through shaping and assembly.

Why You'll Love This Cropped Lace-Up Top Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it blends easy structural crochet with playful decorative stitches, giving you a stylish wearable that's also satisfying to make. I enjoy how the shell and lace rows add texture without requiring complicated stitch combinations. The lace-up back makes the top adjustable and forgiving in fit, which I find hugely helpful when gifting or customizing. I also appreciate that the design is modular—front panel, back panels, straps and sleeves are worked separately so you can adapt each piece to your measurements.

Cropped Lace-Up Top Pattern step 1 - construction progress Cropped Lace-Up Top Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Cropped Lace-Up Top Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Cropped Lace-Up Top Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love how easy it is to customize this top by switching colors; try pastel palettes for a soft, romantic look or bold brights for a festival-ready version.

You can make a mini version by using a finer yarn and smaller hooks to create a cute crop or keychain-sized sample for practice.

If you want a warmer option, use a heavier yarn and larger hooks to produce a chunky, cozy sweater-style crop.

Change the lace-up back to a fixed panel for a cleaner look and sew the chain in place, or replace the lacing with a ribbon for a decorative touch.

I often lengthen the front panel by adding extra double crochet rows for more coverage on larger cup sizes—just follow the same stitch patterns.

Try adding embroidery or small crocheted appliques to the chest for unique personalization and extra texture.

To vary the sleeve style, skip the sleeve section and leave this as a tank or add flared sleeves by increasing more stitches during sleeve rows.

Swap the shell row counts to change the shell size—the number of ch spaces controls shell frequency, so experiment for open or dense shells.

You can make the straps wider by increasing the foundation chain from 6 stitches to 8 or 10 and working the same 28 rows for a sturdier shoulder strap.

I also like to create matching accessories using leftover yarn—think headbands, scrunchies, or a small bag using the same shell motif.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping the turnover at the end of rows will change the edge shaping and alignment; always turnover at the end of the row as instructed to keep panels even. ✗ Not switching hook sizes when called for results in incorrect stitch gauge; change to the 7mm hook when the pattern specifies to match stitch counts exactly. ✗ Failing to count chains at the foundation causes the panel to be too narrow or wide; count your initial chain carefully and recount if skipping stitches. ✗ Overlooking which rows use shell or lace stitches creates misaligned decorative rows; mark where the shell and lace sections begin and follow the repeat instructions precisely. ✗ Securing color joins poorly can cause loose ends and bulky joins; fasten off and weave in ends neatly or use tidy join techniques at color changes.

Cropped Lace-Up Top Pattern

This colorful cropped lace-up top pattern guides you step-by-step through creating a fitted, layered chest panel with shell and lace stitches, adjustable back panels and straps, and optional sleeve variations. You will work with five colors and two hook sizes to make a comfortable, custom-fit top that is ideal for casual wear. The pattern includes clear rows for sizes S, M, L and XL, plus tips for adjusting cup size and strap length to suit your body.

Intermediate 5-7 Hours

Materials Needed for Cropped Lace-Up Top Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Yarn thickness: 100g = 290m, size 2 (light/fingering weight) - total around 200g across all colors
  • 02
    Colour 1: Yellow - used for front base band and back panels (amount as needed from total 200g)
  • 03
    Colour 2: Dark pink - used for decorative band and shell transition (amount as needed)
  • 04
    Colour 3: Light pink - used for chest double crochet rows and lace details (amount as needed)
  • 05
    Colour 4: Turquoise - used for sleeve bases and trim (amount as needed)
  • 06
    Colour 5: Sage green - used for shell rows on straps (amount as needed)

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 4mm
  • 02
    Crochet hook size 7mm
  • 03
    Scissors
  • 04
    Yarn needle for sewing and weaving in ends

Progress Tracker

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— Initial information :

Info :

Crochet terminology: US. Tools: A 4mm and 7mm crochet hook. Yarn thickness : 100g = 290m, size 2, 5 different colours, around 200g of yarn in total. Scissors and yarn needle.

Infos :

Abbreviations: dc = double crochet. sc = single crochet. ch = chain. skip1ch = skip one chain. ss = slip stitch. dc2tog = double crochet 2 together (decrease). e.g. 20 x 1dc = place 1dc in each stitch for 20 stitches. e.g. 6 x 2dc = place 2dc in each stitch for 6 stitches.

Info :

Special stitches: shell: *1 x 1dc, ch3 or ch4, 1 x 1dc in the same stitch, skip1st*. Important note: ch3 at the beginning does not count as a dc. It isn't included in the stitch count.

Info :

Sizing: Size S is equivalent to 6-8 UK size. Size M is equivalent to 10 UK size. Size L is equivalent to 12-14 UK size. All three sizes fit cup sizes A-D. If you have a larger cup size (DD and above) but a smaller overall top size, make front panel size S or M longer and refer to size S or M when making the back panel. If you have a smaller cup size but a larger overall top size, make top your size normally but make the back panel a few rows longer. Shoulder straps are a standard length but can be customized to fit.

Info :

Stitches: This pattern uses two stitch types: shells (used in chest part and sleeves) and lace (appears in chest part, light pink). Lace row instructions are in the sleeves section.

— Front panel :

Round 1 :

Front panel: 4mm hook. Colour 1: yellow.

Round 2 :

Size S: Row 1: ch62, turnover, skip2st, 60 x 1dc

Round 3 :

Size S: Row 2: ch3, 60 x 1dc

Round 4 :

Size S: Row 3: ch3, 60 x 1dc

Round 5 :

Size S: Row 4: ch3, 60 x 1dc

Round 6 :

Size S: Row 5: ch3, 60 x 1dc

Round 7 :

Size S: Row 6: ch3, 60 x 1dc

Round 8 :

Size S: Row 7: ch3, 60 x 1dc, cut, fasten off.

Round 9 :

Size M: Row 1: ch72, turnover, skip2st, 70x 1dc

Round 10 :

Size M: Row 2: ch3, 70 x 1dc

Round 11 :

Size M: Row 3: ch3, 70 x 1dc

Round 12 :

Size M: Row 4: ch3, 70 x 1dc

Round 13 :

Size M: Row 5: ch3, 70 x 1dc

Round 14 :

Size M: Row 6: ch3, 70 x 1dc

Round 15 :

Size M: Row 7: ch3, 70 x 1dc, cut, fasten off.

Round 16 :

Size L: Row 1: ch82, turnover, skip2st, 80 x 1dc

Round 17 :

Size L: Row 2: ch3, 80 x 1dc

Round 18 :

Size L: Row 3: ch3, 80 x 1dc

Round 19 :

Size L: Row 4: ch3, 80 x 1dc

Round 20 :

Size L: Row 5: ch3, 80 x 1dc

Round 21 :

Size L: Row 6: ch3, 80 x 1dc

Round 22 :

Size L: Row 7: ch3, 80 x 1dc, cut, fasten off.

Round 23 :

Size XL: Row 1: ch92, turnover, skip2st, 90 x 1dc

Round 24 :

Size XL: Row 2: ch3, 90 x 1dc

Round 25 :

Size XL: Row 3: ch3, 90 x 1dc

Round 26 :

Size XL: Row 4: ch3, 90 x 1dc

Round 27 :

Size XL: Row 5: ch3, 90 x 1dc

Round 28 :

Size XL: Row 6: ch3, 90 x 1dc

Round 29 :

Size XL: Row 7: ch3, 90 x 1dc, cut, fasten off.

— Decorative band (Colour 2 dark pink) :

Info :

Colour 2: dark pink. Note: before starting these rows, flip the yellow band so that the shirt doesn't taper at the bottom. The instructions between the star symbols "*" means to repeat the instructions within them until the end of the row. Here we are using the 'shell' stitch which you can find instructions for in the terminology section of the pattern.

Round 1 :

Size S: Row 1: ch3, *1 x 1dc, ch3, 1 x 1dc in the same space, skip2st*. 1 x 1dc, turnover

Round 2 :

Size S: Row 2: ch3, 1 x 1dc, 20 shells in the 20 ch3 spaces, cut and fasten off.

Round 3 :

Size M: Row 1: ch3, *1 x 1dc, ch3, 1 x 1dc in the same space, skip2st*. 1 x 1dc, turnover

Round 4 :

Size M: Row 2: ch3, 1 x 1dc, 23 shells in the 23 ch3 spaces, cut and fasten off.

Round 5 :

Size L: Row 1: ch3, *1 x 1dc, ch3, 1 x 1dc in the same space, skip2st*. 1 x 1dc, turnover

Round 6 :

Size L: Row 2: ch3, 1 x 1dc, 26 shells in the 26 ch3 spaces, cut and fasten off.

Round 7 :

Size XL: Row 1: ch3, *1 x 1dc, ch3, 1 x 1dc in the same space, skip2st*. 1 x 1dc, turnover

Round 8 :

Size XL: Row 2: ch3, 1 x 1dc, 30 shells in the 30 ch3 spaces, cut and fasten off.

— Colour 3 (light pink) lace/double crochet rows :

Round 1 :

Colour 3: light pink. Size S: Row 1: ch3, *1 x 2dc in each shell space, 1 x 1dc in the space between two shells*

Round 2 :

Size S: Row 2: ch3, 28 x 1dc, ch4, skip2st, 1 x 1sc, ch4, skip2st, 28 x 1dc

Round 3 :

Size S: Row 3: ch3, 28 x 1dc, ch4, 1sc into space, ch4, 1sc into space, 28 x 1dc

Round 4 :

Size S: Row 4: ch3, 28 x 1dc, ch4, 1sc into space, ch4, 1sc into space, 28 x 1dc

Round 5 :

Size S: Row 5: ch3, 28 x 1dc, ch4, 1sc into space, ch4, 1sc into space, 28 x 1dc

Round 6 :

Size S: Row 6: ch3, 28 x 1dc, ch4, 1sc into space, ch4, 1sc into space, 28 x 1dc

Round 7 :

Size S: Row 7: ch3, 28 x 1dc, ch4, 1sc into space, ch4, 1sc into space, 28 x 1dc

Round 8 :

Size M: Row 1: ch3, *1 x 2dc in each shell space, 1 x 1dc in the space between two shells*

Round 9 :

Size M: Row 2: ch3, 33 x 1dc, ch4, skip2st, 1x1sc, ch4, skip2st, 33 x 1dc

Round 10 :

Size M: Row 3: ch3, 33 x 1dc, ch4, 1sc into space, ch4, 1sc into space, 33 x 1dc

Round 11 :

Size M: Row 4: ch3, 33 x 1dc, ch4, 1sc into space, ch4, 1sc into space, 33 x 1dc

Round 12 :

Size M: Row 5: ch3, 33 x 1dc, ch4, 1sc into space, ch4, 1sc into space, 33 x 1dc

Round 13 :

Size M: Row 6: ch3, 33 x 1dc, ch4, 1sc into space, ch4, 1sc into space, 33 x 1dc

Round 14 :

Size M: Row 7: ch3, 33 x 1dc, ch4, 1sc into space, ch4, 1sc into space, 33 x 1dc

Round 15 :

Size L: Row 1: ch3, *1 x 2dc in each shell space, 1 x 1dc in the space between two shells*

Round 16 :

Size L: Row 2: ch3, 38 x 1dc, ch4, skip2st, 1x1sc, ch4, skip2st, 38 x 1dc

Round 17 :

Size L: Rows 3-7: ch3, 38 x 1dc, ch4, 1sc into space, ch4, 1sc into space, 38 x 1dc

Round 18 :

Size XL: Row 1: ch3, *1 x 2dc in each shell space, 1 x 1dc in the space between two shells*

Round 19 :

Size XL: Row 2: ch3, 43 x 1dc, ch4, skip2st, 1x1sc, ch4, skip2st, 43 x 1dc

Round 20 :

Size XL: Rows 3-7: ch3, 43 x 1dc, ch4, 1sc into space, ch4, 1sc into space, 43 x 1dc

Info :

Note: if you are a larger cup size, do a few extra rows of this colour, until your bust is covered. All up to personal preference :)

— Back panel :

Info :

Switch to 4mm hook. Back panel: Where we cut off the dark pink yarn, attach yellow yarn.

Round 1 :

Size S: Ch3, 43 x 1dc, turnover* repeat for 12 rows in total. At the end of the twelfth row, ch120-ch150, so it is 70cm long. Repeat for the other side of the front panel.

Round 2 :

Size M: Ch3, 43 x 1dc, turnover* repeat for 14 rows in total. At the end of the fourteenth row, ch120-ch150, so it is 70cm long. Repeat for the other side of the front panel.

Round 3 :

Size L: Ch3, 43 x 1dc, turnover* repeat for 16 rows in total. At the end of the sixteenth row, ch120-ch150, so it is 70cm long. Repeat for the other side of the front panel.

Round 4 :

Size XL: Ch3, 43 x 1dc, turnover* repeat for 18 rows in total. At the end of the eighteenth row, ch120-ch150, so it is 70cm long. Repeat for the other side of the front panel.

Info :

If you have made the front panel longer to support a larger cup size, continue to do 1dc until the end of the side of the front panel, for example 55 x 1dc - however many you need. Decide which way round you'd like the top to be; the pattern author attached shoulder straps to the dark pink yarn so the chain 120-150 is below it to allow lacing up from bottom to top.

— Shoulder Straps :

Info :

With a 4mm hook, in an appropriate place for the first strap, attach your yarn and place 6 x 1dc, ch2, turnover. Create 28 rows in total of 6 x 1dc, this is the shoulder strap. Sc the shoulder strap to the end of the back panel. Repeat for the second shoulder strap, symmetrically to the first.

Info :

If longer or shorter straps are needed, customise them; the next part of the pattern is a guide based on the length of the 28 rows. Use this as a guide and don't worry about matching exact stitches; match the number in Row 2 with your 7mm hook and half that for shell counts if you adjust length.

— Sleeves (Colour 4 turquoise) :

Info :

Colour 4: turquoise. At the back of the top where the shoulder strap and back panel meet, add your yarn.

Round 1 :

Size S: Row 1: ch3, 78 x 1dc, ss

Round 2 :

Size S: Row 2: switch to 7mm hook, ch3, 38 x 1dc, (skip every other st) ss

Round 3 :

Size S: Row 3: ch3, 38 x 1dc, ss

Round 4 :

Size S: Row 4: ch3, *6 x 1dc, dc2tog*, ss

Round 5 :

Size S: Row 5: ch3, *6 x 1dc, dc2tog*, ss

Round 6 :

Size S: Row 6: ch3, dc2tog, 24 x 1dc, dc2tog, ss, cut, fasten off. Repeat with the other sleeve. (26st)

Round 7 :

Size M: Row 1: ch3, 85 x 1dc, ss

Round 8 :

Size M: Row 2: switch to 7mm hook, ch3, 42 x 1dc, (skip every other st) ss

Round 9 :

Size M: Row 3: ch3, 42 x 1dc, ss

Round 10 :

Size M: Row 4: ch3, *6 x 1dc, dc2tog*, ss (37st)

Round 11 :

Size M: Row 5: ch3, *6 x 1dc, dc2tog*, ss (33st)

Round 12 :

Size M: Row 6: ch3, dc2tog, 29 x 1dc, dc2tog, ss, cut, fasten off. Repeat with the other sleeve. (31st)

Round 13 :

Size L: Row 1: ch3, 90 x 1dc, ss

Round 14 :

Size L: Row 2: switch to 7mm hook, ch3, 45 x 1dc, (skip every other st) ss

Round 15 :

Size L: Row 3: ch3, 45 x 1dc, ss

Round 16 :

Size L: Row 4: ch3, *6 x 1dc, dc2tog*, ss (40st)

Round 17 :

Size L: Row 5: ch3, *6 x 1dc, dc2tog*, ss (35st)

Round 18 :

Size L: Row 6: ch3, dc2tog, 31 x 1dc, dc2tog, ss, cut, fasten off. Repeat with the other sleeve. (33st)

Round 19 :

Size XL: Row 1: ch3, 102 x 1dc, ss

Round 20 :

Size XL: Row 2: switch to 7mm hook, ch3, 51 x 1dc, (skip every other st) ss

Round 21 :

Size XL: Row 3: ch3, 51 x 1dc, ss

Round 22 :

Size XL: Row 4: ch3, *6 x 1dc, dc2tog*, ss (47st)

Round 23 :

Size XL: Row 5: ch3, *6 x 1dc, dc2tog*, ss (41st)

Round 24 :

Size XL: Row 6: ch3, dc2tog, 31 x 1dc, dc2tog, ss, cut, fasten off. Repeat with the other sleeve. (39st)

Info :

If you don't have enough stitches at the end of the row for another decrease, finish with a slip stitch as normal, then do 2 x 1dc and dc2tog in the next row - so 6 minus the remaining amount of stitches - if the next row is also a decrease row.

Info :

If you have made the straps longer or shorter, use this part as a guide and don't worry about matching the exact number of stitches after you finish the row. Match the number in Row 2 with your 7mm hook, match that number in row 3, and do a decrease every 6 stitches in Rows 4 and 5. Decrease once at the beginning of row 6 and again at the end of the row.

— Shell rows for straps (Colour 5 sage green) :

Round 1 :

Colour 5: sage green. 4mm hook. Shell rows:

Round 2 :

Size S: Row 1: ch3, *1 x 1dc, ch4, 1dc in the same space, skip 1st* ss

Round 3 :

Size S: Row 2: ch3, 13 shells in 13 ch4 spaces, ss, cut, fasten off

Round 4 :

Size M: Row 1: ch3, *1 x 1dc, ch4, 1dc in the same space, skip1st* ss

Round 5 :

Size M: Row 2: ch3, 15 shells in 15 ch4 spaces, ss, cut, fasten off

Round 6 :

Size L: Row 1: ch3, *1 x 1dc, ch4, 1dc in the same space, skip1st* ss

Round 7 :

Size L: Row 2: ch3, 17 shells in 17 ch4 spaces, ss, cut, fasten off

Round 8 :

Size XL: Row 1: ch3, *1 x 1dc, ch4, 1dc in the same space, skip1st* ss

Round 9 :

Size XL: Row 2: ch3, 20 shells in 20 ch4 spaces, ss, cut, fasten off

Info :

If you have customised the length of your straps, make sure you have around half the number of shells as you do 7mm hook stitches (e.g. size S, 26 st, and then 13 shells).

Assembly Instructions

  • Attach front panels: align and sew the two front panels together at the lower decorative band and secure the base edges using a yarn needle and whipstitch, keeping the lace motif centered.
  • Attach back panels: lace one long chain (ch120-ch150) through the top edges of the back panels to create the lace-up closure; secure ends and weave in tightly.
  • Sew shoulder straps to the ends of the back panel: position straps symmetrically and sew using a secure whipstitch; test on to ensure comfortable strap length before fastening off.
  • Attach sleeves by matching the sleeve top edges to the arm opening and sew evenly around the seam, easing any fullness; repeat for the other sleeve.

Important Notes

  • 💡Use turnover at the end of each row as instructed to keep consistent edges and shaping.
  • 💡Switch to the 7mm hook where specified to create the correct stitch gauge for shell and lace areas.
  • 💡When adjusting for larger cup sizes, add extra rows to the light pink section until you achieve desired coverage.

This playful cropped lace-up top combines structured bands with feminine shell and lace details for a modern casual look. The adjustable back lacing and customizable strap lengths make it easy to fit and flattering on many body types. Enjoy mixing colors and making it your own — a perfect project for stylish handmade wardrobes. 🧶✨

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

Finished size varies with yarn tension and size chosen; the pattern provides instructions for S, M, L and XL and suggests a 70cm chain length for the back lacing to create a comfortable fit.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

You can substitute yarn weights but it will affect the final size and drape; if you choose a different weight, adjust hook sizes and check gauge before proceeding.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is intermediate; basic knowledge of chains, double crochet, single crochet, decreases and working shell repeats is recommended for best results.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters finish this project in 5-7 hours, depending on experience and decisions about customizing length, straps and sleeves.