How to Crochet a Simple Summer Tee
There’s just something so satisfying about crocheting wearable pieces, especially when they’re as quick and easy as a the Adore Tee. I love how lightweight tops work up quickly, don’t take heaps of yarn, and are super comfy to wear during the summer. They're also a great way to show off a stitch you love in a really practical project. Keep reading to learn how to crochet a summer top, the easy way.
What Inspired This Design
I wanted to make something simple, wearable, and flattering for all sizes. I wanted a project that would be fun to crochet something you could throw on with jeans, or shorts and of course, it had to be beginner-friendly too! My goal was to design a simple and accessible way for everyone to learn how to crochet a summer top.
Free Pattern & Video Tutorial
Ready to make your own Adore Tee? You’ll find the full free pattern below, and there’s also a step-by-step video tutorial to walk you through the process. Whether you prefer to follow written instructions or like to crochet along with a video, I’ve got you covered. This is a great project for confident beginners and up, looking to create their own handmade summer clothes.
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Is It Beginner Friendly?
Yes! If you’ve mastered the basics and feel comfortable with double crochet, you’ll pick this up in no time. The stitch might be new to some, but once you’ve got the hang of it, it’s very repetitive and relaxing to work. This easy crochet top pattern is perfect for those wanting to expand their skills.
Selecting the Perfect Crochet Hooks
For this project, I used a 5mm hook. I love to use these Clover Soft Touch hooks as they have a smooth surface that glides through the yarn easily and the handles are comfortable to hold. These are my preferred hooks to use and I have them in many sizes.
Handy Tools and Notions
Additionally, you'll need some helpful items like a pair of scissors, a measuring tape or gauge ruler, and a darning needle for neatly securing loose yarn ends. While not essential, stitch markers can be quite convenient for keeping track of your stitches
Exploring the Stitch Pattern
This t-shirt pattern uses the herringbone double crochet stitch, which adds the prettiest subtle texture. It’s smooth, neat, and gives the fabric a gentle slant that’s just a little different from your usual double crochet. I find it really relaxing to work once you get into the rhythm, and it gives a beautiful drape—perfect for clothing! This unique stitch is key to creating a beautiful crochet summer top.
Video Tutorial
If you’re a visual learner, you’ll love the video tutorial I made to go along with this pattern. I walk you through every step—from the foundation chain all the way to finishing.
The Adore Tee
Materials
Hook: 5.00mm
Yarn: Stylecraft Love You Aran. See size chart for yarn quantities for each size.
Gauge: 12 sts x 9 rows = 4 inches in hbdc pattern
Other Items:
yarn needle
scissors
Stitch markers
Abbreviations US Terms (UK Terms)
ch - chain
sl st - slip stitch
st - stitch
sc - single crochet (double crochet)
hbdc - herringbone double crochet (herringbone treble crochet)
Special Stitches:
Herringbone double crochet - yo, insert hook into st and pull up a loop, pull through 1st loop on hook, yo and pull through 1 loop, yo and pull through remaining loopsAbout the Yarn
Stylecraft Love You is a cool, smooth cotton-acrylic blend with a slight sheen, making it perfect for the Adore Tee. This easy-care aran-weight yarn is soft, breathable, and gentle on the skin — ideal for warm-weather wear. Plus, it’s machine washable and tumble dryer safe, making it as practical as it is beautiful. Each 100g ball offers 210 metres of yarn, giving you plenty to work with. Sample is crocheted in colourway Adore.
Looking for alternatives for your crochet tee? Try:
Paintbox Cotton Aran (100% cotton)
Stylecraft Savannah Aran (100% cotton)
Size Chart
The Adore Tee is written for sizes XS to XXXL, and is designed with 1-2 inches of positive ease...
Pattern Notes:
- Read pattern carefully before starting.
- Crochet foundation chain very loosely (go up a hook size if this is easier for you).
- Chain 1 starting chain does not count as a stitch.
Tee Panel Make 2
Ch required number for size.
Row 1 hbdc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn. (1 stitch less than starting ch)
Row 2 ch1, hbdc in each st across, turn
Repeat row 2 required number of times, turn.
Final row ch1, sc in next st and in every st across. Leave yarn attached. Place stitch maker to denote right side.
Test Fit
It’s advisable to take the time to test the fit at this point.
- Place both pieces side by side folded in the middle, with the sc edge in the centre.
- Using stitch markers pin sides (foundation edges) leaving a gap for arms.
- Pin front and back seams leaving a gap for neck.
- See video or diagram for guidance.
- If you need to add or remove any rows you can do this now, first pull out the last row of single crochet, then either add more or pull out rows, then re-do the last row of single crochet.
Blocking
Seaming
- After blocking, pin your pieces together again with stitch markers and place markers to indicate where to leave gaps for the armholes and neck opening. How big a gap you leave is down to personal preference.
- Starting with the front seam with right sides facing, slip stitch the front together through the back loops (this will be the single crochet edge), keeping stitches nice and loose.
- Next do the same for the back seam. When sewing in the ends add a few stitches to reinforce the points of the v neck.
- Turn inside out and seam the sides in the same way.
If preferred the seams may be sewn together instead.
Arm Holes
Join at armhole seam with right side facing
Round 1 Sc in each st around, join with sl st to 1st sc, fasten off.
Repeat for other armhole. Weave in ends.
Disclosure
Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
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