Crochet 2 Piece Matching Set Pattern: How to Make a Stunning Crochet Shorts and Top Set
If you’ve been searching for the perfect crochet 2 piece set pattern, you’ve landed in exactly the right place. This crochet matching set features a breezy crop top and coordinating shorts that work up beautifully in cotton or cotton-blend yarn. Whether you’re planning a beach day outfit, a summer festival look, or just want a chic loungewear set you made yourself, this crochet set pattern will walk you through every stitch from start to finish.
This is a pattern-only post, meaning all you need is your hook, some yarn, and a little time. No kit, no extra purchase required. Just follow along and you’ll have a gorgeous handmade crochet shorts and top set to show off by the end of the week.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Before diving into the actual crochet matching set pattern, let’s gather your materials. Having everything on hand before you begin makes the whole process smoother and more enjoyable.
Materials:
Approximately 800 to 1200 yards of size 3 (DK weight) cotton yarn in your main color. The exact amount will depend on your size. A lighter weight cotton is recommended for this crochet set because it drapes beautifully and keeps you cool in warm weather.
You will also need a 4.0mm crochet hook (or the size needed to achieve gauge), a yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors, stitch markers, a measuring tape, and approximately 1.5 to 2 yards of 1-inch wide elastic for the shorts waistband.
Gauge: 16 stitches and 18 rows = 4 inches in half double crochet. Gauge is important for this crochet 2 piece set pattern, especially for the shorts, since fit is essential.
Abbreviations Used in This Pattern:
ch = chain, sl st = slip stitch, sc = single crochet, hdc = half double crochet, dc = double crochet, sk = skip, sp = space, rep = repeat, st = stitch, sts = stitches, yo = yarn over, blo = back loop only, RS = right side, WS = wrong side.
Sizes Available: XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL)
Finished measurements are provided throughout the pattern for each size in parentheses.
Understanding the Stitch Pattern for This Crochet Matching Set
The main stitch used throughout this crochet 2 piece set is a simple mesh stitch that creates a gorgeous open lace-like fabric with just the right amount of stretch and drape. It’s beginner-friendly but looks intricate enough to impress anyone who sees your finished crochet set.
Mesh Stitch (worked in rows):
Row 1: Ch an even number of stitches. Dc in 4th ch from hook, ch 1, sk 1 ch, dc in next ch, repeat from to across. Turn.
Row 2: Ch 4 (counts as dc + ch 1), sk first dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, repeat from to across, dc in top of turning ch. Turn.
Repeat Row 2 for the pattern.
This mesh stitch forms the base fabric for both the top and shorts in this crochet matching set pattern, giving your finished set a cohesive, coordinated look.
Part One: The Crochet Crop Top Pattern
Step 1 — Foundation and Starting the Back Panel
The crop top in this crochet 2 piece set pattern is worked in two flat panels (front and back) that are then seamed together at the sides and shoulders.
For the back panel, begin by chaining the following number of stitches based on your size:
XS: ch 56, S: ch 62, M: ch 68, L: ch 74, XL: ch 80, 2XL: ch 86.
Row 1 (RS): Dc in 4th ch from hook, ch 1, sk 1, dc in next ch, rep across. Turn. You should have the following number of mesh spaces: XS: 27, S: 30, M: 33, L: 36, XL: 39, 2XL: 42.
Continue working in mesh stitch as established, repeating Row 2 of the mesh pattern, until the back panel measures 10 (10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 12.5) inches from the foundation chain.
Step 2 — Shaping the Back Neckline
Once your back panel has reached the desired length, you’ll shape the neckline. Mark the center of your work with a stitch marker.
Work across the first half of the row in pattern until you reach the center marker. Turn, leaving the second half unworked. Continue working back and forth over the first shoulder section for 4 more rows. Fasten off.
Rejoin yarn to the second half of the back panel and repeat the shoulder shaping on the other side to mirror the first. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Step 3 — Working the Front Panel of the Crochet Top
The front panel of this crochet set is worked exactly like the back panel until you reach the neckline shaping, which begins a little earlier for a more flattering neckline drop.
Chain the same number of stitches as the back and work in mesh stitch until the front panel measures 7 (7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5) inches from the foundation chain.
At this point, you’ll begin the front neckline shaping. Mark the center of your work. Work in pattern across the first half, stopping 3 (3, 4, 4, 5, 5) mesh spaces before the center. Turn and work back. On the next row, decrease by skipping the first mesh space at the neckline edge. Continue decreasing one mesh space at the neckline edge every other row until your front shoulder section matches the length of the back shoulder section. Fasten off.
Rejoin yarn to the second half and mirror the neckline shaping on the opposite side.
Step 4 — Assembling the Crochet Crop Top
Lay your front and back panels with right sides together. Using your yarn needle and a length of yarn, seam the shoulder sections together using a whip stitch or mattress stitch. Then seam both side seams, leaving an armhole opening of approximately 6 (6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5) inches at the top of each side seam.
Once assembled, turn the top right-side out.
Step 5 — Finishing the Edges of the Top
The edging on this crochet matching set is what really elevates the finished look. Work a single round of single crochet evenly around the neckline, then work one round of reverse single crochet (also called crab stitch) for a clean, polished edge.
Repeat this edging around each armhole opening and along the bottom hem of the crop top.
For the bottom hem, you can add a drawstring by working a ch-1 space every few stitches along the bottom row, then threading a coordinating yarn or ribbon cord through the openings for a cute cinched look, or simply leave the hem open and flat for a more relaxed silhouette.
The finished crop top of this crochet 2 piece set should measure approximately: XS: 28 inches chest, S: 31 inches, M: 34 inches, L: 37 inches, XL: 40 inches, 2XL: 43 inches.
Part Two: The Crochet Shorts Pattern
The shorts portion of this crochet matching set pattern is worked in two legs that are joined at the crotch to form the full shorts. This construction method gives you the most control over fit and makes sizing adjustments easy.
Step 1 — Starting the First Leg
For each leg of the crochet shorts, you’ll begin at the bottom hem and work upward.
Chain the following number of stitches for your size: XS: 68, S: 74, M: 80, L: 86, XL: 92, 2XL: 98.
Join with a slip stitch to form a ring, being careful not to twist the chain.
Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in same st, ch 1, sk 1, dc in next st, rep around. Join with sl st to top of ch-3. You should have the following number of mesh spaces around: XS: 34, S: 37, M: 40, L: 43, XL: 46, 2XL: 49.
Continue working in rounds in the mesh stitch pattern until the leg measures 7 (7, 7.5, 7.5, 8, 8) inches from the bottom hem.
At this point, set the first leg aside and do not fasten off. Place a stitch marker in the last stitch worked to hold your place.
Step 2 — Working the Second Leg
Make the second leg of the crochet shorts exactly as you made the first leg. Work in mesh stitch rounds until the second leg also measures 7 (7, 7.5, 7.5, 8, 8) inches from the bottom hem. Do not fasten off this leg either.
Step 3 — Joining the Legs to Form the Shorts
This is the most exciting step in the crochet 2 piece set shorts pattern. You’ll join the two legs together to form the body of the shorts.
With your working yarn still attached to the second leg, work in pattern across exactly half of the second leg’s stitches. Now, using a separate length of yarn, join the first leg to your working yarn by slip stitching into the first stitch of the first leg at the point you marked.
Work in pattern across all stitches of the first leg, then continue across the remaining stitches of the second leg. You have now joined the two legs and are working in the round across all stitches of both legs combined.
Work in mesh stitch rounds across all joined stitches until the body section (from the joining round up to the waistband) measures 5 (5, 5.5, 5.5, 6, 6) inches.
Step 4 — The Waistband
The waistband of these crochet shorts uses a different stitch to create a denser, stretchier fabric that can house your elastic.
Switch to single crochet worked in back loops only (blo) for the waistband section. Work 8 rounds of blo single crochet. This creates a ribbed, stretchy waistband.
After working the 8 rounds, fold the waistband in half toward the inside of the shorts. You’ll be creating a casing for your elastic. Before closing the casing, measure your waist (or the waist of the person wearing the shorts) and cut a piece of 1-inch elastic to fit comfortably, overlapping the ends by about half an inch and securing them together with a few hand stitches.
Thread the elastic into the waistband casing, then whip stitch or slip stitch the fold of the waistband closed from the inside using your yarn needle, encasing the elastic completely.
Step 5 — Finishing the Shorts
Work one round of single crochet followed by one round of reverse single crochet around each leg opening of the crochet shorts for a clean finish that matches the edging on the top.
The finished shorts of this crochet matching set should have the following hip measurements: XS: 30 inches, S: 33 inches, M: 36 inches, L: 39 inches, XL: 42 inches, 2XL: 45 inches.
The total rise (crotch to waist) for the finished shorts is approximately 10 (10, 10.5, 10.5, 11, 11) inches.
Customizing Your Crochet Matching Set
One of the best things about working from a crochet 2 piece set pattern like this one is how easy it is to make the design your own. Here are some ideas for personalizing your crochet matching set:
Change the yarn color. This crochet set looks stunning in a single tone, but it’s equally beautiful worked in two complementary colors, one for the top and one for the shorts. Think sage green and cream, dusty rose and sand, or cobalt blue and white for a nautical feel.
Add fringe. After finishing the bottom hem of the crop top or the leg openings on the shorts, cut short lengths of yarn and attach fringe along the edge for a boho crochet set vibe. Keep each fringe strand about 3 to 4 inches long for a delicate effect.
Try a different stitch. If the mesh stitch feels too open for your taste, this crochet 2 piece set works equally well in a simple half double crochet or a spike stitch variation. Just be sure to check your gauge again if you switch stitches, since different stitches create different fabric densities.
Add a matching bag. Using the leftover yarn from your crochet matching set, you can whip up a simple granny square bag or a small market tote to complete the look. A crochet bucket hat in the same yarn is another gorgeous option that comes together quickly.
Use a variegated yarn. A self-striping or variegated cotton yarn creates stunning results with the mesh stitch pattern because the color pooling happens organically as you work, giving your crochet set a one-of-a-kind, artisan look without any extra effort on your part.
Tips for the Best Results with This Crochet Set Pattern
Wash your yarn before starting if you’re working with a cotton that might shrink or bleed color. This is especially important for darker shades or for a gift.
Always, always swatch. Even experienced crocheters sometimes skip the gauge swatch and end up with a crochet matching set that doesn’t fit. Take the fifteen minutes to work a 6-inch square and measure it before casting on your full project. It saves you from having to frog hours of work.
Use stitch markers liberally throughout the shorts construction. Since you’re joining two legs together and working in the round, it’s easy to lose track of where your rounds begin and end. A marker at the start of every round keeps things clean.
Block your finished crochet 2 piece set before wearing or gifting. Cotton yarn responds beautifully to wet blocking. Simply soak your finished pieces in cool water for about twenty minutes, gently press out the excess water without wringing, then lay the pieces flat on a blocking mat and pin them to the correct measurements. Allow them to dry completely before wearing. Blocking evens out your stitches, opens up the mesh beautifully, and gives your crochet set that polished, professional finish.
If you’re making this crochet matching set as a gift, consider writing the recipient’s measurements down before you start rather than relying on size labels alone. A size medium in ready-to-wear clothing doesn’t always correspond exactly to the measurements in a handmade pattern, and taking a few minutes to compare actual measurements to the finished garment measurements listed in the pattern will ensure a perfect fit.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Crochet 2 Piece Set Pattern
How long does it take to make this crochet matching set?
For an intermediate crocheter working a few hours a day, the full crochet set typically takes between five and eight days to complete. The top works up faster than the shorts. If you’re newer to garment crochet, plan for ten to twelve days.
What yarn weight works best for this crochet set pattern?
This pattern is written for DK weight cotton, but it can be adapted for a worsted weight if you prefer a denser fabric. If you go up in yarn weight, go up in hook size and expect your yardage needs to decrease.
Can I sell items made from this crochet matching set pattern?
This is a pattern-only post shared for personal use. If you’d like to sell finished items made from this pattern, please credit the pattern source.
What if my shorts are too loose around the waist?
The elastic waistband in this crochet 2 piece set pattern is highly adjustable. Simply use a shorter length of elastic to gather the fabric more tightly. You can also add an additional round or two of blo single crochet to the waistband before inserting the elastic if you need more coverage.
Can I make the shorts longer?
Absolutely. To turn these crochet shorts into crochet pants or a longer bermuda short, simply work more rounds on each leg before joining them together. Add approximately 5 to 6 more rounds for every additional inch of length you want.
Final Thoughts on Your Crochet Matching Set
There is something incredibly satisfying
