DIY Terracotta Granny Square Tie-Back Top | English Crochet Pattern

There is something undeniably satisfying about wearing something you made yourself. When that something is a boho-chic crochet top crafted from rich, earthy terracotta yarn and built around the timeless granny square, that satisfaction multiplies tenfold. This pattern has been one of my most requested, and I am so excited to finally share the full step-by-step tutorial with you. Whether you are a confident beginner or an intermediate crocheter looking for a fun summer project, this tie-back top is the perfect blend of wearable and creative.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make your own terracotta granny square tie-back top from scratch.

Why Terracotta? The Color That Makes This Top Sing

Before we get into yarn weights and hook sizes, let’s talk about color for a moment, because the terracotta palette is doing a lot of heavy lifting here. Terracotta is that warm, burnt orange-red that calls to mind sun-baked clay pots, Tuscan hillsides, and desert sunsets. It has been a dominant trend in home décor for years, and it has fully made its way into fashion and handmade accessories.

The beauty of terracotta in crochet is that it pairs naturally with almost everything in your wardrobe. Denim cutoffs, linen trousers, flowy maxi skirts, even neutral cream or white shorts all serve as perfect canvases beneath this top. And unlike more saturated, trendy colors, terracotta has a warmth to it that flatters a wide range of skin tones, making this a genuinely wearable garment rather than just a pretty project photo.

If terracotta is not your preference, this pattern works beautifully in sage green, dusty rose, cream, or even a rich chocolate brown. But for your first make, I highly recommend leaning into the terracotta magic.

Materials You Will Need

Getting your supplies sorted before you begin will make the entire process smoother and more enjoyable. Here is everything you need for one tie-back top.

Yarn: You will need approximately 400–600 grams of 100% cotton DK weight yarn in terracotta. The exact amount depends on your bust size, so if you are working in a larger size, plan to grab an extra skein. Cotton is the right choice here for a few reasons: it breathes well in warm weather, it has a beautiful drape that keeps the top from looking stiff, and it holds its shape wash after wash. Some lovely options include Paintbox Cotton DK, Rico Essentials Cotton DK, or Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton.

Crochet Hook: A 4.0 mm hook is the standard recommendation for DK cotton and will give you a slightly open, airy fabric that is perfect for warmer months. If you tend to crochet tightly, go up to a 4.5 mm. If you crochet loosely, try a 3.75 mm. The key is achieving the right gauge.

Notions: You will also need a yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors, stitch markers, and a measuring tape. Optionally, a row counter app or physical counter will make tracking your granny square rounds much easier.

Optional: Blocking mats and pins are highly recommended. Cotton responds wonderfully to blocking, and taking this extra step will make your finished squares look significantly more polished and even before you join them.

Understanding Gauge

Gauge is the word that sends many newer crocheters running, but I promise it is your friend, not your enemy. Getting gauge simply means making sure your stitches are the same size as the pattern intends, which in turn means your finished top will actually fit you.

For this pattern, you are aiming for one completed granny square to measure approximately 15 cm x 15 cm (or roughly 6 inches x 6 inches) after blocking. Work up a test square before you dive into making all of them, and if your square is coming out larger, drop down a hook size. If it is coming out smaller, go up a hook size.

Do not skip the gauge swatch. I know. I know. But truly, an hour spent swatching can save you from a finished top that fits your torso or your cat but not you.

Understanding the Construction

This top is made up of individual granny squares that are joined together in a specific arrangement. The beauty of construction-by-granny-square is that you can work on individual pieces anywhere, stuffed in your bag or on the sofa in the evening, and then assemble everything when you have more space and time to lay things out.

The basic layout works like this: a set of squares forms the front panel, a matching set forms the back panel, and the two panels are seamed at the sides and shoulders. Depending on your size, you may need to add half-squares or partial squares along the edges to fine-tune the fit. The iconic tie-back detail is created using long crochet chains or braided yarn lengths that are attached at the sides and cross at the back, giving the top its flattering, adjustable fit.

The neckline falls in a relaxed, open square shape at the front, showing just a hint of collarbone. The back sits lower, revealing skin between the crossing ties. It is modest yet effortlessly chic.

Size Guide

This pattern is written in a range of sizes. Here is a quick reference:

Extra Small: Bust 30–32 inches. Requires approximately 16 squares.
Small: Bust 32–34 inches. Requires approximately 18 squares.
Medium: Bust 34–36 inches. Requires approximately 20 squares.
Large: Bust 36–38 inches. Requires approximately 22 squares.
Extra Large: Bust 38–40 inches. Requires approximately 24 squares.

These are finished garment measurements with approximately 1–2 inches of ease built in, which gives the top its relaxed, comfortable fit. If you prefer a snugger look, size down. If you love extra ease, size up.

The Granny Square Pattern: Step by Step

Now for the heart of the project. Here is how to make each individual granny square in the terracotta colorway.

Abbreviations used:

• ch = chain
• sl st = slip stitch
• dc = double crochet
• sp = space
• rep = repeat

Foundation Ring: Make a magic ring, or chain 4 and join with a slip stitch to form a ring.

Round 1: Chain 3 (counts as first dc), work 2 dc into the ring, ch 2, (3 dc into the ring, ch 2) 3 times, join with a slip stitch to the top of the beginning ch-3. You should have four clusters of 3 dc and four corner ch-2 spaces. Fasten off if you are working in multiple colors, or continue if working in a single color.

Round 2: Join yarn in any ch-2 corner space. Ch 3 (counts as first dc), work 2 dc in the same corner space, ch 2, work 3 dc in the same corner space, ch 1. (Work 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc into the next corner sp, ch 1) around all four corners. Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch-3. You now have two clusters of 3 dc at each corner separated by a ch-2 space, with ch-1 spaces between each corner.

Round 3: Join yarn in any ch-2 corner space. Ch 3, work 2 dc in the same corner sp, ch 2, work 3 dc in the same corner sp, ch 1. Work 3 dc into the ch-1 side space, ch 1. (Work 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc into the next corner sp, ch 1, work 3 dc into the ch-1 side sp, ch 1) around. Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch-3.

Round 4: This is the final round. Join yarn in any ch-2 corner space. Ch 3, work 2 dc in the same corner sp, ch 2, work 3 dc in the same corner sp, ch 1. (Work 3 dc into next ch-1 side sp, ch 1) twice. (Work 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc into next corner sp, ch 1, work 3 dc into ch-1 side sp, ch 1, work 3 dc into next ch-1 side sp, ch 1) around. Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch-3. Fasten off and weave in ends.

After blocking, your square should measure that target 15 cm. Make the required number of squares for your chosen size.

Joining the Squares

Once you have all your squares made and blocked, it is time to join them. There are several methods for joining granny squares, but for this top I recommend the flat slip stitch join, also called the flat join, because it creates a neat, relatively flat seam that works perfectly in a wearable garment.

To flat join: hold two squares with wrong sides together. Using your hook and working yarn, insert your hook through the corresponding corner or edge stitches of both squares simultaneously and work a slip stitch. Continue along the edge, working a slip stitch through each corresponding stitch or space. This creates a clean, visible line on the right side that actually becomes part of the design aesthetic, looking intentional and graphic rather than clumsy.

Arrange your squares in a grid formation before you begin joining. For a medium-size top, for example, your front panel might be five squares wide and two squares tall, while your back panel mirrors this arrangement. Lay your squares out on the floor and photograph the arrangement before you start sewing, so you always have a reference if things get shuffled around.

Join the squares into rows first, then join the rows to one another. Once your front and back panels are assembled, join the side seams, leaving an opening at the top corners for armholes. Then join the shoulder seams, leaving the central opening as your neckline.

The Tie-Back Detail

This is the element that elevates the top from a simple crochet garment to something that looks genuinely polished and fashion-forward. The ties give the back its beautiful open, customizable silhouette.

To make the ties, you will crochet four long chains, each approximately 80–100 cm in length (around 31–39 inches). Work the chains in the same terracotta yarn, or for a subtle contrast, consider a natural cream or dusty rust tone.

Attach two ties to each side of the back panel, one at the upper edge and one a few squares down toward the waist. When worn, you cross these ties behind your back and bring them around to tie at the front, the side, or wherever feels comfortable. The top can be worn with the ties loose and dangling for a more relaxed look, or cinched tightly for a more fitted silhouette. This adjustability is one of the reasons this design is so universally flattering.

To attach the ties, simply use your yarn needle to weave the chain end through several stitches at the edge of the back panel, knot it securely, and weave in the end. The chain itself becomes the visible decorative element, and it should hang freely so it can be tied and untied easily.

Finishing Touches

A few finishing steps will take your top from homemade to handcrafted.

First, weave in all remaining ends thoroughly. Cotton yarn has less grip than wool, so weave each end through at least five or six stitches in different directions to secure it.

Second, block the finished top as a complete garment. Wet block by submerging the top in cool water, gently pressing out excess water in a towel (do not wring), and then pinning it flat to your blocking mats at the correct dimensions. Allow to dry completely, which can take 24 hours depending on humidity. Blocking will even out any tension inconsistencies, open up the lace-like structure of the granny squares beautifully, and give the entire top a professional, finished appearance.

Third, try it on and adjust the ties before wearing it out into the world. The ties may take a bit of experimenting to find the crossing and knotting style that feels most comfortable and secure for your body.

Tips for Success

A few things I have learned through making this top multiple times that I wish someone had told me sooner.

Work all your squares in the same sitting or across consecutive sessions if possible. Tension naturally shifts slightly from one crochet session to another, and keeping your squares as consistent as possible will make the finished top look more cohesive.

Count your stitches at the end of each round in the early squares. It is very easy to accidentally add or drop a cluster, and catching mistakes early is much easier than trying to fix them after the square is complete.

Use stitch markers to mark your corner spaces. This sounds obvious but it genuinely speeds up the process and reduces errors, especially on Round 3 and Round 4 when the square starts having multiple clusters on each side.

When joining, keep your joining tension consistent. Pulling your slip stitches too tight will cause the seams to pucker. Keeping them at the same tension as your crochet body stitches will give you flat, even joins.

Caring for Your Finished Top

Cotton crochet garments are relatively easy to care for compared to wool or delicate blends. Machine wash your top on a gentle or delicate cycle in cool water. Lay it flat to dry rather than hanging it, as hanging a wet crochet garment can cause it to stretch out of shape. Avoid the dryer, since repeated heat can shrink cotton and cause the fibers to harden over time.

With proper care, your terracotta granny square top will last for many seasons and will only get softer and more beautiful with each wash.

Styling Your Terracotta Granny Square Top

The styling possibilities are genuinely endless, but here are a few combinations that work particularly well with this top.

Pair it with high-waisted wide-leg linen trousers in cream or white for a relaxed, elevated summer look. Add woven sandals and a straw tote and you have a complete outfit that looks effortlessly put-together.

For a more casual day look, wear it over a simple bikini top or bralette with denim shorts. The terracotta plays beautifully against classic blue denim.

Layer it over a fitted cream slip dress for transitional weather dressing. The granny square fabric lets the slip peek through in a visually interesting way that feels very current.

Accessorize with natural materials like wooden beads, rattan earrings, or leather sandals to lean into the earthy, artisanal feel of the handmade garment.

Final Thoughts

Making a garment you can actually wear is one of the most rewarding crochet experiences there is, and this terracotta granny square tie-back top is genuinely achievable even if you have never made a wearable crochet piece before. The pattern breaks down into simple, repeatable steps: make your squares, join them, add the ties, and finish. Each step builds on the last, and by the time you are knotting those beautiful terracotta ties at the back for the first time, you will understand exactly why so many crocheters get hooked on garment making.

If you make this top, I would love to see your finished project. Share your photos and tag me so I can celebrate your work. And if you have questions as you work through the pattern, drop them in the comments below. Happy crocheting!