Crochet This Boho Festival Tube Top for Summer

There’s something undeniably magical about wearing something you made with your own two hands. When you walk into a summer festival, toes sandy and sun on your shoulders, wearing a handmade crochet tube top that flows and catches the light — that feeling is hard to beat. This boho festival tube top pattern is exactly the kind of project that sits at the sweet spot between beginner-friendly and genuinely impressive. It works up quickly, uses minimal yarn, and the result looks like something you’d find hanging in an overpriced boutique on a boardwalk somewhere.

Whether you’re gearing up for festival season, a beach vacation, a backyard gathering, or just want a breezy summer staple that didn’t come from a fast fashion rack, this is the project for you. Let’s talk materials, stitches, sizing, and every little detail you need to bring this beauty to life.

Why a Crochet Tube Top Is the Perfect Summer Project

Before we dive into the pattern itself, let’s talk about why this particular style of top has been having such a major moment in the crochet community — and honestly, in mainstream fashion too. The boho aesthetic has never really gone away. It ebbs and flows, but the combination of natural textures, earthy tones, and free-spirited silhouettes keeps cycling back into popularity, and handmade crochet sits right at the center of that world.

A tube top is an ideal beginner-to-intermediate project for a few reasons. First, there’s no armhole shaping to worry about. You’re essentially working a rectangle or a tube, which keeps the construction simple. Second, the fabric itself does a lot of the decorative work for you — open stitch patterns naturally read as boho and beachy without any extra effort. Third, it’s small enough to finish in a weekend or two, which means you’re not committing to months of work before you see results.

This particular design uses a combination of shell stitches and mesh-style open stitches to create that lacy, festival-ready texture. It drapes beautifully, has just enough stretch to be forgiving with sizing, and pairs with literally everything — denim cutoffs, a flowy maxi skirt, linen wide-leg pants, or even layered over a swimsuit for a beach-to-boardwalk look.

Materials You’ll Need

Gathering your supplies before you start will save you so much time and frustration. Here’s what you need to make this tube top:

Yarn: Choose a lightweight cotton or cotton-blend yarn in a DK or light worsted weight. Cotton is non-negotiable for summer wearables — it breathes, holds its shape after washing, and feels lovely against the skin. Look for something smooth and tightly plied rather than fuzzy, so your stitch definition comes through clearly. Some favorite choices in the crochet community for this type of project include Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, Paintbox Yarns Simply DK, or Scheepjes Catona for a finer, lacier result. You’ll need approximately 300 to 450 yards depending on your size.

Hook: A 4.0mm (G/6) or 4.5mm (7) hook tends to work well with DK cotton for garments, but your gauge will ultimately guide you. If you crochet tightly, size up. If you crochet loosely, size down.

Notions: A yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors, stitch markers (these are a lifesaver when working in the round), and a measuring tape. If your top will include ties or straps, you’ll want an extra yard or two of yarn or some coordinating ribbon or cord.

Optional: A 1-inch wide elastic band for the bottom hem if you want extra security, and a tapestry needle for attaching it.

Understanding Gauge

Gauge is the part of any garment pattern that beginners sometimes skip, and it’s also the most common reason a finished top ends up the wrong size. Please don’t skip your gauge swatch. It takes fifteen minutes and will save you from hours of frustration.

For this pattern, you’re aiming for approximately 16 stitches and 10 rows per 4 inches in the main stitch pattern using your chosen yarn and hook. Crochet your swatch, wash it and let it dry flat (this is important because cotton can relax significantly after washing), then measure it. Adjust your hook size accordingly. A swatch that’s too small means you need a larger hook. A swatch that’s too big means you need to go smaller.

Sizing Guide

This pattern is written to be adaptable across a range of sizes. The tube top is worked to fit the following bust measurements:

XS/S: 28–34 inches
M/L: 34–40 inches
XL/2X: 40–46 inches
3X/4X: 46–52 inches

Because crochet lace has natural stretch and drape, a slight amount of ease in either direction is totally fine. If you’re between sizes, consider how you want the top to fit — snug and structured, or relaxed and drapey — and size accordingly.

The length of the top as written is approximately 10 to 12 inches, which hits right at or just above the natural waist for most people. You can easily add or subtract rows to adjust the length.

Stitch Abbreviations

Here’s a quick reference for all the stitches used in this pattern:

ch — chain
sl st — slip stitch
sc — single crochet
dc — double crochet
hdc — half double crochet
sk — skip
sp — space
RS — right side
WS — wrong side
rep — repeat
pm — place marker

The main stitch used in the body of this top is a combination of shell stitches (a group of double crochets worked into the same stitch) and chain spaces that create an open mesh between them. This stitch is sometimes called a shell-and-mesh stitch pattern, and it’s wonderfully rhythmic once you find your groove with it.

The Pattern

Foundation Chain

Begin by chaining a multiple of 6 plus 2. For reference:

XS/S: Chain 86
M/L: Chain 110
XL/2X: Chain 134
3X/4X: Chain 158

After you’ve chained the appropriate number, slip stitch to the first chain to form a ring, being careful not to twist your chain. Place a stitch marker at the join so you can track your rounds.

Row 1 (Foundation Round)

Chain 3 (counts as first dc). Work 1 dc into each chain around. Slip stitch to the top of the beginning ch-3 to join.

You should have the same number of double crochets as your starting chain count.

Row 2 (Begin Lace Pattern)

Chain 4 (counts as dc plus ch-1). Skip 2 stitches. Work 5 dc into the next stitch (this is your shell). Skip 2 stitches. Chain 1, dc into next stitch, chain 1, skip 2 stitches, work 5 dc into next stitch, skip 2 stitches. Repeat from to around. End with chain 1, slip stitch to the 3rd chain of beginning ch-4.

Row 3

Chain 3. Work 2 dc into the ch-1 space (this forms the first half of a shell). Chain 2. Sc into the center dc of the next shell below. Chain 2. Work 5 dc into the next ch-1 space. Chain 2. Sc into the center dc of the next shell. Chain 2. Repeat from to around. End with 2 dc into the first ch-1 sp, slip stitch to top of ch-3 to join.

Row 4

Chain 1. Sc into the first stitch. Chain 2. Work 5 dc into the sc from the previous row. Chain 2. Sc into the center dc of the next shell. Chain 2. Work 5 dc into the next sc. Chain 2. Repeat from to around. Slip stitch to first sc to join.

Repeat rows 3 and 4 until the body of the top measures your desired length (approximately 8 to 10 inches, depending on how long you want it), ending with a Row 3.

Top Hem (Bust Band)

The top of the tube is where you’ll work a slightly firmer band to help the top stay in place and give it a polished finish.

Round 1: Work one round of sc evenly across the top edge, working into each available stitch or space. Join with a slip stitch.

Round 2: Chain 2 (counts as hdc). Work 1 hdc into each stitch around. Join with a slip stitch.

Round 3: Repeat Round 2.

Round 4: Work one round of sc, join and fasten off.

Bottom Hem

The bottom edge is worked the same way as the top hem — four rounds of sc and hdc to create a clean, stable edge. If you’re adding elastic, use your yarn needle after finishing to thread a length of elastic along the inside of the bottom hem, stitching it in place at regular intervals.

Adding Ties or Straps

One of the most fun parts of making a tube top yourself is the ability to customize how it stays up. Here are the most popular options in the boho community:

Tie-front straps: Using a length of yarn approximately 30 inches long, crochet a chain or work a simple finger-knit cord and attach it to either side of the top center front. Tie these straps around the neck halter-style for a festival-ready look.

Back tie: Crochet two cords and attach them at the center back to tie at the spine. This works especially well if you’re making the top in a slightly oversized fit and want to cinch it in.

No straps: A well-tensioned tube top in a good cotton yarn can absolutely stand on its own with no straps, especially if you’ve worked a sturdy top band. Body tape is also a great modern option if you want extra security on the go.

Color and Yarn Inspiration

The color you choose will completely transform the vibe of this top. Here are some directions to consider:

Earthy neutrals like cream, sand, rust, and terracotta are quintessentially boho and will never feel dated. A warm off-white tube top layered over a printed bikini is an eternal summer look.

Sage green and dusty blue photograph beautifully outdoors and lean into that dreamy, meadow-festival aesthetic.

Bold color-blocking is a fantastic way to modernize the boho silhouette. Work the body in one color and the hem bands in a contrast color for a striking effect.

Variegated or hand-dyed yarn takes this pattern to another level entirely. Because the stitch pattern is already interesting, a slowly shifting gradient or a speckled colorway adds depth without overwhelming the design. Look for indie dyers on platforms like Etsy who specialize in cotton or cotton-blend yarns — the results are absolutely stunning.

Finishing Touches and Blocking

Once you’ve fastened off and woven in all your ends (take your time with this — it makes a real difference in the final appearance), it’s time to block your top. Blocking is especially transformative for lace and open stitch patterns.

Fill a basin with cool water, submerge the top, and gently squeeze the water through the fabric without twisting or wringing. Lift the top out, press it gently between two towels to remove excess moisture, then lay it flat on a blocking mat or clean dry towel. Shape it to your measurements, pinning the lace sections open if you want maximum drape and openness, and let it dry completely — usually overnight.

The difference blocking makes is remarkable. Open stitches that looked a little uneven and bunched up will bloom into beautiful, even lace. The fabric will drape instead of hold. Trust the process.

Styling Your Boho Festival Tube Top

Now for the really fun part. Once your top is blocked, dried, and ready to wear, here are some styling ideas to get the most out of it all season long:

Pair it with high-waisted wide-leg linen trousers in a complementary earthy tone for a bohemian daytime look that works at an outdoor market or a rooftop dinner. Add woven sandals, chunky clay earrings, and a straw tote and you’ve put together a full look that looks effortlessly intentional.

For festival styling, layer it over a bandeau bralette and wear it with vintage denim shorts, a fringe belt, and ankle boots. Stack some rings, throw on some layered necklaces, and you’re done.

For beach days, wear it directly over a swimsuit as a cover-up. The open lace lets you move freely and dries quickly, and it transitions perfectly from water to boardwalk to lunch without you needing to change.

In cooler summer evenings, layer a light denim jacket or an open linen shirt over the top. The texture of the crochet plays beautifully against other natural fabric textures.

Tips for Success

A few final notes that will make your experience making this top much smoother:

Work in good lighting. Crochet lace with fine cotton yarn can be tricky to see in dim conditions, and you want to be able to clearly count your stitches and find your stitch markers.

Count your stitches at the end of every round for the first few rounds until the pattern is established. The shell-and-mesh rhythm is very intuitive once you’ve done it two or three times, but catching a mistake early is much easier than frogging several rounds.

If you’re making this as a gift and aren’t sure of the recipient’s exact measurements, err on the side of a larger size. It’s much easier for someone to add a tie or take it in slightly than to wear something too small.

Take breaks when you need them, especially when working in cotton yarn, which has less give than wool and can tire your hands more quickly. Stretch your fingers, take a breath, admire your progress. This should be joyful.

Final Thoughts

Crochet festival fashion has had an undeniable resurgence, and for good reason — there’s a richness and individuality to handmade garments that no amount of mass production can replicate. When you make this boho festival tube top, you’re not just following a pattern. You’re making something that fits exactly your body, reflects exactly your taste, and carries the quiet satisfaction of something made well.

Wear it to the festival. Wear it to the farmers’ market on a slow Saturday morning. Wear it in your backyard with a cold drink in your hand. Wear it in every photo from this summer and let people ask where you got it, so you can smile and say you made it yourself.

Happy hooking, and may your summer be long, warm, and full of beautiful handmade things.