23 Trendy Crochet Crop Top Patterns with Side Tie Details

There’s something effortlessly cool about a crochet crop top with side ties. That little bow at the waist—whether it’s a chunky knot, a delicate ribbon-style tie, or a playful double loop—transforms an already charming handmade piece into something that feels genuinely fashion-forward. Side tie details give you adjustability, a flattering silhouette, and a boho aesthetic that never really goes out of style. Whether you’re a seasoned crocheter looking for your next project or a beginner wanting to try something wearable and impressive, this roundup of 23 trendy crochet crop top patterns with side tie details has something for every skill level, yarn weight, and personal style.

From beachy summer staples to layered festival wear, these patterns cover the full spectrum of what modern crochet fashion can look like. Grab your hook, pick a color you love, and get ready to make something you’ll actually want to wear all season long.

Why Crochet Crop Tops with Side Ties Are So Popular Right Now

Before diving into the patterns, it’s worth understanding why this particular style has exploded in popularity. Crochet as a craft has experienced a massive resurgence over the past few years, driven largely by a younger generation of makers who grew up watching DIY videos and who deeply value handmade, sustainable fashion. A crochet crop top checks almost every box: it’s unique, it’s customizable, it’s relatively quick to make compared to a full sweater, and it photographs beautifully for social media.

The side tie detail specifically adds so much to the overall design. Functionally, it allows the top to be worn by a wider range of body types without requiring precise gauge matching. You simply tie it tighter or looser to suit your shape that day. Aesthetically, the tie creates a focal point at the waist or hip, drawing the eye inward and creating an hourglass impression. It also gives you styling options—you can tie it high for a more structured look, low for a looser vibe, or leave one side hanging for an asymmetrical, editorial feel.

What You Need Before You Start

Most of the patterns in this list require only basic supplies, though the specifics vary depending on the design.

For yarn, cotton is the most popular choice for crop tops because it’s breathable, drapes beautifully, and holds its shape well after washing. Mercerized cotton gives a slight sheen that looks gorgeous in solid colors. If you want more texture, look for a cotton-linen blend. For a softer, cozy version, a light bamboo or viscose yarn works wonderfully.

For hooks, a 4.0mm to 5.5mm hook covers most lightweight to medium cotton patterns. Some chunkier designs go up to a 6.0mm or even larger. Always, always make a gauge swatch before you start a garment project—this is the single most important step for ensuring your finished piece actually fits.

Other useful tools include stitch markers, a yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors, and a measuring tape. If a pattern calls for buttons or other closures, gather those before you begin so you’re not mid-project without supplies.

The 23 Patterns

1. The Classic Mesh Tie Top

This is the gateway pattern for many first-time garment makers. Using a simple chain-and-single-crochet mesh stitch, this top is worked flat in two panels—front and back—then seamed at the shoulders. Long chains are left at both sides, which you then tie into bows at your natural waist. The mesh construction makes it breathable and beachy, perfect over a swimsuit or paired with high-waisted shorts. Use a size 4 cotton yarn in a bright citrus color for maximum summer energy.

2. The Ribbed Crop with Twisted Side Ties

Ribbed crochet (achieved through back-loop-only or front-loop-only single crochet rows) creates a stretchy, body-hugging texture that looks more like knit than typical crochet. This pattern works the body horizontally, meaning each row runs from bottom hem to shoulder, which naturally creates the vertical ribbing effect. The side ties are worked as separate braided or twisted cord elements and attached at the side seams. The result is sleek, modern, and extremely flattering.

3. The Boho Fringe Halter

Think festival headwear, but make it a top. This halter-style design ties at the neck and at both sides, giving you three adjustable points for the perfect fit. The body uses a simple granny square construction, and extra chains are added at each side and allowed to bunch loosely into a bohemian fringe. Use a variegated earthy yarn—think terracotta, sage, and cream—for a look that was made for golden hour.

4. The Striped Summer Bralette

This bralette-inspired top uses alternating color stripes in a tight single crochet stitch to create a structured, supportive feel. The straps are wide and adjustable, and the side ties function as the primary closure, meaning the entire top fits into a small pouch when untied. It’s a brilliant pattern for a vacation wardrobe. Choose two complementary shades—navy and white, or sage and cream—for a timeless nautical palette.

5. The Open-Back Festival Top

The front of this top is relatively simple—a solid or lacy panel from collarbone to just below the bust—but the back is where the drama happens. Instead of a full back panel, long chains cascade from the shoulder straps down to the side ties, creating an open, macramé-like effect. The ties themselves are thick and rope-like, meant to be visible as a design element rather than hidden at the side seam. Stunning in a solid dusty rose or burnt orange.

6. The Granny Square Patchwork Crop

Granny squares are a beloved crochet foundation for a reason—they’re quick, satisfying, and endlessly versatile. This top uses anywhere from six to twelve granny squares (depending on your size) arranged and seamed together to create the body of the crop top. The side ties are made from long chains that emerge naturally from the outermost squares on each side. It’s a great stash-buster pattern if you have lots of small amounts of leftover yarn in complementary colors.

7. The Crochet Lace Overlay Top

Imagine a delicate lace overlay worn over a camisole, but crocheted from scratch. This pattern uses fine thread (size 10 crochet cotton) and a small hook (around 1.75mm to 2.25mm) to create an intricate floral or geometric lace panel. The side ties are made from narrow chains of the same thread, woven through the outermost lace motifs and tied at the waist. Because it’s meant to be worn as an overlay, fit doesn’t need to be exact—another reason beginners who are confident in their tension can tackle this one.

8. The Chunky Textured Tie Top

Not every crochet top needs to be made from delicate thread. This design uses a chunky cotton-acrylic blend in a puff stitch or bobble pattern to create a richly textured, statement piece. The puff stitches give the top a three-dimensional quality that photographs incredibly well. The side ties are wide flat bands, almost like a sash, that wrap once around the waist before tying in a large bow. Bold, maximalist, and surprisingly easy to make once you get the hang of the puff stitch.

9. The Simple Beginner Tie Front (with Side Knots)

This is the pattern to share with a friend who has never crocheted a garment before. The body is worked in one piece using basic single crochet, with intentional gaps left at both sides rather than seams. Long chains threaded through those gaps serve as the side ties. The design is intentionally understated so the maker can focus on technique rather than complexity. It’s also highly customizable—add a border stitch, change the neckline, or experiment with color blocking to make it your own.

10. The Asymmetrical One-Shoulder Design

One shoulder sits high and structured while the other side features a long, draped tie that falls past the hip. The construction involves a diagonal stitch direction that creates the asymmetry naturally without much shaping work. The side tie on the open side is the hero element—long, slightly fringed, and meant to be styled in multiple ways depending on the occasion. This is one of the more intermediate designs on the list, but the visual payoff is worth every stitch.

11. The Butterfly Stitch Wrap Crop

The butterfly stitch (also called the long stitch or gathered stitch) creates a stunning woven effect that looks far more complicated than it is. This pattern uses the butterfly stitch for the main body panels and simple chains for the side ties, which are long enough to wrap once around the body before tying. The result feels almost like a structured bandeau wrap. Use a silky cotton or bamboo blend in a jewel tone—cobalt, emerald, or deep plum—to really showcase the stitch texture.

12. The Cottagecore Floral Motif Top

Individual floral motifs—each one worked separately and joined as you go—create the body of this romantic, soft top. The flowers can be simple five-petal designs or more elaborate layered blooms depending on your skill level. Because motifs are inherently small and manageable, this is a wonderful project to work on in small pockets of time. The side ties are woven through the spaces between outermost motifs, giving the whole piece a gathered, ethereal quality. Perfect in white, lavender, or a soft butter yellow.

13. The Sporty Colorblock Crop

With clean lines and a structured silhouette, this top leans athletic rather than boho. Think color-blocked panels in two or three bold, contrasting shades—black and white, red and cream, or a trio of neons. The side ties here are flat, wide bands that cinch the waist sharply, creating a fitted look. This top pairs well with high-waisted trousers or a sleek skirt for an elevated casual look that bridges streetwear and crochet fashion.

14. The Vintage-Inspired Shell Stitch Top

The shell stitch (a cluster of double crochets worked into the same stitch) creates a rippling, scalloped texture reminiscent of mid-century vintage crochet. This pattern leans into that nostalgia deliberately, using soft, muted tones—dusty mauve, sage, or vintage cream. The neckline is slightly scooped, and the hemline features a pronounced shell border. The side ties are narrow and delicate, more like thin ribbons than bold statement ties, which suits the soft, vintage aesthetic perfectly.

15. The Crochet Tube Top with Long Side Ties

Tube tops are back in a big way, and this crochet version elevates the basics considerably. The body is crocheted in the round using a dense, stretchy stitch pattern. Instead of traditional straps or a halter tie, this design relies entirely on the side ties for structure—they wrap around the back and cross over before tying at the front, giving the illusion of multiple straps. It’s a clever construction that makes the top wearable and secure without any additional hardware.

16. The Eyelet Tie Top in Pastel Cotton

Eyelets are small intentional holes worked into the fabric by pairing yarn-overs with skipped stitches. In this top, eyelets are scattered across the body in a regular pattern, creating an airy, perforated look. The side ties are threaded through eyelets along the side edges, meaning you can see where the tie enters and exits the fabric—a subtle design detail that elevates the whole piece. Pastels work beautifully here: think baby blue, blush pink, or mint green.

17. The Diamond Lattice Tie Crop

The diamond lattice stitch creates a bold geometric pattern with large, open diamonds across the fabric. It’s a slightly advanced stitch but extremely rewarding in terms of visual impact. This top uses the lattice for the entire body and finishes with sturdy chains at both sides. Because the stitch has such strong structure, the side ties here serve more as decorative elements than functional closures—the top could technically stand alone without them, but they add a finishing touch that ties (literally) the look together.

18. The Micro Crop with High-Waisted Pairing

Designed specifically to be worn with high-waisted bottoms, this micro crop only needs to cover from the bust to just below the ribcage—a small amount of fabric that makes for a very quick project. The construction is minimal: two small rectangular panels, seamed at the shoulders, with long chains at the sides. Because so little yarn is required, this is an excellent opportunity to splurge on a luxury yarn—a silk blend, a hand-dyed skein, or a specialty cotton—without breaking your budget.

19. The Woven Texture Boxy Crop

Boxy silhouettes have been having a moment in fashion for several years now, and crochet boxy crops are no exception. This pattern uses a woven-look stitch (typically achieved by alternating front and back post double crochets) to create a fabric that mimics the texture of a woven textile. The cut is deliberately oversized and square. The side ties serve as the waist cincher, pulling the boxy shape into something more intentional and shaped when tied. It’s a versatile top that looks effortlessly stylish whether tied snugly or left loose.

20. The Crochet Corset Crop

This is the most structured top on the list. Inspired by vintage corsetry, this design uses dense rows of single and half double crochet to create firm, supportive panels. Multiple sets of eyelets run down each side, and long cords are laced through them corset-style before the ends hang free as side ties. The lacing is adjustable in both tightness and length, making this one of the most universally fitting designs in the bunch. Use a firm cotton yarn in black, ivory, or a deep burgundy for maximum impact.

21. The Striped Wrap with Double Side Ties

Rather than a single tie on each side, this pattern features two sets of ties on each side—one near the underbust and one at the natural waist. Together, they create a more complex, wrapped silhouette. The body uses horizontal stripes in three alternating colors, which plays beautifully against the solid-colored ties. This is an excellent intermediate project for someone who has already made a basic top and wants to try something with a bit more structural complexity.

22. The Raffia-Inspired Summer Top

Raffia (or paper straw yarn) is having a major moment in crochet fashion, and for good reason—it has a natural, straw-like texture that is absolutely perfect for summer. This top uses a simple double crochet stitch to keep the focus on the yarn itself rather than a complex stitch pattern. The side ties are thick and rope-like, adding to the natural, organic feel of the piece. Pair it with a flowy maxi skirt and sandals for an instant vacation look.

23. The Color Gradient Ombré Tie Top

Save the most visually stunning for last. This top uses a color gradient technique—either by purchasing a self-striping gradient yarn or by gradually introducing new shades as you work from bottom to top—to create a seamless ombré effect across the entire body. The side ties are made in the darkest shade used in the top, creating a grounding anchor color at the waist. The visual effect of this top is breathtaking, and because the gradient does all the heavy lifting, the stitch pattern itself can be kept very simple. This is also a wonderful pattern to revisit as your skill grows, since a more complex stitch texture will only make the gradient effect more interesting.

Tips for Customizing Any of These Patterns

Once you’ve found a pattern you love, don’t be afraid to make it your own. Changing the yarn color is the most obvious modification, but there are so many other ways to personalize a crochet crop top. You can substitute one stitch pattern for another if the gauge matches—swap mesh for a solid stitch for more coverage, or replace a dense stitch with lace for more airflow. You can add fringe to any hemline, swap plain chains for braided ties, or add small crochet flowers as embellishments at the tie knot.

Sizing adjustments are easier than they might seem. Most crop tops can be made wider simply by adding more foundation chains, and longer by working additional rows before the shaping begins. The side tie detail is particularly forgiving because it gives you built-in adjustment room that a seamed top would not.

If you’re new to reading crochet patterns, look for patterns that include schematic diagrams and stitch counts at the end of each row. Video tutorials that accompany written patterns are enormously helpful for understanding how stitch patterns look as they develop.

Styling Your Finished Top

Once your crochet crop top is done, the styling possibilities are genuinely endless. For a casual daytime look, tuck it