Crochet Top Pattern: Button Front Cami PDF — Textured Summer Crop Tank with Drawstring Hem
There is something deeply satisfying about wearing a garment you made yourself, and a crocheted cami top sits right at the intersection of handmade craftsmanship and effortless summer style. This crochet top pattern brings together everything you love about warm-weather dressing: a flattering button front opening, a textured stitch pattern that adds visual interest without weighing down the fabric, a cropped silhouette that works with high-waisted jeans or flowy linen trousers, and a drawstring hem that lets you cinch or loosen the fit depending on your mood. Whether you are a seasoned crocheter looking for a satisfying next project or an adventurous beginner ready to level up from dishcloths and scarves, this pattern has something to offer you.
In this post, you will find everything you need: a full overview of the design concept, yarn and hook recommendations, sizing guidance, stitch notes, and a complete written pattern. You can download the PDF version for easy reference while you work, and the printable format means you can take it to your couch, your porch, or your favorite coffee shop without squinting at a screen.
Let us get into it.
Why You Will Love This Crochet Cami Pattern
Before diving into materials and stitches, it helps to understand what makes this particular design worth your time. There are hundreds of crochet top patterns out there, and the market is saturated with basic bralette styles and simple shell tops. This pattern is different in a few important ways.
The button front detail transforms a simple cami into something that looks intentional and polished. You can wear it fully buttoned as a standalone top, partially open over a lace bralette or bikini top, or completely open as a lightweight cover-up at the beach or pool. Three wearability options in one pattern is always a win.
The textured stitch pattern uses a combination of single crochets and extended double crochets arranged in an offset grid that creates a subtle waffle-like surface. This texture catches the light beautifully, giving the finished top a handmade quality that looks artisan rather than homespun. It is not so pronounced that it adds bulk, but it is enough to make the garment far more interesting than a plain single crochet fabric.
The drawstring hem is both functional and fashionable. Threaded through a simple turning chain channel worked into the final rows, the drawstring allows you to customize the fit at the waist or hip depending on where you want the visual emphasis. Pull it tight and tie a bow for a more fitted, defined silhouette. Leave it loose for a relaxed, breezy vibe. Swap out the default cotton cord for a silk ribbon, a leather lace, or a length of contrasting yarn to completely change the look.
Finally, the cropped length makes this top endlessly versatile. Worked to just above the natural waist, it hits at the perfect point to layer over high-rise bottoms without overwhelming your frame.
Materials You Will Need
Getting your materials right is half the battle with any crochet garment project. Here is what you need for this pattern.
Yarn: The best yarn for a crocheted cami top is a smooth, plied cotton or cotton-blend yarn in a light or DK weight. Cotton has natural breathability and minimal stretch, which means your stitch definition stays crisp and the fabric drapes cleanly without sagging over time. Look for a yarn with a tight, smooth twist so the textured stitch pattern reads clearly. Some excellent choices include Paintbox Yarns Simply DK Cotton, Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton in DK weight, We Are Knitters The Cotton, or Drops Paris. You will need approximately 300 to 500 yards depending on your size, so plan accordingly and buy an extra skein if you are between sizes or want a longer hem.
Hook: A 3.5 mm or 4.0 mm crochet hook works well for most DK cotton yarns at a fabric density that is structured but not stiff. Work a gauge swatch before you begin, and size up or down as needed to match gauge.
Notions: You will need four to six small buttons (10 mm to 14 mm works well — shell buttons, wooden buttons, and resin buttons all look beautiful here), a yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming, stitch markers, scissors, and a length of cotton cord or ribbon approximately 60 inches long for the drawstring.
Gauge: 18 stitches and 20 rows = 4 inches in the textured stitch pattern, blocked. Gauge really matters for garments. A swatch that is off by even half a stitch per inch can result in a finished top that is several inches too large or too small in circumference. Please swatch.
Sizing Information
This pattern is written for sizes XS through 3XL with the following finished bust measurements:
XS: 32 inches / S: 36 inches / M: 40 inches / L: 44 inches / XL: 48 inches / 2XL: 52 inches / 3XL: 56 inches
These measurements represent the finished garment with approximately 2 inches of positive ease, which gives a relaxed but not boxy fit. If you prefer a more fitted result, size down one size. If you prefer an oversized, breezy silhouette, size up one or two sizes.
The cropped length as written measures approximately 14 to 15 inches from the base of the neckline to the bottom of the drawstring channel. You can easily add length by working additional rows before beginning the drawstring channel section.
Stitch Abbreviations and Notes
Before jumping into the pattern, familiarize yourself with the stitches used.
ch = chain
sl st = slip stitch
sc = single crochet
dc = double crochet
exdc = extended double crochet (yarn over, insert hook, pull up loop, pull through one loop, then complete as a double crochet — this adds height and creates the textured grid)
RS = right side
WS = wrong side
sk = skip
sp = space
rep = repeat
The textured stitch pattern used throughout the body of this top alternates columns of single crochet and extended double crochet in an offset arrangement across right-side rows, with a plain single crochet row worked on each wrong-side row. This creates the waffle texture visible on the right side of the fabric while keeping the wrong side smooth and comfortable against skin.
The top is worked flat in two panels (front and back), seamed at the shoulders and sides, and then the button band is added along the front opening edges. The straps are worked separately and attached, and the drawstring channel is worked as the final step along the hem edge.
The Pattern
Back Panel
Begin the back panel, which forms the foundation of the top.
Foundation chain: Chain a multiple of 4 plus 2 stitches for your size: XS 54 ch / S 62 ch / M 70 ch / L 78 ch / XL 86 ch / 2XL 94 ch / 3XL 102 ch.
Row 1 (WS): Sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. (XS: 53 sc / S: 61 sc / M: 69 sc / L: 77 sc / XL: 85 sc / 2XL: 93 sc / 3XL: 101 sc)
Row 2 (RS — Texture Row A): Ch 1, sc in first st, exdc in next st, sc in next st; rep from to end. Turn.
Row 3 (WS): Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn.
Row 4 (RS — Texture Row B): Ch 1, exdc in first st, sc in next st, exdc in next st; rep from to end. Turn.
Row 5 (WS): Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn.
Rows 2 through 5 establish your stitch pattern. Repeat Rows 2 through 5 until the back panel measures approximately 10 inches from the foundation chain, ending with a WS row. This brings you to the armhole shaping section.
Armhole Shaping: For sizes XS and S, slip stitch across the first 4 stitches, then work in pattern to the last 4 stitches, turn, leaving those 4 stitches unworked. For sizes M and L, slip stitch across 5 stitches and leave 5 unworked. For sizes XL through 3XL, slip stitch across 6 stitches and leave 6 unworked. Continue working the textured stitch pattern over the remaining stitches for 4 more inches to form the upper back, ending after a RS row.
Shoulder shaping: Work across the first 10 (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22) stitches for one shoulder and fasten off. Skip the center stitches for the neck opening and rejoin yarn at the remaining stitches for the second shoulder. Work to match and fasten off.
Front Panel
The front panel is worked identically to the back panel through the armhole shaping. The key difference is the vertical opening at the center front, which creates the button front detail.
Work your foundation chain as for the back panel. Work Rows 1 through 5, establishing the texture pattern. Before you begin Row 6, place a stitch marker at the center stitch of your row (this marks the front split).
From this point, you will work each half of the front panel separately. For the right front (as worn), work in pattern from the right edge to the center stitch, turn, and continue working back and forth on these stitches only through armhole shaping and to the top of the shoulder, ending at the same height as the back panel. Fasten off.
Rejoin yarn at the center stitch on the WS and work the left front to match, reversing any shaping as needed.
Straps
Make two straps. Each strap is a simple worked strip that attaches at the shoulder seam and adjusts slightly in length based on your size.
Foundation chain: Ch 8.
Row 1: Sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across. (7 sc) Turn.
Row 2: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn.
Repeat Row 2 until strap measures 9 (9.5, 10, 10, 10.5, 11, 11) inches or desired length. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for seaming.
Assembly
With your yarn needle and matching yarn, seam the shoulder sections of the front and back panels together, working just the outer shoulder stitches on each side (not the center back or center front neck sections, which remain open). Seam the sides of the top from the hem upward to the bottom of the armhole shaping. Attach each strap at the front and back shoulder points, sewing securely through several rows for stability. Try on the top and adjust strap length before final fastening if needed.
Button Band
The button band is worked along both center front edges to create a neat, structured finish and to provide the base for button placement.
With RS facing, join yarn at the lower right front edge. Work a row of single crochet evenly up the entire right front edge, across the back neck, and down the left front edge. The exact stitch count will vary based on your tension, but aim for approximately 3 sc per 2 rows of height for a flat, non-ruffling band.
Turn and work a second row of sc across. Turn and work a third row of sc, but on this row, for the right front edge (this becomes the buttonhole side), work evenly spaced buttonholes by replacing every appropriate group of stitches with a chain space. For 5 buttons, space them evenly along the length of the front opening with one near the top and one near the bottom, placing the remaining three at even intervals between. A 2-chain buttonhole (ch 2, sk 2) works well for 10 mm to 12 mm buttons.
Work one final row of sc, working sc into each chain space of the previous row to complete the buttonholes.
Fasten off and weave in ends. Sew buttons onto the left front band at positions corresponding to the buttonholes.
Drawstring Channel
The drawstring channel runs along the entire hem of the top, encasing the drawstring cord and allowing it to be pulled from a small opening at the front.
With RS facing, join yarn at the lower edge of one side seam. Work a row of sc evenly across the entire bottom edge of the top. Do not turn.
Work a second round (or row, if working flat) of sc. On this round, work the following modification at the center front: ch 3 and slip stitch back into the first of those 3 chains to create a small loop through which the drawstring will exit. Continue sc to the end of the round. Join and fasten off.
Work one more round of sc above this. You have now created a channel formed by the two rows of sc and the existing hem edge of the top. Thread your drawstring cord or ribbon through this channel using a large blunt needle or a safety pin, entering and exiting at the small loop at the center front. Tie a knot at each end of the drawstring to prevent it from pulling through, or add a small bead or button to each end as a decorative detail.
Finishing Touches and Blocking
Blocking is the step that separates a good crocheted garment from a truly beautiful one. Fill a clean basin with cool water and submerge your finished top completely, gently pressing to saturate the fibers. Do not wring or twist. Lift the top out and press gently in a towel to remove excess water. Lay flat on a blocking mat or clean towel, shaping the top to your finished measurements. Use blocking pins along the hem and neckline edges to keep everything even. Allow to dry completely — this typically takes 12 to 24 hours depending on your humidity level.
Once blocked, the cotton fibers will relax, the stitch definition will sharpen, and the fabric will drape with a beautiful fluidity that stiff unblocked cotton simply cannot achieve. This step is worth every minute of waiting.
Styling Your Crochet Cami
Half the fun of making a garment is planning how to wear it. This crochet cami top is one of the most versatile pieces you can add to your summer wardrobe.
For a casual daytime look, pair it with wide-leg linen trousers in a neutral tone, flat sandals, and a woven tote. Pull the drawstring loosely so the hem skims just above the waistband. Leave the top two buttons open and layer a delicate gold necklace in the V created at the neckline.
For a beach or pool look, wear the top fully unbuttoned over a simple bikini or one-piece, treating it as a lightweight cover-up. The open-front configuration drapes beautifully when you walk and the textured fabric dries quickly if it gets a little splash.
For an evening look, tuck the top into a flowing midi skirt in a rich jewel tone, button it fully, and add strappy heels and statement earrings. The button front gives this piece a refined quality that reads as more elevated than most crocheted tops, making it genuinely versatile across dress codes.
Experiment with button styles to change the aesthetic entirely. Vintage shell buttons in cream give a romantic, cottagecore feel. Sleek black resin buttons push the top toward minimalist and modern. Natural wooden buttons lean into a bohemian, earthy vibe.
Download the PDF Pattern
The PDF version of this pattern includes the full written instructions, a stitch diagram, a schematic with finished measurements for all seven sizes, a yardage guide, and a quick reference stitch abbreviation chart. The file is formatted for easy reading on screen or printing at home on standard letter or A4 paper.
Whether you are building out your summer wardrobe, making a handmade gift, or expanding your pattern library, this crochet top pattern is one you will return to again and again. The combination of practical construction, stylish details, and genuine wearability makes it a standout addition to any crocheter’s repertoire. Grab your hook, choose a color you love, and enjoy every stitch of the process.
