Free Meshed Up Crochet Top Pattern for Beginners
If you have ever scrolled through social media and spotted someone wearing a beautifully breezy crochet top with that gorgeous open mesh texture, you already know exactly why this style has become so popular. The good news is that you do not need to be an expert crocheter to make one. This free meshed up crochet top pattern is designed specifically with beginners in mind, walking you through every step so you can go from yarn and hook to a wearable, stylish piece you will actually be proud to show off.
Whether you are brand new to crochet or you have made a few projects and are ready to try something a little more exciting than a dishcloth, this pattern is the perfect next step. The mesh construction is not only stunning but also surprisingly forgiving, which makes it ideal for people still developing their tension and technique. Let’s get into everything you need to know.
Why a Mesh Crochet Top Is Perfect for Beginners
Mesh patterns are one of the best-kept secrets in the beginner crochet world. While they look intricate and intentional, the stitch repeat is actually very simple once you get going. Most mesh designs rely on chain spaces and basic stitches repeated across rows, which means you are not learning a dozen different techniques. You are learning one small unit and repeating it.
This also means that mistakes are easier to spot and fix early. Because the pattern has such a clear visual rhythm, you will quickly notice if something is off before it becomes a bigger problem several rows down. There is also a meditative quality to mesh work that many crocheters love. Once you find your groove, the repetition becomes relaxing rather than challenging.
Additionally, mesh tops use less yarn than solid stitch projects, which keeps costs lower and makes the finished piece lighter and more comfortable to wear in warm weather. This is a practical win on multiple levels.
Materials You Will Need
Before you start, gather everything you need so you can work without interruption.
Yarn: You will want approximately 300 to 400 yards of a lightweight yarn, depending on the size you are making. A size 3 light or DK weight cotton yarn works beautifully for this top. Cotton is breathable, has good stitch definition, and drapes well. Some great options include Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, Paintbox Simply DK, or any cotton-blend DK yarn you love. If you prefer a slightly drapier result, a bamboo-cotton blend will give you that flowy quality.
Hook: A 4.0mm or 4.5mm crochet hook is recommended for most DK weight cotton yarn. If your tension tends to run tight, go up half a size. If it runs loose, go down half a size. Always swatch first.
Other tools: A yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors, stitch markers to keep track of your work, and a measuring tape.
Optional: Blocking mats and rust-proof pins for blocking your finished top. Blocking makes a noticeable difference in how a mesh piece lays and drapes.
Gauge and Sizing
Gauge matters more in garment making than in almost any other type of crochet project. Even a small difference in gauge can result in a top that fits completely differently than intended.
Gauge: 16 stitches and 10 rows = 4 inches in the mesh pattern described below, using a 4.0mm hook and DK weight cotton yarn.
To check your gauge, make a small swatch about 6 inches wide and 5 inches tall using the mesh pattern. Measure the center of the swatch (not the edges) after blocking or at least after laying it flat. If your swatch is too small, go up a hook size. If it is too large, go down a hook size.
Sizing guide:
The pattern below is written for a small, with notes for adjustments throughout. To find your size, measure your bust circumference and add 4 to 6 inches for ease, since a mesh top looks best with a relaxed, slightly oversized fit.
Small: 32 to 34 inch bust (finished measurement approximately 38 inches)
Medium: 35 to 37 inch bust (finished measurement approximately 42 inches)
Large: 38 to 40 inch bust (finished measurement approximately 46 inches)
Extra Large: 41 to 43 inch bust (finished measurement approximately 50 inches)
To adjust for your size, you will simply increase or decrease the number of foundation chain stitches in multiples of two, since the mesh stitch repeat is a two-stitch unit.
Abbreviations and Stitch Guide
If you are new to crochet patterns, here is a quick reference for the abbreviations used throughout this tutorial.
ch – chain
sl st – slip stitch
sc – single crochet
dc – double crochet
ch-sp – chain space
rep – repeat
st – stitch
RS – right side
WS – wrong side
The Mesh Stitch: The mesh pattern used in this top is a simple dc-ch-1-dc mesh. You will work a double crochet, chain one, skip one stitch, and repeat. It creates an open, net-like fabric that is airy and elegant.
Pattern Instructions
This top is worked flat in two identical panels (front and back), which are then seamed together at the sides and shoulders. This construction method is beginner-friendly because you never have to worry about working in the round or managing increases and decreases in a continuous spiral.
Foundation Chain
For a small: Chain 77.
For a medium: Chain 85.
For a large: Chain 93.
For an extra large: Chain 101.
The chain count should always be an odd number to keep the mesh pattern centered and even.
Row 1 (RS):
Work a dc in the 4th chain from your hook. (The skipped chains count as your first dc and ch-1 space.) Chain 1, skip 1 ch, dc in next ch. Repeat from to across until you reach the end of your foundation chain. Turn.
You should have a row of evenly spaced double crochets separated by chain-one spaces across the entire width of your panel.
Row 2:
Chain 4 (this counts as your first dc plus a ch-1 space). Turn. Dc in next dc, ch 1. Repeat from to across the row, ending with a dc in the top of the turning chain from the previous row. Turn.
This is your main pattern row. Repeat Row 2 until your panel measures approximately 14 inches from the foundation chain for a cropped top, or 16 to 18 inches if you prefer a slightly longer fit.
Tip for beginners: Place a stitch marker at the beginning of each row so you always know where your row starts. It is also helpful to count your stitches every few rows to make sure you have not accidentally gained or lost any.
Creating the Armhole Shaping
Once your panel reaches the desired body length, it is time to shape the armholes. This is the only shaping involved in this pattern, and it is very straightforward.
At the beginning of the next row, slip stitch across the first 6 stitches (3 dc and 3 ch-1 spaces). Chain 4 and continue in the mesh pattern until you have 6 stitches remaining at the end of the row. Do not work these last 6 stitches. Turn.
You have now reduced the working width of your panel, creating the armhole opening on each side.
Continue working in the mesh pattern on the reduced number of stitches for another 7 to 8 inches, or until the panel measures the depth you want for the armhole. This section forms the upper portion of your front or back panel.
At this point, your panel is complete. Set it aside and make an identical second panel.
Neckline Option
For a simple straight neckline, you do not need to do anything extra. When you seam the panels together at the shoulders, you will simply leave a gap in the center for the neck opening.
For a slightly scooped neckline on the front panel only, stop working about 3 to 4 inches before the top of the upper section and divide your work in half. Work each shoulder section separately for those final inches, creating a natural curve at the center front.
If you are a true beginner, the straight neckline is recommended for your first attempt. You can always add a decorative edge around the neck once the top is finished.
Seaming Your Top
Lay your two panels flat, right sides facing each other if you want an invisible seam, or right sides facing out if you want a visible seam (which can actually look quite decorative on a mesh top).
Shoulder seams: Using your yarn needle and a length of yarn, whip stitch or slip stitch the shoulders together, leaving a gap of approximately 8 to 9 inches in the center for the neckline.
Side seams: Seam from the bottom hem up toward the armhole on each side. Leave the armhole area open, of course, and leave approximately 1 inch of space at the bottom hem on each side unseamed if you want subtle side slits, which add a nice touch to a cropped top.
Weave in all ends securely using your yarn needle.
Finishing Touches
Finishing can make or break a handmade garment. Take your time with these final steps and your top will look polished and professional.
Edging the hem and armholes: Work a simple single crochet border around the bottom hem and each armhole opening. This stabilizes the edges and gives them a clean finish. If you want something a little more decorative, try a simple shell edging or a picot edge.
Edging the neckline: Work one or two rounds of single crochet around the neckline as well, shaping as needed as you go. Pull the yarn slightly snug as you work around curves to keep the neckline from stretching out.
Blocking: This step is not optional if you want your mesh top to look its best. Soak your finished top in cool water with a drop of wool wash or gentle dish soap for about 15 minutes, then gently press out the excess water without wringing. Lay the top flat on your blocking mat, pin it gently to the measurements you want, and allow it to dry completely. Blocking opens up the mesh beautifully and gives the fabric that polished, intentional look you see on designer pieces.
Tips for Customizing Your Mesh Top
One of the most exciting things about making your own clothing is the ability to make it uniquely yours. Here are a few ideas for customizing this pattern once you have the basic version down.
Add a tie closure: Instead of seaming the front panel all the way to the edge, leave it open and add a long chain tie that you can wrap and knot at the front or back. This creates a wrap-style top with a very bohemian feel.
Change the yarn weight: Working this pattern in a fingering weight yarn with a 3.0mm hook creates a much more delicate, fine mesh. Using a bulky yarn with a 6.0mm hook creates a chunkier, more textured piece. Both look fantastic and wear completely differently.
Try color blocking: Make the upper and lower sections of your panels in different colors and seam them together at the midpoint before completing the top. The color change line becomes a design feature.
Add fringe: Cut lengths of yarn and attach them to the bottom hem using a lark’s head knot. Trim evenly for a clean fringe, or leave them uneven for a more relaxed, festival-style look.
Incorporate stripes: Because this top is worked flat in rows, adding stripes is as simple as switching colors at the end of a row. Even a single stripe near the hem or the neckline adds a lot of visual interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use acrylic yarn instead of cotton?
Absolutely. Acrylic yarn is more affordable and comes in a huge range of colors. It will give your mesh top a slightly different drape than cotton, but it will still look beautiful. For warm-weather wear, cotton or a cotton blend is more comfortable, but for a layering piece worn over a tank top in cooler months, acrylic is a great choice.
What if my tension is uneven?
Uneven tension is completely normal for beginners and usually smooths out with practice. Blocking helps enormously to even things out after the fact. As you work more rows, you will notice your tension becoming more consistent naturally.
How do I know if I need to size up or down?
Make the gauge swatch before starting the main piece. If your swatch is coming out smaller than the gauge listed, go up a hook size. If it is larger, go down a hook size. Also consider that mesh fabric has quite a bit of stretch, so err on the slightly snug side with your swatch.
Is this pattern suitable as a beach cover-up?
Yes, it works wonderfully as a beach cover-up. For this purpose, sizing up two sizes and making the length longer turns this into a flowy, relaxed cover-up that looks amazing over swimwear.
Final Thoughts
This free meshed up crochet top pattern is proof that handmade fashion does not have to be complicated to be beautiful. With a simple stitch repeat, straightforward construction, and plenty of room for personalization, this is a project that will build your skills and your confidence at the same time.
The process of making something you can actually wear is one of the most rewarding experiences in the craft world. When you put on a top you made with your own hands, there is a pride in that which no store-bought garment can replicate. And the bonus of crochet is that you can tailor it perfectly to your body, your style, and your taste.
If you make this top, consider sharing your finished project with the crochet community online. Seeing how other makers interpret the same pattern is always inspiring, and your version might be exactly what someone else needs to finally take the leap and try their first garment project.
Happy crocheting, and enjoy wearing your beautiful new handmade top.
