Off-The-Shoulder Crochet Maxi Set Pattern | Cream Boho Two-Piece & Size Chart

There is something quietly magical about a handmade garment. The hours you pour into each stitch, the way the yarn glides through your fingers, the moment you finally hold up the finished piece and realize it is exactly what you imagined — nothing compares to that feeling. This off-the-shoulder crochet maxi set is one of those projects. It is the kind of pattern that looks intimidatingly beautiful in photos but is actually very achievable once you understand the construction, and it rewards every bit of effort you put in with a garment you will reach for all spring and summer long.

This two-piece set features a fitted off-the-shoulder crop top and a flowing maxi skirt, both worked in a creamy, neutral yarn with an open, boho-inspired stitch pattern. Together they create a coordinated look that works equally well as a beach cover-up, a festival outfit, a vacation set, or a relaxed warm-weather everyday look. Worn separately, each piece integrates beautifully into your existing wardrobe. The crop top pairs well over a slip dress or bikini, and the maxi skirt works with a simple tucked-in tee or a fitted tank.

Whether you are an experienced garment crocheter or you are stepping into wearable crochet for the first time after mastering a few blankets and accessories, this pattern is written to walk you through every step. Read through the entire pattern before you begin, gather your materials, swatch carefully, and enjoy the process. Let’s get into it.

Materials You Will Need

Before you begin any crochet garment project, gathering everything in advance will save you from frustrating mid-project interruptions. Here is what you need for this off-the-shoulder crochet maxi set.

Yarn: You will want a lightweight cotton or cotton-blend yarn in a cream or off-white shade. Cotton is ideal for this style of garment because it has natural breathability, a beautiful drape when worked in an open stitch pattern, and it washes well. Look for a yarn labeled as DK weight (size 3) or light worsted. A yarn with a slight sheen will give the finished set a more elevated look, while a matte cotton will lean more casual and earthy. Plan for approximately 800 to 1,200 yards for the top depending on your size, and 1,400 to 2,000 yards for the skirt. Always buy a little extra rather than running short.

Hooks: A 4.0 mm (US G/6) hook is recommended for the top, and a 5.0 mm (US H/8) hook for the skirt. The larger hook on the skirt allows for a looser, more flowing drape that gives the maxi silhouette its characteristic movement. You may adjust hook size based on your personal tension and your gauge swatch results.

Additional notions: A tapestry needle for weaving in ends, stitch markers, a measuring tape, scissors, and optionally a row counter. If you plan to add a drawstring waist to the skirt, you will also need about two yards of matching ribbon or a length of crochet chain made from the same yarn.

Gauge

Gauge matters enormously in garment crochet. A single stitch difference per inch can result in a finished piece that is several sizes off, so please do not skip your swatch. Work a swatch of at least 6 inches by 6 inches in your chosen stitch pattern, wash and block it the same way you plan to care for the finished garment, and then measure it while it is lying flat.

For the top: 16 stitches and 12 rows = 4 inches in the main stitch pattern using the 4.0 mm hook.
For the skirt: 14 stitches and 10 rows = 4 inches in the main stitch pattern using the 5.0 mm hook.

If your swatch is smaller than this (more stitches per inch), go up a hook size. If your swatch is larger (fewer stitches per inch), go down a hook size.

Size Chart

This pattern is written for sizes XS through 3X. Use your bust measurement for the top and your hip measurement for the skirt. The set is designed with negative ease in the top (meaning it fits snugly and the finished measurement is smaller than your body measurement) and positive ease in the skirt (meaning it will be comfortably roomy through the hips and thighs).

Top — Finished Bust Measurement:
XS: 30 inches | S: 33 inches | M: 36 inches | L: 39 inches | XL: 42 inches | 2X: 45 inches | 3X: 48 inches

Skirt — Finished Hip Measurement:
XS: 34 inches | S: 37 inches | M: 40 inches | L: 43 inches | XL: 46 inches | 2X: 49 inches | 3X: 52 inches

To choose your top size, take your bust measurement and choose the finished size that is 1 to 2 inches smaller for a fitted look, or the same measurement for a more relaxed fit. To choose your skirt size, take your hip measurement and choose the same size or 1 to 2 inches larger for comfortable ease through the hips.

Stitch Abbreviations

ch — chain
sl st — slip stitch
sc — single crochet
hdc — half double crochet
dc — double crochet
tr — treble crochet
sk — skip
sp — space
rep — repeat
RS — right side
WS — wrong side
beg — beginning
yo — yarn over

The Stitch Pattern

Both pieces use a variation of an open shell stitch that creates a beautiful lacy texture while still maintaining enough structure to hold the garment’s shape. The stitch pattern is simple once you work the first two rows and you will quickly memorize the rhythm of it.

Foundation: Chain a multiple of 6 plus 3.

Row 1 (RS): Dc in 4th ch from hook, ch 1, sk 2 ch, (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in next ch, ch 1, sk 2 ch; rep across to last 2 ch, sk 1, dc in last ch. Turn.

Row 2 (WS): Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in first ch-1 sp, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in each ch-1 sp of shell across, ch 1, dc in last ch-3 sp. Turn.

Repeat Row 2 for pattern.

This stitch creates a flowing, slightly lacey fabric that photographs beautifully and has excellent drape for both the fitted top and the flowing skirt.

The Off-The-Shoulder Crop Top

The top is worked flat in two panels (front and back) and then seamed at the sides. The off-the-shoulder design is achieved through the neckline shaping on the front panel and a simple elasticized or drawstring casing along the top edge. The natural stretch and give of the open stitch pattern helps the neckline sit comfortably across the chest and stay in place without excessive engineering.

Front Panel:

Chain the foundation for your size as follows:
XS: ch 63 | S: ch 69 | M: ch 75 | L: ch 81 | XL: ch 87 | 2X: ch 93 | 3X: ch 99

Work in the shell stitch pattern until the piece measures 12 inches from the foundation chain, or your desired crop length. For a longer crop top that covers more of the torso, work to 14 or even 16 inches before beginning the top edge finishing.

At the top edge, work a row of single crochet evenly across, then work two additional rows of single crochet to create a casing channel. Fold the casing to the wrong side and slip stitch in place, leaving a small opening to thread your drawstring or elastic through. This is what gives the top its elasticized, gathered off-the-shoulder look.

Back Panel:

Work exactly the same as the front panel.

Assembly:

With the right sides facing each other, seam the side edges using a slip stitch or mattress stitch through both panels. Leave approximately 7 inches open at the bottom of each side seam for the armhole. Try on the top and adjust the seam placement if needed before weaving in your ends. If you prefer, you can work the top in the round from the bottom up, separating for the front and back at the armhole height, which eliminates side seams entirely and creates a cleaner finished look.

Straps (optional):

While the true off-the-shoulder look relies on the elasticized neckline alone, many people prefer the security of thin adjustable straps, especially if they plan to wear this top during active movement. To add straps, work a chain of approximately 70 to 90 stitches and then single crochet back along the chain. Attach each strap at the back corners of the neckline casing and allow them to drape over the shoulders. You can also thread these through a small crochet ring or button to make them adjustable.

The Crochet Maxi Skirt

The skirt is the showpiece of this set. Worked from the waistband down, it begins with a fitted waist section and then increases gradually through the hips before opening into a full, flowing maxi length. The open shell stitch catches the light and moves beautifully with every step.

Waistband:

Chain for your size as follows, being sure to join into the round with a slip stitch to the first chain to work in the round:
XS: ch 120 | S: ch 132 | M: ch 144 | L: ch 156 | XL: ch 168 | 2X: ch 180 | 3X: ch 192

Work 4 rounds of single crochet for the waistband. On the last round, work a drawstring channel by chaining 2 and skipping 2 stitches periodically around the waist — you will do this about 12 times evenly spaced around. This creates small eyelets through which you can thread your drawstring. Work one more round of single crochet, treating the chain-2 spaces as stitches.

Body and Hip Shaping:

Begin working the shell stitch pattern in the round. The trick to transitioning from a flat stitch pattern to working in the round is to join each round with a slip stitch and begin the next round with a standing stitch rather than a turning chain. This keeps the join nearly invisible.

Work 4 rounds in the shell pattern without increasing. Then, begin the hip increase rounds. Every 6th round, add one additional shell repeat by working an extra (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) shell into one of the chain spaces on opposite sides of the skirt. Continue increasing every 6th round until you have added 4 to 6 additional shell repeats evenly distributed around the skirt. This gradual increase creates the flared, A-line silhouette that gives the maxi skirt its beautiful shape.

Length:

Continue working straight in the shell pattern until the skirt reaches your desired length. A true maxi skirt falls to the ankle, which for most people means working to approximately 38 to 42 inches from the waistband. If you want a midi length, stop at around 28 to 30 inches. If you want a floor-grazing look, work to 44 to 48 inches depending on your height.

Hem:

Finish the hem with a single crochet round worked in the back loop only, which gives a clean, rolled edge. Alternatively, work a simple picot edging by chaining 3 and slip stitching into the next stitch around, which adds a delicate decorative finish that echoes the boho aesthetic of the set.

Finishing and Blocking

Blocking transforms a crochet garment from something that looks handmade to something that looks like it belongs in a boutique. Once both pieces are complete, wet block them by soaking the finished pieces in cool water for about 15 minutes, gently pressing out the excess water in a towel (never wring), and then laying the pieces flat on a blocking mat or clean dry towels. Shape them to the correct measurements, pinning the edges if necessary, and allow them to dry completely before wearing.

Weave in all ends carefully using your tapestry needle, working each tail in at least two directions to ensure it stays secure through washing and wearing.

Styling Your Cream Boho Crochet Set

The beauty of a cream or off-white colorway is its extraordinary versatility. This set will work with virtually everything in your wardrobe and translates across a surprising range of aesthetics with just a few accessory changes.

For a classic beach or resort look, wear the full set over a nude or white bikini, add woven slides or rope wedges, a wide-brim straw hat, and gold hoop earrings. Layer a few beaded necklaces at different lengths for a more layered boho effect. For a dressed-up evening look, swap the slides for strappy heeled sandals, add delicate gold jewelry, and pull your hair into a loose low bun. The cream palette means this set photographs beautifully against both sandy beach backdrops and lush green garden settings.

If you are wearing the skirt separately, try it with a fitted white or cream camisole tucked in at the front, or with an oversized linen button-down left open and knotted at the waist. The top pairs well over a flowy floral slip dress for a festival-ready layered look, or simply over a swimsuit as a stylish beach cover-up.

Care Instructions

To keep your cream crochet set looking beautiful for many seasons, hand wash it in cool water with a gentle wool or delicate wash, or use the delicate cycle on your washing machine inside a mesh laundry bag. Lay the pieces flat to dry — never hang them, as the weight of wet cotton will stretch the fabric and distort the shape. Store them folded rather than on hangers for the same reason. If the piece develops any stiffness after washing, a brief steam with a garment steamer will restore its softness and drape.

Tips for Success

Work a swatch and block it before you decide on your hook size. Cotton yarn can behave very differently after washing than it does fresh off the skein, and a blocked swatch will give you the most accurate gauge reading.

If you find the shell stitch pattern difficult to track in the early rows, use stitch markers to mark the center stitch of each shell. This makes it much easier to align your shells correctly in the next row.

If you want a more opaque finished look — which some people prefer for the top especially — try a tighter crochet cotton or work the top in a solid single crochet or moss stitch section at the front panel with the shell stitch at the hem and sleeves only.

When working the skirt in the round, lay it flat periodically and measure it to ensure your increases are creating an even, symmetrical shape. It is much easier to correct an uneven increase in the early rounds than to discover the problem at the hip-shaping stage when you have 30 rounds behind you.

Finally, enjoy the process. This is the kind of pattern you can work on while watching a favorite series in the evening, take with you on trips, or return to season after season in different colorways. Once you have made this set in cream, you will find yourself eyeing terracotta yarns, dusty sage, soft coral, and warm sand tones — each version will feel entirely new.

Final Thoughts

This off-the-shoulder crochet maxi set is more than a garment pattern — it is an invitation to slow down and make something truly beautiful with your own hands. The cream colorway keeps it timeless, the boho silhouette keeps it effortless, and the inclusive size range means this is a project that belongs to every crocheter regardless of what size they are making. When you finish this set and wear it somewhere special — or even just to a Saturday morning farmers’ market or an afternoon on the porch with a coffee — you will feel the quiet, particular pride of someone wearing something they made themselves. That feeling never gets old.

Save this post, pin the pattern, share it with a crochet friend who would love this project, and don’t forget to tag your finished pieces so the community can celebrate your work. Happy crocheting.