Burgundy Crochet Crop Top Pattern | DIY Lace Summer Top Outfit 2025
There is something deeply satisfying about wearing something you made yourself. When the piece is a beautifully textured, lacy burgundy crochet crop top that you can pair with high-waisted jeans, a flowy skirt, or beach cover-up linen pants, that satisfaction multiplies tenfold. This pattern is designed with summer in mind — lightweight, breathable, and romantic in that effortless way that lace always manages to be. Whether you are an intermediate crocheter looking for your next wearable project or a confident beginner ready to level up, this guide will walk you through everything you need to create a stunning summer crop top that looks like it came straight from a boutique.
Let’s get into it.
Why Burgundy? The Case for a Rich, Deep Hue in Summer Crochet
Most people associate summer crochet with white, cream, or pastel shades, and those are all beautiful choices. But burgundy — that deep, wine-kissed red with purple undertones — is having a genuine moment in 2025 fashion, and it translates breathtakingly into crochet lace. The color reads as rich and intentional against sun-kissed skin, and it pairs elegantly with ivory, tan, black, and even soft sage green. A burgundy lace crop top layered over a cream bralette is one of those outfits that photographs beautifully and feels even better in person.
Beyond trend, burgundy is a practical color choice for a garment you plan to wear often. It resists showing minor staining and maintains its visual impact after washing in a way that delicate pastels sometimes don’t. It also transitions well into fall styling, meaning your summer project becomes a transitional wardrobe piece you can reach for well into October.
Materials You Will Need
Before you cast on your first stitch, gather everything together. Having your materials prepped in advance makes the process smoother and helps you avoid stopping mid-row to hunt for a missing hook.
Yarn: Choose a fingering weight or sport weight cotton yarn in burgundy. Cotton is the gold standard for summer crochet tops because it is breathable, holds stitch definition beautifully, and softens with every wash. Look for a mercerized cotton if you want extra sheen and a slightly more polished finish. You will need approximately 400–600 yards depending on your size, with smaller sizes on the lower end and larger sizes requiring more.
Hook: A 3.5mm (E/4) hook works well for most fingering weight cottons and gives you the open, lacy drape you want without the fabric becoming too loose or shapeless. Always swatch first — more on that in a moment.
Stitch markers: Clip-style stitch markers are ideal for this project. You will use them to mark the beginning of rounds and to keep track of increases.
Tapestry needle: For weaving in ends at the finish.
Scissors
Measuring tape
Optional: A blocking board and rust-proof pins for finishing. Blocking a lace crochet garment makes a dramatic difference in how the stitches open up and how evenly the fabric lays.
Gauge and Sizing
Gauge matters enormously in garment construction. Even a small deviation per stitch accumulates across hundreds of stitches and can result in a top that is several inches off your intended size.
Gauge: 18 stitches and 10 rows = 4 inches in the main lace stitch pattern, blocked.
Make a gauge swatch of at least 6 inches by 6 inches, wash and block it the same way you plan to finish the garment, and measure again before you begin. Adjust your hook size if needed — go up a hook size if your swatch is too small, go down if it is too large.
Sizes: This pattern is written for sizes XS through XL.
XS: Bust 30–32 inches / finished bust measurement 32 inches
S: Bust 32–34 inches / finished bust measurement 34 inches
M: Bust 34–36 inches / finished bust measurement 36 inches
L: Bust 36–38 inches / finished bust measurement 38 inches
XL: Bust 38–40 inches / finished bust measurement 40 inches
The pattern includes 2 inches of positive ease, meaning the finished top measures 2 inches larger than your actual bust to allow for comfortable movement and the slight stretch of cotton when worn.
Stitch Glossary
This pattern uses US crochet terminology.
ch — chain
sl st — slip stitch
sc — single crochet
hdc — half double crochet
dc — double crochet
tr — treble crochet
sp — space
rep — repeat
yo — yarn over
sk — skip
blo — back loop only
The main lace stitch used throughout the body of this top is a combination of chain spaces and double crochets arranged in a shell and mesh pattern. It creates an airy, romantic texture that reads as sophisticated lace without requiring complex techniques.
The Lace Shell Pattern (Main Stitch)
Before beginning the full garment, practice this stitch repeat on a small swatch so the rhythm becomes natural.
Work on a foundation chain that is a multiple of 6, plus 3.
Row 1 (right side): Dc in 4th ch from hook, ch 2, sk 2 ch, sc in next ch, ch 2, sk 2 ch, 5 dc in next ch, rep from to across to last 3 ch, ch 2, sk 2 ch, sc in last ch. Turn.
Row 2: Ch 3, 2 dc in first sc, ch 2, sc in center dc of next 5-dc shell, ch 2, 5 dc in next sc, rep from to across, end with ch 2, sc in center dc of last shell, ch 2, 3 dc in top of turning ch. Turn.
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in first dc, ch 2, 5 dc in next sc, ch 2, sc in center dc of next shell, rep from to across, ending with sc in top of turning ch. Turn.
Repeat rows 2 and 3 for the pattern. Once you see the shells nestling into each other in a rhythmic zigzag, the pattern will feel instinctive and fast.
The Crop Top Pattern: Step by Step
This top is worked in the round from the bottom hem upward. The construction is seamless, meaning there are no side seams to sew together. You will work the body in joined rounds, then separate for the front and back panels and shape the straps individually.
Starting the Hem Band
The hem begins with a simple ribbed band worked lengthwise, then joined into a circle. This gives the bottom edge elasticity and a clean, structured finish that prevents the top from riding up.
Foundation chain: Chain 10.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (9 sc) Turn.
Rows 2 onward: Ch 1, sc in blo of each sc across. Turn.
Repeat this row until your ribbing measures the following lengths:
XS: 32 inches / S: 34 inches / M: 36 inches / L: 38 inches / XL: 40 inches
Join the short ends of the ribbing together with a slip stitch to form a ring. Do not twist.
Body Rounds
Working along the long edge of the ribbing, join yarn and begin picking up stitches evenly around the top edge of the ribbing band. You want to pick up one stitch per row of ribbing, or adjust slightly to reach a stitch count that is a multiple of 6 plus 3.
Target stitch counts around the body:
XS: 141 stitches / S: 153 stitches / M: 165 stitches / L: 177 stitches / XL: 189 stitches
Place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of your round.
Round 1: Ch 4 (counts as dc + ch 1), sk 2 sts, dc in next st, ch 1, rep from to around. Join with sl st to 3rd ch of starting ch-4.
Round 2: Begin the lace shell pattern, adapting the flat rows into joined rounds. Work the pattern in the round, keeping the right side consistently facing you. This will feel slightly different from working flat rows because you will not be turning your work. Join each round with a slip stitch to the first stitch of that round.
Continue working the lace shell pattern in the round until the body measures the following from the top of the ribbing hem:
XS: 7 inches / S: 7.5 inches / M: 8 inches / L: 8 inches / XL: 8.5 inches
Separating for Front and Back
At the end of your last complete round, you will divide the work into two flat panels — one for the front and one for the back. Count your stitches and place a marker at the midpoint. Each half will be worked flat (back and forth in rows) from here.
Back Panel:
Work the lace shell pattern back and forth in rows across the back half of your stitches until the back panel measures 5 inches from the separation point. Fasten off and set aside.
Front Panel:
Rejoin yarn to the front half of stitches and work the lace shell pattern back and forth in rows across the front panel until the front panel also measures 5 inches from the separation point.
Shaping the Neckline
The neckline on this top is a simple, wide scoop that sits elegantly and frames the collarbone. Work the neckline shaping on the front panel only.
On the next row, work across the first 30% of your front panel stitches, then fasten off. Skip the center 40% of stitches (this is the scoop of the neckline), rejoin yarn to the remaining 30% of stitches, and work those in pattern across. You now have two shoulder strap sections on the front panel.
Work each strap section individually in the lace shell pattern for 4 more inches, or until the straps reach your desired length. Fasten off.
On the back panel, work the full-width panel for 2 more rows, then divide similarly for the back straps, leaving a center section unworked. Keep the back neckline slightly higher than the front — skip only the center 30% of back stitches for the neckline opening. Work each back strap for 4 inches to match the front strap length.
Joining the Straps
With right sides together, use the tapestry needle and a length of yarn to seam the front and back straps at the shoulder using a whipstitch or mattress stitch. The seam will be on the inside of the garment and will not be visible when worn.
Finishing Touches
Edging the Armholes
Working around one armhole opening, join yarn at the underarm and work one round of sc evenly around the entire armhole edge. Then work one round of reverse sc (also called crab stitch) for a polished, tidy finish. Repeat on the second armhole.
Edging the Neckline
Join yarn at one shoulder seam and work one round of sc around the full neckline — front and back. Work a second round of reverse sc, taking care to keep tension even around curves. The neckline edge will lay flat and crisp once blocked.
Weaving in Ends
Use your tapestry needle to weave in all yarn tails, working back and forth through the yarn fibers rather than just through stitch loops for maximum security. Cotton yarn can be slippery, so take extra time here.
Blocking Your Finished Top
Blocking transforms a crochet lace garment. Before you block, your top may look slightly uneven and the lace pattern may not be fully open. After blocking, the stitch repeat fans out, the fabric softens and relaxes, and the garment takes on the elegant drape that makes lace so beautiful.
Soak your finished top in cool water with a tiny drop of gentle wool wash or dish soap for about 15–20 minutes. Gently press out excess water — never wring or twist cotton — and roll it in a clean towel to absorb more moisture. Lay the damp top flat on a blocking board, pin it gently to the correct dimensions, and allow it to dry completely. This can take 12–24 hours depending on your environment.
Styling Your Burgundy Crochet Crop Top in 2025
Once your top is dry and ready to wear, the fun of styling begins. Here are some outfit combinations that feel current and wearable for summer 2025.
The simplest and most versatile pairing is high-waisted wide-leg linen pants in cream or ivory. The contrast between the rich burgundy lace and the breezy neutral linen is striking, and the combination is appropriate for almost any summer occasion from a farmers market morning to a rooftop dinner. Slide on woven mules or barely-there sandals and a structured straw bag and the outfit is complete.
For beach days, layer the top over a matching burgundy bikini or a simple black swimsuit. The lace acts as a beautiful cover-up that doesn’t obscure the swimwear beneath. Worn with loose denim shorts and sandals, it transitions effortlessly from beach to a casual lunch spot.
If you want to dress the top up for an evening occasion, tuck it loosely into a flowing satin midi skirt in champagne or blush. The interplay of textures — rough-smooth lace against fluid satin — is deeply sophisticated. Gold jewelry, strappy heeled sandals, and a small clutch complete the look.
For a more edgy, contemporary feel, pair the crop top with low-rise wide-leg trousers in deep olive or chocolate brown. These darker neutrals complement the burgundy without competing with it. Chunky platform sandals and layered chain necklaces bring a modern sensibility to what could otherwise read as very romantic.
Care Instructions for Your Crochet Top
Cotton is one of the easier fibers to care for, but a handmade lace garment still deserves some attention.
Hand washing in cool water with a gentle cleanser is always the safest option. If you prefer machine washing, use a mesh laundry bag and the delicate cycle with cold water. Avoid the dryer — the heat can cause cotton to shrink and will distort the lace structure. Always lay flat to dry.
Store the top folded rather than hung. Hanging a crochet garment on a hanger over time will cause it to stretch and lose its shape at the shoulders, which is especially problematic for a crop top where the neckline and strap fit are central to how the garment looks and feels.
A Few Tips Before You Begin
Read through the entire pattern before casting on your first stitch. Understanding where the construction is heading helps you make smart decisions in the moment, like whether to place stitch markers at specific points or how to adjust for your particular gauge.
Keep a row counter nearby and use it every single round during the body construction. The lace shell pattern is rhythmic and easy, but it is also easy to lose track of where you are if you put the project down for a few days.
If you find the pattern too open or airy for your taste, you can substitute a simple mesh stitch — alternating chain spaces and single crochets — for a slightly more modest coverage. The construction method remains the same.
Finally, enjoy the process. Crochet is one of the most meditative and rewarding craft practices available, and wearing the finished object is a specific kind of pride that no amount of online shopping can replicate. Your burgundy lace crop top, made by your own hands, will be one of the best things in your wardrobe this summer.
Happy crocheting.
