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The Chloe Tabard is a stunning crochet sleeveless top pattern that is is a feast of texture with the simplest of crochet stitches. Using a simple two row repeat and a vertical, side to side construction, it’s so much simpler than it looks.

Create a fitted sleeveless top perfect for summer by sizing down or go up a few sizes to an oversized poncho, the choice is yours!

In sizes XS to 5XL, a full video tutorial and easy to follow construction diagrams you’ll find everything you need even if you’re not experienced in crochet garment making.

A person in a crochet sleeveless top and beige pants stands outdoors, trees providing a lush backdrop, smiling warmly at the camera.

At the beginning of the year my niece Chloe asked me to design and make her a crochet tunic top without sleeves in olive green that she could wear over skinny jeans and leggings. So I set about the task.

Whilst I was designing I thought I’d just try it on myself (knowing that it was much smaller than my measurements so had negative ease) and I loved how it looked!

The top I made for Chloe was 4 inches smaller than my body so it had a good amount of negative ease but the stitch and yarn meant that it stretched beautifully and created a really stunning close fitting crochet sleeveless top pattern!

Chloe will still get her top of course and I’ll add a photo of what it looks like on her so you can get the idea of the original concept too.

As you’ll see from the range of images you can do all sorts with this top. Here are some ideas:

  • go down a size or two to make this top to be tight fitting and tucked in
  • worn outside with a tie around the waist
  • stick with your regular size for a few inches of positive ease
  • go up a few sizes and add ties to sides for a tabard style poncho

I have also created a child and baby crochet vest pattern of the Chloe top so you can make it from newborn baby size all the way to 5XL adult!

Here I am wearing it tucked in with 4 inches of negative ease (so it’s smaller than my measurements). It makes a great crochet tank top pattern that you can throw on with shorts in the summer!

Woman wearing sleeveless crochet top pattern with textured stitches facing away from camera.

How to make a side to side crochet top

Recently I’ve been really enjoying designing crochet garments using the side to side construction. My Harris Sweater which is a great crochet sweater pattern for beginners is an example of this method too.

The sideways crochet method means that you work in long vertical rows and this stylish crochet top can be worked all in one piece. The only seams are down the sides unless you want to leave it as a poncho then there are no seams at all!

This method means that you can’t really try it on as you go though so you need to be sure that you choose the right size to make first and that you meet the gauge before beginning.

Here I am wearing the negative ease version again but without it tucked in and using the optional waist tie. Now it makes a really lovely crochet tunic top instead.

Person wearing a sleeveless crochet poncho with a tie around the waist.

Yarn

To make the stylish crochet top I used Merino Silk by King and Eye; 80% Merino, 20% Silk; 110m / 120yds/50g.

I often get asked about ideas for alternative yarns. Here are some that I think would work really well for this crochet pattern in various price ranges:

The sample show in cream with ties and un-seamed sides is worked in Heartland by Lion Brand; 100% Acrylic; 252yds / 230m/140g.

Another great alternative yarn choice is Swish Worsted by WeCrochet; 100% Superwash Merino Wool; 110yds / 100m /50g.

A woman stands in a doorway wearing a crochet sleeveless top pattern over a white long-sleeve shirt and blue jeans, with one hand on her hip.

Learning to Crochet Garments

If you’re new to crochet garments and worried about all the sizing, seaming, gauge and other things that might seem really daunting, please don’t worry. I used to feel exactly the same! If you can make a blanket, then you can make this garment. I promise!

I’ve written all about my experience with learning to both make and design garments and you can learn about crochet garment making and make sure you explore all of these fabulous easy crochet cardigan patterns too. There are so many options out there for every skill level and style!

We also have an article all about how to make perfect crochet garments which is a great read packed full of experience and tips!

If you’re ready to dive and get all of the garment making info in one place then you will LOVE our Crochet Garments with Confidence Course! You get lifetime access to world class crochet garment designers teaching you everything they know!

Getting Started: Materials Needed for Your Easy Crochet Sweater for Children

Sizing

The premium pdf pattern contains a full schematic and sizing details but this might help you decide which size to make too.

The crochet sleeveless top pattern is designed for sizes XS to 5XL with the following finished garment measurements:

XS (S, M, L, XL) (2X, 3X, 4X, 5X)

Width: 17 (18.5, 21.5, 23.5, 25) (26.5, 28.5, 31.5, 32.75) inches

Length: 25 (25, 25, 25.75, 25.75) (25.75, 26.5, 26.5, 26.5) inches

Armhole Depth: 7.75 (8, 8.75, 9, 9.5 (10, 10.5, 11, 11.5) inches

Garment circumference: 34.75 (37.75, 43.5, 48, 50.75) (53.75, 58, 64, 66.75) inches

So, if for example you want yours to fit how the green version does on me then you need to measure your chest circumference and make the size that it about 3-4 inches smaller than your measurement.

If you want a loose fitting crochet top then choose the size that is 3-4 inches bigger than your measurement.

Don’t worry about what the size label tells you. Make the one that will give you the fit you want.

A person with shoulder-length hair is sitting among tall grass and greenery outdoors, wearing a sleeveless knitted top with a crochet pattern and light pants, smiling at the camera.

How much yarn do I need to crochet the sleeveless top?

Yarn Quantities: XS (S, M, L, XL) (2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL)

Approximate yds – 1080 (1170, 1340, 1495, 1585) (1665, 1865, 2045, 2135)

Other Materials

Along with your yarn, you will need the following:

Don’t forget to join HanJan Crochet to receive regular discount codes (and more free patterns!) and Pin this crochet sleeveless top pattern to your crochet Pinterest board!

Four images of woman wearing tight fitting sleeveless crochet top pattern.

Video Tutorial for the crochet top pattern

You can watch a full video tutorial of me making the cream version of this crochet top here:

Crochet Terms You’ll Need to Know

Glossary and Abbreviations

ch(s) – chain(s)

sp – space

ss – slip stitch

RS – right side

WS – wrong side

sk – skip

rep – repeat

yoh – yarn over hook

blo – back loop only

Crochet Stitches

The pattern is written in standard US terms and uses the following crochet stitches:

UK Crochet TerminologyUS Crochet Terminology
dc – double crochetsc – single crochet
htr – half treble crochethdc – half double crochet

Special Stitches

3rd loop:

Extra loop created on hdc from the yarn over. When working in rows this will be the first loop you come to when looking at the stitch.

Exhdc | extended half double crochet:

Yoh, insert your hook, yoh and pull up a loop, yoh and pull through one loop, yoh and pull through remaining three loops.

Foundation Half Double Crochet (fhdc)

Step 1: Ch 2, yarn over, insert hook into second ch from hook, yarn over and pull up a loop. [3 loops on hook]

Step 2: Yarn over and pull up another loop i.e. ch 1. This creates the first “chain” in your foundation row. [still 3 loops on hook]

Step 3: Yarn over and pull through all three loops to complete the first fhdc.

Step 4: Next stitch and subsequent stitches: Yarn over, insert hook into “chain” created in Step 2, yarn over and pull up a loop. [3 loops on hook]

Step 5: Yarn over and pull up another loop i.e. ch 1. This creates the next “chain” in your foundation row. [still 3 loops on hook]

Step 6: Yarn over and pull through all three loops to complete the next fhdc.

Repeat Steps 4, 5 and 6 as required.

This is me wearing the size up version as a poncho. I can’t decide which I like best!

Woman standing in doorway wearing a crochet sleeveless top over a white long-sleeve shirt and jeans, with one hand on hip and the other touching her hair.

Before you jump into crocheting your top, take a moment to read through the pattern notes—it’s a game-changer!

These handy insights will not only simplify your pattern-reading journey but also ensure a smoother crochet experience. You’ll find helpful tips on deciphering the sizing, customisation and more.

Trust me, a quick peek at these notes will set you up for crochet success!

  • Ch 1 at the start of a row does not count as a st.
  • Turn at the end of every row.
  • Instructions are given for the smallest size, with larger sizes in parentheses ( ) e.g. XS (S, M, L, XL) (2X, 3X, 4X, 5X).
  • If an instruction does not apply to a size, it will appear in the sizing sequence as a dash (-). Here is an example for something that does not apply to sizes S, L and 4X: 89 (-, 89, -, 89)(89, 89, -, 89).
  • Stitch counts are given in [ ] at the end of each row. If no stitch count is given, then the count is the same as the previous row.

Here is Chloe wearing her finished top 🙂 She absolutely loves it and I think she looks fabulous in it!

Child with long hair wearing a sleeveless crochet top tunic with tie around the waist.

Free Crochet Sleeveless Top Pattern – Chloe Tabard

There are a few options for you to access and enjoy this crochet pattern:

  1. View the free pattern on the blog – all blog subscribers will be able to view the patterns supported by ads by logging into their Grow account.
  2. Purchase the individual pattern on Etsy or Ravelry as a beautifully formatted PDF with extra stitch charts, schematic and colour information page and more!
A person models a gray crochet sleeveless top, paired with white pants and a brown belt, standing outdoors against a soft, green blurred background.

The pattern is also featured in Issue 3 of Studio Crochet magazine alongside 6 other stunning patterns.

Image showing Studio Crochet Magazine on tablet laid on a bed.

Copyright Notice

The Chloe Tabard Top Crochet Pattern and its contents are fully owned and copyrighted by HanJan Crochet Ltd., and all rights are reserved.

This pattern is protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws and may not be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the author (Hannah Cross of HanJan Crochet Ltd). 

Unauthorised distribution or reproduction of this pattern or elements of the instructions is strictly prohibited. The free to view crochet pattern is intended for personal viewing only. By accessing this pattern, you acknowledge and agree to comply with these copyright terms and conditions.

Pattern Support

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US Terminology

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Pattern Gauge

Gauge: 15 sts x 11 rows = 4″ x 4″ / 10 cm x 10 cm measured over main set pattern (blocked).

Making a crochet gauge swatch is particularly important when crocheting projects (and even more so for garments) to ensure that it ends up the desired size.

All sizes: XS (S, M, L, XL) (2X, 3X, 4X, 5X)

FRONT AND BACK

Section 1: first armhole shaping –

Foundation chain: ch 190 (190, 190, 196, 196) (196, 204, 204, 204)

Row 1: RS: Exhdc in 2nd ch from hook, Exhdc in next 65 (63, 61, 63, 61) (59, 61, 59, 57), ss in blo of next 57, (61, 65, 67, 71) (75, 79, 83, 87) (this creates the sleeve shaping), Exhdc in next 66 (64, 62, 64, 62) (60, 62, 60, 58) [189 (189, 189, 195, 195) (195, 203, 203, 203].

Row 2: WS: ch1, [hdc in 3rd loop of next st, sc in next st] to 1st st of sleeve shaping, ss in blo of next 57, (61, 65, 67, 71) (75, 79, 83, 87), [sc in next st, hdc in 3rd loop of next st] to end.

Row 3: ch1, [Exhdc in blo of next st, Exhdc in next st] to 1st st of sleeve shaping, ss in blo of next 57, (61, 65, 67, 71) (75, 79, 83, 87), [Exhdc in next st, Exhdc in blo of next st] to end.

Row 4: Repeat Row 2.

Continue to Section 2.

Section 2: straight area –

Row 1: ch1, Exhdc in blo of next st, *Exhdc in next st, Exhdc in blo of next st; rep from * to end.

Row 2: ch1, hdc in 3rd loop of next st, *sc in next st, hdc in 3rd loop only of next st; rep from * to end.

Row 3: Repeat Row 1.

Rows 4-7 (9, 13, 15, 17) (19, 21, 25, 27): Repeat Rows 2 and 3 of this section.

Continue to Section 3.

Section 3: Front neckline –

The Front neckline only works for a portion of the stitches that you have already made. At the end of each row turn and work the next row into the Front neckline, leaving the other stitches to work the Back neckline into later.

Row 1: ch1, hdc in 3rd loop of next st, *sc in next st, hdc in 3rd loop only of next st; rep from * to the 89th (89th, 89th, 91st, 91st) (91st, 95th, 95th, 95th) st. [89 (89, 89, 91, 91) (91, 95, 95, 95)].

Row 2: ch1, Exhdc in blo of next st, *Exhdc in next st, Exhdc in blo of next st; rep from * to end.

Row 3: ch1, hdc in 3rd loop of next st, *sc in next st, hdc in 3rd loop only of next st; rep from * to end.

Row 4: Repeat Row 2

Rows 5 – 26 (26, 26, 28, 28) (28, 30, 30, 30): repeat Rows 3 and 4 of this section. Break yarn but do not weave in ends now.

Section 4: Back neckline –

The Back neckline only works for a portion of the remaining stitches on the last Row of Section 2. Turn to WS facing and find the last stitch of Row 1, Section 3. Skip 11 sts, join yarn to the next st.

Row 1: ch1, hdc in 3rd loop of next st, *sc in next st, hdc in 3rd loop only of next st; rep from * to end. [89 (89, 89, 91, 91) (91, 95, 95, 95)].

Row 2: ch1, Exhdc in blo of next st, *Exhdc in next st, Exhdc in blo of next st; rep from * to end.

Row 3: ch1, hdc in 3rd loop of next st, *sc in next st, hdc in 3rd loop only of next st; rep from * to end.

Row 4: Repeat Row 2.

Rows 5 – 26 (26, 26, 28, 28) (28, 30, 30, 30): repeat Rows 3 and 4 of this section. At the end of the last row, ch11, ss into the last stitch of Section 3 to create the neckline. Break yarn but do not weave in ends now.

Section 5: 2nd straight area –

This section is worked along the entire length of the garment now.

Turn to WS facing and join to first st of the entire garment Row. There will be 89 (89, 89, 91, 91) (91, 95, 95, 95) sts for the Front, 11 sts for the neckline and 89 (89, 89, 91, 91) (91, 95, 95, 95) sts for the Back.

Row 1: ch1, hdc in 3rd loop of next st, *sc in next st, hdc in 3rd loop only of next st; rep from * to end.

Row 2: ch1, Exhdc in blo of next st, *Exhdc in next st, Exhdc in blo of next st; rep from * to end.

Row 3: Repeat Row 1.

Rows 4-7 (9, 13, 15, 17) (19, 21, 25, 27): Repeat Rows 2 and 3 of this section.

Section 6: 2nd armhole shaping –

Row 1: ch1, [Exhdc in blo of next st, Exhdc in next st] in next 66 (64, 62, 64, 62) (60, 62, 60, 58), ss in blo of next 57, (61, 65, 67, 71) (75, 79, 83, 87) (this creates the sleeve shaping), [Exhdc in next st, Exhdc in blo of next st] in next 66 (64, 62, 64, 62) (60, 62, 60, 58) [189 (189, 189, 195, 195) (195, 203, 203, 203)].

Row 2: ch1, [hdc in 3rd loop of next st, sc in next st] to 1st st of sleeve shaping, ss in blo of next 57, (61, 65, 67, 71) (75, 79, 83, 87), [sc in next st, hdc in 3rd loop of next st] to end.

Row 3: ch1, [Exhdc in blo of next st, Exhdc in next st] to 1st st of sleeve shaping, ss in blo of next 57, (61, 65, 67, 71) (75, 79, 83, 87), [Exhdc in next st, Exhdc in blo of next st] to end.

Row 4: Repeat Row 2. Break yarn.

BORDER

The border is worked in rounds around the entire garment. With RS facing, and bottom edge of Front uppermost, join yarn to top corner. (See Construction Method diagram for details).

Round 1: ch1, sc in side of each Row to corner 48 (52, 60, 66, 70) (74, 80, 88, 92) sts, rotate to work along long edge, sc in blo of 189 (189, 189, 195, 195) (195, 203, 203, 203), rotate to work along bottom front edge, sc in side of each Row to corner 48 (52, 60, 66, 70) (74, 80, 88, 92) sts, rotate to work along long edge, sc in blo of 189 (189, 189, 195, 195) (195, 203, 203, 203), ss in 1st st to join. Turn.

Round 2: ch1, ss in blo of each st around, ss in 1st st to join. Turn.

Round 3: ch1, sc in blo of each st around, ss in 1st to join.

COLLAR

The collar is worked in join-as-you-go rows to the neckline. With RS facing, join yarn to stitch at back shoulder.

Set up Round: ss in each stitch and side of each row around, ss in 1st st to join. [(74, (74, 74, 78, 78) (78, 82, 82, 82)].

Row 1: ch11, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each to end, ss in next 2 sts of Set up Round, turn. [10]

Row 2: ss in blo of each, turn.

Row 3: ch1, sc in flo of each, ss in next 2 sts of Set up Round, turn.

Repeat Rows 2 and 3 of the Collar until you return back to Row 1. Join with ss seam to Row 1 to complete the collar.

OPTIONAL TIE /S

Long tie –

Row 1: Foundation hdc 300, (325, 350, 375, 400) (425, 450, 475, 500) sts for the tie. Block lightly and weave in ends to complete.

Short ties –

If you’re not seaming the sides then work four ties at whichever point you’d like them (I worked mine 46 sts up from the bottom).

Join yarn to desired st, ch26.

Row 1: sc in 2nd and each ch to end, ss in next 2 sts of side of top [25].

Row 2: sc in blo of each st to end.

COMPLETE THE TOP

Joining the side seams is completely optional as the top looks great either way. If you’d like to join your side then here’s how:

With the WS facing use a slip stitch seam to join the sides from the stitches after the sleeve for as many stitches as you like. I’d recommend leaving some stitches at the bottom unseamed.

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More Crochet Patterns You Might Enjoy

If you enjoy making sleeveless crochet tops and ponchos here are a couple more patterns and tutorials you would enjoy crocheting!

The Eyelet Lace Tee is is great beginners crochet top pattern that is worked in two panels with some delicate details at the neckline.

The Hawthorne Tee isn’t technically sleeveless but is a lovely short sleeved V neck crochet top that has cute little sleeves that you can adjust to be any length. It’s worked from the top down so easy to adjust as you go.

The Easy Peachy Cover Up is longer than a top so you can use it as a crochet bikini cover pattern but again, you could easily adjust it to be shorter if you like.

Lastly, the Cherry Blossom Cardigan is a stunning sleeveless crochet cardigan pattern that is made from just two rectangles so perfect for beginners too!

A person stands outdoors wearing a sleeveless crochet top with a textured pattern, epitomizing summer style. Text: "Explore our crochet sleeveless top pattern.

Congratulations on crocheting your very own crochet sleeveless top! 🌟 Now that you’ve crafted this fun project, why stop here? Dive into my other crochet top patterns, each waiting to be transformed into your next crochet masterpiece.

Don’t forget to share your creations with me on social media—I love seeing your unique twists and colourful creations! Join our community of crochet enthusiasts, where we share tips, tricks, and plenty of crafting inspiration. So, grab your hooks, explore more patterns, and let’s continue this crochet adventure together! Happy stitching! 🧶✨

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