This crochet off shoulder top pattern is designed to give you a flattering, wearable handmade piece that feels trendy but still practical. The top starts with a simple double crochet bodice for coverage and structure, then adds a breathable mesh section for a lighter look and better drape.
Crochet Off Shoulder Top
The lace up back is the secret to fit it lets you tighten or loosen the torso without changing the whole stitch count, which makes this pattern very forgiving if you are between sizes. Finally, the ruffle edging and matching arm cuffs add movement and a soft romantic finish. You can easily customize the length, the amount of mesh, the sleeve cuff size, and even how dramatic the ruffles are, so you can make a casual everyday version or a bold festival style top.
Materials
- Medium weight yarn in your chosen color
- 3 mm crochet hook
- Darning needle
- Scissors
Stitch Notes
- Ch 3 at the start of a row counts as the first DC unless stated otherwise
- Turn after each row for flat panels
- Adjust hook size if your fabric is too stiff or too loose
- This pattern is written in sections so you can fit as you go
Sizing Notes And How To Customize
- The torso is not fully closed, you leave a back gap and lace it up later
- If you want more coverage, add more foundation chains and keep the same back gap
- If you want a longer top, add more mesh rows or add extra DC rows before the mesh
- If you want a tighter fit, use fewer chains or make the back gap slightly smaller
- Always try the piece on before committing to the cuff placement
Main Body Torso
Foundation Chain
- Make a slip knot
- Chain enough to wrap around the front and sides of your torso but stop before it meets at the back
- Leave a gap of about 6 to 7 inches for the lace up back
- Example chain used in the tutorial is 79 chains
Double Crochet Base Row
- Chain 3 more
- Double crochet in the 4th chain from the hook
- Double crochet in every chain across to the end
Crochet
- Chain 3 and turn
- Double crochet in every stitch across
To Bust Coverage
- Chain 3 and turn
- Double crochet in every stitch across
- Repeat until the panel covers the bust area comfortably
- Example height is about 14 rows total or around 15 cm
Fit Check Before Moving On
- Wrap the panel around your torso
- Confirm the top edge sits where you want the off shoulder line to be
- Confirm you have enough height for coverage
- If you want more height, add more DC rows
- If you want less height, stop earlier
Bottom Mesh Design
Mesh Row 1
- Chain 6
- Skip 2 stitches
- Double crochet in the 3rd stitch
- Chain 3
- Skip 2 stitches
- Double crochet in the 3rd stitch
- Repeat across
Mesh Row 2
- Chain 6 and turn
- Double crochet on top of the next double crochet from the previous row
- Chain 3
- Double crochet on top of the next double crochet
- Repeat across
For Mesh Rows 3 To Desired Length
- Chain 6 and turn
- Double crochet on top of each double crochet from the previous row
- Chain 3 between each double crochet
- Repeat until you complete 7 mesh rows or your preferred length
Mesh Fit Check
- Hold the top against your torso
- Decide if you want the mesh shorter or longer
- Add or remove mesh rows as needed
For Back Panels And Lacing Loops
Back Panel Setup Side 1
- Attach yarn at one side edge of the torso panel
- Work 2 double crochets evenly into each row end or side space along the edge
- Continue until you reach the bottom edge
Back Panel Rows
- Chain 3 and turn
- Double crochet in every stitch across
- Repeat for 6 rows total to make a sturdy back panel
Lacing Loop Row
- Chain 6 and turn
- Skip 3 stitches
- Double crochet in the 4th stitch
- Chain 3
- Skip 3 stitches
- Double crochet in the 4th stitch
- Repeat across to create loops
Reinforcing The Loops
- Chain 1
- Work 3 single crochets into each loop space
- Work 1 single crochet on top of each double crochet
- Continue across the full edge
Repeat Back Panel Side 2
- Attach yarn to the opposite side edge
- Repeat the same steps to create the second back panel with loops and reinforcement
Bottom Ruffle Edging
Attach Yarn
- Attach yarn at a bottom corner of the top
Ruffle Pattern Around Bottom
- Skip one mesh space
- Work 6 double crochets into the next mesh space to form a fan
- Skip the next mesh space
- Work 3 single crochets into the following mesh space
- Repeat this sequence all the way around the bottom edge
Ruffle Tips
- If you want bigger ruffles, work more than 6 double crochets per fan
- If your edge starts to wave too much, reduce fan size or add more skipped spaces
Arm Cuffs Make 2
Cuff Foundation
- Make a slip knot
- Chain enough to fit around your upper arm comfortably
- Example chain used is 44 chains
Cuff Row 1
- Chain 3
- Double crochet in the 4th chain from the hook
- Double crochet across
For Cuff Row 2
- Chain 3 and turn
- Double crochet across
Cuff Row 3
- Chain 3 and turn
- Double crochet across
For Cuff Mesh Row 1
- Chain 6
- Skip 2 stitches
- Double crochet in the 3rd stitch
- Chain 3
- Skip 2 stitches
- Double crochet in the 3rd stitch
- Repeat across
Cuff Mesh Row 2
- Chain 6 and turn
- Double crochet on top of each double crochet from previous mesh row
- Chain 3 between
- Repeat across
Cuff Ruffle Edge
- Attach yarn to the mesh edge if needed
- Skip one mesh space
- Work 6 double crochets into the next mesh space
- Skip the next mesh space
- Work 3 single crochets into the following mesh space
- Repeat around the cuff edge
Join The Cuff Into A Circle
- Fold cuff with right sides aligned
- Single crochet through both edges to join
- Fasten off and weave in end
Main Tie Cord And Assembly
Back Tie Cord
- Make a slip knot
- Chain approximately 250 chains or enough length to lace and tie comfortably
- Fasten off, leaving a tail to weave in
Lace The Back
- Weave the cord through the back loops
- Lace it like a shoe lace so you can tighten evenly
- Tie in a bow
Attach The Arm Cuffs
- Put the top on and decide where the cuffs should sit
- Mark the placement on both sides so they are even
- Attach yarn at the top edge where the cuff will connect
- Chain 10 to create a small connector strap
- Slip stitch into the cuff edge to secure
- Add extra slip stitches if you want a stronger join
- Repeat on the other side
Final Finishing
- Weave in all ends securely
- Try the top on again and adjust the back lacing tension
- If the cuffs feel loose, remake them with fewer chains
- If the cuffs feel tight, add chains to the foundation next time
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