This Ruched Mesh Top is a beginner friendly crochet garment that looks polished while staying simple to construct. The top is made in one main rectangle worked from side to side, starting with a solid half double crochet bust panel for coverage, then transitioning into an open mesh section for a light, breathable finish.
Mesh Crochet Top
The signature detail is the ruched center cinch, created by threading yarn through the middle of the bust panel so you can control how gathered the front becomes and how the neckline sits. Long straps create an adjustable lace up back, so you can tighten or loosen the fit depending on your comfort, layering plans, or preferred silhouette. You can easily customize width, bust coverage, and total length, making this an excellent pattern for warm weather outfits, festival layering, or styling over a bralette or camisole.
Materials
- DK weight yarn or any yarn that matches a 4mm hook
- 4mm crochet hook
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
- Yarn needle optional for weaving in ends
Ruched Mesh Top Crochet Pattern
Stitch Guide
- Ch chain
- Sl st slip stitch
- Hdc half double crochet
- Dc double crochet
- Sk skip
- St stitch
- Sp space
Fit Notes and Custom Sizing
- Measure armpit to armpit across your front to choose your starting width
- The top is worked as one flat panel, then worn with straps laced through the mesh gaps in the back
- The bust section height is controlled by the number of hdc rows
- The overall length is controlled by the number of mesh rows
- If you want more coverage, add more hdc rows before starting the mesh section
- If you want the mesh to start higher or lower, adjust where you transition
- If you want a looser fit, add width to the starting chain
- If you want a tighter fit, reduce width slightly and rely on lace up back for comfort
Foundation Chain and Bust Panel
- Make a slip knot and chain until the chain measures from one armpit to the other across the front of your body
- Keep the chain relaxed, not tight, so the edge does not pull
- If following the video example, chain 64, but your number can be different
- Count your chains and write the number down so you can match it later if you remake the top
Bust Panel Row 1
- Hdc into the second chain from the hook
- Hdc in every chain across
- Make sure your last stitch lands in the final chain so the row edges stay straight
- Ch 1
Bust Panel Rows 2 and Up
- Turn your work
- Hdc in every stitch across the row
- Ch 1 and turn at the end of each row
- Repeat until the panel covers the bust from top edge to underbust or to the length you prefer
- For a reference point, the video uses 14 total hdc rows
- Try the panel against your body as you go to check coverage
Optional Bust Fit Checks
- If the top edge feels too wide, remove a few chains next time or plan to cinch slightly more with the ruched yarn
- If the bust section feels too short, add more hdc rows
- If the bust section feels too tall, stop earlier and begin the mesh section sooner
- If the fabric looks too stiff, loosen tension or consider a slightly larger hook
- If the fabric looks too loose for bust coverage, tighten tension or consider a slightly smaller hook
Step 5 Transition to Mesh Section
- Do not fasten off after the final hdc row
- Turn your work to begin the first mesh row worked across the same width
- The mesh is built on dc posts with chain spaces between them
- The mesh gaps will later be used for lacing the back straps
Mesh Row 1
- Ch 4 to start the row
- Sk 2 stitches
- Dc into the next stitch
- Ch 2
- Sk 2 stitches
- Dc into the next stitch
- Continue repeating ch 2, sk 2, dc into the next stitch across the row
- Keep the spacing consistent so the mesh looks even
- At the end of the row, you should finish with a dc near the edge
- Ch 4
Mesh Row 2
- Turn your work
- Dc directly on top of the first dc from the previous row
- Ch 2
- Dc into the next dc across
- Repeat dc, ch 2 across the row, always placing dc into the dc below
- At the end, dc into the turning chain area to keep the edge secure
- Ch 4
Repeat Mesh Rows
- Turn your work
- Repeat the same mesh row sequence
- Dc into dc, ch 2 across
- Dc into the turning chain area at the end of each row
- Continue until the top reaches your preferred total length
- For a reference point, the video uses 13 mesh rows
- If you want a cropped fit, work fewer mesh rows
- If you want a longer top, add more mesh rows
Finishing the Main Panel
- After your final mesh row, ch 1
- Cut yarn leaving a tail long enough to weave in
- Pull the tail through the last loop to secure
- Weave in the end or leave it temporarily until after straps are added
Prepare for the Ruched Center
- Cut a long strand of yarn separate from your working yarn
- Make it longer than you think you need so you can cinch comfortably
- Find the center of your top panel by folding it in half widthwise and marking the midpoint
Weave the Ruched Yarn
- Starting near the bottom of the hdc bust panel, insert your hook through the center stitches
- Pull the long strand through, leaving an even tail on one side
- Weave upward through the hdc section, going in and out of stitches in a straight vertical path
- Keep the weaving line centered so the ruching gathers evenly
- Continue until you reach the top edge of the hdc section
Cinch and Secure the Ruching
- Hold the fabric with one hand and gently pull both yarn ends with the other
- Gather the fabric until the front has the ruched look you like
- Adjust the gathers so they are evenly distributed
- Tie a strong knot
- Tie again for security
- Tie a third time if you want extra hold
- Trim excess yarn, leaving a small tail
- Tuck the tail into stitches if desired
Strap Placement Overview
- Straps are attached at the two top corners of the bust panel
- Long straps allow you to tie behind the neck or lace through the back mesh openings depending on your preferred style
- The back is adjusted by lacing straps through the mesh gaps like a corset
Create Strap 1
- Join yarn at one top corner of the bust panel
- Ch a long strap to your desired length
- For a reference point, the video chains about 100 chains
- Fasten off leaving a tail for weaving in
Create Strap 2
- Join yarn at the other top corner
- Ch the same number of chains as Strap 1 so the straps match
- Fasten off and leave a tail
Optional Thicker Straps
- If you want thicker straps, work back along the chain with single crochet
- Insert hook into the second chain from the hook
- Single crochet in each chain back to the top corner
- Fasten off and weave in ends
- Repeat for the second strap if desired
Lace Up Back Method
- Put the top on with the bust panel in front and mesh section below
- Bring straps over your shoulders
- Use the chain spaces in the mesh as lacing holes
- Thread one strap through a mesh gap on one side of the back
- Cross to the opposite side and thread through the next mesh gap
- Continue criss crossing downward through the mesh openings
- Pull straps to tighten the back fit as needed
- Tie the straps at the bottom into a bow or knot
Optional Wearing Variations
- Lace tighter for a snug fit and more support
- Lace looser for a relaxed fit and easier layering
- Tie straps behind the neck instead of lacing if you want a halter look
- Add more strap length if you want longer ties or a more dramatic bow
- Add a small border to the bottom edge if you want a cleaner finish
Clean Finish and Final Weaving
- Weave in all ends securely
- Make sure the ruched yarn knot is tight and trimmed neatly
- Check that straps are firmly attached at corners
- Stretch the mesh gently to ensure the lacing gaps open evenly
Troubleshooting Notes
- If your mesh leans or looks uneven, make sure you are placing dc directly into dc every row
- If edges flare, confirm you are ending with a dc into the turning chain space each row
- If ruching looks off center, rethread the ruched yarn using the fold method to find the true midpoint
- If the bust panel curls, use a looser tension or block lightly after finishing
- If straps stretch too much, add the optional single crochet reinforcement
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