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    Home » Shirts + Tops

    Updated: Jan 24, 2023 by Jess Coppom ·

    Poncho-Style Summer Crochet Top - Free Pattern

    63.3K shares

    Made from two simple rectangles, this summer crochet top will take you effortlessly from music festival to BBQ to beach vaca this season. Get the free pattern below or purchase the ad-free, printable PDF with stitch chart here. 

    Made from two simple rectangles, this poncho-style summer crochet top will give your outfits a boho vibe all season. Free crochet pattern using the Iris Stitch and the Boxed Shell Stitch, featuring Lion Brand Yarn LB Collection Cotton Bamboo.

    This free summer crochet top pattern is part of a collaboration with my friends at Lion Brand Yarns. This post contains affiliate links.

    Spring is officially upon us, which means summer is right around the corner! You may feel tempted to let your crochet hook hibernate from now until October, but then you'd be missing out on some of my favorite types of crochet patterns--the lacy, boho-inspired projects that are just PERFECT for crocheting! (You can find all my boho-style crochet patterns here.)

    Made from two simple rectangles, this poncho-style summer crochet top with an open back will give your outfits a boho vibe all season. Free crochet pattern using the Iris Stitch and the Boxed Shell Stitch, featuring Lion Brand Yarn LB Collection Cotton Bamboo. Made from two simple rectangles, this poncho-style summer crochet top will give your outfits a boho vibe all season. Free crochet pattern using the Iris Stitch and the Boxed Shell Stitch, featuring Lion Brand Yarn LB Collection Cotton Bamboo.

    Spring and Summer Crochet Inspiration

    Below are a few of my favorite free spring and summer crochet patterns from last year. Do they convince you that there's some pretty good stitches to be had from now till Halloween? Great! You can find all my warm-weather patterns here.

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    Summer crochet top free pattern made from two rectangles. Lion Brand LB Collection Cotton Bamboo in "Magnolia."

    The Yarn

    Today, I'm excited to show you a summer crochet top my mom and I designed together using one of my favorite lightweight summery yarns, LB Collection Cotton Bamboo from Lion Brand. As it sounds, this yarn is a super supple mix of cotton and bamboo, which lends a beautiful floppy drape to this boho poncho shirt pattern. It's actually the exact same yarn I used in the Canyonlands Boho Top last summer. The first time I wore the Canyonlands Top, my husband remarked that it made me look "rich." Ha. I think that was totally a commentary on this luxurious yarn!

    Lacy crochet summer shirt pattern using the boxed shell stitch and iris stitch featuring Lion Brand LB Collection Cotton Bamboo.

    How to Crochet a Summer Top For Beginners

    The Saratoga Poncho Top is constructed from two rectangles, making this about the easiest summer crochet top you could put together. And while the lace stitches might look a little fancy, I promise you that they're just interesting enough to keep you engaged, but definitely not too complex to do while you're watching TV.

    Don't let the delicate look of this crochet top deter you--my mom made it in less than a week and she works full time. (But also, please don't feel bad if it takes you a few weeks. Crochet is about the destination AND the journey along the way. 🙂 )

    Lacy boho poncho-style crochet top that's perfect for spring or summer. Very simple construction that's easy for beginners. Featuring Lion Brand LB Collection Cotton Bamboo.

    How to Make This Poncho Top Extra Beginner-Friendly

    If you're a visual learner like me, you might really benefit from the stitch chart I've included in the ad-free, printable PDF. Sometimes pattern language can sound complex, but a stitch chart can reveal how easy a concept really is. You can pick up the printable PDF here. (It's great for mobile viewing too.) Scroll down for the full free pattern below!

    I've also been thinking about putting together a video tutorial for this simple summer crochet top. If that's something you'd be interested in, please leave a comment and let me know!

    boxed shell stitch chart pattern and iris crochet stitch chart

    Saratoga Poncho Top
    Summer Crochet Top Free Pattern

    Purchase the ad-free printable PDF with stitch charts here.

    Pin this pattern for later here.

    Add it to your Ravelry favorites and queue here.

    Explanation:
    Whether your summer plans include a music festival, a cruise or a backyard BBQ, the Saratoga Poncho Top will give you an effortless chic piece to toss on for the next adventure. The construction of this easy poncho-style top couldn’t be simpler, but the changing stitch patterns will keep you engaged the whole way through. The LB Collection Cotton Bamboo yarn gives this lacy top a perfect warm-weather texture and flattering drape.

    Supplies:
    This pattern contains affiliate links at no extra cost to you.
    • Lion Brand LB Collection Cotton Bamboo (Weight: 3/light -  245 yds, 3.5 oz)
    - Magnolia (#487-098) – 5 (5, 6, 6, 6, 7)) skeins [(approx. 400  (440, 480, 520, 560, 600)) g]
    • Tapestry needle
    • Size G (4.0 mm) crochet hook
    • Stitch markers or safety pins

    Sizes:
    S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X
    Bust: 32-36 (36-40, 40-44, 44-48, 48-52, 52-56)
    See “Notes” below on choosing a size.

    Individual Rectangle Measurements When Laying Flat:
    S: 43 x 14”
    M: 44 x 14.75”
    L: 45 x 15.5”
    XL: 46 x 16.5”
    2X: 47 x 17.5”
    3X: 48 x 18.25”

    Finished & Assembled Measurements:
    Length from Shoulder: 21.5 (22, 22.5, 23, 23.5, 24)”
    Total Width: 28 (29.5, 31, 33, 35, 36.5)”

    Gauge:
    20.2 sts x 8.5 rows = 4”
    Boxed Shell Stitch Section: 21 sts x 9 Rows = 4

    Abbreviations and Glossary (US Terms):
    ch – chain
    ch1sp - space created by one chain
    dc – double crochet
    PM – place marker
    RS – right side
    rep – repeat
    sp – space
    sl st – slip stitch
    st(s) – stitch(es)
    tch – turning chain
    WS – wrong side

    Overall Pattern Notes:
    • Pattern is worked in two identical rectangles and then seamed.

    • Tweaking the sizing of this top is very simple. Choose your size based on bust measurements as this will impact the number of rows you work. Then add or remove chains from the foundation chain in multiples of 4 to adjust the length of the shirt.

    Find Your Next Crochet Cardigan Pattern

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    See more free crochet cardigan patterns →

    Main Pieces


    Notes:
    • Ch 3 at beginning of row counts as a dc.

    See stitch chart in printable ad-free PDF for detailed visual explanation of stitches.

    Make 2.

    Iris Stitch Section

    Foundation: Ch 175 (179, 183, 187, 191, 195).

    Row 1 (RS): Sk first 4 ch, [2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc]  in fifth ch from hook, *sk 3 ch, [2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc] in next ch; rep from * until 2 ch remain, sk 1 ch, 1 dc in last ch; turn. [217 (222, 227, 232, 237, 242) dc, 43 (44, 45, 46, 47, 48) Iris clusters]

    Rows 2-16 (16, 18, 18, 20, 20): Ch 3, sk first 3 dc, *[2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc] in ch1sp, sk next 4 dc; rep from * until 2 dc remain, sk last 2 dc, 1 dc in tch; turn.

    Row 17 (17, 19, 19, 21, 21) (RS): Ch 1, sc in first dc, *sc in next 2 dc, sc in ch1sp, sc in next 2 dc; rep from * to end of row, sc in tch; turn. [217 (222, 227, 232, 237, 242) sc])

    Boxed Shell Stitch Section

    Row 1 (WS): Ch 3, sk first sc, 1 dc in next sc, *ch 3, sk 3 sc, 1 dc in each of next 2 sc; rep from * to end; turn. [217 (222, 227, 232, 237, 242) sts and chs, 43 (44, 45, 46, 47, 48) ch-3 sps])

    Row 2 (RS): Ch 3, sk first st, *5 dc in second ch of next ch-3 arch; rep from * ending with 1 dc in tch; turn.

    Row 3 (WS): Ch 3, sk first dc, *1 dc in first of 5 dc, ch 3, sk 3 dc, 1 dc in last of 5 dc, rep from * ending with 1 dc in tch.

    Rows 4-13 (15, 15, 17, 17, 19): Rep Rows 2 and 3  5 (6, 6, 7, 7, 8) more times each.

    Row 14 (16, 16, 18, 18, 20) (RS): Rep Row 2.

    Fasten off.

    Find Your Next Crochet Pullover Sweater

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    See more free crochet pullovers patterns →

    Finishing

    Front and Back Seams:
    Lay both rectangles out next to each other, WS facing up, with chain edges touching. Use safety pins or stitch markers to lightly pin rectangles together taking care to line up each cluster of iris stitches. Measuring from bottom front edge of shirt, place marker at 12” (12.5, 12.75, 13.25, 13.5, 14). Repeat from bottom of back of shirt so that there is approximately a 19” (19, 19.5, 19.5, 20, 20) space between markers.

    Working from the bottom front edge of the shirt up, seam rectangles together using a zig zag seam. (Think of how you’d lace shoes: Insert needle in from under fabric and pull through to top, repeat on opposite piece of fabric. See photo below.) Stop at maker and fasten off. Repeat with second seam on back side of shirt.

    How to seam two crochet pieces together - free photo tutorial.

    Side Seams:
    With RS facing in, pin side seam so that shells align. Place marker 10” from bottom of shirt. Working from the bottom edge up, use the mattress stitch to seam until marker. 11.5 (12, 12.5, 13, 13.5, 14)” remains unseamed for arm openings. Fasten off. Repeat with side seam on second side.

    Weave in remaining ends.

    Pop on your new lace poncho shirt, stash a flower behind your ear and frolic through the rest of summer!

    I love to see your finished projects. Tag me (@makeanddocrew) on Instagram and use #makeanddocrew to show off your stitches!

    That was so fun! Now what?

    • Pin this post: Save this to your Pinterest crochet board so you can easily find it again.
    • Share your work on Instagram or Facebook: Tag @MakeAndDoCrew and use #MakeAndDoCrew to show us your stitchin'!
    • Leave a comment: Say hello and share your feedback below.

    Invitation to our Facebook group

    Come discuss crocheting poncho top patterns and lots of other crochet projects and techniques in our Make & Do Crew Facebook group. Here thousands of helpful crocheters answer each others questions and share their stitches. Come join us here.

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    Now that you've finished your Saratoga crochet top, here are more bohemian-style free patterns that your inner boho princess might love:

    Free boho crochet patterns including sandals with flip flop soles, a hexagon sweater, and an Aztec shrug.

    1. Dream Catcher Crochet Sandals with Flip Flop Soles - free crochet shoe pattern

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    More Free Crochet Top Patterns

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    63.3K shares

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sharon says

      April 16, 2019 at 5:35 pm

      I noted that you said you would be making a tutorial of this cute top approximately one year ago. I have searched and I cannot find it. Would you mind to share the link?
      Thank you.

      Reply
    2. francis says

      July 17, 2018 at 10:54 pm

      no tiene nada de gratis

      Reply
      • Jess says

        July 19, 2018 at 2:35 pm

        Hi Francis. All of the patterns are free, with the option to purchase the inexpensive, ad-free PDF version. However, everyone has access to the free patterns on the blog posts. Hope that helps.

        Reply
    3. Mary Gillette says

      June 16, 2018 at 12:51 pm

      Yes, A video would lbe helpful.

      Reply
    4. Vikki Smith says

      June 12, 2018 at 7:59 am

      Yes I would love a video of this top. Also to you have a pattern for the cold shoulder top. Thanks you so much for sharing. I really want to make this poncho top.

      Reply
    5. Katrina says

      June 11, 2018 at 5:28 pm

      Yes, Please. Make a video! Thank you 🙂

      Reply
    6. Hedy says

      May 28, 2018 at 11:10 am

      Eagerly awaiting your video!

      Reply
    7. Ana says

      May 13, 2018 at 3:22 pm

      Hola podria poner el video pero con instrucciones en español. Gracias

      Reply
    8. Laura says

      May 12, 2018 at 1:04 pm

      Love it.
      Thank you so much.
      Laura

      Reply
    9. Alaina says

      May 10, 2018 at 5:45 am

      Is there another yarn that you could recommend that is similar to this brand? It is not available to me in my area and will cost a lot to ship ?. Love the pattern!

      Reply
      • Jess @ Make and Do Crew says

        May 10, 2018 at 11:56 am

        Hey Alaina,

        Have you heard of YarnSub.com? It's a great resource for finding alternative yarns that have a similar weight and gauge. 🙂

        Also, a few people have made with pattern with Lion Brand Mandala and it worked beautifully. (It's available from LionBrand.com as well as at Walmart.)

        Happy crocheting!

        Jess

        Reply
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