Knit Crop Top Patterns: Short & Sassy!
Crop tops are trending for summer! Yes – warm weather is just around the corner. You know, we recently did a roundup of crochet crop top patterns. But, as you also know, we’re bicrafty around here and don’t want to leave the knitters out. So, here’s our roundup of knit crop top patterns.
Like the crochet version, we’ve included a range of styles, from bra tops to cropped tunics.
So stay cool and knit on!
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1. Knit Contrast Trim Tank Top Pattern
This knit summer tank top pattern stops right above the waistline, just making it a crop top. It’s designed with contrast trim, the second color on the straps and waist enhancing the main color of the body. This knitting pattern comes with a matching pattern for a striped knit cardigan you can wear over the tank.
2. Trinity Woods Bralette Knit Pattern
This knit bra top pattern is a festival-style design in a neutral color, perfect for summer beach time. With a deep scoop neck and almost shoestring straps, this knit crop top is ideal for your next outdoor music event. It’s another of the crop top patterns with a matching knit cardigan pattern to go with it.
3. Lace Cami and Skirt Set
This lacy knit cami knitting pattern is designed as a crop top you can wear over a professional blouse. Of course, you could also wear it over a dress, a more casual top, or even on its own. It includes a matching narrow skirt pattern, creating a great set for the office or summer parties.
4. Crop Sleeve Knit Cardigan
The Just For Mom cardigan is a sophisticated cardigan pattern with a wide neckline. It’s a cropped sleeve style, meaning it’s longer than a short sleeve but shorter than a three-quarter sleeve. It’s a great style for many body types. The length isn’t a true knit crop top since its hem sits at the high hip length. It’s shorter than average crop top knitting patterns.
5. On Trend Knit Top Pattern
Some people like knit crop top patterns because they want to show off their bellies. However, many of us like knit crop top patterns because they layer well over other longer-length shirts and dresses. Layered outfits allow you to mix and match textures, colors, and fabrics, creating unique outfits that are fun to wear. And dressing every day should be fun! So, although this wide-neckline knit top isn’t a true crop top length, we’ve included it because it’s specifically designed as an oversized piece you can wear over other tops.
6. Gradient Knit T-shirt Pattern
This knit t-shirt pattern works with two colors of yarn to create a double-stranded gradient that turns out absolutely beautiful. This almost-sleeveless short-sleeved t-shirt skims the waist, so it’s a bit longer than true knit crop top patterns but still falls in the category. You can make it longer or shorter to suit your taste.
7. Square Tunic Knit Pattern
This shirt is cropped in length as tunics go. It actually has a similar shape to the knit t-shirt pattern above. However, it’s worked in different stitches and vibrant colors. It has a higher neck and a lot of pep and is perfectly vibrant for summer. Choose your colors to match your mood.
8. Juliet’s Love Shrug
This cropped shrug is the perfect accessory to wear over just about anything when the day’s heat gives way to the evening breeze. With a classic short sleeve and fancy ruffle at the waist it adds a romantic touch to any outfit.
9. One-Shoulder Crop Top Knit Pattern
There are so many different knit crop top patterns in terms of the style of the top itself. This one is super unique – a one-shoulder design with optional waist shaping to fit your body perfectly. The knit cables add extra interest. Working on this would make any knitting needle happy! This is the Arcuate Top by Charissa Lam, sold through KnitPicks.
10. Knit Crop Top and Skirt Set
The Twirl Your Dreams set is a lacy knit crop top with ruffled sleeves and hem and a matching skirt. You can breeze through this set with lots of stockinette and a small knit lace pattern. This is an idyllic, dreamy, whimsical summer outfit. Add a scarf or headband to complete the look.
11. Cropped Topper
This is one of the most wearable knit crop top patterns. It’s got a super easy shape, wonderful color, and an openwork design that you can layer with just about everything. The simple rectangle shape is great for lace knitting beginners since there’s no shaping to worry about. Yet more advanced knitters can whip this up easily. Pair it with anything from shorts to jeans or maxi skirts to minis. It’s versatile and will work with many outfits.
More Patterns and Yarns for Summer Knitting
So now you have a great selection of crop top patterns for the summer, but what about yarn? Of course, you can, and should, go by what the designer used in each pattern, but what’s a great yarn or fiber for summer knitting?
Cotton is by far the most popular. If you’re interested in cotton yarn, check out this blog post about cotton yarns in every weight. They’re some of our favorites!
Maybe you won’t believe me, but wool is also a good choice for summer. Why? Because it’s natural and breathable. Find out more about wool yarn right here.
And, if you prefer a knit sweater for summer when the evenings are a bit cooler, check out these knit and crochet spring sweater patterns. Sometimes, it’s nice to pop on something with a longer sleeve when the sun goes down.
Read More:
- Ultimate Guide to Summer Knitting Patterns
- Knit Summer Tops! Get Ready For Summer With These 20 FREE Lightweight Patterns for Knit Tanks, Tees, and Tunics
- 23 Knit Summer Shawl Patterns
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a knit crop top different from a regular knit top?
A crop top simply ends higher than a traditional top… usually at or above the natural waist, sometimes even shorter. In knitting, this usually means fewer inches of body length before the bind-off or armhole shaping. The appeal is that they’re faster to knit (less fabric!), they work beautifully as layering pieces, and they’re incredibly fashionable. Paired with high-waisted jeans or a maxi skirt, a handknit crop top is a striking statement piece.
What yarn weight works best for knit crop tops?
DK and fingering weight are the most popular for crop tops because they create a lighter, more drapey fabric that works beautifully in summer. Cotton and bamboo blends are ideal for warm weather… breathable and stylish. If you want a structured, slightly more opaque crop top, worsted weight in a cotton or cotton blend works well. Avoid super bulky for crop tops… it adds weight and bulk that fights against the light, casual feel of the silhouette.
How do I choose my size for a knit crop top?
Measure your bust and check the pattern’s finished measurements and ease. Unlike regular sweaters where you might want positive ease, crop tops are often designed with less ease or even negative ease (especially stretchy styles) for a fitted look. Check whether the pattern specifies wearing ease… some crop tops are meant to fit snugly, others are designed with a more relaxed fit. Also pay attention to the length… try to visualize how it’ll hit on your body before you start.
Are knit crop tops good for all body types?
Any body type can rock a crop top! The key is styling it in a way that makes YOU feel great. For those who want a little more coverage, a longer crop that just skims the waistband of your bottoms is perfectly chic without full mid-riff exposure. High-waisted pants and skirts work beautifully with crop tops. And remember… you made this with your own hands. That confidence shows. Handmade garments that fit YOUR body are always more flattering than something off a rack.
Can a beginner knit a crop top?
Some of the simpler ones, yes! A basic crop top in the round with minimal shaping can be approachable for confident beginners who’ve made hats and cowls. The shorter length is actually an advantage… less time to complete, less yarn investment, and less opportunity for things to go wrong. Look for patterns labeled beginner or easy that use simple construction like basic stockinette or garter stitch. Save the heavily fitted or heavily textured crop tops for after you’ve got a few garments under your belt.
