CREAM OF THE

CROP CROCHET
Fringe Tank Top Crochet Pattern

Skill Level: Pattern details:

Easy Abbreviations:
Sc: single crochet Dc2tog: double crochet
Materials: Dc: double crochet two together, double
4mm crochet hook Sl st: slip stitch crochet decrease
Ericka Knight Studio Linen DK weight yarn, St: stitch
6 skiens or 750 yds Pattern is written in a size small/medium. For a
8 inch long cardboard square medium/large, ch 104, and add 6 rows of dc to the
Scissors end of row 27
Yarn needle

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 Pattern:
Ch 84, turn and sc into the second ch from the hook,
then sc across. Ch 2, turn
Row 1: DC into the second st, then dc across. Ch 2, turn
Row 2: DC into the second st *ch 1, dc*, making dc into
the last 2 st. Ch 2, turn
Row 3-5: Dc into the 2nd st, *ch 1, dc into the previous
row dc* 2 dc, ch 2, turn
Row 6 & 7: Dc across
Rows 8-11: Repeat row 2
Rows 12-27: Dc across
Row 28-37: Ch 2, dc2tog, dc across, dc2tog
Row 38: Ch2, dc2tog, make 24 dc. Count and mark out
26 st from other side. Sc from last dc to st marker, then
make 24 dc, and one dc2tog in the last 2 st.
Rows 39-40: Repeat row 38, decreasing on the first
and last st of each row.
Rows 41-45: Repeat row 38 without decreasing.

Assembly
Place right sides of fabric together, and whip stitch the
top of the shoulders together only on the dc section.
The sc section is left open as the neckline. Stitch the
bottom 27 rows together, and turn right side out. Using
the 8 inch cardboard square, wrap the yarn around the
square 336 times (416 for m/l) and cut the bottom.
Using two strings at a time, fold the ends together and
pull a loop through the bottom of the fabric, then pull
the tails through and pull snug. Repeat around.

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 CREAM OF THE
CROP CROCHET
Crochet Help, Tips and FAQs
Written instructions can seem daunting – line after line of letters, numbers, symbols that seems to be written
in a foreign language. Don’t be discouraged! Most if the time they are very simple abbreviations repeated
multiple times throughout the pattern and you’ll find you become familiar with them quite quickly. Take each
line one at a time and you’ll be fine.

Hint: Always read over the entire pattern before you start your project. Still feeling confused? Try reading the
pattern out loud, hearing the pattern in words often helps. This will give you a great overall idea of how the
pattern will come together.

Abbreviations, Symbols, and Glossary

Crochet patterns are written using special shorthand so that the instructions don’t take up too much space.
The abbreviations sometimes seem confusing, but once you learn them, you’ll have no trouble following them.

approx = approximately sc2tog = single crochet 2 together

ch(s) = chain(s) sc3tog = single crochet 3 together
ch-space = space previously made sk = skip
cl = cluster stitch sl st = slip stitch
dc = double crochet sp(s) = space(s)
dec = decreas(e)(s)(ing) st(s) = stitch(es)
dtr = double treble (triple) crochet t-ch = turning chain
ext = extension tbl = through the back loop
fl = front loop tog = together
fpdc = front post double crochet tr = treble (triple) crochet
fpsc = front post single crochet yo = yarn over
hdc = half double crochet
inc = increas(e)(s)(ing)
lp(s) = loop(s)
sc = single crochet

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 Crochet Terminology

Back loops (bl): The back loop in a crochet stitch is the loop on the top of the stitch that is furthest from you.
A back loop single crochet stitch is similar to the basic single crochet, but uses the back loop rather than both
loops of the previous stitch. Crocheting back loops creates a different texture in your stitches and adds a ridge
to your crocheting.

Chain stitch (ch): The chain stitch is the first essential stitch to learn in crocheting. A chain stitch is a com-
ponent of many more complicated stitches and crocheting patterns. Start with a slipknot. Insert your crochet
hook through the knot then rotate the hook about a quarter turn clockwise, picking up the yarn with the
hook. Pull the yarn through the slip knot. That’s one chain stitch.

Colors: Capital letters A, B, C, D, etc. are used to indicate different colors of yarn in the same pattern.
Cluster stitch (cl): A cluster stitch is a group of crochet stitches that are worked together in the same loop and
then joined together at the top to create a triangle. A cluster stitch looks like an upside-down shell stitch and
the two are often used together in patterns.

Decrease: When a pattern calls for a decrease for shaping or binding off, you will get rid of a stitch in one of
several methods. Generally, the pattern will specify which type of decrease you should use as each type of de-
crease shapes your crocheting slightly differently. If the pattern says to single crochet two stitches together
or decrease one over two single crochet, you will work your decrease by crocheting two stitches together,
passing the yarn through both stitches at once so that the second stitch is absorbed into the piece without
dropping.

Double crochet (dc): A double crochet stitch is a foundational stitch for crocheting, incorporated into many
more complicated stitches. The double crochet stitch is about twice the height of a single crochet stitch, ma-
king it good for looser fabrics. A double crochet stitch is created by pulling the yarn over the hook then inser-
ting the hook into the next stitch to be worked and making another yarn over. Then, pull the yarn through the
stitch and yarn over again. You should now have two loops on the hook. Pull the yarn through both loops and
yarn over again. Pull yarn through the last two loops on the hook to finish the double crochet.

Fasten off: Fastening off finishes your crocheted piece, securing the yarn so that the piece will not unravel.
To fasten off, cut the yarn, leaving about a six inch tail. Pull the yarn through the final loop on your hook. The
yarn is now secured with a knot and you can move on to weaving in the ends and blocking your work.

Foundation Chain: The length of chain made at the beginning of a piece of crochet as a basis for constructing
the project.

Front loops (fl): The front loops of crochet stitch is the loop on top that is closest to you. Usually crochet stit-
ches are worked by picking up both loops of the previous stitch. To work in the front loop, only insert the hook
through the front loop of the stitch and continue with the stitch that the pattern calls for.

Gauge: In crochet, the gauge refers to the number of stitches per inch. Gauge may vary based on individual
tension, yarn type, and needle size. Because these three may vary from the designer’s gauge in
creating the pattern, it is important to crochet a swatch and measure the gauge so that
adjustments can be made, if needed, ensuring that your finished product is correctly

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 proportioned according to the pattern.

Half double crochet (hdc): To make a half double crochet stitch, make a yarn over then insert the hook into
the next stitch to be worked. Yarn over again and pull the yarn through the stitch. Yarn over once more and
pull the yarn through all three loops on the hook. The half double crochet stitch is relatively simple but still
creates a nicely textured pattern.

Herringbone half double crochet (Hhdc): To make a herringbone half double crochet stitch, yarn over and
insert hook into next stitch. Yarn over and draw through the stitch AND only the first loop on the hook. Yarn
over, draw through the remaining two loops on hook.

Increase: An increase is worked to add a stitch to the row, allowing for shaping of a crocheted piece. Increasing
is done by working two stitches into the single stitch below. For example, when using a single crochet, after
you compete one single crochet stitch go back into the same stitch and single crochet again. One stitch made.

Long single crochet (long sc): Insert the hook in the next stitch and pull up a long loop. Yarn over and pull the
yarn through both loops on the hook. A long single crochet stitch can be used to vary stitch lengths, creating
patterns and shaping.

Long double crochet (long dc): As with the long single crochet, the long double crochet can be used to vary
the lengths of stitches within a row, creating visual patterns in the crocheted piece. To make a long double
crochet stitch, start with a yarn over. Insert the hook in the next stitch and pull up a long loop on the hook.
Yarn over again and pull through the two loops on the hook twice.

Puff stitch (puff st): A puff stitch creates a raised oval, adding texture to your crocheting project. A puff stitch
is created by half-closing several double crochet stitches in the same stitch then joining them together to clo-
se. A puff stitch can also be created by working several yarn overs in a single stitch before closing the stitch.

Single crochet (sc): A single crochet stitch is an important basic stitch and one of the first stitches crocheters
learn. Starting with a basic chain as a foundation row, the single crochet is formed by inserting the hook into
the second chain in the row. Yarn over and pull the yarn through the loop on your hook. Yarn over again and
pull the yarn through both loops on your hook. That’s one single crochet stitch.

Slip stitch: A slip stitch is a basic crochet stitch that can be used for a variety of purpose including seaming
two pieces together, joining pieces to form a ring or attach Granny Squares, or adding embellishments, among
other uses. To make a slip stitch, insert your hook (with an active stitch on it) through the space where you
want to place a slip stitch. Hook your yarn and pull it through your project and the active stitch on your hook.

Triple crochet (tr): See also treble crochet. A triple or treble crochet stitch is often used when a long cro-
chet stitch is needed. Staring with a foundation row, yarn over your hook twice. Insert the hook into the
next stitch. Yarn over and draw the yarn through the stitch. Loop the yarn over the hook and draw the yarn
through two of the four loops present on the needle. Repeat this last step. You should be left with one loop
remaining from this stitch.

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 Turning chain: A turning chain is created between rows of crochet to help transition from one
row to the next. The turning chain helps bring your yarn to the correct height for you to begin working in the
first stitch of the next row after turning your work. Therefore, the length of the turning chain will depend on
the gauge of the project and the stitches used.

Yarn over (yo)- A yarn over is simply the step in which you wrap the yarn over your crochet hook. Some
stitches call for more than one yarn over. To do a yarn over, bring the yarn behind the hook and drape it
over the hook between the stitch and the throat of the hook. Make sure you do your yarn overs from back
to front, not from front to back.

Symbols

* An asterisk in a pattern row indicates a portion of instructions to be repeated. For instance, “rep from *
2 times” means that after working the instructions once, you must work them again 2 times, for a total of
3 times in all

( ) Parentheses enclose instructions which are to be worked the number of times indicated after the paren-
theses. For instance, “( ch 1, sc, ch 1) 3 times” means that you will chain 1, work 1 single crochet, and then
chain 1 again 3 times for a total of 6 chains and 3 single crochets. Parentheses can also set off or clarify a
group of stitches to be worked into the same space or stitch. For instance, “( dc, ch 2, dc) in the ch sp.” [ ]
Brackets and ( ) parentheses are also used to give you additional information.

Yarn Information

Yarn Weight and Hook Selection: Each project is designed to be made with a specific weight of yarn.
Changing the yarn weight will change the size and appearance of the finished project as well as change
the amount of yarn required. The same goes for the hook size – always use the suggested hook size for the
pattern.

FAQs

How can I make fastening off and weaving in ends easier?

To fasten off your project, use a yarn needle instead of a hook to weave the ends back through. This secures
them better and reduces the chances of raveling.

My yarn won’t go through the eye of the needle easily. What can I do to make it go through?

When your yarn doesn’t want to go through the eye of a needle, dip the end of the yarn in clear nail polish
and twist it tight while it’s drying. Now it’ll go through easily, and you can clip that end off later. This also
works for putting the yarn through a small bead hole that you can’t get a needle through.

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 How can I make sure I don’t lose stitches when I have to stop in the middle of a row or round?

When you get interrupted suddenly, just make the loop on your current stitch really big. That way, if
it gets jostled (or played with by pets or kids), the stitch won’t be lost.

I’m missing some stitches — where did they go?

If your crocheting keeps getting narrower, it means you are not crocheting into every stitch in a row.
Remember, for single crochet, work the first stitch in the row in the first stitch of the row below. Work
the last stitch in the last stitch of the single crochet in the row below. For double crochet, work the
first stitch in the second stitch of the row below. Work the last stitch in the turn chain. Count stitches
frequently. It’s also easy to miss a stitch within a row, especially when using a textured yarn where it
is harder to see the actual stitch.

I’ve got extra stitches — where did they come from?

Most errors occur at the beginning and end of a row. Check the directions. For single crochet, work
the first stitch in the row in the first stitch of the row below. Work the last stitch in the last stitch of
the single crochet in the row below. For double crochet, work the first stitch in the second stitch of
the row below. Work the last stitch in the turn chain. At the end of each row count stitches to be sure
it is the number required.

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