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Woman wearing a sleeveless beige crochet mesh t-shirt with vertical lace stripes, handmade summer top

Breeze Mesh Tee Top

This crochet t-shirt top is made using the Tunisian crochet technique, which allows you to work multiple stitches at the same time on the hook. It’s a unique way to design and create crochet garments.
Since I discovered this method, my projects have been coming together more quickly — and for this piece, I’d love to share it with you.
You are very welcome here 💛.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to create this very easy crochet t-shirt top. First, let me introduce the technique I used.

Construction Overview

The garment is made from two separate panels:

  • Back panel

  • Front panel

These are then joined at the shoulders and sides.

Each panel is worked vertically, starting from one underarm and finishing at the opposite underarm.

Woman wearing a sleeveless beige crochet mesh t-shirt with vertical lace stripes, handmade summer top

 

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to create this very easy crochet t-shirt top. First, let me introduce the technique I used.

🔹 Back Panel Technique

The back panel is worked using an open mesh stitch made up of multiple rows of mesh worked at the same time.
Between these rows, on the wrong side, you will alternate a row made of sl st – hdc (slip stitch and half double crochet).
The number of starting chains must be odd.

🔹 Front Panel Technique

The front panel is also alternated with mesh rows, but it introduces multiple rows of double crochet worked simultaneously.

In the rows with multiple techniques:

  • Work 4 rows of full stitch (dc) together for the solid stripe

  • Work 4 rows of mesh stitch together for the open stripe

🔸 Crochet Symbols (US Terminology)

  • ch – chain

  • sl st – slip stitch

  • hdc – half double crochet

  • dc – double crochet

  • sk – skip stitch

  • 4R dc st – 4 rows of double crochet stitches worked at the same time

  • 4R mesh st – 4 rows of mesh stitch worked at the same time

👉 Find my tutorials here for the two base rows used in this project:

🧶 Yarn Recommendation

For this project, I used 100% cotton yarn with a 3.5 mm crochet hook.
Choose a natural fiber yarn to give your top the quality it deserves.

For a medium size, you’ll need approximately 250–300g of DK (double knitting) yarn.

This is the pattern guide for the top shown here — feel free to take notes and make it uniquely yours!

 

🔸 Back Panel Instructions

  • Start: Chain 59 chains (an odd number)

  • Row 1:
    ch1, (sl st, hdc) repeat across the row. End with a sl st.

  • Row 2:
    ch13, work 4 rows of mesh stitch at the same time (4R mesh st) across the entire row.
    At the end of the row, chain 34 to create the first shoulder.

  • Row 3:
    ch1, (sl st, hdc, sl st) repeat across (same as Row 1)

  • Row 4:
    Repeat Row 2

  • Row 5:
    Repeat Row 3

  • Row 6:
    Work as in Row 2 but stop 6 stitches before the end (this shapes the back neckline)

  • Row 7:
    Repeat Row 3

  • Row 8:
    Repeat Row 2

  • Row 9:
    Repeat Row 3

  • Row 10:
    Repeat Row 2

  • Row 11:
    Repeat Row 3

  • Row 12:
    Repeat Row 2 and add 6 chains at the end to create the second shoulder

  • Row 13:
    Repeat Row 3

  • Row 14:
    Repeat Row 2

  • Row 15:
    Repeat Row 3

  • Row 16:
    Repeat Row 2

  • Row 17:
    Repeat Row 3

  • Row 18:
    Work as Row 2, but stop 59 stitches before the end (creating the opposite underarm section)

  • Row 19:
    Repeat Row 3

🔸 Front Panel Instructions

The construction is the same as the back panel, except for the following changes:

  • Rows 4, 8, 12, and 16 are made using 4 rows of double crochet worked simultaneously (4R dc st) instead of mesh.

  • To create a deeper neckline:

    • Row 8 ends 22 stitches before the end

    • Row 12 adds 22 chains

Assembly & Finishing

  • Join the shoulders and sides, leaving a small opening under the arms if desired.

  • Finish the neckline, armholes, and bottom hem using a hook half a size smaller than used for the main body.

You can choose one of these finishing options:

  • Method 1: Work a round of sc (single crochet)

  • Method 2: (3 sc, 1 picot made of 4 ch) – repeat

  • Method 3: On the wrong side, work (sl st, hdc) across

Make It Your Own

Feel free to customize your piece however you like:

  • Make a deeper neckline

  • Turn the top into a beach dress with side slits

  • Use color blocking or gradients

  • Add embroidered details later

 

Never forget to give space to your creativity, to spend time in peaceful moments, and to make beautiful things with your own hands.
You are creating not just clothes — you’re creating art, calm, and joy.

Handmade lavender crochet crop top with textured stitch and lace border.

💜 Looking for your next project?

If you loved making The Breeze Mesh Tee, you might also enjoy the Lavender Easy Top — a lightweight, elegant piece with a delicate button detail and a breezy construction perfect for summer layering.

Explore the Lavendre Easy Top
Woman wearing the Woolen Harmony Sweater in soft merino wool by Lana Gatto, showcasing a unique hand-designed checkerboard stitch pattern.

Or maybe… you’re already dreaming up something cozy for the cooler season ahead?


Let me suggest a piece that’s just as soothing to make as it is to wear:
The Woolen Harmony Sweater is a timeless wardrobe staple you can create with ease —
Use a soft cotton blend or linen yarn for late summer nights,
or indulge in a luxurious merino wool for the colder days to come.

Click here for the full guide