The V-Stitch Scalloped Crop Top: Free Crochet Pattern

Size: 18-24 Months

The V-Stitch Scalloped Crop Top

Tutorial Project: 

Looking for a stylish and breezy summer project? This Crochet V-Stitch Crop Top is the perfect blend of modern fashion and classic technique. Designed specifically for beginners, this pattern utilizes the airy V-stitch to create a lightweight fabric that is ideal for warm weather. This specific design features a trendy cropped silhouette, perfect for pairing with high-waisted pants or skirts, and is finished with a beautiful scalloped shell border for a professional, boutique-quality look.

In this guide, we provide a versatile pattern scaled for a 5-year-old girl using standard DK weight yarn and a 4mm hook. The construction starts in the round for a seamless bodice before splitting into front and back panels with smooth armhole and neckline decreases. Whether you are making this as a gift or for your own little one, the texture of the V-stitch combined with the delicate shell edging makes this top a standout piece. Follow our step-by-step instructions to master the shaping and create a durable, fashionable garment that any child will love to wear all summer long.

Project Materials:
• Yarn: DK Weight (Size 3) - Approx 150g
• Hook: 4.0mm (G)
• Gauge: 5 V-stitches = 4 inches

Abbreviations (US Terms)

• ch: Chain
• sc: Single Crochet
• dc: Double Crochet
• slst: Slip Stitch
• V-st: V-stitch [1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc] in same space
• Shell: 4 dc in same space

Phase 1: The Bodice

Video Tutorial:

1Foundation: Ch 96. Join with slst to the first ch, being careful not to twist. (Circumference: ~20 inches).

2Round 1: Ch 4 (counts as dc + ch 1), dc in same st. *Skip 2 ch, V-st in next ch. Repeat from * around. Join to 3rd ch of start. (Total: 32 V-sts).

3Rounds 2-13: Slst into the first ch-1 space. Ch 4, dc in same space. *V-st in each ch-1 space around. Join with slst. (Continue for 13 total rounds).

Phase 2: Armhole & Neckline

Now working flat in rows for the front panel (16 V-sts).

4Row 1 (Armhole Decrease): Slst over the first V-st. In the next space, work [Ch 3, dc]. V-st across the next 13 spaces. In the next space, work 2 dc. Leave the last V-st unworked. Turn.

5Row 2: Slst into the space between the 2 dc. Ch 4, dc in next V-st space. V-st across. 1 dc in final space. Turn.

6Neckline Split: Work 4 V-sts for the shoulder. Leave the center 6-8 stitches unworked. Work 4 V-sts for the other shoulder. Fasten off.

Phase 3: Boutique Borders

7Bottom Hem: Attach yarn at the bottom. *Work Shell (5 dc) in a V-st space, sc in the space between V-sts. Repeat around.

8Armholes & Neck: Join yarn at the underarm. Work Shell stitches evenly around the armhole edge and repeat for the neckline to create the scalloped finish shown in the video.

Size Conversion Chart

Age	Starting Chain	Bodice Height
18 Months	96	13 Rounds
3 Years	105	13 Rounds
5 Years	120	16 Rounds