How to Crochet a Senegal Pride Crop Top: Free Pattern

Crochet Pattern: How to Crochet a Senegal Pride Crop Top: Free Pattern

Materials

• Medium weight (4) cotton yarn in Green, Yellow, Red, Gold, Brown, and Black
• 4.0 mm (US G/6) crochet hook
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch markers
• Scissors

Abbreviations

• ch – chain
• sc – single crochet
• hdc – half double crochet
• dc – double crochet
• fpdc – front post double crochet
• bpdc – back post double crochet
• sl st – slip stitch
• st – stitch

Instructions

Back Panel:

Using Green yarn, chain a length that matches your back width (from side seam to side seam). Work in hdc rows, alternating stripes of Green, Yellow, and Red every 4 rows to match the striped aesthetic. Keep working until the panel reaches from your underarm to your waist. Shape the back neckline by leaving the center stitches unworked for the final 4 rows and working each shoulder side separately. Fasten off.

Front Panel (Block Construction):

The front panel consists of three main blocks that are crocheted and then seamed together: 1. Text Banner: Crochet a rectangular block in Yellow yarn using sc stitches. This is where the ‘SENEGAL’ letters will be appliqued. 2. Lion Panel: Crochet a rectangular block in Gold/Yellow yarn. 3. Tree Panel: Crochet a rectangular block with alternating green and yellow horizontal stripes. Seam these three blocks together using a slip stitch join on the wrong side to form the front chest panel.

Shoulder Straps & Sleeves:

Join Green yarn to the upper corners of the front panel. Work sc rows upward to form the shoulder straps, then join to the back panel shoulders. For the sleeves, join yarn at the underarm and work in rounds around the armhole opening. Work in hdc, alternating Red, Yellow, and Green stripes. Decrease 1 st at the underarm every round to create a tapered cap sleeve shape.

Ribbed Waistband:

Join Red yarn at the bottom hem of the joined panels. Round 1: Work dc evenly around the entire bottom edge. Join with sl st. Round 2: Alternate fpdc and bpdc around to create a ribbed texture. Change to Yellow yarn for Round 3, and Green yarn for Round 4. Fasten off and weave in all ends.

Appliques & Embellishments:

Letters: Using Red and Green yarn, crochet individual letters for ‘SENEGAL’ using chain and slip stitch cords, then sew them onto the top Yellow banner. Lion & Tree: For advanced crocheters, use embroidery, surface slip stitches, or felt cut-outs to replicate the roaring lion and iconic baobab tree onto their respective panels before wearing.