Stunning Nordic Celtic Crochet Crop Top Free Pattern

Crochet Pattern: Stunning Nordic Celtic Crochet Crop Top Free Pattern

Materials

• DK weight cotton yarn in Crimson Red (MC), Navy Blue (CC1), and Off-white (CC2)
• 3.5 mm (U.S. E/4) crochet hook
• Yarn needle for weaving in ends
• Stitch markers
• Scissors

Abbreviations

• ch – chain
• sc – single crochet
• dc – double crochet
• sl st – slip stitch
• st(s) – stitch(es)
• MC – Main Color (Crimson Red)
• CC1 – Contrast Color 1 (Navy Blue)
• CC2 – Contrast Color 2 (Off-white)
• BLO – back loop only

Instructions

Size Note: This pattern is written for a size Small/Medium, with instructions to adjust the stitch count in multiples of 12 for custom sizing.

Step 1: The Bottom Band (Geometric Border)

Using CC1 (Navy Blue), chain 144 (or a multiple of 12 that fits comfortably around your lower ribs). Join with a slip stitch to form a large ring, being careful not to twist.

Round 1: Ch 1, sc in each ch around. Join with sl st to first sc. (144 sts)

Rounds 2-10: Working in Tapestry Crochet (carrying unused colors behind your work), follow the geometric border chart alternating CC1 (Navy) and CC2 (Off-white) to create the classic diamond interlocking pattern shown at the bottom edge.

Step 2: Main Body & Celtic Motif

Switch to MC (Crimson Red) to start the main body of the top.

Round 11-15: Ch 1, sc in each st around. (144 sts)

Round 16 (Placement of the Motif): Mark the center 48 stitches of the front panel. These stitches will be worked using tapestry crochet to create the central white and blue Celtic eagle and knotwork. The rest of the stitches in the round are worked strictly in MC (Crimson Red).

Rounds 17-45: Follow the central tapestry graph for the Celtic bird knot motif using CC2 (Off-white) and CC1 (Navy) highlights over the marked 48 front stitches, while continuing in solid MC (Red) for all other stitches around the body.

Step 3: Shaping the Bust and Armholes

At Row 46, divide the work into Front and Back panels to create armhole openings. You will now work flat in rows.

Front Panel: Decrease 1 st at each end of every row for 6 rows to form the armhole curves. Continue the upper geometric neckline border in CC1 and CC2 across the scoop neck edge as shown in the photo.

Step 4: Straps (Make 2)

Attach CC1 (Navy Blue) to the top corners of the front bodice.

Row 1: Ch 1, sc in next 8 sts. Turn.

Row 2: Ch 1, working in BLO, sc across. Turn.

Repeat Row 2 until the strap measures approximately 12 inches (or desired length to reach the back panel). Sew the straps securely to the back panel using a yarn needle.

Step 5: Bottom Scalloped Trim

Attach CC1 (Navy Blue) to any stitch along the very bottom chain of the top.

Round 1: *Skip 2 sts, 5 dc in next st, skip 2 sts, sl st in next st; repeat from * around to create the delicate shell scallop border. Fasten off and weave in all loose ends securely.