Knitting Patterns

Grey Chevron Tie-Front Crop: Free Knit Pattern

OEMGrid: Original Essentials, Maker Tools & Artisan Crafts • November 09, 2026

Introduction

This vintage-inspired halter crop is the perfect first "garment" project for anyone who has mastered knit and purl but isn't ready for armholes, necklines, or shaping. It is simply one flat rectangle worked in a soft grey chevron pattern, finished with a dusty rose seed-stitch edge and two little I-cord ties. Wrapped around the torso and tied in a bow at the front, it becomes a flattering, adjustable 1970s-style crop top. The worsted cotton gives it a cool, drapey hand with crisp zigzag texture, and because there is no sewing or fitting, it looks just as good on a 32-inch bust as on a 38-inch one.

Materials Needed

Yarn: Worsted weight (category 4) cotton yarn, approx. 200 yds per 100 g. MC (grey): 300 yds. CC (dusty rose): 100 yds.
Needles: 5.0 mm (US 8) straight knitting needles, or size needed to match gauge.
Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch markers (optional), tape measure, blocking mats and pins.
Finished size: One size fits most (bust 32–38 inches). Rectangle measures 30 inches wide x 12 inches high including edging. Ties: 2 cords of 20 inches each.

Abbreviations

CO: cast on
BO: bind off
st(s): stitch(es)
k: knit
p: purl
RS: right side (the public, patterned side)
WS: wrong side
yo: yarn over (wrap the yarn once around the needle to make a new stitch and a small eyelet)
k2tog: knit two stitches together (a right-leaning decrease)
sl1-k2tog-psso: slip one stitch knitwise, knit the next two stitches together, then pass the slipped stitch over the k2tog (a centered double decrease)
MC: main color (grey)
CC: contrast color (dusty rose)

Gauge

18 sts and 24 rows = 4 inches in chevron pattern on 5.0 mm needles. Knit a 6-inch swatch, block it, and measure a full zigzag repeat across the middle; if you have more stitches than 18 per 4 inches, go up a needle size, and if fewer, go down.

Tips Before You Start

The chevron repeat uses 17 stitches (k2tog, k4, yo, k1, yo, k4, sl1-k2tog-psso = 17 sts), so 136 stitches gives exactly 8 repeats across the width. Count your repeats at the end of every right-side row to stay on track.
Because the yarn-overs and decreases balance out, your stitch count never changes. If you end a row with 135 or 137 stitches, a yarn over was missed or an extra one added — fix it before moving on.
Keep the yarn-overs loose and even; tight eyelets pull the zigzag columns out of line and make the fabric pucker.
Work the seed-stitch band on the same needle size so the edging stays flat and doesn't flare wider than the body.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Rectangle (MC)

Row 1 (CO): Using MC, cast on 136 sts.

Row 1 (RS): *k2tog, k4, yo, k1, yo, k4, sl1-k2tog-psso; repeat from * to end (136 sts).

Row 2 (WS): Purl across (136 sts).

Rows 3–60: Repeat Rows 1–2 twenty-nine more times, ending with a WS row. Piece measures approx. 10 inches (136 sts).

Seed-Stitch Edging (CC)

Change to CC. The edging is worked across the same 136 stitches along one long edge of the rectangle.

Row 1 (RS): *k1, p1; repeat from * to end (136 sts).

Row 2 (WS): *p1, k1; repeat from * to end (136 sts).

Rows 3–6: Repeat Rows 1–2 twice more, ending with a WS row. Edging measures approx. 1 inch (136 sts).

Next row: Bind off all 136 sts in pattern (knit the knit stitches and purl the purl stitches as you bind off).

Ties (make 2, CC)

Set-up: Using CC, cast on 3 sts.

I-cord: Knit 3 sts. Without turning the work, slide the stitches to the other end of the needle, bring the yarn across the back, and knit 3 sts again. Repeat until the cord measures 20 inches.

Bind off: Bind off all 3 sts and pull the tail through the last stitch to secure.

Assembly and Finishing

Weave in all ends on the wrong side of the rectangle and at the ends of both cords. Block the rectangle to 30 inches wide x 12 inches high, pinning the chevron columns straight and the seed-stitch edge flat; let it dry completely. Attach one tie to each top corner of the rectangle at the narrow ends, sewing the cord end securely to the wrong side with a few stitches and a small knot of yarn. To wear, wrap the rectangle around your torso with the chevron pattern centered at the front, cross the ends at your back, bring the ties to the front, and tie them in a bow.

Pro Tips and Variations

Change the fit: Add or remove 17-stitch repeats (one zigzag column) to make the rectangle longer or shorter for a looser or snugger wrap.
Play with color: Work the chevron body in dusty rose and the edging and ties in grey for a reversed look, or add a narrow CC stripe every 10 rows for a bolder 70s feel.
Softer drape: Swap the cotton for a cotton-linen blend and block gently; the fabric will relax and the crop will hang more loosely.

Also Check Out: We think you'd love this beautiful pattern on our sister site: Striped Crochet Dishcloth