Crochet Tops

Open Net Crew Crochet Top Free Pattern

OEMGrid: Original Essentials, Maker Tools & Artisan Crafts • November 04, 2026

Introduction

This relaxed, unisex tee is the perfect first garment for anyone who has mastered single crochet and chain spaces. It's worked as a simple straight tube from the bottom up, so there's no waist or bust shaping to worry about — just one easy two-round net stitch repeated over and over. The open mesh creates a breathable, airy fabric with beautiful texture that looks wonderful layered over a tank or worn on its own in warm weather. With a denser contrast band at the hem and short mesh sleeves, it has a clean, mid-century modern feel that suits everyone. Make it in natural undyed wool blend for a timeless, earthy look you'll reach for all year.

Materials Needed

Yarn: Aran weight wool blend (e.g., 60% wool, 40% alpaca), approximately 800 (900, 1000, 1100) yards in natural undyed color A. A small amount of contrast color B for the hem band (optional — you can use color A throughout).
Hook: 5.5 mm (US I-9) crochet hook
Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors, tape measure
Finished size: Chest circumference 40 (44, 48, 52) inches; length 24 (25, 26, 27) inches; sleeve length 8 inches from underarm. Sizes are written as S (M, L, XL).

Abbreviations

ch — chain
sc — single crochet
sl st — slip stitch
sp(s) — space(s)
st(s) — stitch(es)
rep — repeat

Gauge

12 sts and 8 rows in net stitch = 4 inches (10 cm). Work a small swatch in the net stitch pattern and measure across several repeats to confirm your gauge before beginning.

Tips Before You Start

Count your chain spaces, not your stitches. The net stitch is easiest to track by counting ch-3 spaces — you should always have 40 (44, 48, 52) spaces around the body.
Don't twist the ring. When you join your starting chain into a ring, lay it flat and check carefully before working the first round, or your tube will spiral.
Try it on as you go. Because the body is a straight tube, you can slip it over your head to check length before fastening off.
Keep your chains loose and even. Consistent ch-3 spaces are what make the mesh look tidy; tight chains will pucker the fabric.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Body (Color A)

Set-up: Ch 120 (132, 144, 156). Join with sl st to form a ring, being careful not to twist.

Rnd 1: Ch 1, sc in same st, *ch 3, skip 2 sts, sc in next st; rep from * around, join with sl st to first sc. (40 (44, 48, 52) ch-3 sps)

Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in first sc, *ch 3, sc in next ch-3 sp; rep from * around, join with sl st to first sc. (40 (44, 48, 52) ch-3 sps)

Rnds 3–end of body: Rep Rnd 2 until piece measures 20 (21, 22, 23) inches from beginning, ending after a Rnd 2. Fasten off.

Hem Band (Color B, or Color A if B omitted)

With B, join yarn at bottom edge.

Rnd 1: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join with sl st to first sc. (120 (132, 144, 156) sc)

Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join with sl st to first sc. (120 (132, 144, 156) sc) Fasten off.

Sleeves (Make 2, Color A)

With A, join yarn at underarm (center of armhole).

Rnd 1: Ch 1, sc evenly around armhole, join with sl st to first sc. (approx. 36 (40, 44, 48) sc)

Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in first sc, *ch 3, skip 2 sts, sc in next st; rep from * around, join with sl st to first sc. (12 (13, 14, 16) ch-3 sps)

Rnd 3: Ch 1, sc in first sc, *ch 3, sc in next ch-3 sp; rep from * around, join with sl st to first sc. (12 (13, 14, 16) ch-3 sps)

Rnds 4–end of sleeve: Rep Rnd 3 until sleeve measures 8 inches from underarm. Fasten off.

Neck Opening

The net stitch pattern naturally creates an open, round crew neckline — no additional shaping is needed. If you'd like a more defined neckline, work one round of sc evenly around the neck opening. Fasten off.

Assembly and Finishing

This top is worked seamlessly in the round, so there are no side or shoulder seams to sew. Weave in all ends on the wrong side, threading each tail through a few stitches to secure it. Block lightly to measurements: mist with water, gently smooth the mesh open with your hands, and lay flat to dry. Avoid heavy stretching so the net stitch keeps its texture.

Pro Tips and Variations

Color-block it: Work the body in one color and the sleeves in a second for a playful contrast, or add a third color for the hem band.
Make it longer: Simply continue the net stitch repeat for extra rounds to create a tunic-length version — just add extra yarn.
Add a cuff: Finish each sleeve with one or two rounds of solid sc (like the hem band) for a more defined, finished sleeve edge.

Also Check Out: We think you'd love this beautiful pattern on our sister site: Crochet Vibrant Crescent Shawl Free Pattern