Matching Ribbed Crochet Crop Top And Shorts Free Crochet Pattern
Welcome to the complete guide for making a stylish, comfortable handmade two-piece set that fits like a dream! This matching ribbed crop top and shorts set is designed with matching vertical post-stitch ribbing, a structured fit, and a flattering high-waisted drawstring channel that creates a polished boutique look.
Matching Ribbed Crochet Crop Top And Shorts Free Crochet Pattern
Quick Facts
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Finished size: XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL
- Yarn: Sand cotton, DK weight
- Hook: 4.0 mm (US G/6)
- Stitches used: ch, sl st, sc, fpdc, bpdc (or working in the back loop only for ribbed rows)
- Time to make: 12 to 18 hours
Sizing adjustments and precise stitch counts for every size are included further down in the instructions.
What Makes This Crochet Co Ord Set Special
This set achieves its high-end finish by using the exact same structural ribbing across both the crop top and the shorts. The cropped tank is created from two flat ribbed panels seamed at the shoulders with clean neckline shaping, while the high-waisted shorts are worked continuously in the round with a dedicated waistband channel for a functioning cotton drawstring.
Skill Level
- Basic foundation chains and turning rows
- Working in rows and in the round
- Front post and back post double crochet ribbing (or back loop only single crochet ribbing)
- Seaming panels together using a yarn needle
You will master this pattern quickly if you are comfortable following row-by-row stitch counts and maintaining an even yarn tension.
Finished Measurements
| Size | Bust / Chest (in / cm) | Waist (in / cm) | Hip (in / cm) | Top Length (in / cm) | Shorts Length (in / cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 30–32 / 76–81 | 24–25 / 61–64 | 33–35 / 84–89 | 13 / 33 | 11 / 28 |
| S | 34–35 / 86–89 | 26–27 / 66–69 | 36–37 / 91–94 | 13.5 / 34 | 11.5 / 29 |
| M | 36–38 / 91–97 | 28–29 / 71–74 | 38–40 / 97–102 | 14 / 36 | 12 / 30 |
| L | 39–41 / 99–104 | 30–32 / 76–81 | 41–43 / 104–109 | 15 / 38 | 12.5 / 32 |
| XL | 42–44 / 107–112 | 33–35 / 84–89 | 44–46 / 112–117 | 15.5 / 39 | 13 / 33 |
| 2XL | 45–47 / 114–119 | 36–38 / 91–97 | 47–49 / 119–124 | 16 / 41 | 13.5 / 34 |
Materials You Will Need
| Color Name | Yarn Weight / Fiber | Total Yards | Total Meters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sand | DK weight 100% cotton | 1100–1600 yds | 1005–1463 m |
- Crochet Hook: 4.0 mm (US G/6)
- Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving ends and seaming, stitch markers (4), measuring tape, safety pins
Yarn Suggestions
| Yarn Name | Weight | Skein Yardage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton | DK / Worsted | 186 yds / 170 m | Smooth mercerized cotton with crisp stitch definition. |
| Knit Picks Dishie | DK / Worsted | 190 yds / 173 m | Matte finish cotton that holds ribbing structure wonderfully. |
| Hobbii Rainbow Cotton 8/8 | DK / Worsted | 82 yds / 75 m | Wide range of neutral shades; adjust skein count accordingly. |
⚠️ Note: Avoid fuzzy wool, acrylic blends with high stretch, or roving yarns. This design requires a sturdy, non-elastic plant fiber like cotton to maintain structural shape and prevent sagging in the shorts and crop top panels.
Gauge
- 18 sts x 14 rows = 4 in / 10 cm in main ribbing stitch pattern using a 4.0 mm hook.
Abbreviations
- ch: chain
- sl st: slip stitch
- sc: single crochet
- hdc: half double crochet
- dc: double crochet
- fpdc: front post double crochet
- bpdc: back post double crochet
- blo: back loop only
- st(s): stitch(es)
- rep: repeat
- sk: skip
- inc: increase (2 sts in same st)
- dec: decrease (sc2tog)
UK translation note: US sc = UK dc, US hdc = UK htr, US dc = UK tr.
Special Stitches Explained
- Back Loop Only Ribbing (BLO): Work single crochet or half double crochet inserting your hook only under the back loop of the stitch from the previous row, creating flexible horizontal ridges that pull together vertically.
- Post Stitches (FPdc / BPdc): Yarn over, insert hook around the post of the stitch from front-to-back-to-front (FPdc) or back-to-front-to-back (BPdc), pull up a loop, and complete as a standard double crochet. This builds the raised vertical columns seen across the set.
Pattern Instructions
Section 1: Crop Top Front Panel (Sand, make 1)
Note: The crop top is worked flat in rows from the bottom up. Turn at the end of each row.
- Chain: Ch 71 (77, 83, 89, 95, 101).
- Row 1: Dc in 4th ch from hook (skipped 3 ch count as first dc), dc in each ch across (69 (75, 81, 87, 93, 99) dc).
- Row 2: Ch 2 (does not count as st here and throughout), turn, fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st rep across to last st, dc in top of turning chain (69 (75, 81, 87, 93, 99) sts).
- Rows 3 to 22 (24, 26, 28, 30, 32): Rep Row 2 maintaining the ribbed column pattern. Fasten off leaving a 12 in / 30 cm tail for shoulder seaming.
Section 2: Crop Top Back Panel (Sand, make 1)
- Chain & Rows: Work identically to the Front Panel for Rows 1 through 20 (22, 24, 26, 28, 30). Fasten off. Leave shoulder tabs unworked for neck opening during assembly.
Section 3: Crop Top Straps (Sand, make 2)
- Chain: Ch 8.
- Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across (7 sc).
- Rows 2 to 14 (14, 16, 16, 18, 18): Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (7 sc). Fasten off, leaving a long tail to sew straps to the front and back panels.
Section 4: High-Waisted Shorts (Sand, make 1)
Note: Shorts are worked from the waistband down in joined rounds. Slip stitch to join each round and chain 2 to start.
- Chain: Ch 120 (128, 136, 144, 152, 160), join with sl st to form a ring, taking care not to twist.
- Rnd 1: Ch 2, dc in each ch around, join with sl st to first dc (120 (128, 136, 144, 152, 160) dc).
- Rnds 2 to 5 (Waistband Channel Foundation): Ch 2, fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st around, join (120 (128, 136, 144, 152, 160) sts).
- Rnd 6 (Channel Eyelet Round): Ch 2, fpdc around next st, ch 2, sk 2 sts around, join (40 eyelet spaces).
- Rnds 7 to 10: Resume fpdc, bpdc ribbing around to seal the channel base, join (120 (128, 136, 144, 152, 160) sts).
- Rnds 11 to 24 (26, 28, 30, 32, 34): Continue vertical ribbing pattern down to the crotch split.
Leg Separation:
- Left Leg Rnd 1: Divide work in half. Skip the back half stitches and join yarn at the side crotch marker. Work in established rib pattern around one leg opening for 8 rounds. Fasten off.
- Right Leg Rnd 1: Join yarn at the inner crotch of the second leg opening. Work in established rib pattern around the second leg for 8 rounds. Fasten off.
Section 5: Waistband Drawstring (Sand, make 1)
- Chain: Ch 160.
- Row 1: Sl st in 2nd ch from hook and across to end (159 sl st). Fasten off. Thread the finished cord back and forth through the eyelet round (Rnd 6) of the shorts.
✅ Checkpoint: Verify that both crop top panels match in stitch count and width before joining shoulders, and ensure the shorts drawstring moves freely through the waistband channel before tying the bow.
Assembly
- Crop Top Shoulders: Lay the Front and Back panels flat with right sides facing. Seam the outer 2 inches of each shoulder edge, leaving the center 6 inches open for the head.
- Strap Attachment: Sew one end of each strap to the inside upper edge of the front panel, and the opposite end to the back panel, positioning them approximately 2 inches inward from the outer shoulder seams.
- Crotch Seam: Turn the shorts inside out and whipstitch the bottom crotch split closed securely using matching cotton yarn.
- Weaving Ends: Weave in all loose yarn tails securely on the inside of both the crop top and shorts.
Finishing
- Block both pieces lightly with steam or a damp towel pinned to measurements to relax the cotton fibers and set the crisp vertical ribbing lines.
Size Customization Tips
- Adjusting Crop Length: Add or subtract rows in increments of 2 before finishing the top panels. Each 2 rows add approximately 0.5 in / 1.3 cm of length.
- Adjusting Shorts Rise: Modify the number of post-stitch rounds worked between the waistband channel and the leg split to achieve your desired high-waisted fit.
Care Instructions
Machine wash gentle in cold water with similar colors. Lay flat to dry in the shade. Do not bleach or tumble dry to preserve the cotton structure.
FAQ
Can I use acrylic yarn instead of cotton?
While you can, acrylic yarn has more stretch and less stitch memory, which may cause the shorts to sag at the waistband and lose their structured shape over time.
How do I adjust the waist size of the shorts?
Modify your foundation chain in multiples of 2 stitches to match your exact waist measurement while keeping the post-stitch ribbing repeat intact.
Is this pattern suitable for advanced beginners?
Yes! If you are comfortable working double crochet and basic post stitches, the straightforward panel construction and continuous rounds make this a very manageable garment project.
Happy Crocheting!
I hope you love making and wearing your new handmade ribbed co-ord set! Be sure to save this pin on Pinterest to share with your crochet friends, and leave a comment below letting me know which neutral shade of cotton you chose for your set.
