The Dune Drift Crop Top: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Modern Summer Essential

Introducing the Dune Drift Crop Top

This airy, open-stitch crop top is the perfect layering piece for warm weather, featuring a unique combination of eyelet and garter stitch bands. Knit in a cool, sandy beige, it evokes the feeling of a breezy coastal walk. The textured, modern design is both stylish and comfortable, making it an essential addition to your summer wardrobe. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or a confident beginner, this pattern is designed to be clear and achievable.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton or linen blend (approx 400-500 yards for size M). Shown in 'Sand Dune' by Coastal Yarns.
• Needles: US 7 (4.5mm) and US 8 (5mm) circular needles (24-inch or longer)
• Gauge: 18 sts x 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch on larger needles
• Other: Stitch markers (optional), tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sizes and Finished Measurements

Sizes: XS (S, M, L, XL)
Finished Bust: 32 (36, 40, 44, 48) inches

Abbreviations

• CO: cast on
• BO: bind off
• k: knit
• p: purl
• yo: yarn over
• k2tog: knit two together
• ssk: slip slip knit (left-leaning decrease)
• st(s): stitch(es)
• RS: right side
• WS: wrong side

Pattern Notes

• The top is worked flat in two pieces (front and back) from the bottom up, then seamed at the shoulders and sides.
• The eyelet pattern is created on the RS rows; WS rows are purled.
• The bottom band is worked in garter stitch.

Front

1. Cast On and Bottom Band: With smaller needles (US 7), CO 72 (80, 88, 96, 104) sts. Work in garter stitch (knit every row) for 6 rows. This creates a neat, non-curling edge.
2. Switch to Larger Needles: Change to larger needles (US 8).
3. Begin Eyelet Pattern:
   • Row 1 (RS): k2, *yo, k2tog, k2; repeat from * to last 2 sts, k2.
   • Row 2 (WS): purl all sts.
   • Row 3 (RS): k4, *yo, ssk, k2; repeat from * to last 4 sts, k4.
   • Row 4 (WS): purl all sts.
   Repeat Rows 1-4 until piece measures 8 (9, 10, 11, 12) inches from CO edge, ending with a WS row.
4. Shape Armholes:
   • BO 4 (5, 6, 7, 8) sts at beginning of next 2 rows. (64, 70, 76, 82, 88 sts remain)
   • Continue in pattern until armhole measures 6 (6.5, 7, 7.5, 8) inches from BO, ending with a WS row.
5. Shape Neck:
   • Work across first 22 (24, 26, 28, 30) sts, BO center 20 (22, 24, 26, 28) sts, work to end. You will now work each shoulder separately.
   • Working each side separately, decrease 1 st at neck edge every RS row 3 times. (19, 21, 23, 25, 27 sts per shoulder)
   • Work even until armhole measures 7 (7.5, 8, 8.5, 9) inches. BO all sts.

Back

1. Work same as front until armhole measures 6 (6.5, 7, 7.5, 8) inches from BO, ending with a WS row.
2. Shape Neck:
   • Work across first 24 (26, 28, 30, 32) sts, BO center 16 (18, 20, 22, 24) sts, work to end.
   • Working each side separately, decrease 1 st at neck edge every RS row 5 times. (19, 21, 23, 25, 27 sts per shoulder)
   • Work even until armhole measures 7 (7.5, 8, 8.5, 9) inches. BO all sts.

Finishing

1. Seaming: Sew shoulder seams using a mattress stitch or your preferred method. Sew side seams, leaving 6 (6.5, 7, 7.5, 8) inches open at top for armholes.
2. Weave in Ends: Use a tapestry needle to weave in all loose ends securely on the wrong side.
3. Blocking: Block to shape. Lay flat on a towel, pin to desired dimensions, and allow to dry completely. This evens out the stitches and gives the top a professional finish.

Your Dune Drift Crop Top is now complete! Enjoy wearing it as a stylish, textured summer essential.