How to Crochet a Mesh Tank Top with Flower Appliques

Q: What materials are needed to crochet a mesh tank top with flower appliques?

You'll need a large crochet hook (size H or I), suitable yarn for the tank top body, embroidery floss and a needle for attaching the flowers, and scissors.

Q: How do I crochet the flowers for the appliques?

To create each flower, start with a chain of 3 for a small flower (or more chains for a larger one). Work your chosen stitch pattern — single crochet, double crochet, or a combination — across the chains to form the petals. Repeat this process for each petal, then join them all together using a slip stitch to complete the flower. Make as many flowers as you need for your design.

Q: How do I block a crocheted mesh tank top?

Pin the finished tank top out flat on a clean, damp towel, shaping it to the correct dimensions. Lightly steam with an iron (using a steamer or damp cloth between the iron and fabric) and press gently, taking care not to burn the yarn. Allow the tank top to air dry completely before removing the pins.

Materials & tools you'll need

Yarn suitable for your project · Size H or I crochet hook · Embroidery floss (for attaching flowers) · Needle · Scissors

Step 1 — Set up the mesh stitch foundation

Begin by creating the foundation chain that will form the width of your tank top. Make a slipknot, place it on your hook, and yarn over. Insert your hook into the slipknot, wrap the yarn around the hook, and pull through to make the first chain stitch. Continue chaining until you reach the desired width for your foundation — measure against your body as you go to ensure the fit will work for your size. A size H or I hook gives the mesh an open, airy quality that's ideal for a summer tank top. Keep your chain tension relaxed so the foundation doesn't pull inward when you begin working the body rounds.

Step 2 — Crochet the flowers

While the foundation is complete, set it aside and crochet your flower appliques before building the tank top body — this way they're ready to position whenever you finish the main piece. To make each flower, chain 3 for a small flower or more chains for a larger one. Work your chosen stitch pattern — single crochet, double crochet, or a combination — across the chains to form the petals. Repeat this for each petal, then join them all together using a slip stitch to complete the flower shape. Make as many flowers as you'd like for your design, experimenting with petal counts and stitch combinations for variety.

Step 3 — Work the tank top in rounds

With your mesh foundation complete, join your yarn to the foundation edge with a slip stitch, then chain 3 to 5 stitches depending on the desired mesh width. Work a row of double crochets into this chain, joining each stitch to the corresponding stitch in the foundation. To build height, work into both loops of each mesh stitch along the foundation edge — both front and back loops — and continue working rounds of double crochet until the tank top reaches your desired length. Try the piece on or measure against a fitted top as you work to check the length. The open mesh structure gives the fabric its lightweight, breathable drape.

Step 4 — Attach the flower appliques

Once the tank top body is complete, position your crocheted flowers on the front of the top and plan your arrangement before committing to any stitches. To attach each flower, thread a length of embroidery floss onto a needle and secure the end on the wrong side of the tank top with a few small stitches. Pass the needle through the mesh to the position where you want to place the flower. Attach each flower by working small, evenly-spaced whip stitches around the edges of each petal, making sure the knot at the back of each stitch is hidden within the mesh. Continue until all flowers are securely and neatly attached.

Step 5 — Block and finish

Blocking is an important finishing step for a mesh garment — it evens out the stitches, opens up the mesh structure, and helps the tank top hold its shape. Pin the finished top out flat on a clean, damp towel, stretching it gently to the correct dimensions and pinning at regular intervals around the edges. Lightly steam with an iron using a steamer or a damp cloth between the iron and the fabric, pressing gently and taking care not to scorch the yarn. Leave the tank top to air dry completely before removing the pins. Once dry, your mesh tank top with flower appliques is ready to wear as a cropped top or a lightweight cover-up.

Frequently asked questions

What materials are needed to crochet a mesh tank top with flower appliques?
You'll need a size H or I crochet hook, yarn suitable for your tank top, embroidery floss and a needle for attaching the flowers, and scissors.

How do I crochet the flowers for the appliques?
Start with a chain of 3 for a small flower (or more for a larger one). Work your chosen stitch pattern — single crochet, double crochet, or a combination — across the chains to form the petals. Repeat for each petal, then join them together with a slip stitch to complete the flower. Make as many as you need for your design.

How do I block a crocheted mesh tank top?
Pin the finished tank top flat on a clean, damp towel and shape it to the correct dimensions. Lightly steam with an iron (using a steamer or damp cloth between iron and fabric) and press gently, being careful not to burn the yarn. Allow to air dry completely before removing the pins.

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