You see that breezy green mesh top with the long sleeves and swishy fringe and immediately want to live in it all summer. This easy crochet mesh top is light, airy, and honestly addictive to make. I finished mine in a soft sage green last week and have already worn it three times. The open stitch lets the breeze right through while still looking put together.
Why This Mesh Top Belongs in Your Summer Wardrobe
Hot days call for something that actually breathes. This top gives you coverage without the sweat. The mesh keeps you cool, the long sleeves protect from sun or AC chill, and the fringe adds that playful movement every time you move.
It pairs with everything from high-waisted shorts to flowy skirts. Throw it over a tank or wear it solo with a bralette underneath. I’ve even layered it over a sundress on cooler evenings. Once you make one, you’ll probably want it in every color.
What You Need for This Breezy Make
Keep it simple. You probably already have most of this.
- Yarn: 400–600 yards of DK or light worsted cotton, linen, or bamboo blend. I used a soft sage green cotton that feels amazing against skin.
- Hook: 4 mm or 4.5 mm crochet hook. Go up a hook size if you want extra drape.
- Extras: Yarn needle, scissors, stitch markers, and measuring tape. Optional: a smaller hook for the fringe if you like it tighter.
FYI, this project is super forgiving on tension. The open mesh hides little inconsistencies beautifully.
The Easiest Mesh Stitch You’ll Ever Use
This top uses one simple repeating stitch. Once you get the rhythm, your hands basically crochet on autopilot.
The stitch is basic open mesh: Chain 3 (counts as your first double crochet), then repeat chain 1, skip the next stitch, double crochet in the following stitch all the way across. That’s it. Every row is the same after the foundation.
It creates that beautiful grid of open squares you see in the photo. Perfect for summer because it’s literally holes held together by yarn.
Crocheting the Body Rectangle
We start with one big rectangle. This becomes both the front and back when you fold it later.
Chain 115–125 (or any even number that gives you roughly 38–42 inches wide after a few rows — adjust for your bust size).
Work the mesh stitch row after row until your rectangle measures about 16–18 inches tall. That gives a nice cropped length with room for the fringe.
Don’t stress about perfect edges. The fringe and sleeves will make everything look intentional. I usually put on a show and just keep going until the piece feels right.
Adding the Long Sleeves
Once your rectangle is done, fold it in half so the short ends meet. This creates the front and back. Seam the sides from the bottom up, leaving about 7–8 inches unseamed at the top for armholes. The wide center opening at the top becomes your boat neckline.
For the sleeves, attach your yarn at one armhole and work the exact same mesh stitch in rounds (or rows if you prefer) going down the arm. Keep going until the sleeve is about 17–19 inches long or however long you like. The mesh makes it easy to try on as you go.
Repeat for the second sleeve. They grow surprisingly fast because the stitch is so open. I made mine slightly loose for that effortless look you see in the photo.
Finishing With Fringe and a Clean Neckline
The fringe is what really makes this top special. Cut strands of yarn about 8–10 inches long. Using a crochet hook, pull folded strands through the bottom edge stitches to create the fringe all the way around the hem. Trim the ends so they’re even and swishy.
For the neckline, work a simple round of single crochet or half double crochet around the boat neck opening. It cleans everything up and keeps the neck from stretching out. You can also add a round or two around the sleeve cuffs if you want them a little more finished.
Block it lightly if you want the mesh to open up even more. A quick steam or wet block makes the whole top look polished and professional.
Styling This Top From Beach to Brunch
Wear it over a white tank with denim shorts for casual days. Layer it over a bralette with a flowy skirt for date night. Throw it on with high-waisted pants when the AC is freezing. The long sleeves make it surprisingly versatile for summer.
I’ve worn mine with the fringe showing and also tucked in for a different silhouette. The green looks amazing with neutrals, but it would be gorgeous in terracotta, black, or soft blue too.
FAQ’s
How long does it take to make?
The body rectangle takes a few hours. Sleeves add another couple of hours. Fringe is quick once you get into the rhythm. Most people finish the whole top in one long weekend or two relaxed evenings.
Is this really beginner friendly?
Yes. If you can chain and double crochet, you can make this. The mesh stitch is literally the same movement over and over. The construction is simple folding and seaming.
Can I make it longer or shorter?
Easy. Just add or subtract rows from the body rectangle. Want it tunic length? Keep going. Prefer a super cropped look? Stop earlier. The sleeves are completely customizable too.
What yarn works best?
Cotton, linen, or bamboo blends are ideal because they breathe and hold the open mesh nicely. Avoid anything too fuzzy or heavy. Self-striping or tonal yarns look beautiful in this stitch.
Do I have to add fringe?
No, but it really completes the look. Without fringe it still looks great — more modern and clean. I love the movement the fringe adds when you walk or dance.
Can I sell these?
Absolutely. Make them in every color and sell them at markets or online. Just don’t copy my photos or exact wording. Put your own spin on colors and length.
Go Make That Breezy Top Already
You now have everything you need to create a summer staple you’ll actually reach for every single day. The mesh, the long sleeves, the fringe — it all comes together into something fun, flattering, and genuinely easy. I can’t wait to see what color you pick.
Grab your hook and that pretty yarn and enjoy every open stitch. This one might just become your favorite warm-weather make. Happy crocheting!
