by That is a fantastic project request! Creating a Summer Woman’s Blouse or Tunic using crochet is very popular because the open work naturally creates a breathable, flowing, and lightweight garment.
For a beginner to intermediate crocheter, the best method is the Simple Rectangle Construction using a large, airy stitch pattern. This avoids complex shaping, making the sizing much easier.
I will detail the pattern for the “Open Mesh Tunic/Blouse,” which is constructed from two panels and uses the highly breathable V-Stitch Mesh pattern.
☀️ Open Mesh Tunic & Blouse Tutorial
This tutorial provides instructions for two styles (Blouse and Tunic) based on length, using the same basic two-panel construction.
Materials You’ll Need
- Yarn: DK Weight (Size 3) or Sport Weight (Size 2) cotton, bamboo, or a lightweight cotton blend. Drape is crucial for a summer garment.
- Crochet Hook: The size recommended for your yarn (e.g., 4.0 mm or G/6).
- Measuring Tape, Scissors, Tapestry Needle, Stitch Markers.
Key Crochet Terms
| Abbreviation | Stitch Name |
| ch | Chain |
| sl st | Slip Stitch |
| sc | Single Crochet |
| dc | Double Crochet |
| V-st | V-Stitch (dc, ch 1, dc) |
Gauge (Tension)
It is critical to check your gauge, especially for garments.
- Work a small swatch (about 6 inches square) in the V-Stitch pattern (Rows 1 & 2).
- Measure how many V-stitches fit across 4 inches (10 cm). Your stitch count must match your required measurements.
Part 1: Sizing and Measurement
1. Panel Width Calculation
- Bust Measurement: Measure the fullest part of your bust circumference.
- Ease: Add 4 to 6 inches (10–15 cm) for positive ease (looseness) so the garment drapes well.
- Panel Width: Divide the total (Bust + Ease) by 2. This is the required width of your finished panels.
2. Panel Length
- Blouse: Measure from the shoulder down to your hip bone (typically 20–24 inches).
- Tunic: Measure from the shoulder down to mid-thigh (typically 28–32 inches).
Part 2: Crocheting the Front and Back Panels
You will make two identical rectangular panels using the V-Stitch Mesh.
Foundation Chain
The stitch count must be an odd number of chains. Chain until the length measures slightly more than your target Panel Width.
Row 1: Establishing the V-Stitch Base
- Work dc in the 4th ch from the hook (counts as dc).
- Repeat: [ch 1, skip 1 ch, dc in the next ch] across the entire row.
- Finish: Work dc in the last chain. ch 3 (counts as dc) and turn.
Row 2: Working the V-Stitch Mesh
This is the main repeating pattern.
- Work dc in the first ch-1 space below.
- V-Stitch: ch 1. Work V-st (dc, ch 1, dc) into the next ch-1 space below.
- Repeat: [ch 1, V-st in the next ch-1 space] across the row until only the turning chain remains.
- Finish: Work dc in the top of the beginning ch 3 from the previous row. ch 3 and turn.
Repeating the Pattern
- Row 3: Work dc in the first ch-1 space below. ch 1. Work V-st in the ch-1 space of the V-st below. ch 1.
- Repeat the V-st and ch 1 sequence across the row.
- Finish: Work dc in the top of the turning ch 3. ch 3 and turn.
- Repeat Row 2 and Row 3 alternately until the panel reaches your target Panel Length.
- Make two identical panels (Front and Back).
Part 3: Assembly and Finishing
Lay your two finished panels flat, right sides facing up.
1. Joining the Shoulders
- Place the Front Panel directly on top of the Back Panel.
- Using a sl st or sc join, sew the top edges together, starting from the outside edge.
- Neckline: Stop joining once the remaining center gap is wide enough to comfortably fit over your head (typically 8–10 inches wide). Use stitch markers to mark the end of the shoulder seam. Fasten off.
2. Joining the Side Seams
- Starting from the bottom corner, join the side edges together using a sl st or sc join.
- Armholes: Stop joining once the opening created is large enough for your armhole (typically 7–9 inches long for a blouse, 8–10 inches for a tunic). Mark the top of the seam with a marker. Fasten off.
3. Finishing Edging (Essential)
Add a simple, clean border to stabilize the openings.
- Neckline/Armholes: Join yarn anywhere in the opening. Work 1–2 rounds of Single Crochet (sc) evenly around the entire perimeter of the opening. Join and fasten off.
- Hemline: Work 1–2 rounds of sc evenly along the bottom edge of the blouse/tunic for a neat finish.
4. Final Blocking
Wet the finished garment and lay it flat on a towel or blocking mat. Gently shape the blouse/tunic to your intended size and dimensions, ensuring the side seams are straight and the lace is open. Allow it to dry completely. This step ensures the fabric has the beautiful drape necessary for a summer garment.
Would you like instructions on how to add a simple, flared bell sleeve to the armhole opening?
Video tutorial:
