One of the many reasons why I love creating doll fashion is because such a small amount of yarn can be transformed into something completely different for a doll’s wardrobe. This little off-shoulder tube top has a fitted double-crochet body with delicate open crochet detailing along the neckline and sleeves. The body is crocheted using double yarn to give it a little more structure, while the sleeves are made with single yarn for a lighter, softer finish.
What You Will Need
For this project, you will need:
- Crochet yarn in your preferred colour
- A crochet hook suitable for your yarn
- Scissors
- Yarn needle for weaving in the ends
- Two strands of yarn held together for the main blouse
- One strand of yarn for the sleeves
You can make this top in one solid colour or have fun combining colours. Try a pastel pink, lavender, baby blue or cream for a romantic doll wardrobe, or use brighter colours for a fun summer look. You could even make several tops in different colours from leftover yarn.
Crochet the Main Tube Top
For the main body of the blouse, hold two strands of yarn together and crochet them as though they are one strand.
Starting Chain
Make a slip knot.
Chain 16.
Row 1
Starting in the 4th chain from the hook, work 1 double crochet into every stitch across the row.
Row 2
Chain 2 and turn your project.
Work 1 double crochet into every stitch across the row, beginning with the first stitch.
This creates the simple, fitted double-crochet body of the tube top.
Row 3 – Open Crochet Neckline
Turn your project.
Chain 6.
Single crochet into the next appropriate stitch, then continue working across the row by single crocheting into every other stitch.
Repeat this pattern until you reach the end of the row.
The chain spaces create the pretty open detailing around the upper edge of the blouse.
Close the Back of the Blouse
Bring the two ends of the double-crochet section together so that the piece forms a tube around the doll’s body.
Join the edges of the two double-crochet rows together using single crochet stitches.
Fasten off as needed.
You should now have the main body of your tiny off-shoulder blouse.
How to Crochet the Sleeves
The sleeves are made separately and then attached to the sides of the blouse.
For each sleeve, switch to single yarn, using only one strand rather than the doubled yarn used for the body.
Chain 14.
Starting from the 4th chain from the hook, work 1 double crochet into every stitch across the chain.
When you reach the end, fold the crocheted piece in two.
Join the two sides of the row together using:
1 slip stitch, followed by approximately 2–4 single crochet stitches.
This creates the small sleeve shape.
Sleeve Row 2 – Open Crochet Detail
Chain 6.
Single crochet into the next stitch.
Skip 1 stitch and single crochet into the following stitch.
Continue repeating:
Skip 1 stitch, single crochet into the next stitch.
Repeat until you reach the end of the row.
This creates an open crochet detail that coordinates with the decorative edge of the main blouse.
Repeat the sleeve instructions to make your second sleeve.
Attach the Sleeves to the Blouse
Turn your project inside out before attaching the sleeves. This helps keep the joining stitches less noticeable when the finished blouse is turned right side out.
Position one sleeve at the side of the blouse.
Join the sleeve to the top of the blouse with:
1 slip stitch + 1 single crochet worked into the same stitch.
Fasten off securely.
Repeat on the opposite side to attach the second sleeve.
Once both sleeves are attached, turn the blouse right side out.
Finishing Your Fashion Doll Off Shoulder Tube Top
Fasten off any remaining yarn and carefully weave in all loose ends with your yarn needle. Trim away any excess yarn.
Gently shape the top with your fingers and try it on your fashion doll. Position the crocheted sleeves around the upper arms to create the pretty off-shoulder look.
Because doll proportions and yarn thicknesses can vary, you can also experiment with the starting chain or hook size when making additional tops. Once you are familiar with the basic construction, this is a lovely little pattern to customize with different yarn colours and finishes.
This tiny off-shoulder tube top is such a fun addition to a fashion doll wardrobe, and I especially love how the open crochet detailing gives such a simple little top a more decorative finish. Pair it with a tiny skirt, jeans, shorts or another handmade doll fashion piece to create a complete outfit. Keep visiting for more of my doll fashion projects, and browse the blog and download more free doll clothes sewing patterns, free doll clothes crochet patterns, and check out my beautiful dollhouse and my Barbie doll reviews. There are lots more tiny outfits and doll projects to come!
