The Luther Top: A Timeless Mesh Crochet Tee Pattern

Some patterns are made for one season. Luther is not that pattern.

This airy, top-down crochet mesh tee shirt has been living rent-free in my head since I made the original version for a concert. Once you see double crochet filet stitches perfectly paired with lightweight cotton yarn, you’ll feel the same way. Luther is the kind of tee you finish, put on immediately, then start another in your favorite color. Fall in love with the “it” shirt of the summer – get your copy of the Luther Top now.

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Start Your Luther Top:

• Buy the printable PDF on TLYarnCrafts.com or Ravelry
• Get the exact project yarn from Purl Soho
• Snag my favorite hook to make this project a breeze
• Yarn Hive Perk! Access the Luther Top FREE with your Yarn Hive membership. JOIN NOW!

What Makes Luther Special

At first glance, the Luther Top looks like it has a lot going on. And you wouldn’t be wrong to think so. Many thoughtful details went into designing this crochet mesh tee, but it’s nothing you can’t handle.

// It’s a top-down raglan, which means you start at the neckline and work your way down. That construction gives you something invaluable: the ability to try it on as you go. No guessing whether the yoke is deep enough. No finishing the whole thing and holding your breath. You’ll know exactly how it fits before you ever split the sleeves.

// The double crochet mesh is the heart of this design. It creates an open, breathable fabric that drapes beautifully — not stiff, not flimsy, just right. It’s also a relatively quick stitch to work up, which means you get the satisfaction of watching this top grow without feeling like you’re counting individual blades of grass.

// The Peter Pan collar is the detail that takes Luther from “cute summer top” to “this looks intentional and expensive.” It’s worked separately along the neckline and folds over, framing the face in a way that photographs beautifully and feels elevated without being fussy.

// The three-button functional placket is the second standout detail, and functional is the keyword there — those buttons actually work. The placket adds structure to the front neckline of our crochet mesh tee, makes getting the top on and off a breeze, and gives you a little moment to have fun with your notions choices. Vintage buttons? Statement buttons? Subtle matching buttons? All correct answers.

And with nine sizes ranging from XS to 5XL, Luther was genuinely designed for a wide range of bodies. The recommended ease of 3.75–6.25″ gives the fit a relaxed, modern feel that works whether you’re going true-to-size or sizing up for extra room.

The Best Yarn for Your Crochet Mesh Tee

For the official sample, I used Cotton Pure, a 100% cotton yarn, graciously supplied by Purl Soho. Babe, this yarn is niiiiice! The organically grown sport weight cotton yarn is pretty unassuming when you first see it, but one touch changes everything. It has the softness of Pima cotton at a more reasonable price and comes in 28 stunning colors. Each 100-gram skein holds 279 yards, and you’ll need 3-7 skeins depending on your size.

The organic cotton also means this crochet mesh tee will be comfortable against the skin all summer long. No synthetic heat trap at the music festival and no scratchy fiber cramping your brunch time. Just clean, breathable cotton that softens beautifully with wear and washing.

The Alabaster Cream colorway deserves a specific mention because it showcases the mesh texture in a way that busier colors can obscure. If you really want to see what this stitch does, a light, solid, or near-solid color will show off every detail. That said, the Luther Top in a soft sage, a warm terracotta, or even a classic navy? Completely stunning.

Yardage to plan for: 750–1790 yards, depending on your size, which works out to 3–7 skeins. Grab an extra skein if you’re between sizes or planning to add length — returning to dye lots is never a fun errand. Use the info below to collect all of your supplies. Try Cotton Pure from Purl Soho – choose from 28 stunning colors – SHOP HERE!

Yarn Substitutions for the Luther Top

Purl Soho’s Cotton Pure is the perfect yarn for the Luther Top, but there are many other options that can achieve the same polished effect. If you’re looking for a yarn sub, here’s what actually patterns for this pattern:

• WEIGHT: Stay in the sport weight (#2) range. This pattern is gauged and proportioned for sport weight, which rests just between sock weight and DK. Dropping to sock weight will require sizeable math adjustments, and DK will make your top too heavy.
• FIBER: Cotton or a blend that is mainly cotton is stronly recommended. Cotton gives you the drape and breathability that make this crochet mesh tee effortlessly wearable. A cotton-linen blend is a lovely option that adds some welcome texture. Avoid wool or wool-heavy blends unless you’re planning to wear your top in the fall.
• PLY AND TWIST: Look for a smooth, plied yarn with a firm twist. This helps with stitch definition and the overall integrity of the garment. Avoid loosely plied or single ply yarns, which may stretch over time.

A note on gauge swatching – if you plan to substitute yarns (or even if you don’t!), a gauge swatch is imperative. Gauge for the Luther Top is measured after steam blocking. Cotton relaxed significantly after blocking, and if your swatch is unblocked, your gauge will be inaccurate. Swatch, block, then measure to make sure you’re on the right track.

Yarn Subs At Every Price Point

Whether you’re treating yourself or crafting on a budget, there are great options to make the Luther Top of your dreams. These yarns have not been tested with this pattern – do your research before you hit “add to cart”!

Budget-Friendly

1 // Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton DK ($5.99/ 100-gram skein). Widely available, affordable, and offered in timeless colors. This one has nearly the same yardage as the original yarn, so you can expect similar performance.

2 // Paintbox Cotton DK ($4.00/ 50-gram skein). Celebrated for it’s versatility and whopping 60+ color palette, this yarn is nearly a perfect swap for your next Luther Top.

Mid-Range

3 // Cascade Ultra Pima Fine ($7.25/ 50-gram skein). The little sister to the beloved Cascade Ultra Pima, the sport-weight version will feel like silk in your hands.

4 // WeCrochet CotLin ($6.29/ 50-gram skein). Leaning a little on the heavier side of sport, there’s CotLin. It’s a 70/30 blend of cotton and linen has superb drape and is machine washable.

5 // Scheepjes Stone Washed ($6.49/ 50-gram skein). If tonal colors are more your thing, lean into this machine-washable combination of cotton and acrylic.

Splurge-Worthy

6 // Ella Rae Marmel Duo ($19/ 100-gram skein). Don’t get it twisted – Luther can handle some color! Try this marbled yarn that features two contrasting colors throughout.

7 // The Wandering Flock Cotton Lino ($28/ 100-gram skein). It’s time to invite some small-batch hand-dyed yarn to the party. Wandering Flock is a woman-owned, minority-owned yarn brand that’s obsessed with trendy colors and luxurious bases.

Ready to Make Your Luther Top?

If the Luther Top has been calling to you, now is the time to get it on your hook. Here’s how:

• Buy the printable PDF on TLYarnCrafts.com or Ravelry
• Get the exact project yarn from Purl Soho
• Snag my favorite hook to make this project a breeze

Honeybee Exclusive! Access the Luther Top, along with 80+ patterns and tutorial videos with your membership in the Yarn Hive Community. We’re 1,000 Honeybees strong, and our community is waiting for YOU! Make friends, make projects, make memories. The Yarn Hive is what social media wishes it could be – friendly, welcoming, and ad-free. Start your trial and make your Luther Top without spending a dime on the pattern. JOIN HERE!