What is a Crochet Yoke?

Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide on how to make a crochet yoke, adaptable to any size — from baby to adult — and perfect for making dresses, blouses, or sweaters.

What is a Crochet Yoke?

A crochet yoke is the upper part of a garment that fits around the neck and shoulders, often worked in the round (circular yoke) or in rows (square/rectangular yoke). It provides the base structure for the rest of the garment.

Materials Needed:

• Yarn (your choice, depending on the garment type)

• Crochet hook (size recommended for your yarn)

• Stitch markers

• Measuring tape

• Scissors

• Tapestry needle

Step 1: Take Measurements

You need these four measurements to size your yoke:

Tip: Use a size chart if making for someone else.

Step 2: Choose Yoke Style

There are 3 common types:

1. Circular/Round Yoke – Worked in continuous or joined rounds.

2. Square/Raglan Yoke – Worked in rows or rounds with increases at 4 points (for raglan).

3. Rectangular Yoke – Common in children’s dresses or tunics.

We’ll focus on the Round Yoke, since it’s most versatile.

Step 3: Start with a Foundation Chain

1. Make a chain that matches your neck measurement (use a gauge swatch to calculate the number of chains).

2. Join with a slip stitch to form a ring — be careful not to twist it.

3. Optional: Add 1-2 rows of single crochet or half double crochet for structure.

⬆️ Step 4: Increase Evenly in Rounds

Now we’ll build the yoke to reach the shoulder width + yoke depth.

Each round will have increases. Here’s a simple pattern using double crochet (dc):

Basic Round Yoke Increase Formula:

Continue increasing like this:

• Each round: Add 1 more dc between increases.

• Ex: Round 4: dc in 4, 2 dc in next, etc.

Keep checking your diameter using this formula:

Yoke Diameter = Neck Circumference ÷ π (≈ 3.14)
Keep increasing until diameter = shoulder width.

Step 5: Check Fit and Depth

• Try it on or lay flat to measure the width across the shoulders and yoke depth (neck to underarm).

• If you’re making a pullover/dress, the yoke should stop right above the armpit.

If you reach desired yoke depth before width, increase more. If width comes too fast, space out the increases.

Step 6: Shape Armholes

To split for the sleeves (for a top-down yoke):

1. Count total stitches.

2. Divide as follows:

   • Front: 1/3 of stitches

   • Back: 1/3

   • Each Sleeve: 1/6 each

Example: 120 stitches → 40 front, 40 back, 20 each sleeve

3. Work across front, skip sleeve stitches (chain the same number or less for underarm), work across back, skip other sleeve.

You now have a basic yoke with holes for sleeves.

Step 7: Continue Body or Sleeves

• Join to continue working in the round (or rows) for the body.

• You can return later to attach yarn at the sleeves and work them down.

Optional Yoke Design Ideas

• Use lacy stitches (shells, fans, clusters)

• Add colorwork/stripes

• Try a bobble or puff stitch round for texture

• Include post stitches for shaping or definition

Tips to Adjust for Any Size

✅ Final Notes

• Always swatch in your chosen yarn to check gauge.

• Stitch markers help mark increase points or sleeve divisions.

• You can customize shaping for better fit: e.g., work short rows at the back neck.

Free Round Yoke Formula (Custom Size)