Bring stylish comfort into your wardrobe with the timeless beauty of the shell stitch crochet design. Perfect for any occasion, the Crochet Shell Stitch Tube Top is an eye-catching piece that effortlessly balances elegance and charm. Whether you're creating it as a charming summer outfit or a vibrant festival look, this top is meant to turn heads while keeping you feeling confident and comfortable.
This pattern features the delicate shell stitch, giving it an intricate and textured look that stands out while remaining lightweight and breathable. The tube top design is a perfect blend of modern simplicity and traditional craftsmanship. The versatility of this design means it can be made for all sizes, customized by playing with colors, and styled in various ways to express your individuality. It’s not just a project—it’s a piece of art and fashion in one!
Credit Handmade by Appy
Required Materials:
- Yarn:
- Two strands of yarn together (100% cotton). Specific yarn details are available in the video description.
- Crochet Hook:
- 5.5 mm crochet hook.
- Measuring Tape:
- Used to ensure the initial chain matches your desired bust measurement.
- Scissors:
- For cutting the yarn.
- Darning Needle:
- To weave in loose ends.
Important Notes:
- Bust Measurement for Chain Length:
- Subtract 10 inches from your bust measurement to determine the chain length.
- Chain Requirement:
- Ensure the chain is a multiple of 6 + 2 (e.g., 86 chains for this pattern).
- Repeating Pattern:
- The project uses a shell stitch pattern (5 double crochets grouped together).
- Panel Width for Straps:
- Both panels created on the short edges measure approximately 2.5 inches, but can be adjusted to your preference.
- Custom Fit:
- Panels can be joined for a snug fit or loops can be created to weave a tie-up string for an adjustable top.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Start with the Foundation Chain
- Create a slip knot and chain the length determined by your bust measurement (subtract 10 inches). Ensure the chain is a multiple of 6 + 2.
- Example: 86 chains measure approximately 26 inches.
- Row 1:
- Skip the first chain and make a single crochet in the second chain.
- Continue making single crochets across the row. You should have one less stitch than your initial chain (e.g., 85 stitches for 86 chains).
Step 2: Shell Stitch Pattern
- Row 2:
- Chain one and turn your work.
- In the first stitch, make a single crochet.
- Skip the next two stitches and make 5 double crochets into the third stitch.
- Skip two stitches and make a single crochet into the next stitch.
- Repeat the pattern: skip two stitches, make 5 double crochets, skip two stitches, make a single crochet.
- At the end of the row, make a single crochet into the last stitch.
- Row 3:
- Chain three (this counts as one double crochet) and turn your work.
- Make 2 double crochets into the first stitch.
- Skip two stitches (find the middle double crochet of the previous shell stitch) and make a single crochet.
- Skip two more stitches and make 5 double crochets into the next single crochet stitch.
- Continue repeating the pattern until the end of the row.
- At the end of the row, make 3 double crochets into the last stitch.
- Row 4 and Beyond:
- Chain one and turn your work.
- Repeat the shell stitch pattern as in previous rows.
- Always begin and end the rows as instructed.
- Continue repeating Rows 3 and 4 until your tube top reaches the desired length.
- Example: 17 rows measure approximately 8.5–9 inches long.
Step 3: Create Straps/Panels on Short Edges
- Turn your work to one short edge of the top.
- Start with a row of 25 single crochets along the edge.
- Decrease Row:
- Chain one, turn your work, and perform single crochet two together to decrease.
- Then single crochet across the row.
- Alternate rows:
- On rows worked top to bottom, decrease one stitch.
- On rows worked bottom to top, do not decrease.
- Continue making these rows to create a slanted edge.
- Stop when you have approximately 19 stitches at the edge.
- Repeat the same process to create the second panel on the opposite short edge.
Step 4: Adjust Fit of the Top
- For a fitted top:
- Use slip stitches to join the two panels directly.
- For an adjustable fit:
- Create chain loops for a tie-up string.
- Chain 4, skip 3 stitches, and make a slip stitch into the next stitch.
- Repeat this across the panel edge, creating loops.
Step 5: Add the Tie-Up String
- To create the tie-up string:
- Make a long chain string (approx. 100 chains).
- Skip the first chain and single crochet across the row to reinforce the string.
- Weave the string through the chain loops created on the panels.
Step 6: Finish the Top
- Cut your yarn and weave in all loose ends.
- Adjust the tie-up string to fit and secure the top.
Your Crochet Shell Stitch Tube Top is now ready to wear!
