Shell Trellis Lace Summer Top

Shell Trellis Lace Summer Top by Hang Nguyen

What is Being Made

The Shell Trellis Lace Summer Top is a crocheted women's garment designed as a lightweight, open-stitch top perfect for warm weather wear. This downloadable crochet pattern is available in eight sizes ranging from XS to 4XL, with chest measurements from 72 cm to 135 cm, making it accessible for a wide range of body types. The garment features a lace construction that creates an airy, breathable fabric ideal for summer layering or standalone wear.

Construction Method

The Shell Trellis Lace Summer Top is crocheted from the bottom up, following a structured assembly process that concludes with border finishing work to complete the garment. This bottom-up construction method allows for easy adjustments to length during the crafting process and provides clear progression as the piece develops. The pattern includes photo tutorials that follow Size S specifications, making it easier for crocheters to visualize each step of the construction process.

Stitches and Techniques Used

This intermediate-level crochet pattern employs several fundamental and decorative stitches to create its signature lace effect:

• Shell Stitch (Sh): Defined as 5 double crochets worked into the same stitch, this creates the distinctive shell motif that gives the pattern its visual character and name
• Double Crochet (DC): Used throughout the pattern as a primary structural stitch; the pattern notation 3DC indicates working double crochet three times into the same stitch for textural variation
• Half Double Crochet (HDC): Incorporated for smoother transitions and lighter fabric density in select areas
• Single Crochet (SC): Used for shaping and finishing details, including Single Crochet 2 Stitches Together (SC2Tog) for decreasing
• Chain Stitch (Ch): Forms the foundation and creates openwork sections; notably, Ch3 is counted as a stitch within this pattern
• Slip Stitch (Sl St): Used to join rounds and secure stitches

The primary stitch pattern is the Shell Trellis Stitch, which creates an open, lattice-like lace fabric. The gauge for this stitch is 2.2 pattern repeats by 14 rows tall over a 10 cm (4-inch) square, providing a reference point for achieving proper fit and drape.

Materials Required

The Shell Trellis Lace Summer Top is worked in Sport Weight yarn (Size #2 Fine), with yardage requirements varying by size. The pattern calls for 570 yards for Size XS, increasing to 1,353 yards for Size 4XL, accommodating the full range of sizes offered. A 4.0 mm crochet hook is used throughout the project to work with this lighter yarn weight, creating the delicate, open fabric characteristic of summer lace garments.

Additional materials needed include scissors for finishing, a darning needle for weaving in yarn ends, and stitch markers to track pattern repeats and shaping points throughout construction.

Pattern Details and Specifications

The pattern uses US crochet terminology and includes detailed instructions for eight graduated sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, and 4XL. Armhole depth ranges from 16.5 cm for the smallest size to 21.5 cm for the largest, ensuring proper proportions across the size range. The pattern provides total stitch counts between markers to help crocheters verify accuracy and maintain proper stitch counts throughout assembly. This intermediate-level project is suitable for crocheters with foundational skills who are ready to work with lace stitches and multi-size pattern instructions.