Espalmador in Berroco - Downloadable PDF

Espalmador Crochet Top by the Berroco Design Team

The Espalmador is a crocheted top designed by the Berroco Design Team, offered as a downloadable PDF pattern rated at an intermediate skill level. Worked in a delicate Lace Pattern built around repeating shell stitches, this garment strikes a beautiful balance between airy openwork texture and wearable structure, making it an ideal warm-weather or layering piece for crocheters ready to move beyond beginner projects.

Finished Measurements and Sizing

The Espalmador is offered in a generous range of nine sizes to suit a wide variety of bodies:

• Bust: 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, and 68 inches (approximately 91.5–172.5 cm)
• Length: 18½ inches for the three smallest sizes, 19¾ inches for the middle three sizes, and 21 inches for the three largest sizes
• Recommended ease: Approximately 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) of positive ease
• The sample shown in the pattern is worked in size 36 inches / 91.5 cm

The inclusion of positive ease means the finished garment is intentionally designed to be slightly larger than the wearer's actual measurements, lending it a relaxed, comfortable drape that suits the open lace fabric beautifully.

Techniques and Stitches Used

The defining feature of the Espalmador is its Lace Pattern, which is constructed from repeating shell stitches. Shell stitches are a classic crochet technique in which multiple double crochet stitches (or similar stitches) are worked into a single stitch or space, fanning out to create a rounded, shell-like cluster. When repeated across rows, shell stitches produce an elegant, rhythmic lace fabric with natural openwork between each shell grouping.

• Shell stitch construction worked in a repeating Lace Pattern
• Gauge is measured after blocking, which is an important finishing step for lace crochet — blocking opens up the lace structure and evens out the fabric for accurate dimensions
• Use of removable markers is recommended, indicating the pattern involves stitch placement tracking, shaping, or seaming that benefits from careful marking as work progresses

Because the gauge is checked after blocking, crocheters working this pattern should be comfortable with wet or steam blocking techniques to achieve the correct measurements before assembling or finishing the garment.

Yarn and Materials

The Espalmador is worked in Berroco Lumi, a DK weight yarn sold in 50-gram balls. The sample is shown in colorway #8111 Beach Rose. The number of balls required varies by size:

• Sizes 36, 40, 44 inches: 7, 8, and 9 balls respectively
• Sizes 48, 52, 56 inches: 10, 11, and 12 balls respectively
• Sizes 60, 64, 68 inches: 13, 14, and 15 balls respectively

The recommended crochet hook is a size F / 3.75 mm hook, or the size needed to achieve the correct gauge. The gauge specification is 1 shell = 1¼ inches wide by 1 inch high in the Lace Pattern after blocking. Achieving accurate gauge is especially important in a lace garment like this, where the open structure can shift significantly depending on hook size and individual tension.

Who Is This Pattern For?

The Espalmador is best suited for intermediate crocheters who are confident working shell stitch patterns and lace repeats, and who are comfortable with garment construction and finishing techniques such as blocking. The wide size range — from 36 to 68 inches bust — makes this an inclusive and versatile pattern for a broad range of makers. The use of Berroco Lumi in a soft DK weight ensures the finished top is lightweight and drapey, well-suited to the open lace