Shell Stitch Square-Neck Top (Free Crochet Pattern)

These instructions are for a top 12 ¼ inches long.  To alter the length, either add or subtract multiples of four stitches from the foundation chain.  

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Materials

DK weight yarn (approximately 25 yards per inch of body panel)

Size H crochet hook

Yarn needle

Abbreviations

Dc – double crochet

Sc – single crochet

Shell – Sc 1, skip 2 stitches, 5dc, skip 2 stitches

Dc 5 means double crochet in each of the next five stitches, 5 dc means double crochet five times into the next stitch

Gauge

20 stitches x 10 rows (4″ x 4″ square)

Instructions

* repeat instructions between stars until the end of the row*

Body

Chain 46

Row 1: Sc 1 in second chain from hook, *skip 1 stitch, 5 dc, skip 1 stitch, sc 1* (repeat until end of row) chain 2 <11 shells>

Row 2: 2 Dc, skip 2 stitches, *1 sc, skip 2 stitches, 5 dc, skip 2 stitches* (repeat until 3 stitches remain), skip 2 stitches, 2 dc. Chain 1. <1 half-shell, 10 shells, 1 half-shell>

Row 3: Sc 1, *skip 2 stitches, 5 dc, skip 2 stitches, sc 1* (repeat until end of row), chain 2 <11 shells>

Alternate Row 2 and Row 3 until the body panel reaches the desired length. End and weave in all ends.

Straps (make 2)

Chain 10

Row 1: Dc in third chain from the hook, dc in each remaining chain. Chain 2 <8>

Row 2: Dc 8, chain 2 <8>

Repeat Row 2 until the strap reaches the desired length (34 rows shown)

Assembly

Sew the two shorter ends of the body panel together. Fold the body of the top in half, centering the seam in the middle of the top layer. Pin each strap 3″ in from the fold on the upper edge of the top. Flip the top over, keeping the seam in the middle, and pin the other end of each strap 3″ in from the upper edge of the top. Try it on and adjust the location of the straps as needed before sewing them into place. Weave in all ends.