Want to add a touch of handmade elegance to your wardrobe? Look no further than this stunning crochet lace top! This crochet top pattern, featuring a delicate crochet leaf motif top design, is easier than it looks. Whether you’re a beginner lace crochet top enthusiast or a seasoned pro, you’ll find joy in creating this beautiful garment.
This crochet lace top pattern is perfect for warm summer days, but it can easily transition into fall with a cute cami or turtleneck underneath. Imagine yourself strolling along the beach, the sun setting, a gentle breeze whispering through the intricate stitches of your lace top crochet pattern.
This crochet summer top is incredibly versatile for styling. Dress it up with a skirt and heels, or keep it casual with jeans and sandals. This crochet summer top pattern, with its delicate stitch work and flattering silhouette, is sure to become a staple in your handmade wardrobe.
Crochet Lace Top: An Introduction
This easy crochet lace top is worked from the top down, starting with a classic square yoke. The real showstopper? The repeating crochet leaf pattern that forms the body of the top. Don’t worry, we’ll break down the pattern step-by-step, making it manageable even for adventurous beginners! You’ll be amazed at how quickly those leaves start to take shape. Once you’ve mastered the basic crochet leaf motif, the pattern repeats are easy to memorize, allowing you to relax into the rhythm of your stitches.
The open, lacy design makes it perfect for warmer weather, and you can customize the length and sleeve style to your liking. We’ll explore some crochet lace top variations later in the post.
Crochet Lace Top Pattern: Materials & Tools
Before we dive into the crochet lace top pattern instructions, let’s gather all the necessary materials and tools.
Choosing the Right Yarn for Your Crochet Lace Top
The yarn you select plays a significant role in the overall look and feel of your crochet lace top. For this specific project, we are using Rubí Speed yarn in “Oro Viejo” (Old Gold). However, feel free to experiment with different colors and shades!
Here’s what to keep in mind when choosing your yarn:
- Type: Rubí Speed yarn is a 100% acrylic yarn. That means it’s a synthetic yarn that’s very easy to care for and maintain. Furthermore, it’s known for its durability, softness, and a lovely sheen that will make your crochet lace top stand out.
- Weight: Rubí Speed yarn is a super fine weight yarn, also sometimes called a sport weight yarn. This helps ensure your crochet lace top maintains a delicate, lace-like finish.
- Color: As mentioned earlier, I used “Oro Viejo” (Old Gold), but there are tons of other colors available. In general, lighter colors, like white, cream, pastels, or other lighter shades of yellow, orange, or pink tend to make the crochet lace top design really stand out and create a visually stunning finished piece.
- Quantity: The amount of yarn you will need will depend on your desired size of crochet lace top, as well as any variations you add.
Other materials needed:
- Crochet Hook: You’ll primarily use a 2.5mm crochet hook for this project. Moreover, you’ll also need a 3mm hook for the last few motifs to create a slight widening effect at the bust area.
- Scissors: For cutting the yarn at the end of each row or for trimming excess yarn ends.
- Yarn Needle: For weaving in the ends and joining the seams when you assemble the pieces of your crochet lace top.
- Stitch Markers: Stitch markers are small and useful items that can be used to mark the beginning of a round or row or for marking certain points within a motif. This can be especially helpful when working with this crochet lace top pattern.
- Felt-Tip Pen: (Optional) Some people like to mark their stitches or patterns on the yarn using a felt-tip pen. This can be a great help to see the pattern within the yarn, as this crochet lace top pattern requires a careful eye for detail.
Easy Crochet Lace Top: Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get started with the actual crocheting!
Understanding the Crochet Lace Top Pattern
The crochet lace top pattern is primarily worked in rounds, which means you’ll work in a continuous spiral from the beginning of the project to the end. This process helps create beautiful, seamless motifs that are the heart of this crochet lace top. You will also work in rows for the border and the neckline.
Creating the Crochet Leaf Motif
The beautiful crochet leaf motif is the focal point of this crochet lace top. You create the “V” stitch pattern with a combination of double crochet (dc) stitches and chains (ch), building the cluster of stitches in between.
In this pattern, the term “V stitch” refers to a particular stitch pattern that forms the shape of the letter “V.” This stitch pattern is created by using a series of double crochet stitches and chains within a certain configuration.
The beauty of this crochet lace top pattern is that it can be recreated with a bit of effort, and your completed crochet lace top will look like it was done by a true professional.
Assembling the Crochet Lace Top Pieces
As you work the rounds, you will continue to increase the number of motifs by following the pattern instructions. That is to say, as you increase the number of motifs, you also increase the overall size of your crochet lace top.
Specifically, you’ll follow the instructions for increasing and decreasing the stitch count to shape the top, including the bust and the sleeve areas.
Adding a Crochet Lace Top Border
Once you have reached your desired length of crochet lace top, you’ll create a simple border using single crochet (sc) stitches. That is to say, it is a simple and efficient way of creating a smooth, stable border for your crochet lace top.
Furthermore, you’ll create a row of decorative arches along the bottom edge using chain stitches (ch) and slip stitch (sl st) for a beautiful finishing touch.
Specifically, the “casitas” or “little houses” border consists of working a row of single crochet stitches (sc) all the way across the bottom of the crochet lace top. Afterward, you’ll create the arches, commonly referred to as shells, by chaining a number of chains, such as 5, skipping a few stitches, and then creating a slip stitch in the next stitch.
Crochet Leaf Motif Top: Design Highlights
This crochet lace top is truly a special design.
- Square Neckline: The square neckline adds a unique, modern touch to the crochet lace top. You’ll learn how to create this neckline using the same motifs along each side.
- Leaf Motif: The crochet leaf motif creates a textured, intricate, and elegant look throughout the crochet lace top.
- Sleeves: Two different sleeve variations are presented in this video – one using the full width of the motif and another with a more tapered/slim look. As you continue working on the crochet lace top, you’ll learn how to create these sleeve designs with different motif increases and decreases. You can choose the look that appeals to you most and that best suits your personal style!
- Versatility: The design is highly versatile, allowing you to customize the length and sleeve variations to best suit your body shape and preferences.
- Beginner-Friendly: The pattern is specifically designed for beginners, yet equally important, it is interesting enough for experienced crocheters. It’s a great way to develop your crocheting skills and confidence. In short, it’s a perfect design for all levels of crocheters!
Styling Your Crochet Lace Top: Outfit Ideas
Now that you’ve learned how to create this wonderful crochet lace top, let’s explore some outfit ideas!
- Casual Cool: Pair your crochet lace top with high-waisted denim shorts or jeans for a relaxed, summery look.
- Elevated Casual: Style it with a flowy skirt for a more feminine and breezy ensemble.
- Summer Chic: Wear it with white pants or a flowy white skirt for a sophisticated summer look.
- Beach Vibes: It’s the perfect cover-up for a day at the beach paired with your favorite swimwear.
- Layered Look: Add a cardigan or denim jacket in cooler weather for a stylish layered look.
- Dressy Occasion: You can also style your crochet lace top with a fun skirt and sandals for a more formal occasion.
Crochet Lace Top Variations: Customization Options
One of the coolest things about this crochet lace top pattern is that it’s very customizable. In addition to color variations, you can make adjustments and adapt it to your personal preferences.
Crochet Lace Top Inspiration: Different Necklines
Unlike the square neckline shown in the video, you can experiment with other neckline designs. For instance, you could adapt this pattern to include a V-neck or a scoop neck by changing the way you work the stitches near the neckline.
Crochet Lace Top Inspiration: Sleeve Variations
In the same way, if you want to change the sleeve style, you can modify the way you create the sleeve section. In addition to the two variations already explained in this tutorial, you could create 3/4 sleeves, flutter sleeves, or even create a sleeveless look for a different style.
Crochet Lace Top Resources: Tips & Tricks
Here are a few tips to help you with your crocheting journey.
Troubleshooting Your Crochet Lace Top
During your crocheting process, you may encounter some common problems, such as:
- Uneven Stitches: If you’re finding that your stitches are uneven or too tight, you should adjust your tension as you crochet. Specifically, you should make sure that you are not pulling the yarn too tightly as you work each stitch.
- Dropped Stitches: If you drop a stitch, you should correct it right away. Immediately, you can use your crochet hook to gently pick up the dropped stitch and work it back into the fabric, ensuring that the stitch is integrated seamlessly into the surrounding stitches.
- Incorrect Stitch Count: It is important to pay careful attention to the stitch counts in each round of the crochet lace top pattern. When you are creating this crochet lace top, it’s a good idea to count your stitches at the end of each round to ensure that your stitch count is correct. If you find that your stitch count is incorrect, you should take a few moments to go back and correct any mistakes and then check your stitch count again.
Complete Written Crochet Pattern
You can also download the written pattern (PDF) for free here.
Materials:
- Rubí Speed Yarn (100g, 500m) – I used “Oro Viejo” (Old Gold), but feel free to experiment with different colors.
- Crochet Hook: 2.5mm (most of the time), 3mm (for last few motifs).
- Scissors
- Yarn Needle
- Stitch Markers (optional)
- Felt-Tip Pen (optional)
Abbreviations:
- ch: chain
- sc: single crochet
- dc: double crochet
- sl st: slip stitch
- st(s): stitch(es)
- sp: space
- rep: repeat
- rnd: round
Sizing:
- Small: 56 starting chains
- Medium: 80 starting chains
- Large: 104 starting chains
- X-Large: 128 starting chains
Notes:
- The pattern is primarily worked in rounds, but some sections will be worked in rows.
- It’s very helpful to use stitch markers to keep track of your starting point and specific points within a motif.
- Be sure to pay attention to the stitch count for each row, and adjust your tension as needed to achieve the desired look.
Foundation Chain:
- Chain a number of stitches according to your desired size (56, 80, 104, or 128).
- Join the end of the chain to the first ch with a sl st.
Motif Beginning: Round 1
- Corners: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in the same st, ch 1, 2 dc in the same st.
- V Stitch: Ch 1, skip 1 st, work 1 dc in the next st, ch 2, 1 dc in the same st. (This forms the “V” where your leaf-like motif starts.)
- Cluster of dc: Ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 dc in the next st, ch 1, 1 dc in the next st, ch 1, 1 dc in the next st, ch 1, 1 dc in the next st, ch 1, 1 dc in the next st.
- Rep steps 2 & 3 across the row, ending with a corner (ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 dc in next st, ch 2, 1 dc in same st, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 dc in next st, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in same st, ch 1, 2 dc in same st.)
- Join with a sl st in the top of the beginning ch 3.
Motif Development: Round 2
- Corner: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in the same st, ch 1, 2 dc in the same st.
- 9 dc Cluster within “V”: Work 9 dc in the ch 2 sp of the first “V” of the previous round.
- dc with ch: Ch 1, skip the first dc of the cluster of 5 dc, 1 dc in the next sp, ch 1, 1 dc in the next sp, ch 1, 1 dc in the next sp, ch 1, 1 dc in the next sp.
- 9 dc Cluster: Ch 1, skip the first dc after the dc clusters, work 9 dc in the ch 2 sp of the next “V.”
- Rep steps 3 & 4 across the row, ending with a corner (ch 1, skip the first dc after the dc clusters, 9 dc in the next “V”, ch 1, skip the first dc after the cluster, work 1 dc in next sp, ch 1, 1 dc in next sp, ch 1, 1 dc in next sp, ch 1, 1 dc in next sp, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in same st, ch 1, 2 dc in same st.)
- Join with a sl st in the top of the beginning ch 3.
Raised Stitch Clusters: Round 3
- Corner: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in the same st, ch 1, 2 dc in the same st.
- Raised Stitch Cluster: Insert hook in the first dc of the first 9-dc cluster. Yarn over and pull up a loop. Yarn over and insert hook in next dc, yarn over and pull up a loop. Repeat this step twice more. (You should have 4 loops on your hook). Yarn over and pull through all 4 loops.
- Rep Step 2 twice more for a total of 3 clusters of 3 raised dc within the 9-dc cluster.
- dc with ch: Ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 dc in the next sp, ch 1, 1 dc in the next sp, ch 1, 1 dc in the next sp.
- Rep Steps 2-4 across the row, ending with a corner (ch 1, skip 1 st, 3 raised stitch clusters in the next 9-dc cluster, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 dc in next sp, ch 1, 1 dc in next sp, ch 1, 1 dc in next sp, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in same st, ch 1, 2 dc in same st.)
- Join with a sl st in the top of the beginning ch 3.
Continued Textured Development: Round 4
- Corner: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in the same st, ch 1, 2 dc in the same st.
- Raised Stitch Cluster: Work 3 raised dc (same as in Rnd 3) in the first raised dc cluster.
- ch & dc: Ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 dc in the next st, ch 1. (This creates a small chain space between the clusters).
- Rep Steps 2 & 3 twice more to complete the raised dc cluster section.
- dc with ch: Ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 dc in the next sp, ch 1, 1 dc in the next sp, ch 1, 1 dc in the next sp.
- Rep Steps 2-5 across the row, ending with a corner (ch 1, skip 1 st, 3 raised stitch clusters, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 dc in next sp, ch 1, 1 dc in next sp, ch 1, 1 dc in next sp, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in same st, ch 1, 2 dc in same st.)
- Join with a sl st in the top of the beginning ch 3.
Petal Closure – Beginning: Round 5
- Corner: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in the same st, ch 1, 2 dc in the same st.
- Closing the Petals: Work 1 dc in the first raised dc of the first cluster. Yarn over and insert hook in the next raised dc, yarn over and pull up a loop. Rep this once more for a total of 3 dcs on the hook. Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops. This should have closed the first part of the motif petal.
- ch & dc in sp: Ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 dc in the next sp, ch 1.
- Rep Steps 2 & 3 twice more to complete the 3 raised dc cluster section.
- dc with ch: Ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 dc in the next sp, ch 1, 1 dc in the next sp, ch 1, 1 dc in the next sp.
- Rep Steps 2-5 across the row, ending with a corner (ch 1, skip 1 st, 3 closed petal section, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 dc in next sp, ch 1, 1 dc in next sp, ch 1, 1 dc in next sp, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in same st, ch 1, 2 dc in same st.)
- Join with a sl st in the top of the beginning ch 3.
Petal Closure – Completion & New Motif Prep: Round 6
- Corner: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in the same st, ch 1, 2 dc in the same st.
- Finishing Petal: Work 1 dc in the first raised dc of the first cluster. Yarn over and insert hook in the next raised dc, yarn over and pull up a loop. Rep this once more for a total of 3 dcs on the hook. Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops.
- ch & dc in sp: Ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 dc in the next sp, ch 1.
- Rep Steps 2 & 3 twice more.
- dc with ch: Ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 dc in the next sp, ch 1, 1 dc in the next sp, ch 1, 1 dc in the next sp.
- New Motif Start: Ch 3, 1 dc in the same sp, ch 1, 1 dc in the same sp. (This starts a new “V” that will form the next motif.)
- Rep Steps 2-6 across the row, ending with a corner (ch 1, skip 1 st, 3 closed petal section, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 dc in next sp, ch 1, 1 dc in next sp, ch 1, 1 dc in next sp, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in same st, ch 1, 2 dc in same st.)
- Join with a sl st in the top of the beginning ch 3.
Continuing the Motifs:
Rep Rounds 2-6 until you reach the desired bust/underarm length for your size.
Bust/Underarm Shaping
Important! When you reach your desired underarm/bust size, you’ll want to stop on the round where you’ve just worked the 9-dc cluster and four dc clusters with ch-1 spaces. This is where you’ll begin shaping the sleeve and body separately.
Sleeve/Body Separation
- Mark your starting point: Insert a stitch marker or a piece of contrasting yarn in the first st of the rnd.
- Attaching the Sleeve: You’ll need to attach your sleeve to the body with a new ball of yarn if you want a contrasting color. Follow these instructions to create a small connection between the sleeve and the top:
- Insert your hook in the first st of the sleeve.
- Insert your hook in the first st of the body (which will be the next st in your work).
- Yarn over and pull through both loops.
- Repeat step 2 and 3 for a total of 3-4 connections.
- Start Working the Body: Turn your work so that you are now working in rows. In the first row, only work in the body part of your fabric, leaving the sleeve part on hold. You will continue with the stitch pattern from Round 3.
- Work 3 raised stitch clusters.
- Ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 dc in the next st, ch 1.
- Rep the last 2 steps across the entire body row until you reach your last few sts before your sleeve section.
- Attach the sleeve on the opposite side. Repeat the first few steps to attach the sleeve on the other side.
Body Shaping
Continue working in rows for the body (following Round 3 stitch pattern) until you reach the desired length.
Final Edging (Casitas – Little Houses)
- Start: At the bottom of your garment, ch 1, turn your work.
- Sc Row: Work 1 sc in each st across the row.
- Rep Step 2 until the desired length of your lower edge is reached.
Neckline/Sleeves
Neckline:
- Ch 1, turn your work, then work 1 sc in each st across the neckline. (You can also work 2 sc in each st if you prefer a slightly wider, more rounded neckline.)
- If you want a slightly more detailed neckline you can use a sc stitch to create a little “V” shape at each of the corners of the neckline, to help round it out a bit more.
Sleeve:
- Finishing the Sleeve: Work the remaining sleeve using the motif pattern, making sure you keep your sleeve shaped, if you are using the tapered look for the sleeve.
- Sleeve Edging: Work a finishing edge, using the same instructions used for the bottom edge (casitas – little houses) and neckline if you like.
Finishing Touches (Optional):
- Add a Label: Include a personalized label to your garment.
- Decorative Arcs: To mimic the original, you can work several rounds of decorative arches along the bottom edge after completing the casitas edging:
- Ch 5, skip 2-3 st, sl st in next st.
- Rep across the row.
- Picots: For the finishing touch in the original, you can work a row of picots along the arc rows.
- Work 3 ch, sl st in the first ch.
- Rep across the row.
Other Crochet Projects You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this crochet lace top pattern, you might also enjoy some of these other crochet designs:
- Crocheted Blankets: Perfect for gifting or for adding a touch of handmade warmth to your home.
- Crocheted Amigurumi: These adorable little creatures are fun to make and even more fun to play with!
- Crocheted Scarves & Shawls: Keep yourself warm and stylish with these easy-to-make accessories.
Conclusion
Ultimately, this easy crochet lace top pattern is a great project for crocheters of all skill levels, and is perfect for those looking to create a stylish and functional crochet top. Specifically, this design is wonderful for adding a touch of elegance and whimsy to your summer wardrobe. Moreover, it’s a great way to unleash your creativity and explore your crocheting abilities.
I really hope you enjoy this free crochet lace top pattern and encourage you to experiment with different yarn colors and design variations to truly make this crochet lace top your own!
Inspired by a tutorial by @Tejeresdeguapas (https://www.youtube.com/@Tejeresdeguapas)
Watch the tutorial here: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ria20E66tME&t=45s)
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I hope you found this blog post helpful and inspiring! I encourage you to grab your hook and yarn and start creating your own stunning crochet lace top.
