Create a darling and whimsical top for a little one with this detailed crochet pattern. This design features a delicate two-color shell stitch that resembles rows of little petals, giving the garment a sweet and intricate look. The top-down construction means you can easily adjust the length to make a full dress or a shorter top. This pattern is written for a baby or toddler, fitting approximately 12-18 months.
Materials
- Yarn: Approximately 150-200 yards of DK weight (Category 3) yarn in a main color, like the pink shown.
- Contrast Yarn: Approximately 50 yards of DK weight (Category 3) yarn in a contrast color, like white.
- Hook: A 4.0 mm (G/6) crochet hook.
- Accessories: A yarn needle for weaving in ends and scissors.
Stitches Used (US Terms)
- ch: Chain
- sl st: Slip Stitch
- sc: Single Crochet
- dc: Double Crochet
- inc: Increase (work two stitches in the same stitch)
- shell: (3 dc) in the same stitch or space
- sk: Skip
Part 1: The Yoke (Pink)
The yoke is worked from the top down, in the round, creating a seamless foundation. The increases are strategically placed to ensure a perfect fit that lays flat.
Initial Chain: Ch 60. Join with a sl st to the first chain to form a loop, being careful not to twist. (60 stitches)
Round 1: Ch 2 (counts as first hdc), hdc in each st around. Join with a sl st to the top of the ch 2. (60 hdc)
Round 2 (Increase Round): Ch 2, hdc in the next 9 sts. inc (2 hdc in the next st). Hdc in the next 9 sts, inc. Repeat * to * around. Join with a sl st. (66 hdc)
Round 3: Ch 2, hdc in each st around. Join with a sl st. (66 hdc)
Round 4 (Increase Round): Ch 2, hdc in the next 10 sts. inc. Hdc in the next 10 sts, inc. Repeat * to * around. Join with a sl st. (72 hdc)
Round 5: Ch 2, hdc in each st around. Join with a sl st. (72 hdc)
Round 6 (Increase Round): Ch 2, hdc in the next 11 sts. inc. Hdc in the next 11 sts, inc. Repeat * to * around. Join with a sl st. (78 hdc)
Round 7: Ch 2, hdc in each st around. Join with a sl st. (78 hdc)
Part 2: The Body (Shell Stitch)
Now, we will transition to the shell stitch to create the main body of the top.
Round 8: Ch 1, sc in the first st. Sk 2 sts, work a shell (3 dc) in the next st, sk 2 sts, sc in the next st. Repeat * to * around. You will end on a shell. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
Round 9: Ch 3 (counts as first dc). Work 2 dc in the same st (this forms the first shell). Sc in the center dc of the next shell, work a shell in the next sc. Repeat * to * around. Join with a sl st to the top of the ch 3.
Round 10: Ch 1, sc in the first st. Work a shell in the next sc, sc in the center dc of the next shell. Repeat * to * around. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
Rounds 11-13: Repeat Rounds 9 and 10, alternating them.
Part 3: Adding the White Stripes
Now we’ll incorporate the contrast color to create the stripes.
Change to White Yarn: Fasten off the pink yarn. Attach the white yarn with a sl st.
Round 14: Ch 3, sk the first 2 sts. Dc in the next st. Dc in the next 2 sts, ch 1, sk 1 st. Repeat * to * around. Join with a sl st to the top of the ch 3.
Change to Pink Yarn: Fasten off the white yarn. Attach the pink yarn with a sl st.
Round 15: Ch 3, sk the first 2 sts. shell in the next st. Sk 2 sts, sc in the next st. Sk 2 sts, shell in the next st. Repeat * to * around. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
Round 16-18: Repeat Rounds 9 and 10, alternating them.
Repeat the stripe pattern (Round 14 with white and Round 15-18 with pink) until you reach the desired length for your top or dress. The image shows two white stripes on the body.
Part 4: The Sleeves and Final Touches
The sleeves and the neckline are finished with a beautiful scalloped edge.
Neckline:
- With the main color (pink), join with a sl st at the back of the neck. Work (sl st, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 2, sl st) in the first stitch. Sk 1 st, and repeat the pattern. Continue this around the neckline. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Sleeves:
- With the main color (pink), join with a sl st at the bottom of the armhole. Work (sl st, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 2, sl st) in the first stitch. Sk 1 st, and repeat the pattern. Continue this around the armhole. Repeat for the second armhole.
The Hem:
- With the main color (pink), join with a sl st at the bottom of the garment. Work (sl st, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 2, sl st) in the first stitch. Sk 1 st, and repeat the pattern. Continue this around the entire hem of the top. Fasten off and weave in all remaining ends.
This pattern is a wonderful way to create a one-of-a-kind garment that is both beautiful and practical. The repetition of the shell stitch is relaxing, and the final piece is a true labor of love.
