Welcome, crochet lovers! Today we’re diving into a pattern that is both visually stunning and surprisingly rhythmic to crochet. The beautiful fabric you see above—a delicate mix of open mesh, solid shell motifs, and a built-in scalloped edge—is the “Sunset Scallop Lace.” This repeating wave pattern, shown here in a lovely coral/peach color, creates a fabric with incredible drape, making it perfect for shawls, light throws, or summer garment detailing.
You asked for a long and detailed guide, so let’s break down this 6-row repeat step by step!
🛍️ Materials & Tools: Your Project Checklist 🛍️
The appearance of this lace relies on using a fine yarn and allowing the stitches to breathe.
- Yarn: I recommend a Sport Weight (Weight 2) or DK (Double Knitting/Weight 3) cotton or cotton blend. Cotton is fantastic for showing off the texture and ensuring excellent drape after blocking.
- Crochet Hook: To achieve the open lace look, use a hook size appropriate for your yarn, or even half a size larger. For a DK weight, a 4.0 mm (G/6) hook is a great starting point.
- Scissors: For trimming yarn ends.
- Tapestry Needle: Essential for weaving in ends neatly.
- Stitch Markers (Optional): Helpful for marking the first and last stitches of the solid rows to maintain a straight edge.
📚 Stitch Glossary: Decoding the Lace 📚
This pattern utilizes common US crochet terms and relies on a specific Shell variation.
| Abbreviation | Stitch Name | Description |
| ch | Chain | Yarn over, pull through loop on hook. |
| st(s) | Stitch(es) | |
| sk | Skip | |
| sl st | Slip Stitch | Standard slip stitch. |
| sc | Single Crochet | Standard single crochet. |
| dc | Double Crochet | Standard double crochet. |
| tr | Treble Crochet | Yarn over twice, complete the stitch. |
| Shell | Shell Stitch | (5 dc) all worked into the same stitch or space. |
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📐 Gauge and Pattern Repeat 📐
Swatching is important to ensure your shells align properly and your mesh maintains its shape.
Pattern Repeat:
The body of this pattern is worked over a multiple of 12+2 chains for the starting foundation.
- For our detailed swatch, we will start with Ch 38 (12×3=36+2=38).
- The ch 3 at the beginning of a row counts as 1 dc.
Gauge (Approximate):
- One full motif (from the top of the solid bar to the top of the shell) should measure approximately 1.75 inches (4.5 cm) high.
☀️ The “Sunset Scallop Lace” Pattern: Row by Row ☀️
This beautiful texture is created through a repeating cycle of six rows.
▶️ Foundation Row:
- Ch a multiple of 12+2. (For swatch, Ch 38).
Row 1 (RS – Solid Setup):
- Dc in the 4th ch from the hook (counts as 2 dc). Dc in the next 3 chs (5 dc total).
- *Ch 1, sk 1 ch, dc in the next 5 chs.*
- Rep from * to * across the row until 6 chs remain.
- Ch 1, sk 1 ch, dc in the last 5 chs.
- Turn.
This row creates the solid blocks that will anchor the open lace sections.
Row 2 (WS – Large Mesh Setup):
- Ch 1 (does not count as st). Sc in the first dc.
- *Ch 5, sk 5 dc, sc in the ch-1 sp.*
- Rep from * to * across the row, ending with sc in the last ch-3 turning chain.
- Turn.
This row forms the large chain loops that will hold the main floral/shell motifs.
Row 3 (RS – Defining the Lace):
- Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc). 2 dc in the first ch-5 sp.
- Ch 1, dc in the next sc.
- Ch 1, Shell (5 dc) into the next ch-5 sp.
- Ch 1, dc in the next sc.
- Ch 1, Shell in the next ch-5 sp.*
- Rep from * to * across the row, ending with 3 dc in the last ch-5 sp.
- Dc in the last sc.
- Turn.
This row places the prominent Shell motifs, creating the floral shape, and the ch-1 spaces start to define the diamond mesh.
Row 4 (WS – Treble Bar Row):
- Ch 4 (counts as 1 tr). Tr in the next 2 dc.
- Ch 3, sk 3 dc (the center of the 5 dc Shell).
- *Tr in the next 5 dc (the dc, ch-1 sp, dc combination).
- Ch 3, sk 3 dc (the center of the 5 dc Shell).
- Tr in the next 5 dc.*
- Rep from * to * across the row, ending with tr in the last 3 sts.
- Turn.
The tr stitches create the solid, slightly taller bar, and the ch-3 skips open up the pattern over the shells.
Row 5 (RS – Scallop Edge):
- Ch 1 (does not count as st). Sc in the first tr.
- Shell (5 dc) into the first ch-3 sp.
- *Sc in the center tr of the 5 tr group.
- Shell (5 dc) into the next ch-3 sp.*
- Rep from * to * across the row, ending with sc in the top of the turning ch-4.
- Turn.
This row creates the deep, beautiful scalloped edge that defines the border of the section.
Row 6 (WS – Re-establishing the Solid Base):
- Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc). Dc in the first sc.
- Dc in the next 5 dc of the Shell.
- Ch 1, sk 1 st (the sc between shells).
- *Dc in the next 5 dc of the Shell.
- Ch 1, sk 1 st (the sc).
- Dc in the next 5 dc of the Shell.*
- Rep from * to * across the row, ending with dc in the last sc.
- Turn.
This row closes the entire scallop section, forming the solid dc blocks and ch-1 spaces, which perfectly align to begin the repeat of Row 2.
Video Tutorial:
🔁 The Repeat Sequence: Building the Fabric 🔁
The pattern is now established! To continue the Sunset Scallop Lace, you will now repeat Rows 2-6 until your project reaches your desired size.
- The 5-row repeating cycle is Rows 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.
- Key Alignment: Notice that the ch-5 loop from Row 2 will now be worked over the ch-1 and dc sections created in the new Row 6. This ensures the shells align with the open mesh of the previous section.
🚿 Finishing and Blocking: Defining the Scallops 🚿
For this lace, blocking is essential to open up the mesh and beautifully define those scalloped edges.
- Final Edge: If you end on a Scallop Edge Row (Row 5), you’ll have a naturally beautiful border. If you end on Row 6, you’ll have a straight top edge.
- Wet Blocking: Submerge your finished piece in lukewarm water.
- Pin and Shape: Pin the lace out onto a blocking mat, gently stretching to open up the ch-5 mesh spaces. Crucially, pin out the center of each Shell to emphasize the scalloped effect.
- Dry: Allow the item to dry completely before unpinning.
🌟 Project Inspiration 🌟
- Bridal or Evening Wrap: The elegant scallops make this perfect for formal wear.
- Decorative Border: Use this pattern as a wide, luxurious border for a plain dc blanket.
- Lightweight Scarf: Ideal for a colorful, breezy accessory.
Happy crocheting! I hope you enjoy creating the beautiful “Sunset Scallop Lace”!
