I finally made something for myself and it is so so so so worth it. Using crochet thread takes a bit of getting used to but the result is a very unique look that looks like it has a designer spin to it. Try it out and let me know how you like it!
Notes:
This pattern is worked from the bottom up in one solid piece. The pattern alternates from large shells, to medium, to squares.. etc. Please follow diagram below for pattern repeat. Directions are for size Small/Medium. Changes for sizes Large/X-Large and XX-Large/XXX-Large are in parentheses.
Materials:
- Crochet Thread: 6 (8, 10) balls in White (I used this one)
- 4mm Crochet Hook
Gauge:
20 sts = 4″ (10 cm); 8 rows = 4″ (10 cm) in double crochet before blocking.
Abbreviations:
ch = chain;
dc = double crochet;
mm = millimeters; sc = single crochet;
st(s) = stitch(es);
* = repeat whatever follows the * as indicated.
Pattern:
Ch 188 (228, 268).
Row 1: Dc in 3rd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn – 186 (226,268) dc.
Rows 2 & 3: Ch 2 (counts as dc here and throughout), dc in each st across, turn – 186 (226,268) dc. Row 4 (large shell cluster): Ch 2, dc in next 6 sts, *skip 2 sts, 5 dc in same st, skip 2 sts, dc* repeat to last 10 st, 5 dc in same st, skip 2 st, dc to end (7sts)
Row 5-7: as row 4
Row 8 (small shell cluster): Ch 2, dc in next 6 sts, *skip 2 sts, ch 1, 3 dc in same st, ch 1 skip 2 sts, dc* repeat to last 10 st, 3 dc in same st, ch 1, skip 2 st, dc to end (7sts) Row 9-10: as row 8
Row 11 (squares): Ch 2, dc in next 6 sts, *skip 2 sts, ch 2, dc, skip 2 st, ch 2, dc* repeat to last 10 st, dc, ch 2, skip 2 st, dc to end (7sts)
Row 12-16: squares
Row 16-18: small shell cluster
Row 19-24 large shell cluster
Row 25-27: small shell cluster
Row 28-33: squares
Row 34-36: small shell cluster
Row 37-42: large shell cluster
Row 43-45: small shell cluster
— work arm holes —
At this point the pattern is completed by splitting the sts into 3 parts for the front right panel, the back and front left panel as follows
· Front right : 46 sts (57, 67)
· Back: 92 sts (114,134)
· Front left : 46 sts (57, 67)
Front Right Panel:
Starting with the front right panel, continue as follows:
Row 46: squares until the last 4 sts, dc remainder (this will create a thinner edge on this inside of the arm hole)
Row 47: ch 2, dc in the next 3 sts, continue in line square pattern
Row 48: as row 46
Row 49: as row 47
Continue in the same pattern alternating between squares, small shell cluster and large shell cluster as you did in the body, being mindful of the edging around the front and arm edge, until the front panel measures 7in (8, 9). bind off and weave in ends.
Front Left Panel:
Work the front left panel similar to the front right, switching the bordering edges and keeping in line with the alternating shell patterns.
Back:
The back panel is worked in the same alternating shell patterns as the front panels but with a thin 4 st border on either ends. Adjustments are as follows:
Row 46: adjusted squares Ch 2, dc in next 3 sts, *skip 2 sts, ch 2, dc, skip 2 st, ch 2, dc* repeat to last 7 st, dc, ch 2, skip 2 st, dc to end (4sts)
Row 47: ch 2, dc in the next 3 sts, continue in line square pattern
Row 48: as row 46
Row 49: as row 47
Continue in the same pattern alternating between squares, small shell cluster and large shell cluster as you did in the body, being mindful of the edging, until the back panel measures 7in (8, 9). bind off and weave in ends.
Finishing:
Fold the front panels over and sew top of shoulder together starting from the arm hole. Sew approximately 1/2 through each side panel.
Add a finishing boarder. Starting at the top of the front right collar, dc in every st around the front right panel, across the back, and over the front left panel. Bind off and weave in.
Choose the hight for the belt that best suits your preference. Weave the belt through the open loops in the shells so the belt can be adjusted easily.
Enjoy!