Shell Crochet Top
A pretty shell-stitch top. This one is not my own design, so I have gathered three free ways to make it, from stitch charts to video tutorials, along with the exact yarn and hook I used.
A quick note before we begin: this is not my original design. Unlike my other patterns, I did not come up with this one myself. I simply fell in love with the look and went digging for the free ways to make it that are already out there, then gathered them here in one place so they are easy to follow. If you happen to know the original designer, please tell me so I can credit them properly and we can all support the person who first created this.
Materials (my version)
If you want to recreate the exact look of the top I made, here is what I used:
- Yarn: 4 Seasons Flinders Shine (96% cotton, 4% nylon)
- Colorway: Winter
- Yarn features: a nylon lurex thread runs throughout, which gives the cotton a subtle sparkle
- Hook: 4.0 mm
- Amount used: about 3 balls (roughly 150 grams total)
- Tapestry needle: for weaving in ends
- Scissors
Three ways to make this top
I did a deep dive online and found three different methods you can use, depending on how you like to work. Pick whichever suits you best.
Option 1: Diagrams and stitch charts
Best if you love reading charts. You can crochet the whole piece from the stitch charts floating around on Pinterest.
Option 2: Video tutorial (crop top style)
The designer makes two “cups”, crochets along to create the front piece, repeats for the back, and seams the sides at the end. You can make it longer if you like.
Option 3: Video tutorial (four-triangle style)
The designer makes 4 triangles, joins them together first, and then works in the round down to the bottom hem.
A note on the video tutorials
Both video options are in non-English languages, but they are visually very clear and easy to follow along with step by step. You will not miss much by watching rather than listening.
Need help?
If you ever get stuck on any of these options, send me a DM on Instagram at @artscraftswhatknots. I am always happy to help you troubleshoot your stitches. Happy crocheting.