Crochet Shell Vest Top Tutorial For Summer Time Wardrobe

Crochet your own shell vest top and add a touch of handmade charm to your wardrobe! This project combines simple stitches with a beautiful shell pattern that results in a stylish piece perfect for layering.

Crochet Shell Vest Top

Materials Needed:

• Cotton yarn (preferably King Cole big value recycled dishcloth cotton, 3 balls)
• 5 mm crochet hook
• Scissors

Pattern Steps:

Step 1: Starting Chain:

• Begin with a starting chain of 146 chains (or any multiple of 8 + 2).

Step 2: First Row:

• Skip the first two chains.
• Work a double crochet into the third chain and into each chain across.

Mesh Stitch

Row 1:

• Chain 4 (counts as the first double crochet + chain one), skip the next stitch, double crochet in the next stitch. Chain one, skip one stitch, double crochet in next. Repeat the sequence until the end of the row.

Row 2-3:

• Repeat Row 1.

Step 4: Shell Stitch:

Row 1:

• Chain 3, skip three stitches, work seven treble crochets (triple crochets) into next stitch, skip three stitches, double crochet in next stitch. Repeat from to across.

Row 2-3:

• Repeat Shell Stitch with each shell placed in the center stitch of the previous row’s shell.

Back to Mesh Stitch:

Row 1-3:

• Repeat the steps for Mesh Stitch from Step 3.

Joining and Side Seam

• Do not join the chain into a circle initially to allow for size adjustments.
• Once final size is confirmed, use slip stitches to join the starting chain to the last row on the side, forming a cylinder shape. Place the seam strategically under an arm to hide it.

 Front Panels and Straps:

Front Panels:

• Continue from the joined base and work upwards, using the shell and mesh patterns alternately for approximately five rows to match the back in length, or as desired.

Straps:

• Chain a length that comfortably fits over the shoulders from front to back panels, attach using single crochets along the desired edge of the front panels.

Finishing:

• Apply a border of double crochet around armholes, neckline, and bottom edges for a neat finish.
• Weave in all loose ends.

Additional Notes:

• Customize the length or the fit by increasing or reducing the number of initial chains, but maintain a multiple of 8 + 2 as required by the shell pattern.
• Adjust strap lengths based on the fitting on the body.