Viral Shell Crochet Top Pattern Everyone’s Talking About

This front tie and open back shell top crochet pattern blends comfort and trendiness into one stylish project. Perfect for warmer seasons, festivals, or layered over other outfits, this top is designed with shell stitch detailing, a flattering front tie, and dramatic open-back finish.

Crochet Shell Top

The tutorial walks you through each step from forming triangles to crafting fringe-tipped straps, making it ideal for confident beginners to intermediate crocheters. Its customizable size and airy design make it a must-make for anyone looking to add a versatile piece to their handmade wardrobe.

Materials Needed

• Big Twist acrylic yarn (Size 4) – 2 skeins
• 4.25 mm crochet hook
• Scissors
• Darning needle
• Measuring tape

Making the Triangles (Make 2)

Magic Ring Setup

• Start with a magic ring.
• Insert hook, pull up a loop.

Row 1

• Chain 4 (counts as first double crochet).
• Work 4 double crochets into the ring.
• Pull yarn to close the ring.

Row 2

• Chain 2 (does not count as a stitch), turn.
• 2 double crochets in first stitch (increase).
• 1 double crochet in next 2 stitches.
• 2 double crochets in last stitch (increase).

For Row 3

• Chain 2, turn.
• 2 double crochets in first stitch.
• 1 double crochet in each stitch across, except last stitch.
• 2 double crochets in last stitch.

Rows 4–24

• Repeat Row 3, increasing at the beginning and end of each row.

For Row 25 (Shell Base Row)

• Chain 2, turn.
• Double crochet in same stitch.
• Chain 3, skip 2 stitches, double crochet in next stitch — repeat to end.
• Work 2 double crochets together in the last two stitches.

Joining the Triangles

Back Chain Connection

• Chain 3, yarn over, insert hook on last stitch of triangle.
• Make a double crochet.
• Chain 3, double crochet into previous loop — repeat to make 25 loops.
• Slip stitch to the top corner of the second triangle.
• Chain 1, fasten off, leave a long tail.

Creating the Body of the Top

Row 1

• Attach yarn to one triangle's bottom corner.
• Chain 2 (not counted).
• Double crochet in same stitch, chain 2.
• Shell stitch (2 DC, chain 2, 2 DC) in next stitch, chain 2, double crochet in next stitch — repeat around both triangles and across the back chain.

Rows 2–23

• Chain 2, turn.
• Double crochet in first stitch.
• Chain 2, shell into previous shell, chain 2, DC in next DC — repeat.

For Row 24 (Final Row)

• Chain 2, turn.
• Double crochet in first stitch.
• In next chain-2 space: work 3 DC, chain 2, 3 DC.
• DC in next DC — repeat pattern.
• Chain 1, cut yarn, fasten off.

Making the Straps

Neck Straps (Make 2)

• Attach yarn to top triangle corner.
• Chain 3, double crochet.
• Chain 3, DC into previous loop — repeat until you have 30 loops.

Bottom Straps (Make 2)

• Slip knot, attach yarn to bottom triangle corner.
• Chain 3, double crochet.
• Chain 3, DC into loop — repeat for 30 loops.

Adding Fringe

• Cut equal lengths of yarn.
• Attach fringe to the end of each strap.
• Trim fringe for evenness.

Finishing Touches

• Weave in all loose ends with a darning needle.
• Tie the straps securely and adjust for fit.
• Rock your new handmade shell top with confidence!