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Colorblock Shell Crop Top Pattern

Colorblock Shell Crop Top Pattern
4.2★ Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
3.8K Made This
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Intermediate Level

I deal with this pattern as Intermediate

⏱️

Weekend Treat

Takes 5-7 hours, making it an enjoyable project to finish over a couple of days.

👕

Casual Chic

Relaxed style with a modern twist, perfect for everyday wear while maintaining that handcrafted uniqueness.

About This Colorblock Shell Crop Top Pattern

This pattern creates a colorblock shell crop top with lace detailing at the chest and scalloped shell edges at the straps. It includes step-by-step row instructions for sizes S, M, L and XL, with clear guidance for length and cup adjustments. The design uses 5 colors and alternates between 4mm and 7mm hooks for texture and drape.

Colorblock Shell Crop Top Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Detailed photos and notes are included to help you place shells, create lace rows and attach shoulder straps. Customization tips are provided so you can adapt the fit and cup coverage to your measurements.

Why You'll Love This Colorblock Shell Crop Top Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it blends playful colorwork with textural stitch techniques that give a handmade luxury feel. I enjoy how the shell rows frame the chest and the lace detail creates a delicate, feminine touch. The pattern lets me experiment with hook sizes and yarn colors to change the top's drape and scale. I find it satisfying to see a simple rectangle transformed into a fitted, wearable piece through shaping and straps.

Colorblock Shell Crop Top Pattern step 1 - construction progress Colorblock Shell Crop Top Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Colorblock Shell Crop Top Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Colorblock Shell Crop Top Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love how easy it is to customize this top by swapping colours for a different look; try tonal hues for a subtle effect or high-contrast brights for a statement piece.

You can change the size by altering the starting chain counts and adding or subtracting rows in the front or back panels; I often lengthen the front panel for more bust coverage.

If you want a chunkier summer top, use a thicker yarn and a larger hook; this will make a bolder shell and a slouchier drape.

For a delicate, smaller top try fingering weight yarn and smaller hooks to create a daintier, lacy version that works well for layering.

I sometimes add embroidery or small crocheted motifs on the front chest to personalize the piece and give it extra character.

To add support, stitch a strip of fabric or a wider band at the inside of the top where the straps join to anchor them more securely.

I like to experiment with strap width — wider straps are more comfortable and can be created by adding extra 1dc columns when making the shoulder straps.

Want a reversible option? Use mirror-image shell placement and finish with neat slip-stitch edging so both sides look tidy.

Try turning the lace section into a full panel by repeating the lace rows for a more open, beachwear-ready top.

I also enjoy making matching accessories like headbands or scrunchies using the same shell stitch to create a coordinated set.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping the turnover instruction at the end of each row will make your panel edges uneven; always turnover as listed to keep consistent edges. ✗ Failing to switch hook sizes where indicated will alter the shell and lace texture; change to the 7mm hook when the pattern instructs to get the correct openness. ✗ Not checking stitch counts after each row causes mismatched shell spaces and pattern repeats; count stitches especially after shell and lace rows. ✗ Forgetting that ch3 does not count as a dc leads to off-by-one errors in stitch counts; remember the important note and count actual stitches only.

Colorblock Shell Crop Top Pattern

Make a playful colorblock crop top with shell and lace stitch details. This pattern guides you through the front and back panels, shell rows, straps and sleeves with clear size options from S to XL. Youll enjoy mixing colors and creating a unique handmade wardrobe staple. Perfect as a gift or a fun personal project.

Intermediate 5-7 Hours

Materials Needed for Colorblock Shell Crop Top Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Yarn thickness: 100g = 290m, size 2
  • 02
    5 different colours, around 200g of yarn in total
  • 03
    Colour 1: yellow (used for bottom band and base rows)
  • 04
    Colour 2: dark pink (used for shell rows and accents)
  • 05
    Colour 3: light pink (used for chest lace rows)
  • 06
    Colour 4: turquoise (used for one sleeve/edge)
  • 07
    Colour 5: sage green (used for shell edging on straps)

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 4mm
  • 02
    Crochet hook size 7mm
  • 03
    Scissors
  • 04
    Yarn needle

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— Initial information :

Info :

Crochet terminology: US

Info :

Tools: A 4mm and 7mm crochet hook

Info :

Yarn thickness: 100g = 290m, size 2, 5 different colours, around 200g of yarn in total

Info :

Scissors and yarn needle

Infos :

Abbreviations: dc = double crochet. sc = single crochet. ch = chain. skip1ch = skip one chain. ss = slip stitch. dc2tog = double crochet 2 together (decrease). e.g. 20 x 1dc = place 1dc in each stitch for 20 stitches. e.g. 6 x 2dc = place 2dc in each stitch for 6 stitches.

Info :

Special stitches: shell: *1 x 1dc, ch3 or ch4, 1 x 1dc in the same stitch, skip1st*

Info :

Important note: ch3 at the beginning does not count as a dc. It isn't included in the stitch count.

Info :

Sizing: Size S is equivalent to 6-8 UK size. Size M is equivalent to 10 UK size. Size L is equivalent to 12-14 UK size. All three sizes fit cup sizes A-D. If you have a larger cup size (DD and above) but a smaller overall top size, I suggest making the front panel size S or M longer and referring to size S or M when making the back panel. If you have a smaller cup size but a larger overall top size, make the top your size normally but make the back panel a few rows longer if needed.

Info :

The shoulder straps are a standard length, however take it with a pinch of salt - if they need to be longer or shorter then customise them. Follow the pattern as normal and decrease at the shoulders as needed. Regularly try the sleeves on to be sure it is comfy.

— Stitches :

Info :

In this pattern I have two types of stitches. First type I call shells, and you can see how to make them in the stitch terminology and in my pattern. Shells appear in both the chest part and sleeves. The second type of stitch is what I call lace, it appears in the chest part - the light pink part in the pictures below, but mostly appears in the sleeves. Instructions on how to make lace rows are in the sleeves section of this pattern.

— Front panel :

Info :

At the end of each row, turnover. * symbol means repeat until the end of the row. I am using 5 different colours and have included the names of the colours so it is clear when looking at the follow-up pictures. You can use whichever colours youd like.

Info :

Front panel: 4mm hook Colour 1: yellow

Size S Row 1 :

ch62, turnover, skip2st, 60 x 1dc

Size S Row 2 :

ch3, 60 x 1dc

Size S Row 3 :

ch3, 60 x 1dc

Size S Row 4 :

ch3, 60 x 1dc

Size S Row 5 :

ch3, 60 x 1dc

Size S Row 6 :

ch3, 60 x 1dc

Size S Row 7 :

ch3, 60 x 1dc, cut, fasten off.

Size M Row 1 :

ch72, turnover, skip2st, 70x 1dc

Size M Row 2 :

ch3, 70 x 1dc

Size M Row 3 :

ch3, 70 x 1dc

Size M Row 4 :

ch3, 70 x 1dc

Size M Row 5 :

ch3, 70 x 1dc

Size M Row 6 :

ch3, 70 x 1dc

Size M Row 7 :

ch3, 70 x 1dc, cut, fasten off.

Size L Row 1 :

ch82, turnover, skip2st, 80 x 1dc

Size L Row 2 :

ch3, 80 x 1dc

Size L Row 3 :

ch3, 80 x 1dc

Size L Row 4 :

ch3, 80 x 1dc

Size L Row 5 :

ch3, 80 x 1dc

Size L Row 6 :

ch3, 80 x 1dc

Size L Row 7 :

ch3, 80 x 1dc, cut, fasten off.

Size XL Row 1 :

ch92, turnover, skip2st, 90x 1dc

Size XL Row 2 :

ch3, 90 x 1dc

Size XL Row 3 :

ch3, 90 x 1dc

Size XL Row 4 :

ch3, 90 x 1dc

Size XL Row 5 :

ch3, 90 x 1dc

Size XL Row 6 :

ch3, 90 x 1dc

Size XL Row 7 :

ch3, 90 x 1dc, cut, fasten off.

— Colour 2: dark pink (shell foundation) :

Info :

Colour 2: dark pink. Note: before starting these rows, flip the yellow band so that the shirt doesnt taper at the bottom. The instructions between the star symbols * means to repeat the instructions within them until the end of the row. Here we are using the shell stitch.

Size S Row 1 :

ch3, *1 x 1dc, ch3, 1 x 1dc in the same space, skip2st*. 1 x 1dc, turnover

Size S Row 2 :

ch3, 1 x 1dc, 20 shells in the 20 ch3 spaces, cut and fasten off.

Size M Row 1 :

ch3, *1 x 1dc, ch3, 1 x 1dc in the same space, skip2st*. 1 x 1dc, turnover

Size M Row 2 :

ch3, 1 x 1dc, 23 shells in the 23 ch3 spaces, cut and fasten off.

Size L Row 1 :

ch3, *1 x 1dc, ch3, 1 x 1dc in the same space, skip2st*. 1 x 1dc, turnover

Size L Row 2 :

ch3, 1 x 1dc, 26 shells in the 26 ch3 spaces, cut and fasten off.

Size XL Row 1 :

ch3, *1 x 1dc, ch3, 1 x 1dc in the same space, skip2st*. 1 x 1dc, turnover

Size XL Row 2 :

ch3, 1 x 1dc, 30 shells in the 30 ch3 spaces, cut and fasten off.

— Colour 3: light pink (chest lace rows) :

Info :

Colour 3: light pink. Use shell spaces from the dark pink row as foundation for lace and chest rows.

Size S Row 1 :

ch3, *1 x 2dc in each shell space, 1 x 1dc in the space between two shells*

Size S Row 2 :

ch3, 28 x 1dc, ch4, skip2st, 1x 1sc, ch4, skip2st, 28 x 1dc

Size S Row 3 :

ch3, 28 x 1dc, ch4, 1sc into space, ch4, 1sc into space, 28 x 1dc

Size S Row 4 :

ch3, 28 x 1dc, ch4, 1sc into space, ch4, 1sc into space, 28 x 1dc

Size S Row 5 :

ch3, 28 x 1dc, ch4, 1sc into space, ch4, 1sc into space, 28 x 1dc

Size S Row 6 :

ch3, 28 x 1dc, ch4, 1sc into space, ch4, 1sc into space, 28 x 1dc

Size S Row 7 :

ch3, 28 x 1dc, ch4, 1sc into space, ch4, 1sc into space, 28 x 1dc

Size M Row 1 :

ch3, *1 x 2dc in each shell space, 1 x 1dc in the space between two shells*

Size M Row 2 :

ch3, 33 x 1dc, ch4, skip2st, 1x 1sc, ch4, skip2st, 33 x 1dc

Size M Row 3 :

ch3, 33 x 1dc, ch4, 1sc into space, ch4, 1sc into space, 33 x 1dc

Size M Row 4 :

ch3, 33 x 1dc, ch4, 1sc into space, ch4, 1sc into space, 33 x 1dc

Size M Row 5 :

ch3, 33 x 1dc, ch4, 1sc into space, ch4, 1sc into space, 33 x 1dc

Size M Row 6 :

ch3, 33 x 1dc, ch4, 1sc into space, ch4, 1sc into space, 33 x 1dc

Size M Row 7 :

ch3, 33 x 1dc, ch4, 1sc into space, ch4, 1sc into space, 33 x 1dc

Size L Row 1 :

ch3, *1 x 2dc in each shell space, 1 x 1dc in the space between two shells*

Size L Row 2 :

ch3, 38 x 1dc, ch4, skip2st, 1x 1sc, ch4, skip2st, 38 x 1dc

Size L Rows 3-7 :

ch3, 38 x 1dc, ch4, 1sc into space, ch4, 1sc into space, 38 x 1dc (repeat for rows 3-7)

Size XL Row 1 :

ch3, *1 x 2dc in each shell space, 1 x 1dc in the space between two shells*

Size XL Row 2 :

ch3, 43 x 1dc, ch4, skip2st, 1x 1sc, ch4, skip2st, 43 x 1dc

Size XL Rows 3-7 :

ch3, 43 x 1dc, ch4, 1sc into space, ch4, 1sc into space, 43 x 1dc (repeat for rows 3-7)

Info :

Note: if you are a larger cup size, do a few extra rows of this colour until your bust is covered. All up to personal preference.

— Colour 2: continue (dark pink and shaping) :

Info :

Colour 2: dark pink continuation. Switch to dark pink for edge shells and shaping for the top of chest. Follow photos for placement of central ch4 lace spaces.

Size S Row 1 :

60 x 1dc with a 4mm hook

Size S Row 2 :

switch to 7mm hook ch3, 30 x 1dc (skip every other st)

Size S Row 3 :

ch3, *3 x 1dc, skip2st, 1 x 1dc, ch3, 1 x 1dc in the same space, skip2st*

Size S Row 4 :

ch3, *8 x 1dc in the shell space, skip1st, 1 x 1dc, skip1st*

Size M Row 1 :

70 x 1dc with a 4mm hook

Size M Row 2 :

switch to 7mm hook ch3, 35 x 1dc (skip every other st)

Size M Row 3 :

ch3, *3 x 1dc, skip2st, 1 x 1dc, ch3, 1 x 1dc in the same space, skip2st*

Size M Row 4 :

ch3, *8 x 1dc in the shell space, skip1st, 1 x 1dc, skip1st*

Size L Row 1 :

80 x 1dc with a 4mm hook

Size L Row 2 :

switch to 7mm hook ch3, 40 x 1dc (skip every other st)

Size L Row 3 :

ch3, *3 x 1dc, skip2st, 1 x 1dc, ch3, 1 x 1dc in the same space, skip2st*

Size L Row 4 :

ch3, *8 x 1dc in the shell space, skip1st, 1 x 1dc, skip1st*

Size XL Row 1 :

90 x 1dc with a 4mm hook

Size XL Row 2 :

switch to 7mm hook ch3, 45 x 1dc (skip every other st)

Size XL Row 3 :

ch3, *3 x 1dc, skip2st, 1 x 1dc, ch3, 1 x 1dc in the same space, skip2st*

Size XL Row 4 :

ch3, *8 x 1dc in the shell space, skip1st, 1 x 1dc, skip1st*

Info :

*In row 1, for the middle of the panel, place 1dc in the ch4 space, 1dc in between, and another 1dc in the second ch4 space. Check photos below for reference.

Info :

*To make this row look more symmetrical I have added 4dc at the end on top of the 3 x 1dc from row 3. Sometimes improvisation is needed :)

— Switch to 4mm hook / Back panel :

Info :

Where we cut off the dark pink yarn, attach yellow yarn to make the back panel and straps.

Size S Back panel :

Ch3, 43 x 1dc, turnover* repeat for 12 rows in total. At the end of the twelfth row, ch120-ch150, so it is 70cm long. Repeat for the other side of the front panel.

Size M Back panel :

Ch3, 43 x 1dc, turnover* repeat for 14 rows in total. At the end of the fourteenth row, ch120-ch150, so it is 70cm long. Repeat for the other side of the front panel.

Size L Back panel :

Ch3, 43 x 1dc, turnover* repeat for 16 rows in total. At the end of the sixteenth row, ch120-ch150, so it is 70cm long. Repeat for the other side of the front panel.

Size XL Back panel :

Ch3, 43 x 1dc, turnover* repeat for 18 rows in total. At the end of the eighteenth row, ch120-ch150, so it is 70cm long. Repeat for the other side of the front panel.

Info :

If you have made the front panel longer to support a larger cup size, just continue to do 1dc until the end of the side of the front panel, for example 55 x 1dc - however many you need.

Info :

Decide which way round youd like the top to be. The pattern author attached shoulder straps to the dark pink yarn so the chain 120-150 is below it, therefore we can lace the top up from bottom to top.

— Shoulder Straps :

Info :

With a 4mm hook, in an appropriate place for the first strap, attach your yarn and place 6 x 1dc, ch2, turnover. Create 28 rows in total of 6 x 1dc; this is the shoulder strap.

Info :

Sc the shoulder strap to the end of the back panel. Repeat for the second shoulder strap, symmetrically to the first.

Info :

If longer or shorter straps are needed, go for it! The next part of the pattern is a guide based on the length of the 28 rows however.

— Sleeves (Colour 4 turquoise area) :

Info :

At the back of the top where the shoulder strap and back panel meet, add your yarn for sleeves.

Size S Sleeve Row 1 :

ch3, 78 x 1dc, ss

Size S Sleeve Row 2 :

switch to 7mm hook, ch3, 38 x 1dc, (skip every other st) ss

Size S Sleeve Row 3 :

ch3, 38 x 1dc, ss

Size S Sleeve Row 4 :

ch3, *6 x 1dc, dc2tog*, ss

Size S Sleeve Row 5 :

ch3, *6 x 1dc, dc2tog*, ss

Size S Sleeve Row 6 :

ch3, dc2tog, 24 x 1dc, dc2tog, ss, cut, fasten off. Repeat with the other sleeve. (26st)

Size M Sleeve Row 1 :

ch3, 85 x 1dc, ss

Size M Sleeve Row 2 :

switch to 7mm hook, ch3, 42 x 1dc, (skip every other st) ss

Size M Sleeve Row 3 :

ch3, 42 x 1dc, ss

Size M Sleeve Row 4 :

ch3, *6 x 1dc, dc2tog*, ss (37st)

Size M Sleeve Row 5 :

ch3, *6 x 1dc, dc2tog*, ss (33st)

Size M Sleeve Row 6 :

ch3, dc2tog, 29 x 1dc, dc2tog, ss, cut, fasten off. Repeat with the other sleeve. (31st)

Size L Sleeve Row 1 :

ch3, 90 x 1dc, ss

Size L Sleeve Row 2 :

switch to 7mm hook, ch3, 45 x 1dc, (skip every other st) ss

Size L Sleeve Row 3 :

ch3, 45 x 1dc, ss

Size L Sleeve Row 4 :

ch3, *6 x 1dc, dc2tog*, ss (40st)

Size L Sleeve Row 5 :

ch3, *6 x 1dc, dc2tog*, ss (35st)

Size L Sleeve Row 6 :

ch3, dc2tog, 31 x 1dc, dc2tog, ss, cut, fasten off. Repeat with the other sleeve. (33st)

Size XL Sleeve Row 1 :

ch3, 102 x 1dc, ss

Size XL Sleeve Row 2 :

switch to 7mm hook, ch3, 51 x 1dc, (skip every other st) ss

Size XL Sleeve Row 3 :

ch3, 51 x 1dc, ss

Size XL Sleeve Row 4 :

ch3, *6 x 1dc, dc2tog*, ss (47st)

Size XL Sleeve Row 5 :

ch3, *6 x 1dc, dc2tog*, ss (41st)

Size XL Sleeve Row 6 :

ch3, dc2tog, 31 x 1dc, dc2tog, ss, cut, fasten off. Repeat with the other sleeve. (39st)

Info :

If you dont have enough stitches at the end of the row for another decrease, e.g 4 x 1dc, finish with a slip stitch as normal, then do 2 x 1dc and dc2tog in the next row - so 6 minus the remaining amount of stitches.

Info :

If you have made the straps longer or shorter, use this part as a guide and dont worry about matching the exact number of stitches after you finish the row. Make sure to still half the number of total stitches in Row 2 with your 7mm hook, match that number in row 3, and do a decrease every 6 stitches in Rows 4 and 5. Decrease once in the beginning of row 6 and again at the end of the row.

— Colour 5: sage green (shell rows for strap edge) :

Info :

4mm hook. Shell rows to edge the top of the strap/back junction.

Size S Shell Row 1 :

ch3, *1 x 1dc, ch4, 1dc in the same space, skip 1st* ss

Size S Shell Row 2 :

ch3, 13 shells in 13 ch4 spaces, ss, cut, fasten off

Size M Shell Rows :

Row 1: ch3, *1 x 1dc, ch4, 1dc in the same space, skip1st* ss. Row 2: ch3, 15 shells in 15 ch4 spaces, ss, cut, fasten off

Size L Shell Rows :

Row 1: ch3, *1 x 1dc, ch4, 1dc in the same space, skip 1st* ss. Row 2: ch3, 17 shells in 17 ch4 spaces, ss, cut, fasten off

Size XL Shell Rows :

Row 1: ch3, *1 x 1dc, ch4, 1dc in the same space, skip 1st* ss. Row 2: ch3, 20 shells in 20 ch4 spaces, ss, cut, fasten off

Info :

If you have customised the length of your straps, make sure you have around half the number of shells as you do 7mm hook stitches (e.g size S, 26 st and then the 13 shells).

Assembly Instructions

  • Sc the shoulder strap to the end of the back panel and repeat symmetrically for the second shoulder strap, ensuring straps are attached to the dark pink or chosen foundation yarn as decided.
  • Lace the two front panels together with the ch120-ch150 chain from the back panels, working from bottom to top to create the corset-style opening.
  • Attach sleeves by aligning the sleeve edge to the armhole and sewing with whipstitch or slip stitch, ensuring the lace edge and shell rows match the chest seam.
  • Sew in ends and weave them into the wrong side of the work; finish by blocking or wet shaping gently for a smooth look.

Important Notes

  • 💡Important note: ch3 at the beginning does not count as a dc and is not included in the stitch count.
  • 💡At the end of each row, turnover; this keeps edges even and should be done consistently for all panels.
  • 💡When instructed to switch hooks (4mm to 7mm), do so to achieve the correct shell openness and lace appearance.
  • 💡If you need longer straps or extra coverage for larger cups, extend the front panel or do extra lace rows before making the back panel.

This colorful shell crop top pattern mixes playful stitches with wearable shaping to make a special handmade piece. Try bold or soft palettes to match your style and enjoy the satisfying assembly and lacing details. Make it your own with strap or length adjustments—happy crocheting! 🧶✨

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The pattern offers sizes S, M, L and XL and the finished dimensions will vary by yarn and tension; follow the row counts and optional extra rows to customize fit.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

You can, but the pattern is designed for size 2 yarn (100g = 290m). Using different weights will change the finished size; choose an appropriate hook and adjust stitch counts as needed.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated intermediate and assumes you know basic stitches like dc, sc, ch, decreases and how to change hooks and work shell repeats.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters complete this project in 5-7 hours, depending on size, experience and how many customizations you make.

How do I adjust for a larger cup size?

You can make the front panel longer or add extra rows of the chest colour before constructing the back panel; the pattern suggests making the front panel size S or M longer if you have a larger cup size but smaller overall top size.