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Crochet Skull Collar Pattern

Crochet Skull Collar Pattern
4.0★ Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
3.5K Made This
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Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic crochet experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

⏱️

Weekend Treat

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

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Stylish Touch

An elegant detail to elevate any look, combining traditional techniques with contemporary design sensibilities.

About This Crochet Skull Collar Pattern

This pattern creates a delicate lace skull collar with a separate choker section and corset-style lacing. It uses shell and treble stitch combinations to form the skull motif and lacy arches. The design is lightweight and wearable, worked in sport-weight thread for crisp stitch definition.

Crochet Skull Collar Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Youll start with the wide collar section, then add the narrower choker, and finish with long laces to tie. The pattern includes clear row-by-row instructions and notes to help you space shells evenly.

Why You'll Love This Crochet Skull Collar Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it combines classic lace shell stitches with a playful skull motif that feels both romantic and edgy. I enjoy how the small hook and sport-weight thread produce crisp, detailed stitches that really make the skull pop. Working the choker and collar as separate pieces gives you flexibility to adjust fit and style. I also love that the long laces let you customize how you wear it—corseted, tied at the back, or wrapped. Seeing the finished collar drape beautifully over a neckline always makes me proud of the delicate structure and character it adds to an outfit.

Crochet Skull Collar Pattern step 1 - construction progress Crochet Skull Collar Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Crochet Skull Collar Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Crochet Skull Collar Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love adapting this collar to different styles by changing color and yarn weight; try soft pastels for a romantic twist or metallic threads for a glam look.

If you want a chunkier version, use a bulkier yarn and a larger hook, adjusting chain counts as needed to keep proportions similar.

For a miniature pendant or brooch, make a smaller starting chain and reduce the number of repeats to create a tiny skull motif suitable for accessories.

You can add beads to the lace loops or stitch small beads into shell centers for sparkle and texture.

I like to sew a small ribbon or velvet strip to the inside of the choker for extra comfort against the skin.

Consider making the laces from ribbon, leather cord, or a twisted yarn braid instead of the ch chain for a different finish and feel.

Swap the skull color to contrast with the collar arches; a contrasting skull color makes the motif stand out dramatically.

Try blocking the finished collar aggressively for a stiffer look, or lightly steam-block for a softer drape depending on the desired effect.

Make a matching pair of cuffs or a small headpiece using the same shell and skull motifs to create a cohesive accessory set.

If you want a more subtle motif, reduce the size of the skull area by decreasing chains and repeats in the centre while keeping the side shells intact.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping the turning chain at the start of rows will change stitch placement and spacing; always make the counted chains and turn as instructed to keep the pattern aligned. ✗ Crocheting shells unevenly will distort the skull motif and arches; space your shells as evenly as possible and count stitches frequently to maintain symmetry. ✗ Making the collar too wide for your neck because you did not check fit; try the collar on before completing the choker and narrow by skipping some dc of the previous row if needed. ✗ Forgetting to crochet the marked stitches for lace loops will prevent laces from fitting correctly; make sure to crochet the blue-marked stitches at the beginning and end of rows to create insertion loops.

Crochet Skull Collar Pattern

Create a dramatic lace skull collar that adds gothic elegance to any outfit. This intermediate crochet pattern guides you through a delicate skull motif, lacy shell stitches, and a snug choker finish. Youll work with sport-weight thread and a small hook to craft a lightweight, wearable statement piece. Perfect for costumes, special events, or gifting to a friend with a love for unique accessories.

Intermediate 5-7 Hours

Materials Needed for Crochet Skull Collar Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Sport weight thread suitable for 2 mm crochet hooks (approximately half a ball)
  • 02
    Recommended: Garnstudio Drops Safran (sport/light yarn) - about 50g (half ball)
  • 03
    Color used in photos: Black (approximate quantity included above)

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 2 mm
  • 02
    Scissors
  • 03
    Tapestry/yarn needle for weaving in ends
  • 04
    Measuring tape to check collar width and ch length

Progress Tracker

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— Collar :

Info :

Start: crochet a chain of 76 + 2 (counts as the 1st dc).

Round 1 :

Dc in the 3rd from the hook and continue crocheting dc until the end of the row. Ch 1, turn.

Round 2 :

Sshell, ch14, sk 7 st, shell, *ch7, sk 8 st, shell, ch14, sk 7 st, shell (from * repeat 3 times more), ch1, turn.

Round 3 :

Sl st to shell sp, sshell, ch5, sk 5 ch, 4sc in each of the following ch, ch5, shell in the shell sp, *ch7, sk ch, shell in the shell sp, ch5, sk 5 ch, 4sc in each of the following ch, ch5, shell in the shell sp (from * repeat 3 times more), ch1, turn.

Round 4 :

Sl st to shell sp, sshell, ch4, sc on ch, 4sc in each of the following ch, sc on ch, (6 sc in total), ch4, shell in the shell sp, *ch5, sk ch, shell in the shell sp, ch4, sc on ch, 4sc in each of the following ch, sc on ch, ch4, shell in the shell sp (from * repeat 3 times more), ch1, turn.

Round 5 :

Sl st to shell sp, sshell, ch3, sc on ch, 6sc in each of the following ch, sc on ch, (8 sc in total), ch3, shell in the shell sp, *ch3, sk ch, shell in the shell sp, ch3, sc on ch, 6sc in each of the following ch, sc on ch, ch3, shell in the shell sp (from * repeat 3 times more), ch1, turn.

Round 6 :

Sl st to shell sp, sshell, ch3, sc on ch, 8sc in each of the following ch, sc on ch, (10 sc in total), ch3, shell in the shell sp, *ch1, sk ch, shell in the shell sp, ch3, sc on ch, 8sc in each of the following ch, sc on ch, ch3, shell in the shell sp (from * repeat 3 times more), ch1, turn.

Round 7 :

Sl st to shell sp, sshell, ch3, sc on ch, 10sc in each of the following ch, sc on ch, (12 sc in total), ch3, shell in the shell sp, *sk ch, shell in the shell sp, ch3, sc on ch, 10sc in each of the following ch, sc on ch, ch3, shell in the shell sp (from * repeat 3 times more), ch1, turn.

Round 8 :

Sl st to shell sp, sshell, ch5, sk ch, dc2tog in the 1st sc of pr, ch6, sk 4 st, sc, ch6, sk 5 st, dc2tog, ch5, sk ch, shell in the shell sp, *ch3, shell in the shell sp, ch5, sk ch, dc2tog in the 1st sc of pr, ch6, sk 4 st, sc, ch6, sk 5 st, dc2tog, ch5, sk ch, shell in the shell sp (from * repeat 3 times more), ch1, turn.

Round 9 :

Sl st to shell sp, sshell, ch6, sk ch, sc in dc2tog, 3 sc on ch, ch3, 3 sc on ch, sc in dc2tog, ch6, sk ch, shell in the shell sp, *ch5, shell in the shell sp, ch6, sk ch, sc in dc2tog, 3 sc on ch, ch3, 3 sc on ch, sc in dc2tog, ch6, sk ch, shell in the shell sp (from * repeat 3 times more), ch1, turn.

Round 10 :

Sl st to shell sp, sshell, ch7, sk ch and 1 sc, 3 sc in each of the following st, 3 sc on ch, 3 sc in each of the following st (9 sc in total), ch7, sk 1 sc and ch, shell in the shell sp, *ch3, sk 2 ch, shell in the 3rd ch, ch3, shell in the shell sp, ch7, sk ch and 1 sc, 3 sc in each of the following st, 3 sc on ch, 3 sc in each of the following st (9 sc in total), ch7, sk 1 sc and ch, shell in the shell sp (from * repeat 3 times more), ch1, turn.

Round 11 :

Sl st to shell sp, sshell, ch7, sk ch and 1 sc, dc2tog, ch1, sk st, dc, ch1, sk st, dc, ch1, sk st, dc2tog, sk st and ch, ch7, shell in the shell sp, *ch3, 2 dc in the shell sp, ch2, 2 dc in the same shell sp, ch2, 2 dc in the same shell sp, ch3, sk ch, shell in the next shell sp, ch7, sk ch and 1 sc, dc2tog, ch1, sk st, dc, ch1, sk st, dc, ch1, sk st, dc2tog, sk st and ch, ch7, shell in the shell sp (from * repeat 3 times more), ch1, turn.

Round 12 :

Sl st to shell sp, sshell, ch7, sk ch, dc2tog, ch1, sk st, dc, ch1, sk st, dc, ch1, sk st, dc2tog, sk ch, ch7, shell in the shell sp, *ch3, sk ch and 2 dc, shell in the ch sp, ch3, sk 2 dc, shell in the next ch sp, ch3, shell in the shell sp, ch7, sk ch, dc2tog, ch1, sk st, dc, ch1, sk st, dc, ch1, sk st, dc2tog, sk ch, ch7, shell in the shell sp (from * repeat 3 times more).

Info :

Cut thread, fasten off.

— Choker Part :

Round 1 :

Join thread to the 1st dc of the pr and work a row in sc. If the collar is too wide for your neck, make it narrower by skipping some dc of pr instead of crocheting sc in each dc until you feel comfortable. Turn.

Round 2-4 :

Ch5 (counts as 1st dc and ch2), sk 2 st, dc, ch4, sk 7 st, shell in the next st, *ch4, sk 7 st, shell in the next st (from * repeat 8 times more), dc, ch2, sk 2 st, dc. Fasten off.

Info :

NOTE: If you had to narrow your collar part, counting of Rows 2-4 may not be accurate for you. The key is to crochet your shells as evenly spaced as possible. In addition, you must not forget to crochet stitches marked in blue at the beginning and at the end of your rows. These stitches mark loops where you will have to insert your laces.

— Laces :

Laces (P1) :

Ch300 (longer or shorter) and insert it into loops in a corset-like manner.

Assembly Instructions

  • Join the choker part by joining thread to the 1st dc of the previous row and working a row of single crochet across to form the choker edge; fasten off and weave in ends securely.
  • Insert the long lace (ch300 or adjusted length) through the loops created by the marked stitches at the beginning and end of rows to lace the collar in a corset-like manner for closure.
  • Try the collar on before final sewing; if the collar is too wide, adjust the choker by skipping dc of the previous row when working the single crochet row to make it narrower.
  • Space shells evenly when working rows 2-4 of the choker so that lace loops line up properly; pin or block the collar before inserting laces to ensure accurate placement.

Important Notes

  • 💡Check the collar width before finishing the choker; you can narrow the choker by skipping some dc of the previous row if it feels too wide.
  • 💡Crochet your shells as evenly spaced as possible; uneven shells will distort the skull motif and the overall drape.
  • 💡Do not forget the stitches marked for lace loops at the beginning and end of rows; these mark where you will insert your laces.

This skull collar pattern is a unique blend of lacework and gothic charm, perfect for special occasions or bold everyday style. The delicate shells create airy texture while the skull motif adds dramatic impact to your neckline. Customize colors, adjust width, and enjoy wearing your handmade statement piece. 🖤✨

You ask,

we answer.

FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The finished collar width and fit will depend on your tension and how you space shells, but worked with the recommended yarn and hook it fits a standard adult neckline and can be adjusted by narrowing the choker section.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can, but changing yarn weight will alter the size and drape; use an appropriate hook size for your chosen yarn and consider adjusting chain counts and ch300 lace length accordingly.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated intermediate, so familiarity with shells, treble and double crochet, and reading row-by-row instructions is recommended for best results.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters complete this project in 5-7 hours, though time may vary based on experience level, yarn choice, and whether you block and pin components before finishing.