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Crochet Skull Collar Pattern

Crochet Skull Collar Pattern
4.5★ Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
3.3K 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.

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Weekend Treat

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

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Snug Essential

Everyday comfort with practical charm, designed for both functionality and style through changing seasons.

About This Crochet Skull Collar Pattern

This pattern creates an elegant lace collar with a skull motif crocheted into the center for a striking gothic look. It uses sport weight thread and a 2 mm hook to produce fine, delicate stitches and detailed shaping. The instructions include row-by-row directions and photos to help you place the skull's eyes and nose.

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

The collar fastens with long laces threaded through loops, giving a corset-like finish and adjustable fit. It is ideal for costume wear or as a unique fashion accessory.

Why You'll Love This Crochet Skull Collar Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it blends delicate lacework with bold skull detailing for a uniquely dramatic accessory. I enjoy the mix of shell stitches and shaping that gives the collar so much texture and personality. The step-by-step rows are satisfying to work and the skull motif is a fun focal point to position precisely. I also love that the laces give you flexibility in fit and styling, so each finished collar feels custom.

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 to customize this collar by changing the yarn color to create different moods; try soft pastels for a whimsical twist or deep jewel tones for a dramatic gothic look.

You can make the collar larger or smaller by adjusting the starting chain; a longer chain will give a broader collar while a shorter chain makes a tighter choker.

I often use metallic or glitter thread held together with the main thread for a subtle shimmer on the shells that catches the light beautifully.

Try adding small beads into shell spaces as you work Row 4 or Row 6 to create beaded accents along the outer edge for extra texture.

If you want a sturdier lace for costume wear, use a slightly heavier sport or light DK yarn and increase the hook size one step, then adjust counts as needed for spacing.

I sometimes embroider tiny highlights on the skull eyes using contrasting thread to change the facial expression and make the motif pop.

For a Victorian-inspired look, add a row of picots along the bottom edge after Row 12 to give a delicate scalloped finish.

Use ribbon instead of the crocheted lace if you prefer a smoother closure; thread a satin ribbon through the loops for a polished finish.

I also enjoy making matching accessories such as fingerless gloves or a small lace cuff to echo the shell motif and tie the outfit together.

Don't be afraid to mix fibers—cotton for crisp definition or a silk blend for drape—each will change the collar's feel and appearance in delightful ways.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping the turning chain or miscounting the initial chain will offset the entire collar; recount your starting chain (76 + 2) and ensure it matches before proceeding. ✗ Not slipping to the correct shell space before starting a row can misplace the shell motifs; always SL ST to the shell sp as instructed to align motifs correctly. ✗ Crocheting shells unevenly causes laces and motifs to shift; space your shells as evenly as possible and adjust by eye if you narrow the collar. ✗ Failing to follow the special instructions on Row 8 for the eyes and nose will distort the skull; carefully work the dc2tog and ch sequences exactly as written to form the facial features. ✗ Ignoring the note about narrowing the collar will create sizing problems; if the collar is too wide, skip dc of pr rather than adding or removing entire pattern repeats to keep shells nicely spaced.

Crochet Skull Collar Pattern

Make a dramatic gothic-inspired crochet skull collar to wear as a choker or decorative neckpiece. This pattern gives you a delicate skull motif framed by lacy shells — perfect for costume, gothic fashion, or statement accessories. You will follow clear row-by-row instructions and photos to guide placement of the skull eyes and nose.

Intermediate 5-7 Hours

Materials Needed for Crochet Skull Collar Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Any sport weight thread suitable for a 2 mm crochet hook, approximately half a ball
  • 02
    Recommended example: Garnstudio Drops Safran (use approximately half a ball)

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 2 mm

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— Materials & Notes :

Infos :

Skill level: intermediate. Materials: Size 2 mm crochet hook. Any sport weight thread that is suitable for size 2 mm hooks. I would recommend this: https://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/garnstudio-drops-safran. You would need half a ball. Crochet stitch notes: Ch – crochet chain stitch. St – stitch. Sl st – slip stitch. Sk st – skip stitch. Sc – single crochet stitch. Dc – double crochet stitch. Dc2tog – double crochet two together. tr – treble crochet stitch. Shell – 2dc-ch2-2dc, crochet together in one stitch of gap. Sshell – ch2-dc-ch2-2dc, crochet together in one stitch of gap. sp – space. pr – previous row.

— 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 :

(here you will be making the eyes and the nose of the skull): 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 :

Info :

Before working at the choker part, please check if the collar is not too wide for you.

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 (P1) :

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

Assembly Instructions

  • Join the choker part to the main collar by joining the thread to the first dc of the previous row and working a row of single crochet across the top edge to create the choker band.
  • Check the collar width before working the choker; if it is too wide, narrow it by skipping some dc of the previous row instead of crocheting sc in each dc until you achieve a comfortable fit.
  • Fasten off after completing Rows 2-4 of the choker part and weave in ends securely so the choker lays flat and tidy against the neck.
  • Make a chain of approximately Ch300 for laces (adjust longer or shorter) and thread the laces through the loops marked at the beginning and end of the choker in a corset-like manner for adjustable closure.

Important Notes

  • 💡Use the exact starting chain (76 + 2) and verify stitch counts at the end of each row to keep shell motifs aligned.
  • 💡If you narrow the collar, counts for Rows 2-4 may not match exactly; focus on spacing shells evenly rather than strict counts.
  • 💡Pay close attention to Row 8 where the skull eyes and nose are formed; follow the dc2tog and ch sequences exactly for correct shaping.
  • 💡Insert laces through the marked loops after finishing and fastening off to ensure the corset-like closure functions correctly.

This skull collar pattern brings a touch of gothic romance to your wardrobe with delicate shells and a bold skull centerpiece. It is perfect for costume nights, themed events, or anytime you want to add dramatic flair to an outfit. Make it in classic black or a surprising color to suit your style — and enjoy the crafting journey! 🖤🧶

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

Size will vary with yarn and tension, but following the pattern with sport weight thread and a 2 mm hook produces a choker-like collar that fits a typical neckline and uses about half a ball of thread.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can use different yarn weights, but your finished size and drape will change; use a suitably sized hook and expect to adjust the starting chain and possibly the number of repeats.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated intermediate, so basic crochet knowledge including shells, dc2tog, and working into chain spaces 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 depending on experience and any adjustments you make to size or embellishments.

How do I make the collar narrower if needed?

If the collar is too wide, make it narrower by skipping some double crochet stitches of the previous row rather than changing the shell repeat structure, and then space shells evenly by eye.