Create a charming crochet outfit with a bell sleeve top & matching skirt. This delightful duo is perfect for any casual outing or special event. With a soft touch of yarn and the swing of the bell sleeves, you'll feel both comfortable and stylish.
Crochet Bell Sleeve Top & Skirt
Crocheting this ensemble is a relaxing project, and at the end, you'll have a unique handmade addition to your wardrobe. The skirt sways gently with every step, while the top sits snugly, bringing a hint of elegance to your look. Whether you're out for a coffee or at a garden party, this crochet set is sure to turn heads and invite compliments.
Materials Needed:
- Super fine yarn (Hobie's summer sock yarn recommended)
- 3.5 mm crochet hook (waistband)
- 4.5 mm crochet hook (main skirt and top)
- Scissors
- Tape measure
- Stich markers
Skirt Pattern:
Waistband:
Make a slip knot.
Foundation Chain: Chain a length that fits around your waist but can also be comfortably pulled over your hips. (About 185 to 190 chains were used but were later adjusted as they were too long.)
- Ensure the chain doesn't twist and join to the first chain with a slip stitch to create a circle.
- Row 1: Chain 1, then half double crochet in the same stitch and every chain around. Join with a slip stitch to the first half double crochet.
- Row 2: Repeat Row 1 for the waistband. The chain one does not count as a half double crochet.
- Repeat Row 1 instructions for creating the waistband until you have the desired width. Additional rows may be necessary if the initial measurement was too large.
Skirt Body:
Switch to a 4.5 mm hook for a looser, more flowy fit.
- Row 1 (Increase Row): Chain 3, turn work, and place two treble crochets in each stitch around for a ruffled effect. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the initial chain 3.
- Mesh Pattern Row: Alternate between mesh rows and solid rows. Begin with a chain 3 and turn. This counts as the first treble crochet, chain 1, then skip a stitch, and treble crochet into the next, repeating around for the mesh effect.
- Continue alternating mesh and solid treble crochet rows until the skirt achieves your desired length before adding or correcting for any size adjustments.
Fixing Size Issues (if necessary):
- If the skirt is too large at this point, consider adding rows at the back with decreases (half double crochet decrease every 5th stitch) using a smaller hook size to tighten the waist.
Mini Skirt Version:
- Initially, a mini skirt is made with an option mentioned for later adjustment into a maxi skirt.
Bell Sleeve Top:
Begin with the same yarn and stitches as the skirt but adjust the initial chain length based on the shoulder-to-shoulder measurement to ensure proper bust coverage. Chain should be made loosely without stretching.
- Mesh Pattern: Similar to the skirt, create a mesh pattern body for the top, adjusting the size of the panels for a better fit around the bust. More room around the neck and shoulders is recommended for a comfortable fit.
- Sleeves: Instructions for the sleeves are based on the personal preference of length and fit, suggesting a continuation of the mesh pattern or solid rows.
Final Touches:
- Weaving ends, adding decorative borders or edging such as a Pico edge for a finishing touch.
- Recommendations for adding ribbons or additional rows (for increasing/decreasing size) are included, especially for the skirt's waistband for a better fit.
