Crochet Shell Vest Top Pattern For Effortless Style

Giving beautiful shell stitches, today's crochet vest shows a seamless look with its cleverly placed stitches. The versatile vest works great as a casual topper over tees, adding a cozy yet chic touch to your outfit.

The simple design includes three rows of mesh stitches, three rows of shell stitches, and repeats, creating a stunning piece that’s both fun to make and wear. Perfect for beginners stepping into intermediate-level crocheting!

Crochet Shell Vest Top Relaxed Tutorial

Making The Crochet Shell Vest Top Pattern

Materials:

Yarn: King Cole Big Value Recycled Dishcloth Cotton or any cotton yarn suitable for a 5 mm hook (approximately 300-350g)
Hook: 5 mm crochet hook
Scissors
Stitch Markers (optional)

Abbreviations:

ch = chain
dc = double crochet
tr = treble crochet
sl st = slip stitch
st(s) = stitch(es)

Instructions:

1. Chain Foundation:

Chain a multiple of 8 plus 2.
- Example: Ch 144 + 2 = 146 chains.

2. Row 1: Double Crochet:

Sk first 2 ch (counts as first dc), dc into the 3rd ch from the hook and into each ch across.

3. Row 2-4: Mesh Stitch:

Row 2: Ch 4 (counts as first dc and ch 1), *skip 1 st, dc into next st, ch 1; repeat * across. Dc into the top ch of the turning ch from the previous row.
Row 3-4: Repeat Row 2.

4. Row 5-7: Shell Stitch:

Row 5: Ch 3 (counts as first tr), tr into the next st, skip 3 sts, 7 tr into the next st, skip 3 sts, tr into the next st; repeat across.
Row 6: Ch 3 (counts as first tr), tr into the tr directly above the tr from the previous row, *skip 3 tr, 7 tr into the 4th tr from the previous row, skip 3 tr, tr into the next tr; repeat * across.
Row 7: Repeat Row 6.

5. Row 8-10: Mesh Stitch:

Row 8-10: Repeat Rows 2-4.

6. Joining:

Fold the panel in half and sl st the beginning ch row to the last row to form a tube.

7. Creating Front and Back Panels:

Find and mark the front section panels. Place 5 shells in the center which will be divided along with two shells on each side for underarm.
Front Panel: Repeat Shell Stitch pattern (Rows 5-7) for 3 rows, then Mesh Stitch pattern (Rows 8-10). Repeat this pattern one more time.
Back Panel: Just as the front panel.

8. Straps:

Attach yarn to the top edge of one of the front panel sides.
Shell Stitch: Repeat for 3 rows.
Mesh Stitch: Repeat for 3 rows.
Shell Stitch: Repeat for 3 rows.
Mesh Stitch: Repeat for 3 rows.
Final Shell Stitch: Repeat for 3 rows.
Final Mesh Stitch: Repeat for 6 rows.
Make sure to match the shell and mesh stitch placement for symmetry.

9. Attaching Straps:

With the vest inside out, sl st the straps to the back panel at the matching points.

10. Border:

Armhole Borders: Attach yarn at the seam, ch 2, and work dc around. Place 2 dc in the side of the shell stitch rows, and 1 dc in the sides of the mesh stitch rows.
Top Edge: Attach yarn to the back, work dc around the armhole, across the front, and down the other armhole.