The Iwona Easy Lace Crochet Top is a free crochet pattern that is made to measure and size inclusive. It is designed to be intuitive and is written for beginners. The full instructions are posted below.
We absolutely loved working with this yarn for The Iwona Easy Lace Crochet Top. We have had this stitch in mind for a long time and we were waiting for the perfect yarn. When Lion Brand Yarns released a DK version of their cotton yarn and included a “print” series, we knew the two would be a match. It had the perfect texture and drape to bring out the stitch definition in the lace pattern, and the random color changes looked awesome.
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While we selected a fun mix of colors for our version of The Iwona Easy Crochet Lace Top, we think it would look absolutely gorgeous in a solid color too. Maybe something soft and neutral for a minimalist look, or bold and bright for a statement piece. All the yarn details, hook size, and measurements you will need can be found in the Crochet Measurements section below.
This crochet top is completely made to measure, meaning you can customize the fit to your body and preferences. Crop it for a summery vibe or add extra length for more coverage. We’re already thinking of making a longer version of this as a crochet beach cover up or even a lightweight crochet tunic top.
When it comes to styling, The Iwona Easy Lace Crochet Top is so easy to wear. Pair it with high-waisted jeans or shorts for a casual day out, or layer it over a bralette or tank for a cool summer outfit. It even works beautifully as a festival top or a lightweight layering piece for vacation. However you wear it, this easy lace crochet top is sure to become a favorite in your handmade wardrobe.
We love these sleeves!!
The Iwona Easy Lace Crochet Top is made using a simple lace shell stitch that works up beautifully with just a few basic stitches. Whether you’re new to crochet or a seasoned maker, this free crochet top pattern is going to be a super fun and relaxing summer project.
If you are looking for more cute tee tops, check out The Sea to Sky Laced Short Sleeve, The Holiday Lace and Mesh Crochet Top and The Work to Weekend Pretty Lace Crochet Tee Top.
Let’s get going on The Iwona Easy Lace Crochet Top. Tag us your work in progress on social media and stay up to date on our new pattern releases.
DESCRIPTION of The Iwona Easy Lace Crochet Top
The Iwona Easy Lace Crochet Top is a long sleeved top using a basic lace shell stitch pattern. It is designed to be slightly oversized and the sleeves are wide without ribbing. It features a simple, boat neck with a raw edge drawn from the lace pattern. We used a color changing yarn however this would look amazing in a solid color too.
The Iwona Easy Lace Crochet Top is a made to measure, size inclusive, and beginner friendly pattern. It can accommodate different yarn gauges. It uses simple stitches of primarily single crochets and double crochets to create the lace pattern.
CROCHET MEASUREMENT & SIZES
The Iwona Easy Lace Crochet Top pattern instructions are made to measure, based on your required measurements.
Kiks + Jack Crochet will always try to write patterns that are “made to measure”. One of the best things about made to measure crochet patterns is that it celebrates the uniqueness of your body, something we all deserve from our handmade clothes. Unlike commercial sizing, which categorizes everyone into a limited range from XS to 5XL, made to measure patterns let you decide the fit based on your actual measurements. Every body is different, and we shouldn’t have to shape ourselves to fit a size chart. However if taking measurements is challenging and you would still like to use standard sizing we have listed them below for your convenience.
To use Iwona Easy Lace Crochet Top pattern you will need the following measurements and you should write them down for easy reference:
Chest/Bust: Measure around the fullest part of your chest/bust. Do not draw the tape too tightly.
Finished length: Measure from your waistline (or where you would like the top to end) up to the top of your shoulder. For a beach coverup or tunic style you may want to take this measurement from your hips.
Armhole Depth: Measure from the top outside edge of the shoulder down to the armpit
Arm Length: Measure from armpit to wrist (or where you would like the sleeve to end). We take this measurement to below our wrists as we always prefer oversized sleeves.
If you would still like to use standard sizing for the chest/bust – then for XS (S, M , L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL) use approximately 28-30 (32-34, 36-38, 40-42, 44-46, 48-50, 52-54, 56-58, 60-62) inches or 71-76 (81-86, 91-96, 102-107, 112-117, 122-127, 132-137, 142-147, 152-158) centimetres.
If you would like to use standard sizing for armhole depth – then for XS (S, M , L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL) use approximately 6-6.5 (6.5-7, 7-7.5, 7.5-8, 8-8.5, 8.5-9, 9-9.5, 9.5-10, 10-10.5) inches or 15.5-16.5 (16.5-17.5, 17.5-19, 19-20.5, 20.5-21.5, 21.5-23, 23-24, 24-25.5, 25.5-26.5) centimetres
If you would like to use standard sizing for arm length – then for XS (S, M , L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL) use approximately 16.5 (17, 17, 17.5, 17.5, 18, 18, 18.5, 18.5) inches or 42 (43, 43, 44.5, 44.5, 45.5, 45.5, 47, 47) centimetres
Note: The Iwona Easy Lace Crochet Top is designed as a classic fit with some positive ease.
CROCHET GAUGE
The Iwona Easy Lace Crochet Top pattern is made to measure and can therefore accommodate for yarns with different gauges ie. you do not need to match ours exactly – however try to select a yarn and hook with a gauge similar to this version.
Using a crochet hook size 4 mm (US size 6) approximately 15 stitches and 9 rows of double crochet in 4″ x 4″ (10 cm x 10 cm).
CROCHET MATERIALS for The Iwona Easy Lace Crochet Top
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Yarn Brand: 24/7 Cotton DK Yarn by Lion Brand Yarn. Weight 3/DK/Light Worsted. 100g per skein and 273 yards (or 250 m). We used the colour Flamingo.
Approximately 4.2 skeins or 1147 yards (or 1050 m) used for our garment with a finished width of 16 inches and a finished length of 16 inches.
Here are some other yarns we would love to try with this crochet pattern:
Softee Cotton by Bernat. Weight 3/DK/Light Worsted.
24/7 Cotton (weight 4) by Lion Brand Yarns or purchased here on Amazon.
Happy Place by Hobbii. This is a cotton wool blend and is one of our favourite cotton blend yarns.
4 mm crochet hook (US size 6). We use many different crochet hooks and if you are looking for some great budget friendly ergonomic crochet hooks try these from Amazon. It comes in a set and the grip and the shape is amazing for beginner crocheters. However our two favourites, slightly more pricey crochet hooks are clover crochet hooks and for this version we used the stunning Metal Furls Crochet Hooks. They have them in the most beautiful shades of pink blush, red, golden and silver in their streamline metal crochet hooks!
Measuring Tape. We use a super budget friendly measuring tape. Make sure it has cm and inches (not all patterns are written with both). We are always crocheting on the go so we like our tapes small and compact and we put one in our design area, one in our bag and one in our car. Retractable works best! We use these super cheap mini measuring tapes from Amazon.
Stitch Markers. We use these locking crochet stitch markers from Amazon and these stitch markers that do not lock. They are cheap and colourful.
Blocking Pins. You should buy more pins than you think you need. If you are going to take the time to block don’t skimp on the pins. We like T shaped stainless steel pins that don’t rust when they get wet. We love these blocking T pins from Amazon and the tin means the pins don’t fall out on the floor.
Yarn Needle. Buy blunt needles with large eyes for yarn. We use these Yarn Needles because we like the convenient bottle, they are budget friendly and we get lots of them!
Scissors. We love these thread snippers because they are cheap, we get two of them AND they come with a case (some don’t). Don’t carry these without the case! After you use thread snippers you won’t want to snip with scissors
CROCHET STITCHES & ABBREVIATIONS
The Iwona Easy Lace Crochet Top pattern uses US terminology.
ch = chain (With one loop on your hook, yarn over and pull through the loop)
sc = single crochet (Insert hook into desired stitch. Yarn over and pull through the stitch. You now have two loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through all two loops)
dc = double crochet (Yarn over and insert hook into desired stitch. Yarn over and pull through the stitch. You now have three loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops. You now have two loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through all two loops)
ch1-sp = chain 1 space
tch = turning chain
sl st = slip stitch
st = stitch
sk = skip stitch
* = repeat the instructions following the * as directed
Note unless stated otherwise turning chains do not count as a stitch if there are 1 or 2 chains and the turning chain does count as a stitch if there are 3 or 4 chains.
SUMMARY of CONSTRUCTION for The Iwona Easy Lace Crochet Top
The Iwona Easy Lace Crochet Top is made by first crocheting a back panel and an identical front panel. We will start by crocheting the panels bottom up. We will then crochet the neckline on both panels after customizing the neckline opening.
Next we will crochet two wide sleeve panels according to your desired length. The two panels will be seamed together and then the sleeve panels will be seamed directly on to the panels. The neckline will be left as the wavy frill.
The Iwona Easy Lace Crochet Top pattern is made to measure and can accommodate for different gauges.
PERMISSIONS AND COPYRIGHT for The Iwona Easy Lace Crochet Top
You may not publish or share any pattern on this website www.kiksandjackcrochet as your own including this pattern The Iwona Easy Lace Crochet Top. Except as permitted by the copyright law applicable to you, you may not reproduce or communicate any of the content on this website, including files downloadable from this website, without the permission of the copyright owner, Kiks + Jack Crochet.
You may not use any Kiks and Jack Crochet photo as your own photo.
You may crochet items to sell using The Iwona Easy Lace Crochet Top pattern upon permission by email at [email protected]. Please link back to this post in exchange.
PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS for The Iwona Easy Lace Crochet Top
Crochet the Main Back Panel
Tip: If you are using a color changing yarn, like ours, you may want to think about what color you would like to start with for your foundation chain. We went through our skein and found the dark red as we wanted this edging the base of our top.
Calculate the length of your foundation chain as follows:
| Calculation | Kiks + Jack Crochet Example |
| Halve your “Chest/Bust Measurement“ | Our chest/bust measurement = 32 inches around Half our chest/bust measurement = 32/2 = 16 inches |
| If you would like your top to be fitted you can leave the measurement as is. If you would like a more oversized top you can add 1-2 inches. We will check this again after a few rows. | We wanted the body of our top to be less oversized and left our measurement as is ie. 16 inches |
Chain a length as calculated above counting the number of chains at the same time. Do not pull the chain too tight when you measure it.
Make sure the total number of chains is a multiple of 8. If the total number of chains is not a multiple of 8, then increase the number of chains so that the total number of chains is a multiple of 8. If you already have a multiple of 8 then keep it as is.
Chain 1 more.
Kiks + Jack Crochet Example: Our chest/bust measurement = 32 inches around and we have to chain 16 inches as per our calculation above. We reached 16 inches after chaining 70 chains. 70 is not a multiple of 8, so we add 2 more chains to make it 72. We add 1 extra chain to make the total number of chains 73.
Row 1: ch1, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across the row until end. Turn
Row 2: ch1, sc in 1st st, *sk 3st, 9dc in next st, sk 3st, 1sc in next st, rep from * until end of row. Turn
Row 3: ch3, 1dc in 1st st, *ch5, sk 9dc cluster, [1dc, ch1, 1dc] in next sc, rep from * to last 9dc cluster and end with ch5, sk 9dc cluster, 2dc in last sc. Turn
Row 4: ch3, 4dc in 1st st, *1sc in 5th dc of next 9dc cluster below (you will enfold the ch5 – see photo below to help), 9dc in next ch1-sp (at the [1dc, ch1, 1dc] cluster), rep from * ending with 5dc in top of tch. Turn
It’s a great time to conduct an intuitive check to see if you are completely happy with the width of the top before you crochet any further. You may want to hold it up against you to check. If it’s perfect keep going. If you would like to make changes to the width, it is best to start again increasing or decreasing the number of chains that you originally used making sure you follow all the rules relating to the stitch multiples. Sometimes our yarn is stretchier than we anticipated, and sometimes we change our mind on the amount of positive ease we would like in our top.
Row 5: ch3, sk5dc, [1dc, ch1, 1dc] in next sc, *ch5, sk 9dc cluster, [1dc, ch1, 1dc] in next sc, rep from * ending with ch2, sl st in top of tch. Turn
Row 6: ch1, 1sc in sl st, *9dc in next ch-1 sp, 1sc in 5th dc of next 9dc cluster below (you will enfold the ch5 – see photo below to help), rep from * ending with 1sc in top of tch. Turn
Photo on how to”Enfold the ch5″: Here is a swatch of us starting Row 6. We have just crocheted a 9dc cluster and next we single crochet into the middle of the 9dc cluster 2 rows below ie. enclosing and securing the chain 5 at the same time. You will do something similar in Row 4 as well.
Repeat rows 3-6 in that order until the total length is equal to your “Finished Length Measurement” less 1-2 inches (depending on how deep you would like your neckline – we used approximately 1.5 inches). Finish on a Row 6 as we will base the instructions for the neckline starting on a Row 3.
Fasten off.
Crochet the Front Panel
Repeat all the instructions under “Crochet the Main Back Panel”. Do not fasten off when you have finished and secure with a stitch marker.
You should now have two identical panels – a back panel and a front panel.
Measure the Neckline on the Back and Front Panel
We assume you have just finished on a Row 6 for both panels.
We will now measure out and crochet the neckline for the two panels. Crocheting two panels first without any neckline allows you “try it on” (see below) and ensures you get the perfect neckline width before you crochet the neckline on to the two panels.
Measure approximately 4 inches in from the left edge of the back panel and place a stitch marker AFTER the 9dc cluster (the SM must be placed between clusters not in the centre of the cluster). This will be the start of your neck opening. Count the same number of clusters from the right edge of the back panel and place a SM between the clusters.
Do the same on the front panel on both sides.
Attach the two panels together lining up the 4 stitch markers and secure the panels together with locking stitch markers. Place the panels over your head and double check you are happy with the neck opening. If you would like it tighter then move the stitch markers closer to your neck ensuring the SM is between clusters. If you would like the neck opening wider, then move the stitch markers away from your neck. Make sure it is the same number of clusters on each side on both the front and back panel.
For Kiks + Jack’s version, we measured 3 clusters in from each side. Based on our gauge this is approximately 5 inches.
Crochet the Neckline on the Back and Front Panel
Now that you have measured out the neckline, we will start to crochet it. Start with the front panel and pick up the working yarn. We assume you have just completed a Row 6.
Row 1: ch3, 1dc in 1st st, *ch5, sk 9dc cluster, [1dc, ch1, 1dc] in next sc, rep from * until you reach the st with SM, end with 2dc in last sc. Turn
Row 2: ch3, 4dc in 1st st, *1sc in 5th dc of next 9dc cluster below (you will enfold the ch5), 9dc in next ch1-sp, rep from * ending with 5dc in top of tch. Turn
Row 3: ch3, sk5dc, [1dc, ch1, 1dc] in next sc, *ch5, sk 9dc cluster, [1dc, ch1, 1dc] in next sc, rep from * ending with ch2, sl st in top of tch. Turn
Place the panel up against you and check if your neckline depth is sufficient? Ours was sufficient after Row 3 at approximately 1.5 inches. If you are happy with the total length of your front panel and the neckline depth you can stop here at Row 3 like we did and move on to your two hdc rows below. If you would like a slightly deeper neckline you can continue on to Row 4-5 (end on a Row 5).
Row 4: ch1, 1sc in sl st, *9dc in next ch-1 sp, 1sc in 5th dc of next 9dc cluster below (you will enfold the ch5), rep from * ending with 1sc in top of tch. Turn
Row 5: ch3, 1dc in 1st st, *ch5, sk 9dc cluster, [1dc, ch1, 1dc] in next sc, rep from * ending with 2dc in last sc. Turn
Do not fasten off.
Finish off with 2 rows of hdc.
You will now crochet 2 rows of hdc. There are two sets of instructions depending on whether you have just finished on a Row 3 or a Row 5.
If you finished on a Row 3, then: ch2, 2hdc in ch-2 sp, *1hdc in next 3 st (ie this should be the [1dc, ch1, 1dc] cluster), 2hdc in ch-5 sp, 1sc in 5th dc of next 9dc cluster below (you will enfold the ch5), 2 more hdc in the same ch-5 sp, rep from * ending with hdc at top of tch. Turn. Next, ch2, hdc across the row until the end, hdc in top of tch. Fasten off.
If you finished on a Row 5, then: ch2, hdc in 2nd st, *2hdc in ch-5 sp, 1sc in 5th dc of next 9dc cluster below (you will enfold the ch5), 2 more hdc in the same ch-5 sp, 1hdc in next 3 st (ie this should be the [1dc,ch1, 1dc] cluster), rep from * ending with 1 hdc in second last st, 1 hdc in top of tch. Turn. Next, ch2, hdc across the row until the end, hdc in top of tch. Fasten off.
Now crochet the neckline on the other side of the front panel. Attach a yarn to the stitch with the second SM and repeat the instructions above in this section. However note with Row 1 you will repeat from * until you reach the edge of the top and end with 2dc in last st (as you are starting at the SM). Continue to rows 2-3, crochet rows 4-5 if necessary and end with 2 rows of hdc.
Fasten off.
Repeat the same instructions on the back panel on both sides so your neckline is the same on all 4 sides of both panels.
We will now move on to the sleeve panels.
Crochet the Main Sleeve Panel
To calculate the number of stitches across the ribbing, calculate as follows:
| Calculation | Kiks + Jack Crochet Example |
| What is your armhole depth measurement? Double this number. | Our armhole depth is 6.5 inches. We double it to 13 inches |
| Add 1-2 more inches for ease. | 13 + 1 = 14 inches. |
Chain a length as calculated above counting the number of chains at the same time. Do not pull the chain too tight when you measure it.
Make sure the total number of chains is a multiple of 8.
Chain 1 more.
Row 1: ch1, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across the row until end. Turn
Row 2: ch1, sc in 1st st, *sk 3st, 9dc in next st, sk 3st, 1sc in next st, rep from * until end of row. Turn
Row 3: ch3, 1dc in 1st st, *ch5, sk 9dc cluster, [1dc, ch1, 1dc] in next sc, rep from * until to last 9dc cluster and end with ch5, sk 9dc cluster, 2dc in last sc. Turn
Row 4: ch3, 4dc in 1st st, *1sc in 5th dc of next 9dc cluster below (you will enfold the ch5), 9dc in next ch1-sp, rep from * ending with 5dc in top of tch. Turn
Row 5: ch3, sk5dc, [1dc, ch1, 1dc] in next sc, *ch5, sk 9dc cluster, [1dc, ch1, 1dc] in next sc, rep from * ending with ch2, sl st in top of tch. Turn
Row 6: ch1, 1sc in sl st, *9dc in next ch-1 sp, 1sc in 5th dc of next 9dc cluster below (you will enfold the ch5), rep from * ending with 1sc in top of tch. Turn
Continue Rows 3-6 until you reach your Arm Length Measurement.
Fasten off.
We will show you how to check the sleeve length again under “Assembly” so that you can ensure you have the perfect fit.
Remember you need to crochet two identical sleeve panels.
Assembling The Iwona Easy Lace Crochet Top
Kiks + Jack Crochet highly recommends blocking all your panels before assembly. Blocking your panels will set your panels to the shape and size you want.
We block our panels by pinning all the pieces on to an old yoga mat and manipulating the shape and edges so the front and back panel are similar and the two sleeve panels are similar. We then spray it with water focusing on the edges and ensuring it is well saturated. Do not remove the pins until the panels are completely dry.
Step 1: Seam the Front and Back Panel at the shoulder.
Place the front and back panels together with the right sides facing together. With a yarn needle, seam the two panels together across the shoulders starting from the edge and across. Fasten off.
Step 2: Line up your sleeves at the midway point to the shoulder and seam.
Open up the two panels (now seamed at the shoulders) so that the right side is facing the floor and the wrong side is facing upwards. Take one of your crocheted sleeves and fold it in half lengthways. Place a stitch marker at the top of your sleeve at the centre point (read note below regarding which way you would like to position the top of the sleeve).
Important note: We wanted the clusters to lie at the bottom of the sleeve so we flipped the panel and made the “top of the sleeve” the side with the starting foundation chain. If you would like to do the same, note that the clusters will face the opposite direction to the main panel.
With the wrong side of the sleeve facing up, attach this stitch marker to the left edge of the left shoulder seam.
Customization Tip: It is a good time to check the length of your sleeve. You can “seam” it with a few locking stitch markers to the main panel. Try it on. If you would like the sleeve to be longer (eg. we like the sleeve to end almost at the knuckles vs the wrist), you can remove the knot on your sleeve panel (where you fastened off) then add a few more rows on to your sleeve. Or you can reduce rows if you like your sleeves shorter by removing the knot first and pulling out (frogging) a few rows. Make sure you do the same on the second sleeve so they are identical.
When everything is perfect, using a yarn needle and matching yarn, seam the sleeves to the main panels (wrong side facing up). See first diagram below (for illustrative purposes only does not show scalloping etc)
Do the same on the right side with the other sleeve.
Step 3: Seam the sides of the sweater and the bottom of the sleeve together.
Fold the two panels and sleeve panels at the seamed shoulders so that your sweater is facing wrong side out. With a yarn needle and matching yarn, seam the sides of the two panels together up to the armpit and along the bottom of the sleeve. See second diagram above (for illustrative purposes only)
Finish & Celebrate The Iwona Easy Lace Crochet Top
Weave in all your ends.
Congratulations you have finished The Iwona Easy Lace Crochet Top and we hope you enjoyed this free crochet pattern.
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