The Sea Foam Basic Beginner Lace Crochet Top is a free crochet pattern below that is made to measure, size inclusive and easy. It is designed and written specifically for beginners.
We have always loved the puff stitch. When used with a modern, easy crochet pattern, it’s super fun and gives the most gorgeous texture. Everyone has their own special stitch that seems to create that perfect crochet rhythm, that leads you into that peaceful crochet flow. For us, it’s stitches like the half double crochet, the mesh stitch and definitely this combination of the puff stitch!
It also helps that after you get into that blissful crochet rhythm, out pops the prettiest coolest crochet top for your personal wardrobe!
We are trying to keep all our crochet patterns free for everyone, when you access them online. We meet the costs of running this website through coffee donations at https://ko-fi.com/kiksandjackcrochet and ad revenue. When you buy us a cup of coffee, you buy us a cup of motivation. Thank you for keeping us motivated and inspired every day to keep designing free crochet patterns for you to view at our blog online.
You may have noticed that when we use a more intricate stitch (intricate but not difficult), we tend to keep the rest of the design pretty simple. It’s not only better for beginners, but we just like the look better – simple, modern, clean lines. It’s what we reach for on an every day basis and we want to crochet and design things that we actually wear …. with the hope that you would like it too!
The other great thing about this top, is that it would look awesome in a more formal setting too. Throw it over some black pants and under a jacket and it would look great to work. We have also worn this over a long cream maxi skirt with flip flops and it’s been a great casual boho vibe.
…and just ONE more thing we love about this top…it’s requested from tweens to grandmas! It makes us soooo happy to know that the ladies who taught us both to crochet, are requesting this pattern as much as the kids we teach this incredible craft to.
Initially we were going to make this a 3/4 mid sleeve. Similar to the Colins 3/4 Easy Sleeve Beginner Crochet Top. However when we got to the half way point, it looked so cute as a short sleeve that we stopped. The best part of a made to measure pattern is that you can make the adjustments that best suit you! This would look amazing as a flared long sleeve as well!
One note about the neckline. We crocheted a high V neck on one side and a high boatneck on the other side. We loved wearing it on both sides and photographed it both ways for you to see!
For this version, we used a beautiful soft cotton acrylic blend from Hobbii. We used this yarn for the So Pretty So Easy Oversized Crochet Top and we can’t wait to use it in more colours! It’s a weight 3/DK/Light Worsted and you can find all the details in the section “Crochet Materials” below.
So, let’s get started on the The Sea Foam Basic Beginner Lace Crochet Top!
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DESCRIPTION of The Sea Foam Basic Beginner Lace Crochet Top
The Sea Foam Basic Beginner Lace Crochet Top is a lacy, casual and beginner friendly top. We crocheted ours with some positive ease but generally a slightly tighter fit. However this pattern is customizable as it is a made to measure crochet pattern. It uses the beautiful puff stitch that gives the top stunning drape.
We crocheted a ribbing at the bottom. The neckline is a V neck at the front and can be customized. We left the edges on the neckline and sleeves raw in line with the stitch pattern.
The Sea Foam Basic Beginner Lace Crochet Top is a free and easy crochet pattern available as a size inclusive made to measure pattern. It is beginner friendly and uses primarily double crochets and the puff stitch.
CROCHET MEASUREMENTS & SIZES
The Sea Foam Basic Beginner Lace Crochet Top pattern instructions are made to measure, based on your desired measurements.
Kiks + Jack Crochet will always try to write patterns that are “made to measure” (versus graded sized patterns ie. XS, S, M etc) so that crocheters can get the wonderful benefits of making a garment that fits perfectly with flexibility on the gauge used. However we do appreciate taking measurements can be inconvenient for some and have also provided standard measurements for those who wish to use it.
To use the Sea Foam Basic Beginner 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 top of your shoulder towards your waistline and stop where you would like this crochet top to end. We designed ours to hit slightly above the hips.
Length to armpit: Measure from where you would like the top to end up to bottom of your armpit
Sleeve Length: Measure from armpit to just above your elbow (or where you would like the sleeve to end)
Armhole Depth: Measure from the top outside edge of the shoulder down to the armpit
If you would 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 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
Note: The Sea Foam Basic Beginner Lace Crochet Top is designed as a regular fit with some positive ease.
CROCHET GAUGE for The Sea Foam Basic Beginner Lace Crochet Top
Note The Sea Foam Basic Beginner Lace Crochet Top pattern is made to measure and can accommodate for different gauges. However try to select a yarn weight and hook size that is similar to ours.
For this pattern, we used a weight 3/DK/light worsted yarn and hook size 5 and our gauge is approximately 14 stitches across and 12 rows of double crochet in 4″ x 4″ (10cm x 10cm).
CROCHET MATERIALS for The Sea Foam Basic Beginner Lace Crochet Top
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Yarn brand: Acacia by Hobbii Yarn Weight 3/DK/Light Worsted. 100g per skein and 273 yards (or 250 m) per skein. Approximately 2.5 skeins (250g) or 683 yards (or 625 m) used for our garment (approximately XS) with a finished width of 16 inches and a finished length of 20 inches.
Color used is Sea Foam.
We would also love to make this pattern in:
This Bernat yarn, weight 3/Light worsted/DK; and
This yarn Milla Mia Naturally Soft Cotton, Weight 2/Sport/Fine.
5 mm crochet hook (US size 7). 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 absolute favourite, slightly more pricey crochet hooks are clover crochet hooks. You can buy them in a set or individually.
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 colorful.
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 case 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
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)
puff st = puff stitch (A.Yarn over and insert hook into desired stitch. Yarn over and pull through the stitch. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops. You now have 2 loops on your hook. B. Yarn over and insert hook back into same desired stitch. Yarn over and pull through the stitch. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops. You now have 3 loops on your hook. C. Yarn over and insert hook back into same desired stitch. Yarn over and pull through the stitch. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops. You now have 4 loops on your hook. D. Yarn over and pull through all 4 loops on the hook).
ch-4 sp = chain 4 space (eg. crochet into the space and not the stitch)
BLO = back loop only
tch = turning chain
sl st = slip stitch (Insert hook into desired stitch. Yarn over and pull through the stitch and the loop on your hook)
st = stitch
sk st = 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 Sea Foam Basic Beginner Lace Crochet Top
The Sea Foam Basic Beginner Lace Crochet Top is made by first crocheting a front panel from the bottom up. We start with a ribbing at the bottom and end with a V neckline. We then crochet a back panel with no V neckline. We will then seam the front panel and the back panels at the shoulder and the sides. After this, we crochet the sleeves directly on to the two panels. The sleeve length is customizable.
The Sea Foam Basic Beginner Lace Crochet Top is a made to measure pattern that is written specifically for beginners. As a made to measure pattern, the gauge should be similar to ours but does not need to be identical.
PERMISSIONS AND COPYRIGHT
Please do not publish or share The Sea Foam Basic Beginner Lace Crochet Top pattern as your own. You may crochet items to sell using this pattern upon permission by email at [email protected]. Please link back to this post in exchange.
Please do NOT use Kiks + Jack Crochet photos as your own photos.
PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS for The Sea Foam Basic Beginner Lace Crochet Top
Crochet the Ribbing on the Front Panel
ch 12
The height of our ribbing is approximately 2 inches. Based on our gauge this is 12 chains. If your gauge is different to ours, the height of your ribbing may be slightly different.
Row 1: hdc in 3rd ch from hook, hdc in each ch across until end. Turn
Row 2: ch2, hdc BLO in each st across. On the last st, hdc into the whole st. Turn
Repeat row 2 until the total length of the ribbing is equal to HALF of your “Chest/Bust Measurement“. Note: If you would like your top to be a little less fitted, you can add 1-2 inches, however do not make it too oversized as this pattern is designed to be a little more fitted.
K+J example: Our chest/bust measurement = 32 inches around. Half of 32 inches = 16 inches. We keep repeating row 2 until the total length of the ribbing reaches 16 inches
Count the total number of rows.
K+J example: We counted a total of 40 rows to achieve a length of 16 inches.
It’s a great time to do an intuitive check to see if you are completely happy with the width of the top. Before you crochet any further, place the ribbing up against you to see if the width (length of ribbing) is right for you. Note that your top will expand from the ribbing slightly. If you would like it to be wider, crochet a few more rows. If you would like the ribbing to be tighter, then you can frog (unravel) a few rows.
Do not fasten off.
Crochet the Main Front Panel
You will now crochet down the long side of the ribbing that you just crocheted.
To calculate the number of stitches that you will crochet down the long side of the ribbing, calculate as follows:
| Calculation | Kiks + Jack Crochet Example |
| Count the number of rows in your ribbing | We have 40 rows in our ribbing (to achieve 16 inches) |
| Multiply this by 1.2 | 40 X 1.2 = 48 stitches |
| This number needs to be a multiple of 4. If is it not, round up or down to the nearest 4. | 48 stitches is a multiple of 4 so we leave it as is. |
| Divide this number by 4 and it should be an odd number. If it is not, then add 4. If it is, then leave as is. | 48/4 = 12 (an even number) So we add 4 stitches to equal 52 stitches |
Row 1: Using the working yarn, ch1, sc into the first st, sc across the ribbing the number of stitches you calculated above in total. Turn
In K+J example above we will crochet 52 single crochets across the long side ribbing. You may want to place stitch markers at the 1/4, 1/2 and 3/4 way mark down your ribbing, to help ensure you crochet evenly.
Row 2: ch3, dc in 1st st, 1dc in next 2 st, *ch1, sk st, 1dc in next 3 st, rep from * across row, dc in last st. Turn
We will crochet the puff stitch in the next row. Here is a reminder of the puff stitch:
A. Yarn over and insert hook into desired stitch. Yarn over and pull through the stitch. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops. You now have 2 loops on your hook. B. Yarn over and insert hook back into same desired stitch. Yarn over and pull through the stitch. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops. You now have 3 loops on your hook. C. Yarn over and insert hook back into same desired stitch. Yarn over and pull through the stitch. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops. You now have 4 loops on your hook. D. Yarn over and pull through all 4 loops on the hook
Tip: For row 3 below you are effectively crocheting a [puff st, ch4, puff st] cluster in the middle of each “3dc group” across the row.
Row 3: ch3, sk 2 st and in the 3rd st, [puff st, ch4, puff st], *in the 2nd dc of each “3dc group/cluster” below [puff st, ch4, puff st], rep from * across the row and end with a dc at top of tch. Turn
Row 4: ch3, 3dc in next ch-4 sp, *ch1, 3dc in next ch-4 sp, rep from * across the row and end with a dc at top of tch. Turn
Repeat Rows 3-4 until your top including the ribbing reaches the “Length to armpit measurement“.
Make sure you end on a row 4.
Do not fasten off.
Optional Tip: If you do not want to crochet the V neck and like the look of the boatneck, you can continue rows 3-4 until your top including the ribbing reaches the “Finished Length Measurement” and then proceed to the section “Crochet the Back Panel”. If you are a beginner, this will also be a lot easier. If you would like to crochet the V neck then follow the section below.
Crocheting the V Neck on the Front Panel
You will now start crocheting the V neck on the front panel.
Count the number of 3dc clusters across the entire row. It should be an odd number.
Find the centre cluster. Place a stitch marker (SM) in the 2nd dc of this cluster.
Kiks + Jack Crochet has 13 x 3dc clusters across the row. We count to the 7th cluster ie the centre cluster. We place a stitch marker (SM) in the 2nd dc of this 7th cluster.
Take your working yarn and continue crocheting the following from the side of your top towards the centre stitch marker:
Row 1: ch3, sk 2 st and in the 3rd st, [puff st, ch4, puff st], *in the 2nd dc of each “3dc cluster” below [puff st, ch4, puff st], rep from * across the row towards the centre SM. When you reach the stitch with the SM, 1puff st into the st with SM (do not crochet the full puff cluster). Turn
Row 2: ch3, 3dc in next ch-4 sp, *ch1, 3dc in next ch-4 sp, rep from * across the row (away from the centre) and end with a dc at top of tch. Turn
Row 3: ch3, sk 2 st and in the 3rd st, [puff st, ch4, puff st], *in the 2nd dc of each “3dc cluster” below [puff st, ch4, puff st], rep from * across the row towards the centre. When you reach the last 3dc cluster, 1puff st into the 2nd dc (do not crochet the full puff cluster), 1dc in top of tch. Turn
Repeat rows 2 – 3 until your top including the ribbing reaches the “Finished Length measurement“.
Fasten off.
You have now finished the V neck on one side and we will now crochet the V neck on the other side.
Attach yarn in the centre stitch marker and crochet as follows:
Row 1: ch3, 1puff st in same st (as SM), *[puff st, ch4, puff st] in the 2nd dc of the next “3dc cluster” below, rep from * across the row (towards the end), ending with a dc at top of tch. Turn
Row 2: ch3, 3dc in next ch-4 sp, *ch1, 3dc in next ch-4 sp, rep from * across the row (towards the centre) and end with a dc at top of tch. Turn
Row 3: ch3, 1puff st in 2nd dc of the next 3dc cluster, *[puff st, ch4, puff st], in the 2nd dc of the next “3dc cluster” below , rep from * across the row (towards the end), ending with a dc at the top of tch. Turn
Repeat rows 2 – 3 until your top including the ribbing reaches the “Finished Length measurement“.
Fasten off.
Crochet the Back Panel
The back panel is a rectangular panel and does not have the V neck.
Repeat all the instructions from “Crochet the Ribbing on the Front Panel”
Repeat all the instructions from “Crochet the Main Front Panel” – except you will repeat Rows 3-4 until your top including the ribbing reaches the “Finished Length measurement“.
We like to double check the length of the back panel is correct, by placing it on top of the Front Panel and making sure both are the same length.
Fasten off.
ASSEMBLING the Sea Foam Basic Beginner Lace Crochet Top
Kiks + Jack Crochet highly recommends blocking your two panels before assembling The Sea Foam Basic Beginner Lace Crochet Top. Blocking your panels will set your panels to an even shape and size.
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. 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 the top.
Fasten off.
Step 2: Seam the Sides Together
Measure from the top of the sweater and down the side, your “Armhole Depth Measurement” + 1-2 inches and place a stitch marker through both panels. Do the same on the other side.
For example, our armhole depth measurement is equal to 7 inches so we measure 9 inches (7 + 2 = 9 inches) from the top of the sweater down the side and place a stitch marker through both panels. This will be the bottom of the sleeve opening.
Tip: Try it on and see if you are comfortable with the arm opening. We suggest you give a generous arm opening for this stitch pattern. Adjust the stitch markers if necessary and make sure it is even on both sides.
Double check the panels are facing wrong side up (right sides together). With a yarn needle and matching yarn, seam the two panels together from the bottom up to the stitch markers on both sides.
Crochet the Left Sleeve
Note the stitch pattern for the sleeve varies slightly to provide more drape.
Turn your top right way out.
Starting with the left sleeve, attach your yarn at the armpit. You will now crochet the sleeve directly on the sweater.
Round 1: ch1 (place a stitch marker in this ch), sc evenly around the sleeve counting your stitches at the same time. Sc into stitches and spaces and if a space is large you may need to sc twice into the space. Slip st to join to the tch (the stitch with the stitch maker). End on a multiple of 4.
Tip: As you get closer to the end of the round, slow down and estimate where to place the stitches so that you are still crocheting evenly and will end on a multiple of 4.
Round 2: ch3 (place a stitch marker in the 3rd ch), dc in 1st st, 1dc in next 2 st, *ch1, sk st, 1dc in next 3 st, rep from * across the round, ending with a ch1, sl st to join at top of tch (the stitch with the stitch maker).
Round 3: ch3 (place a stitch marker in the 3rd ch), *[puff st, ch4, puff st] in the centre dc of each “dc group/cluster” below, rep from * across the round, ending with a sl st to join at top of tch (the stitch with the stitch maker).
Round 4: ch3 (place a stitch marker in the 3rd ch), *[puff st, ch4, puff st] in the ch-4sp below, rep from * across the round, ending with a sl st to join at top of tch (the stitch with the stitch maker).
Repeat round 4 until you reach your “Sleeve Length Measurement“.
For reference our sleeve length is 6 inches.
Crochet the Right Sleeve
Repeat all the instructions for the left sleeve on the right so that the two sleeves are identical width and lengths.
Finish & Celebrate the Sea Foam Basic Beginner Lace Crochet Top
Weave in all your ends.
Congratulations you have finished the Sea Foam Basic Beginner Lace Crochet Top and we hope you enjoyed this free crochet pattern.
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