The Florence Classic Vintage Crochet Shirt pattern is a free and advanced beginner crochet pattern that is made to measure, size inclusive and designed to fit your measurements. The full crochet instructions are posted below for you to view for free.
The Florence Classic Vintage Crochet Shirt pattern is a personal project that we have wanted to design and crochet for a long time. It’s one of those timeless pieces you want in your wardrobe, that would look great thrown over shorts in the summer and over jeans as a first layer in winter. We have looked at multiple patterns and although gorgeous have never seen quite what we wanted. We wanted something with a lace design but not too lacy… and vintage….but modern at the same time. Like a lot of our pieces, we wanted it oversized with careless collars and old looking buttons. Oh…and did we mention lots of drape.
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.
We are so glad we attempted a design because we love the end result. Our only reservation is that it may be a little more advanced than typical for this blog. However, if you are a beginner crocheter we believe in you and you should totally attempt this pattern! Just note, it may be a little harder compared to some of our other patterns.
The actual stitches used in this pattern are really easy. Primarily double crochets and crocheting into spaces (yay!). Once you master this pattern you will probably want to crochet multiple shirts in different colours – it is so wearable! The Florence Classic Vintage Crochet Shirt will sit so perfectly … made to your exact desired dimensions and the best part? ….no one will have one quite like it.
As always it starts with the yarn. Although all our crochet patterns are made to measure and can accommodate for different gauges we strongly recommend you pick a yarn that is light weight with a similar gauge to ours. Working with a smaller hook and a lightweight yarn can be a little challenging for a beginner – but honestly it isn’t really that challenging. Maybe just a little more fiddly than working with chunky yarn and a large hook.
You may want to select a cotton yarn or a cotton blend yarn to achieve a similar effect to ours. Cotton doesn’t have a lot of stretch in it and although this pattern would look pretty cool in a premium acrylic it will have a different effect than what we have photographed here.
Looking for a cute bra to wear under this shirt? Check out The Magnolia Lacy Crochet Bra – we used the same yarn too!
OK lets get started on The Florence Classic Vintage Crochet Shirt. Also please follow us on social media by clicking on the icons below and we will keep you up to date on new free pattern releases.
DESCRIPTION of The Florence Classic Vintage Crochet Shirt
The Florence Classic Vintage Crochet Shirt is a textured lace shirt that uses primarily the double crochet stitch. The shirt is designed to be oversized and has a V neck. The Florence Classic Vintage Crochet Shirt can be worn all season and features a small simple collar and opening with buttons.
The Florence Classic Vintage Crochet Shirt is a free and easy crochet pattern available as a size inclusive made to measure pattern. It is “advanced beginner” friendly and we used a weight 2 yarn. The Florence Classic Vintage Crochet Shirt pattern can accommodate for different gauges however we recommend you use a gauge similar to ours.
CROCHET MEASUREMENTS & SIZES for The Florence Classic Vintage Crochet Shirt
Like all our crochet patterns, the instructions for The Florence Classic Vintage Crochet Shirt are made to measure, based on your required measurements. Kiks + Jack Crochet believe if you are going to take time to make your own clothing, you should make it to fit your body measurements perfectly. What this means is we do not tell you the number of stitches required to make a S, M, L, XL etc. Instead we write the pattern based on your measurements and this allows you to create a garment that fits you perfectly AND based on your gauge (yes you do not need to match our gauge with a swatch exactly).
We list out all the measurements you will need in the section below, how to measure and we suggest you write them down and have them handy. We will give you calculation examples using our measurements but remember to base them on your own desired measurements.
We have also provided standard measurements further below for those who wish to use it.
To crochet The Florence Classic Vintage Crochet Shirt 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 where you would like the shirt to end, up to the top of your shoulder. Our shirt hits at our hips.
Length to Armpit Measurement: Measure from where you would like the shirt to end up to your armpit.
Upper Arm Measurement: Measure around the widest section of the upper arm located above the elbow eg bicep
Arm Length: With arm slightly bent, measure from armpit to wrist (or where you would like the sleeve to end)
Wrist Circumference: Measure from one point on your wrist all around your wrist.
Standard Sizing (For Reference)
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 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
If you would like to use standard sizing for upper arm – then for XS (S, M , L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL) use approximately 9.75 (10.25, 11, 12, 13.5, 15.5, 17, 18.5, 18.5) inches or 25 (26, 28, 30.5, 34.5, 39.5, 43, 47, 49.5) centimetres
Note: The Florence Classic Vintage Crochet Shirt is designed as an oversized fit with significant positive ease.
CROCHET GAUGE for The Florence Classic Vintage Crochet Shirt
Note: The Florence Classic Vintage Crochet Shirt pattern is made to measure and can therefore accommodate for different crochet gauges. However it’s best to select yarn with a similar gauge to this version to achieve a similar effect. We highly recommend you use a weight 1 – 3 yarn for this pattern with a smaller hook size.
For Kiks + Jack Crochet’s version: Using a hook size 3.5 approximately 18 single crochet across and 12 rows of single crochet in 4″ x 4″ (10 cm x 10 cm).
CROCHET MATERIALS for The Florence Classic Vintage Crochet Shirt
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Yarn brand: MillaMia Naturally Soft Cotton Weight 2/Fine/Sport. 50g skein and 180 yards (or 165m).
Approximately 6.6 skeins or 330 grams and 1188 yards (or 1089m) used for Kiks + Jacks version of The Florence Classic Vintage Crochet Shirt (approximately S) with a finished width of 18 inches and a finished length of 20 inches.
It is important to use a soft light weight yarn. A great alternative yarn to use is Hobbii Twister.
Medium Sized Buttons: We purchased 18mm (approximately 0.7 inches) light brown buttons from Amazon here for our version of The Florence Classic Vintage Crochet Shirt. They are good quality wooden buttons and are budget friendly. Here are some that are very similar and here are some we would love to purchase and use next time. We used 5 buttons for our version. Our instructions are based on an 18mm button size so you may want to purchase buttons of similar width.
3.5mm crochet hook. 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. We also love the slightly more pricey crochet hooks from Clover Crochet Hooks and the beautiful Furls Crochet Hooks (these are so stunning, we just love looking at them!)
Yarn Winder!!! (Our new LOVE). We have held off on a yarn winder for a long time. We love the idea of crochet being simple with just a hook and some yarn. However we decided to get this yarn winder, because it was affordable and we weren’t sure about investing in a super fancy one yet. We love it because it breathes life back into scrappy yarn lying around that looks messy. It’s simple to use and is holding up really well for us.
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 (we love the pastel colours).
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 Florence Classic Vintage Crochet Shirt pattern is written with US terms.
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)
hdc = half 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 all three 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)
sl st = slip stitch (Insert hook into desired stitch. Yarn over and pull through the stitch and the loop on your hook)
ch-2 sp = chain 2 space (eg. crochet into the space and not the stitch)
tch = turning chain
st = stitch
sk = skip stitch
* = repeat the instructions following the * as directed
Note unless stated otherwise in The Florence Classic Vintage Crochet Shirt pattern, 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 Florence Classic Vintage Crochet Shirt
The Florence Classic Vintage Crochet Shirt is made by first crocheting a main back panel. We will then crochet two front panels, and this will make up the front of the cardigan. There will be some shaping on the front panels near the neckline.
We will then crochet the sleeve panels and shape them so they are wide enough to fit over your bicep. We will crochet the sleeve panel until it reaches the required length. We will seam the two front panels and the back panels at the shoulder and then seam sleeves directly on to the panels.
We show you how to crochet a small collar around the neckline. We will also show you how to crochet edging for your buttons and button holes.
PERMISSIONS AND COPYRIGHT for The Florence Classic Vintage Crochet Shirt
You may not publish or share any pattern on this website www.kiksandjackcrochet as your own including this pattern The Florence Classic Vintage Crochet Shirt. 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 Florence Classic Vintage Crochet Shirt pattern upon permission by email at [email protected]. Please link back to this post in exchange.
CROCHET PATTER INSTRUCTIONS for The Florence Classic Vintage Crochet Shirt
Crochet the Back Panel
You will now crochet the back panel of your shirt.
Calculate the length of your initial foundation chain as follows:
| Instructions | 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 |
| Add additional 2-3 inches for positive ease and a slightly oversized look | 16 inches + 2 inches = 18 inches |
Chain a length as calculated above and count the stitches at the same time. Do not pull the chain too tight when you measure it. Read the tip below.
Tip: There is a good chance you will be crocheting a lot of chains. We suggest placing a stitch marker at every 20-chain mark. That way if you lose count you can always go back and reference the stitch markers.
We want your total foundation chain to be a multiple of 10 stitches (divides evenly into 10). If it is not, you can either add more chains or reduce chains to ensure your total chain ends on a multiple of 10 stitches. We typically will add more chains as we prefer our clothing to be more oversized.
Write this number down as you will need it for the front panel.
Kiks + Jack Crochet Example: Our chest/bust measurement = 32 inches around and we have to chain 18 inches as per our calculation above. We reached approximately 18 inches after chaining 105 chains. However 105 chains is not a multiple of 10. So we add 5 more chains to give a total of 110 chains to achieve a multiple of 10.
Add 5 more additional chains.
Row 1: dc in 4th ch from hook, dc in next ch, *sk next 3 ch, [2dc, ch2, 2dc] in next ch, sk next 3ch, 1dc in each of next 3 ch, rep from * across the row until end. Turn
Row 2: ch3, dc in 2nd st, dc in 3rd st, *[2dc, ch2, 2dc] in next ch-2 sp, sk next 2st, 1dc in each of next 3 st, rep from * across the row and end with dc in top of tch. Turn
Row 3-4: repeat row 2
Now is a great time to do an intuitive check and make sure you’re happy with the width of the top before you crochet any further. After crocheting about 4 rows, hold it up against your body to assess the width. If the width looks perfect, you can keep going. If you want to adjust it, it’s best to start over by increasing or decreasing the number of chains you originally used, while remembering to follow the stitch multiple rules. Sometimes yarn stretches more than expected, or we simply change our minds about how tight or loose we want the top to be.
Repeat row 2 until the back panel reaches a length equal to your “Finished Length Measurement“. Fasten off.
Kiks + Jack Crochet Example: Our “Finished length measurement ” is 20 inches so we repeat row 2 until the length of the back panel reaches 20 inches.
Crochet the Front Panel (Make 2)
You will now crochet 2 panels that will make up the front of your shirt. At around the armpit level you will shape a V neck.
Lets calculate the initial foundation chain for the front panel.
| Calculation | Kiks + Jack Crochet Example |
| How many total chains did you crochet in your initial foundation chain for the back panel without the additional 5 chains? | We crocheted 105 chains, increased it to 110 chains (to achieve a multiple of 10) = 110 chains |
| Divide this number by 2 | 110/2 = 55 chains |
| Multiply by 0.9 and if it is not a multiple of 10, then round up or down to the closest multiple of 10 | 55 x 0.9 = 49.5 We round up to 50 chains to the closest multiple of 10 |
| Add 5 chains | 50 + 5 = 55 chains. |
Chain a length with the same number of chains as calculated above. Try to crochet with the same tension as you used for the back panel. Just a tip, you may want to check a side panel against a back panel ie. two side panels should equal approximately 90% of the back panel.
In Kiks + Jack’s example we would chain 55 chains.
Row 1: dc in 4th ch from hook, dc in next ch, *sk next 3 ch, [2dc, ch2, 2dc] in next ch, sk next 3ch, 1dc in each of next 3 ch, rep from * across the row until end. Turn
Row 2: ch3, dc in 2nd st, dc in 3rd st, *[2dc, ch2, 2dc] in next ch-2 sp, sk next 2st, 1dc in each of next 3 st, rep from * across the row and end with dc in top of tch. Turn
Repeat Row 2 until the length of your front panel is approximately equal to your “Length to Armpit Measurement”.
We will now shape for the V neck.
Do not fasten off
Shape Front Panel for Neckline
Place the front panel in front of you so that the working yarn is on the left hand side. Place a locking stitch marker at the top right hand side. This stitch marker represents the centre of your top.
We want to gradually reduce the width of this front panel so that it is approximately 70% of its current width (ie by 30%). Here is a diagram (for illustration only). We start at point A and reduce stitches until we reach point B.
Lets calculate our “Point B Measurement”.
| Calculation | Kiks+Jack Crochet Example |
| What is the current width of your front panel (Point A)? | Our current width is 8.2 inches |
| Multiply this by 70% | 8.2 x 0.7 = 5.74 inches (approximately) |
We are going to use Shaping Rows A – F below to reduce the width from point A to point B.
In Kiks + Jack’s version we will use Shaping Rows A – F until the total width of the front panel moves from Point A: 8.2 inches to Point B: 5.7 inches (approximately)
Pick up the working yarn.
Shaping Row A (working towards the centre of your top ie. towards the SM): ch3, dc in 2nd st, dc in 3rd st, *[2dc, ch2, 2dc] in next ch-2 sp, sk next 2st, 1dc in each of next 3 st, rep from * across the row however at the end instead of crocheting 3dc in a row, stop after 1dc. Turn
Shaping Row B (working towards the edge of your top ie. away from the SM): sl st into next 3 st, ch3, [1dc, ch2, 2dc] into ch-2 sp, *sk next 2st, 1dc in each of next 3 st, [2dc, ch2, 2dc] in next ch-2 sp, rep from * across the row and end with sk next 2st, 1dc in each of next 2 st, 1dc in top of tch. Turn
Shaping Row C (working towards centre): ch3, dc in 2nd st, dc in 3rd st, *[2dc, ch2, 2dc] in next ch-2 sp, sk next 2st, 1dc in each of next 3 st, rep from * across the row and when you reach the last cluster crochet only 2dc into ch-2 sp. Turn
Shaping Row D (working towards the edge): ch3, sk next 2st, 1dc in each of next 3 st, *[2dc, ch2, 2dc] in next ch-2 sp, sk next 2st, 1dc in each of next 3 st, rep from * across the row and end with dc in top of tch. Turn
Shaping Row E (working towards the centre): ch3, dc in 2nd st, dc in 3rd st, *[2dc, ch2, 2dc] in next ch-2 sp, sk next 2st, 1dc in each of next 3 st, rep from * across the row. Turn
Shaping Row F (working towards the edge): sl st in next 2 st, ch3, dc in next st, *[2dc, ch2, 2dc] in n next ch-2 sp, sk next 2st, 1dc in each of next 3 st, rep from * across the row and end with dc in top of tch. Turn
At this point take a measurement. If you still need to reduce the width then keep repeating Shaping Rows C – F until the width of your panel is equal to the “Point B measurement” (in Kiks + Jack’s example this would be 5.7 inches approximately and we required a total of 8 rows of shaping to achieve this).
End on a Row D or Row F ie. with your working yarn at the edge of your top. Note, we will be crocheting an edge around your neckline to straighten the edge later.
You will now crochet Non Shaping Rows G – H below. We assume you are at the edge of your top (not centre).
Non Shaping Row G: ch3, dc in 2nd st, dc in 3rd st, *[2dc, ch2, 2dc] in next ch-2 sp, sk next 2st, 1dc in each of next 3 st, rep from * across the row until you reach the last cluster. At the last cluster [2dc, ch2, 2dc] in the ch-2 sp, sk next 2 st, 1 dc in the remaining stitches and end with 1dc in top of tch. Turn
Non Shaping Row H: ch3, dc in 2nd st, dc in next st until you reach cluster, *[2dc, ch2, 2dc] in next ch-2 sp, sk next 2st, 1dc in each of next 3 st, rep from * across the row ending with 1dc in top of tch. Turn
Continue crocheting Non Shaping Row G – H until the Front Panel length is equal to the length of the Back Panel.
Fasten of.
Crochet the Second Front Panel
We will now crochet the second front panel.
Repeat all the instructions above in the two sections: “Crochet the Front Panel” and “Shape Front Panel for Neckline”.
Fasten off.
Crochet the Sleeve Panel (Make 2)
| Calculation | Kiks+Jack Crochet Example |
| What is your “wrist circumference measurement”? | Our wrist circumference measurement is 6.5 inches. |
| Add 4.5 inches | 6.5 inches + 4.5 inches = 11 inches |
Chain a length as calculated above and count the stitches at the same time. Do not pull the chain too tight when you measure it.
We want your total foundation chain to be a multiple of 10 stitches (divides evenly into 10). If it is not add more chains to ensure your total chain ends on a multiple of 10 stitches.
Kiks + Jack Crochet Example: We reached approximately 11 inches after chaining 59 chains. However 59 chains is not a multiple of 10. So we add 1 more chains to give a total of 60 chains to achieve a multiple of 10.
Add 5 more additional chains.
Row 1: dc in 4th ch from hook, dc in next ch, *sk next 3 ch, [2dc, ch2, 2dc] in next ch, sk next 3ch, 1dc in each of next 3 ch, rep from * across the row until end. Turn
Row 2: ch3, dc in 2nd st, dc in 3rd st, *[2dc, ch2, 2dc] in next ch-2 sp, sk next 2st, 1dc in each of next 3 st, rep from * across the row and end with dc in top of tch. Turn
Repeat row 2 until the length of the sleeve panel is approximately 1/2 way up your forearm. At this point take a measurement of the width. We need this width to equal approximately your “Upper Arm Measurement” + 2 inches so that it can fit over the widest part of your arm.
Kiks + Jack Example: Our sleeve panel started at 11 inches wide and we need to increase this width to 14 inches wide.
To expand the width of the sleeve panel we will now crochet as follows:
Row a: ch3, dc in 1st st, dc in 2nd st, dc in 3rd st, *[2dc, ch2, 2dc] in next ch-2 sp, sk next 2st, 1dc in each of next 3 st, rep from * across the row and end with 2dc in top of tch. Turn
Row b: ch3, dc in 2nd st, dc in each st until you reach the first cluster, *[2dc, ch2, 2dc] in next ch-2 sp, sk next 2st, 1dc in each of next 3 st, rep from * across the row across the row until you reach the last cluster. At the last cluster [2dc, ch2, 2dc] in the ch-2 sp, sk next 2 st, 1 dc in the remaining stitches and end with 1dc in top of tch. Turn
Row c: ch3, dc in 1st st, dc in 2nd st, dc in each st until you reach the first cluster, *[2dc, ch2, 2dc] in next ch-2 sp, sk next 2st, 1dc in each of next 3 st, rep from * across the row across the row until you reach the last cluster. At the last cluster [2dc, ch2, 2dc] in the ch-2 sp, sk next 2 st, 1 dc in the remaining stitches and end with 2dc in top of tch. Turn
Repeat Rows b-c until the width of your sleeve panel is equal to approximately your “Upper Arm Measurement” + 2 inches. When you have achieved this stop crocheting Row c and ONLY crochet Row b.
Continue to crochet Row b until the total length of your sleeve panel, is equal to your “Arm Length Measurement“.
You will later check the sleeve length again under “Assembly” so that you can ensure you have the perfect fit.
Fasten off.
Remember you need to crochet two identical sleeve panels.
Assembling The Florence Classic Vintage Crochet Shirt
Kiks + Jack Crochet highly recommends blocking all your panels before assembling The Florence Classic Vintage Crochet Shirt. Blocking your panels will set your panels evenly and give it a polished look.
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 panels 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 Panels at the shoulder.
Place a front panel on top of the back panel and lined up at the side and shoulder with the shaping down the centre. With a yarn needle and matching yarn, seam the panel together across the shoulders. Start from the edge and seam up to the end of the front panel. Fasten off. Do the same with the second front panel on the other side of the back panel.
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. With the wrong side of the sleeve facing up, attach this stitch marker to the left edge of the left shoulder seam.
Do the same on the right side with the other sleeve.
Tip: It is a good time to check the length of your sleeve. We like to “seam” the sleeve panel with a few locking stitch markers to the main panel. Try it on.
If you would like the sleeve to be longer (eg we love oversized sleeves that go past our fingers), you can add a few more rows on to your sleeve. You do this by unknotting your final knot where you fastened off at the end of the sleeve panel, attach yarn and crochet a few more rows. Or you can reduce rows if you like your sleeves shorter. You do this by unknotting your final knot where you fastened off and pulling out (frogging) the rows. Make sure you do the exact same on the second sleeve.
When everything is perfect, using a yarn needle and matching yarn, seam the sleeves to the main panels (wrong side facing up).
See diagram below. For illustrative purposes only and not drawn to completeness or scale.
Step 3: Seam the sides of the sweater and the bottom of the sleeve together. Fold the panels and sleeve panels at the seamed shoulders so that your shirt 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.
Fasten off.
Crochet the Neckline and Collar for The Florence Classic Vintage Crochet Shirt
Turn the shirt correct side out.
Step 1: Crochet around the neckline
Attach a matching yarn at the bottom of your front panel. Start with the side that works best for you.
ch1, sc around the entire front opening from one end at the bottom all around the neckline to the other end. Try to crochet evenly around the neckline, the distance of one stitch. You can crochet 1sc into regular spaces and 2sc into larger spaces.
Fasten off.
Step 2: Crochet the collar
Place the cardigan, correct side in front of you. Place two locking stitch markers on each side where you would like the collar to start and finish. Your collar will start from one stitch marker and finish around to the second stitch marker.
Kiks + Jack Example: We crocheted our collars quite high approximately 5 inches down from the top of the shirt.
Attach yarn to one side, at the stitch marker.
Row 1: ch2, hdc into 1st st, hdc around the top of the neckline all the way around towards the second stitch marker on the other side. Turn.
Row 2-7: repeat row 1
Feel free to crochet more or less rows for the collar. It will depend on your preference and gauge. When folded back Kiks + Jack’s collar width is approximately 2.5 inches.
Step 3: We suggest you block the collar (at some stage) to give it shape and to keep it folded back.
Crochet the Button Holes for The Florence Classic Vintage Crochet Shirt
We will crochet the button holes and the edge where you will sew the buttons.
Step 1: Work out which side you want buttons and which side you want button holes.
Kiks + Jack Crochet wants buttons on the left side and button holes on the right side when the shirt is worn.
Let’s start with crocheting the buttons side. Attach a yarn to the bottom of the side that you want buttons (we would attach it on the left side when worn).
Row 1: ch2, sc into second st, sc up to the bottom of the V neck slant. Turn
Row 2 – 5: repeat row 1
For reference, after row 5 our button edging is approximately 1 inch. This was a sufficient width to fit our brown buttons and give us closure after we crochet a similar width on the other side. You may need to crochet more or less rows to suit the width of your buttons and closure.
Fasten off.
Step 2: Identify the number of buttons you would like to use. Kiks + Jack Crochet used 5 buttons. Place one button at the top and one button at the bottom. Using a measuring tape, place your remaining buttons evenly between the two. Using locking stitch markers, mark the centre spots for each button so when you remove the buttons you now have stitch markers indicating where the buttons should be.
Step 3: Crochet the other side – the button hole side. Attach a yarn to the bottom of the other side (we would attach on the right side).
Row 1: ch2, sc into 2nd st, sc up to the bottom of the V neck slant (make sure it is even with the button hole side). Turn
Row 2: ch2, sc into 2nd st, sc to the end of row. Turn
Using a measuring tape and stitch markers, mark out where the button holes should be. They should directly match the stitch markers on the other side that are marking the buttons.
Tip: We crocheted 5 rows on our “button row”. So we will start the button hole row on row 3. If you crocheted a different number of rows to us then you may want to start your button hole row on a different row.
Row 3 (the button hole row): ch2, sc into 2nd st, sc into every st except where you need to make a button hole. When you need to make a button hole you ch2, sk2, then continue to sc in every stitch until you reach the next button hole where once again you ch2, sk2. Turn
Tip: Based on Kiks + Jack Crochet’s gauge and the size of our buttons, a chain 2 (then skip 2) was the appropriate button hole size so that the button wasn’t too tight or too loose going through the hole. After you have created one button hole, test it out. For example, you may find a chain 3 (then skip 3) is a better fit for your type of button.
Row 4: ch2, sc into 2nd st, sc into every st. When you get to a button hole space, you are crocheting into the space (in Kiks + Jack Crochet’s version we crochet 2sc into every button hole space). Turn
Row 5: ch2, sc into 2nd st until the end of row. Turn
Fasten off.
Using a sewing needle and matching sewing thread, sew your buttons on the button side where you have placed stitch markers.
Finish & Celebrate The Florence Classic Vintage Crochet Shirt
Weave in all your ends.
Congratulations you have finished The Florence Classic Vintage Crochet Shirt and we hope you enjoyed this free crochet pattern.
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