Shells are a classic crochet stitch, and they create such an elegant fabric. Add the picot edging to the final round of shells, and you have a top that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s worked top-down, so you can try this piece on as you go. Shown here in a heathered DK-weight wool/silk blend, this top is as sophisticated and wearable now as it first was 12 years ago.

Difficulty Intermediate

Yarn Weight 3

Finished Size 36 (40, 44, 48, 52, 56)“ bust circumference. Sample shown measures 36”; modeled with 1½” of positive ease.

Yarn from Interweave Crochet Spring 2020 Harrisville Designs Silk & Wool (70% wool, 30% silk; 175 yd 160 m/1¾ oz 50 g): bluebell, 5 (6, 6, 6, 6, 7) hanks.

Hook Size 7 (4.5 mm). Adjust hook size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.

Notions Removable stitch markers (m); yarn needle.

Gauge 13 fsc = 4”; (shell, sc, ch 5, sc) 2 times and 8 rnds = 4” in patt.

For techniques you don’t know, please visit our online crochet glossary at https://www.interweave.com/interweave-crochet-glossary/.

NOTES

• This fabric grows when worn, particularly the sleeves. Keep this in mind before deciding to lengthen.

• Top is made from the neck down in joined, turned rounds.

• Increases in pattern are made at each of four “corners” and shape the raglan-style shoulders of the yoke. Mark the chain-space or stitch at each corner and move markers (m) up as work progresses.

For more information, see: https://www.interweave.com/store/interweave-crochet-spring-2020-digital-edition.