The Aqua Dream Lace Topper: A Breezy Crochet Free Pattern
Introducing the Aqua Dream Lace Topper
Drape yourself in ethereal elegance with this lightweight, textured lace topper, perfect for adding a touch of handmade luxury to any outfit. The cascading shell stitch pattern creates a mesmerizing, ocean-inspired texture that feels as beautiful as it looks. This free crochet pattern is designed for beginners and experienced crafters alike, offering a relaxing project that results in a stunning, wearable accessory. The triangular shape drapes beautifully over the shoulders, making it ideal for cool summer evenings or as a delicate layering piece.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Red Heart It's a Wrap (or any lightweight, drapey yarn in a similar weight), 2 skeins in 'Aqua'
- Hook: Size G/6 (4.0 mm) crochet hook
- Gauge: 4 shell stitches (each shell = 3 dc) and 6 rows = 4 inches in pattern
- Other: Yarn needle for weaving ends, blocking pins and mat (optional but recommended)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Finished Measurements
Approximately 60 inches wide at the top edge and 20 inches deep from top to bottom point.
Abbreviations (US terms)
- ch: chain
- sl st: slip stitch
- sc: single crochet
- dc: double crochet
- sk: skip
- sp: space
- shell: (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in same stitch or space
- v-st: (dc, ch 1, dc) in same stitch or space
Pattern Notes
- The shawl is worked from the top down, starting with a simple chain and increasing at the center and edges.
- The pattern is a repeat of 4 rows.
- Chain 3 at the beginning of a row counts as a dc.
Instructions
Row 1: Ch 4 (counts as dc and ch 1). In 4th ch from hook, work (dc, ch 1, dc). Turn. (This creates a small v-st at the center)
Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc), turn. In first ch-1 sp, work (dc, ch 1, dc) – this is the first v-st. In next ch-1 sp (center), work (dc, ch 1, dc) – center v-st. In last ch-1 sp, work (dc, ch 1, dc) – last v-st. (3 v-sts)
Row 3: Ch 3, turn. In first ch-1 sp, work shell. *Sk next v-st, in next ch-1 sp work shell.* Repeat from * to * across. In last ch-1 sp, work shell. (3 shells)
Row 4: Ch 3, turn. In first ch-1 sp of first shell, work v-st. *Ch 1, sk next 3 dc, in ch-1 sp of next shell work v-st.* Repeat from * to * across. (3 v-sts)
Row 5: Ch 3, turn. In first ch-1 sp, work shell. *Sk next v-st, in next ch-1 sp work shell.* Repeat from * to * across. In last ch-1 sp, work shell. (3 shells)
Row 6: Ch 3, turn. In first ch-1 sp of first shell, work v-st. *Ch 1, sk next 3 dc, in ch-1 sp of next shell work v-st.* Repeat from * to * across. (3 v-sts)
Rows 7-10: Repeat Rows 5 and 6 twice more. (You will have 3 v-sts or 3 shells per row)
Increase Row (Row 11): Ch 3, turn. In first ch-1 sp, work shell. In next ch-1 sp (center of next shell), work shell. Continue across, working a shell in each ch-1 sp. At the end, in the last ch-1 sp, work shell. (4 shells)
Row 12: Ch 3, turn. In first ch-1 sp of first shell, work v-st. *Ch 1, sk next 3 dc, in ch-1 sp of next shell work v-st.* Repeat from * to * across. (4 v-sts)
Rows 13-16: Repeat Rows 11 and 12 twice more, increasing the number of shells by 1 each time you do Row 11. (You will have 6 shells after Row 15, then 6 v-sts after Row 16)
Continue in this manner: Repeat the increase row (Row 11 pattern) every 4 rows until you have 20 shells across. Then work even (no increases) for 10 more rows, alternating shells and v-sts as established.
Final Row: Ch 1, turn. Work 1 sc in each dc and 1 sc in each ch-1 sp across. Fasten off.
Finishing
Weave in all ends. Block the shawl to open up the lace pattern and achieve the desired drape. Gently pin the top edge straight and the bottom point centered, then steam or wet block as per yarn instructions. Your Aqua Dream Lace Topper is now ready to wear and enjoy!
