Beyond the Basics

Shoring up on Shells

                      by DORIS CHAN

Shells are the showgirls of the crochet world, with an “Oh, wow!” factor created with visual impact, contrasting texture, dimensionality, openness, and movement. Shells and sister stitches V, fan, cluster, and bobble are not exact terms but names given to describe discrete multiple-stitch figures. They do not mean the same thing in every pattern. The basic stitches used to create one of these elements (double crochet, triple crochet, chain, and so on), as well as the number of basic stitches in a figure and how the figure is employed in an overall stitch pattern, are infinitely variable and are defined by the pattern’s author. So a shell may have three stitches or twenty stitches—it depends on the pattern.

Basically, a shell is a figure comprising multiple stitches (or spokes) that all start in the same place, with each spoke finished separately. Swatch A (page 130) contains, from bottom to top, 5-dc shells, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) shells, and (4 dc, ch 1, dc) tilted shells.

A shell with two spokes, often with a chain space in the middle, is a V st. A fan is an amped-up shell that spreads out more than a basic shell. There may be chain spaces between the spokes, or the spokes may be made not in one single stitch but in one bigger hole, like a chain space, or there may be so many spokes, nine or more, that the figure really fans out. Sometimes a basic shell is topped by an amplifying row of stitches separated by a chain, as in Swatch B (page 130). At the top is a crescent fan. At bottom is a peacock fan.

With clusters and bobbles, the multiple stitches are finished as one. Although the two names may be used interchangeably, technically the spokes of a cluster are started in different places, creating a figure that appears as the inverted image of a shell. For a bobble, the spokes all start in the same place and finish as one. A bobble made with three or more half double crochet stitches finished as one is known as a puff. Swatch C (page 130) shows alternating rows of shells with, from bottom to top, clusters, bobbles, and puffs.

The three-dimensionality of these figures makes them natural decorative elements, key players in trims, edgings, and ornamental doodads. By varying the height and number of basic tall stitches in a shell, you can sculpt the petals of a flower.

When you dissect fancy stitch patterns, you’ll find that many of the scary ones are just shells and combinations of the above figures with some chain spaces thrown in for holes. The easiest patterns to read are the stitch patterns where the shells are in line, with shells stacked on shells, often with a one-or two-row repeat. Swatches A, B, and C all feature in-line shells or fans.

Swatch A Shells

Swatch B Fans

Swatch C Clusters

More intricate patterning happens when shells are staggered or shifted, requiring two or more rows to complete the stitch pattern. Swatch D illustrates three stitch patterns that feature staggered shells or fans.

Swatch D Staggered Patterns

Shells are indispensable as shapers. Each shell is actually an increase, since you plant all the feet in one spot but end up with many heads. It takes the following rows of crochet to keep this expansion in check. However, the tendency of shell fabric to spread can be used to great advantage when designing garments from the top down. Worked this way, the last shells are set free, unfettered, allowing the bottom edge to flare for built-in hip shaping.

In fact, you shape with shells every time you make the corners of a granny square (Swatch E). And shells and clusters work in tandem to turn solid fabric into the familiar ripple pattern (Swatch F).

Swatch E Granny Square

Swatch F Ripple Stitch

Another way to make increases or decreases is to change the number of shells in the row. This needs to be done gradually and carefully if you wish to maintain the progression and integrity of the repeating stitch pattern as you go, while avoiding excessive rippling or puckering. There are as many approaches to shaping shells as there are shells, and the method varies so much from designer to designer that it is beyond the scope of this article to describe the process. But what I can say with conviction is that the more shell patterns and designs you create, the better you’ll understand how this shaping works. Swatch G begins with three pattern repeats and increases to four; this is sometimes called cone stitch.

Swatch G Interior Shaping

To be worked evenly at the ends of rows, some stitch patterns have wonky bits at the edges, extra stitches, or partial shells. Because of this complexity, counting becomes a headache. Obviously you would not count individual basic stitches as you would in solid-stitch rows. If the count is given in shells, you count whole, completed shells. But if the count is given in repeats, you are responsible for knowing what individual stitches constitute a stitch-pattern repeat. This refers to the group of stitches that make up a complete piece of pattern, the group that is worked over and over across a row. In Swatch D, some rows have two shells, some have three, but the swatch is three stitch-pattern repeats wide throughout.

Seafoam Vest

design by CHLOE NIGHTINGALE

This loose-fitting, deep-V-neck vest has a unique construction that will flatter a wide variety of figures. Wear it layered over a long-sleeved tee or collared shirt on chilly days or with an ultra-long tank top on warmer days.

Kathryn Martin

Finished Size

32 (35, 39, 42, 46)" (81.5 [89, 99, 106.5, 117] cm) bust circumference. Vest shown measures 39" (99 cm).

Yarn

Worsted weight (#4 Medium)

shown here: Rowan Summer Tweed (70% silk, 30% cotton; 118 yd [108 m]/1¾ oz [50 g]; ): #513 dew (pale green), 5 (5, 6, 7, 8) skeins. Yarn distributed by Westminster Fibers.

Hook

Size G/6 (4 mm). Adjust hook size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.

Notions

Yarn needle; removable stitch markers (m).

Gauge

13 sts and 16 rows = 4" (10 cm) in sc; 14 sts and 6½ rows = 4" (10 cm) in dc-flo patt.

Note

The body of this vest is made flat in one piece to the armholes. From the armholes, each upper part (right-front shoulder panel, left-front shoulder panel, and back shoulder panel) is worked separately.

Stitch Guide

Dc2tog flo decrease: Working through front lps only, yo, insert hook in next st, draw up a lp (3 lps on hook), yo, draw through first 2 lps on hook, yo, insert hook in next st, draw up a lp (4 lps on hook), yo, draw through first 2 lps on hook, yo, draw through 3 lps on hook.

 

Vest

NOTE: The waistband is worked in a spiral, without joining rnds. To avoid losing count, place a marker in first st of rnd. Move m up for each rnd.

Waistband

Ch 100 (108, 116, 128, 140); sl st in first ch to form ring, being careful not to twist chain.

RND 1: Sc in each st around—100 (108, 116, 128, 140) sc.

Rep last rnd 7 (7, 8, 8, 8) more times.

ROW 1: Sc in each of next 15 (16, 17, 19, 21) sts, sc in back lp only (blo) of next st, ch 2 (counts as dc), dc blo in each of next 19 (21, 23, 25, 27) sts, dc in each of next 80 (86, 92, 102, 112) sts, dc in front lp only (flo) of each of next 20 (22, 24, 26, 28) sts (these are the same sts as the 20 (22, 24, 26, 28) dc blo sts—this beg the overlap of the right and left fronts), turn—120 (130, 140, 154, 168) dc.

NOTE: The remainder of vest is worked in dc flo.

ROW 2: Ch 2 (counts as dc), sk first dc, dc flo in each dc to last dc, turn, leaving turning chain (tch) unworked—119 (129, 139, 153, 167) dc.

Rep Row 2 for 18 (20, 22, 24, 26) more rows, ending with a WS row—101 (109, 117, 129, 141) dc.

ROW 1: (RS) Ch 2 (counts as dc here and throughout), sk first dc, dc flo in each of next 14 (15, 16, 18, 20) sts, turn—15 (16, 17, 19, 21) sts.

ROW 2: Ch 2, sk first dc, dc flo in next st, dc2tog flo (see Stitch Guide) over next 2 sts, dc flo in next st, dc2tog flo over next 2 sts, dc flo in each st to last dc, turn, leaving tch unworked—12 (13, 14, 16, 18) sts.

ROW 3: Ch 2, sk first dc, dc flo in each st to last dc, turn, leaving tch unworked—11 (12, 13, 15, 17) sts.

ROW 4: Rep Row 3—10 (11, 12, 14, 16) sts.

ROW 5: Ch 2, sk first dc, dc flo in each st to last dc, dc in top of tch, turn—10 (11, 12, 14, 16) sts.

Rep Row 5 for 8 (8, 9, 9, 10) more rows. Fasten off.

ROW 1: With RS facing, join yarn with sl st to 16th (17th, 18th, 20th, 22nd) st from neck edge of left front and, working toward neck edge, ch 2 (counts as dc here and throughout), sk first dc, dc flo in each of next 14 (15, 16, 18, 20) sts, turn, leaving tch unworked—15 (16, 17, 19, 21) sts.

ROW 2: (WS) Ch 2, sk first dc, dc flo in each of next 8 (9, 10, 12, 14) sts, dc2tog flo over next 2 sts, dc flo in next st, dc2tog flo over next 2 sts, turn, leaving tch unworked—12 (13, 14, 16, 18) sts.

ROW 3: Ch 2, sk first dc, dc flo in each st to last dc, turn, leaving tch unworked—11 (12, 13, 15, 17) sts.

ROW 4: Rep Row 3—10 (11, 12, 14, 16) sts.

ROW 5: Ch 2, dc flo in each st to last dc, dc in top of tch, turn—10 (11, 12, 14, 16) sts.

Rep Row 5 for 8 (8, 9, 9, 10) more rows.

ROW 1: With RS facing, sk 12 (13, 14, 15, 16) sts of underarm from armhole edge of right-front shoulder panel, join yarn with sl st to 12th (13th, 14th, 15th, 16th) st, ch 2 (counts as dc here and throughout), sk first dc, dc flo in each of next 48 (52, 56, 62, 68) sts, turn—49 (53, 57, 63, 69) sts.

ROW 2: Ch 2, sk first dc, dc flo in next st, dc2tog flo over next 2 sts, dc flo in next st, dc2tog flo over next 2 sts, dc flo in each of next 36 (40, 44, 50, 56) sts, dc2tog flo over next 2 sts, dc flo in next st, dc2tog flo over next 2 sts, turn, leaving tch unworked—44 (48, 52, 58, 64) sts.

ROW 3: Ch 2, sk first dc, dc flo in each st to last dc, turn, leaving tch unworked—43 sts (47, 51, 57, 63) sts.

Rep Row 3 for 7 more rows—36 (40, 44, 50, 56) sts.

ROW 4: Ch 2, sk first dc, dc flo in each st across, dc in top of tch, turn.

Fasten off.

Finishing

With RS tog, seam shoulders. Finish vest by working a row of sc along edges of armholes, neck, and front panels, working 1 sc in each st across and work 2 sc in the side of each dc row. Fasten off. Weave in loose ends.

 

Chloe Nightingale lives in Scotland, where all her crocheted goodies come in handy in the winter. You can find her blog at reallycrabbycrafter.blogspot.com.

Larger Than Life Bag

design by CECILY KEIM

Always a showstopper, this oversized bag is ready to haul yarn, books, and projects, and it can be a dramatic exhibit of your personality and skill. Lined with matching fabric, the bag features the Willow Block from 200 Crochet Blocks for Blankets, Throws, and Afghans by Jan Eaton (Interweave, 2004).

Kathryn Martin

Finished Size

22" (56 cm) wide, 4" (10 cm) deep, and 14" (35.5 cm) high, not including strap.

Yarn

DK weight (#3 Light)

shown here: Koigu Kersti Merino Crepe (100% wool; 114 yd [104 m]/ 1¾ oz [50 g]; ): #K1220 rusty red (MC), 3 skeins. 1 skein of each for contrast colors: #K1515 blue, #K0000 off-white, #K1520 lime green, #K2370 apricot, #K2260 purple, #K1141 pink, #K1125 rose.

Hook

Size H/8 (5 mm). Adjust hook size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.

Notions

Yarn needle; 1⅛ yd (1 m) of 45" (114 cm) wide fabric for lining; matching thread and 18" (46 cm) zipper; sharp handsewing needle.

Gauge

Finished block measures 6½" (16.5 cm) square. 16 sc = 4" (10 cm).

Notes

When assembling the bag, you will need to choose a right side and a wrong side of your work.

Each block motif consists of three colors: Color A for the center, Color B for the middle, and Color C for the outside. Choose any color combination you like for each block, changing colors on Rnds 3 and 6.

Block

(see block diagram)

Make 12 blocks total—6 for each side of bag. With A, ch 4. Sl st in first ch to form ring.

RND 1: Ch 3 (counts as dc), 15 dc into ring, sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch-3 to join—16 dc.

RND 2: Ch 4 (counts as dc, ch 1), *dc in next dc, ch 1; rep from * 15 times, sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch-4 to join. Fasten off.

RND 3: Join B to any dc from previous rnd with sl st, ch 3 (counts as dc), *2 dc in next ch-1 sp, dc in next dc; rep from * 15 times, sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch-3 to join—48 dc.

RND 4: Ch 1, sc in sl st, *ch 5, sl st in 5th ch from hook, sk 2 dc, sc in next dc, ch 2, sk 2 dc, sc in next dc, ch 3, sk 2 dc, sc in next dc, ch 2, sk 2 dc**, sc in next dc*; rep from * to * 2 times, then rep from * to ** 1 time, sl st in beg sc to join.

RND 5: Sl st in next ch-5 sp, ch 3 (counts as dc), (4 dc, ch 3, 5 dc) in same sp, *sc in the next ch-2 sp, 5 dc in next ch-3 sp, sc in next ch-2 sp**, (5 dc, ch 3, 5 dc) in next ch-5 sp*; rep from * to * 2 times, then rep from * to ** 1 time, sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch-3 to join. Fasten off.

RND 6: Join C to any corner ch-3 sp with sl st, ch 1, (sc, ch 3, sc) in same ch sp, *ch 5, dc in next sc, ch 3, sk 2 dc, sc in next dc, ch 3, sk 2 dc, dc in next sc, ch 5**, (sc, ch 3, sc) in next ch-3 sp*; rep from * to * 2 times, then rep from * to ** 1 time, sl st in beg sc to join.

RND 7: Sl st in ch-3 sp, ch 3 (counts as dc), (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same ch-3 sp, *5 dc in next ch-5 sp, 3 dc in next ch-3 sp, 3 dc in next ch-3 sp, 5 dc in next ch-5 sp**, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch-3 sp*; rep from * to * 2 times, then rep from * to ** 1 time, sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch-3 to join. Fasten off.

Panel assembly

With RS tog, use matching yarn and a yarn needle to whipstitch (see page 122) through the closest lp of each st on each block. Create 2 separate panels of 6 blocks each.

Border

RND 1: Sc around all panel edges, working (sc, ch 2, sc) in each corner and dec in each ch sp where the blocks are joined by: sc in ch sp, sc2tog working in same ch sp, and then in next ch sp.

RND 2: Sc around all edges working (sc, ch 2, sc) in each corner.

Side and Bottom Band

With MC, ch 15.

ROW 1: Sc in 2nd ch and each ch across, turn.

ROW 2: Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn.

NOTE: To create a more solid fabric, the turning chain (tch) will not function as a dc. Be careful not to work into the tch, this will create unintended incs.

ROW 3: Ch 2, dc in each st across, turn.

ROW 4: Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn.

ROW 5: Rep Row 2.

ROW 6: Rep Row 3.

ROW 7: Rep Row 4.

ROWS 8–137: Rep Rows 5–7 forty-three times.

Band border

With MC, work 1 sc into the side of each sc row and 2 sc into the side of each dc row—182 sc total.

Seam band to panels

Hold WS tog and work sl st into the outside lp of the sc of each piece to seam the pieces tog, cont sl st seam along the side, 2 sc into the ch sp at corner, seam along the bottom, 2 sc into the ch sp at the corner, sl st seam along the side. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Lining and Finishing

Cut a 36" × 26¼" (91.5 × 67 cm) rectangle across the width of the lining fabric. Press folds as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1

Fold the fabric in half, widthwise, with RS tog and align the short edges (the top of the bag). Beginning at one edge, stitch for 4¾" (12 cm), change to a basting stitch for the next 17" (43 cm) (zipper opening), then change back to a regular stitch for the rest of the seam. Press the seam open and center the zipper face down over the seam allowances within the basted area. Stitch the zipper in place and remove the basting stitches. Stitch the remaining side edges together using a ½" (1.3 cm) seam allowance. Press all seams open.

Straps

Cut two 4½" × 40" (11.5 × 101.5 cm) fabric strips. Fold strips in half lengthwise with RS tog and stitch the long edges using a ¼" (6 mm) seam allowance. Turn RS out, center the seam, and press flat. Rep for the second strap. Pin a strap to each side of the bag lining about 4" (10 cm) in from the side seam and 2" (5 cm) from the zipper and stitch in place (Figure 2). Box the lining’s upper and lower corners as foll: Turn lining WS out. At one lower corner, fold the side seam down flat against the bottom of the bag, creating a point. Stitch 2" (5 cm) from the point, forming a triangle (Figure 3). Repeat for the remaining three corners. Sew lining into bag, whipstitching (see page 122) into middle of (not around) crochet stitches along the top of the bag.

Figure 2

Figure 3

 

Cecily Keim, crochet designer, blogs at suchsweethands.blogspot.com.

Diamonds Silk Scarf

design by CAROL VENTURA

Two silk yarns are tapestry crocheted to create the diamond motif on this luxurious scarf with excellent drape. One yarn is carried while the other is crocheted. It is possible to make a variety of sizes with the same motif simply by increasing or decreasing the size of the base chain. The increases at the ends of the scarf form a pattern as they build one upon the other.

Kathryn Martin

Finished Size

9" (23 cm) wide by 64" (162.5 cm) long.

Yarn

Sockweight (#1 Superfine)

shown here: Halcyon Gemstone Silk 2/12 (100% silk; 610 yd [558 m]/3½ oz [99 g]; ): #103 ruby (A), 1 skein.

DK weight (#3 Light)

shown here: Halcyon Gemstone Silk Bouclé (100% silk; 324 yd [296 m]/3½ oz [99 g]; ): #106 rose gold (B), 1 skein.

Hook

Size I/9 (5.5 mm). Adjust hook size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.

Notions

Stitch marker (m).

Gauge

16 sc and 20 rows = 4" (10 cm).

Notes

Inc or dec foundation ch in multiples of 8 ch to make a longer or shorter scarf. Scarf is worked in the rnd as a spiral, beg at center. Place marker (pm) in last st to indicate end of rnd; move m up with each rnd.

One strand each of A and B is carried beg with Rnd 2; only 1 color is worked at a time while the other is carried. To carry unused yarn, lay it across top of next st and work over it with active yarn. Switch colors when 2 lps rem on hook; yo with new color and draw it through both lps to complete st.

Scarf

With A and leaving a 10" tail, loosely ch 230.

RND 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in next 228 ch, 3 sc in last ch—231 sc. Rotate the chain 180° and cont to sc across the bottom ridge of the ch, carrying the “tail” across the tops of the sts until it runs out, 2 sc in last st, place marker (pm) in last st, do not join—460 sts.

RND 2: Beg to carry B across top of sts, *with A, 2 sc in each of first 2 sts, 226 sc, 2 sc in each of next 2 sts; rep from * once—468 sts.

Work Rnds 3–17 according to Diamonds chart, inc as foll:

RND 3: *With A, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc, 2 sc in next st, 2 sc, [with B, 1 sc, with A, 7 sc] 28 times, with A, 2 sc, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc, 2 sc in next st; rep from * once—476 sts.

RND 4: *With A, sc in next st, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc, 2 sc in next st, 3 sc, [with B, 2 sc, with A, 6 sc] 28 times, with A, 3 sc, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc; rep from * once—484 sts.

RND 5: *With A, 2 sc, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc, 2 sc in next st, 4 sc, [with B, 3 sc, with A, 5 sc] 28 times, with A, 4 sc, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc, 2 sc in next st, 2 sc; rep from * once—492 sts.

RND 6: * With A, 3 sc, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc, 2 sc in next st, 5 sc, [with B, 4 sc, with A, 4 sc] 28 times, with A, 5 sc, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc, 2 sc in next st, 3 sc; rep from *once—500 sts.

RND 7: *With A, 4 sc, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc, 2 sc in next st, 6 sc, [with B, 5 sc, with A, 3 sc] 28 times, with A, 6 sc, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc, 2 sc in next st, 4 sc; rep from * once—508 sts.

RND 8: *With A, 5 sc, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc, 2 sc in next st, 7 sc, [with B, 6 sc, with A, 2 sc] 28 times, with A, 7 sc, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc, 2 sc in next st, 5 sc; rep from * once—516 sts.

RND 9: *With A, 6 sc, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc, 2 sc in next st, 8 sc, [with B, 3 sc, with A, 1 sc, with B, 3 sc, with A, 1 sc] 28 times, with A, 8 sc, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc, 2 sc in next st, 6 sc; rep from * once—524 sts.

RND 10: *With A, 7 sc, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc, 2 sc in next st, 9 sc, [with B, 3 sc, with A, 2 sc, with B, 3 sc] 28 times, with A, 9 sc, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc, 2 sc in next st, 7 sc; rep from * once—532 sts.

RND 11: *With A, 8 sc, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc, 2 sc in next st, 10 sc, [with A, 1 sc, with B, 3 sc, with A, 1 sc, with B, 3 sc] 28 times, with A, 10 sc, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc, 2 sc in next st, 8 sc; rep from * once—540 sts.

RND 12: *With A, 9 sc, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc, 2 sc in next st, 11 sc, [with A, 2 sc, with B, 6 sc] 28 times, with A, 11 sc, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc, 2 sc in next st, 9 sc; rep from * once—548 sts.

RND 13: *With A, 10 sc, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc, 2 sc in next st, 12 sc, [with A, 3 sc, with B, 5 sc] 28 times, with A, 12 sc, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc, 2 sc in next st, 10 sc; rep from * once—556 sts.

RND 14: *With A, 11 sc, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc, 2 sc in next st, 13 sc, [with A, 4 sc, with B, 4 sc] 28 times, with A, 13 sc, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc, 2 sc in next st, 11 sc; rep from * once—564 sts.

RND 15: *With A, 12 sc, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc, 2 sc in next st, 14 sc, [with A, 5 sc, with B, 3 sc] 28 times, with A, 14 sc, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc, 2 sc in next st, 12 sc; rep from * once—572 sts.

RND 16: *With A, 13 sc, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc, 2 sc in next st, 15 sc, [with A, 6 sc, with B, 2 sc] 28 times, with A, 15 sc, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc, 2 sc in next st, 13 sc; rep from * once—580 sts.

RND 17: *With A, 14 sc, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc, 2 sc in next st, 16 sc, [with A, 7 sc, with B, 1 sc] 28 times, with A, 16 sc, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc, 2 sc in next st, 14 sc; rep from * once—588 sts.

RND 18: *Carry B, with A, 15 sc, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc, 2 sc in next st, 258 sc, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc, 2 sc in next st, 15 sc; rep from * once—596 sts.

RND 19: *Carry B, with A, 16 sc, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc, 2 sc in next st, 260 sc, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc, 2 sc in next st, 16 sc; rep from * once—604 sts.

RND 20: *Carry B, with A, 17 sc, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc, 2 sc in next st, 262 sc, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc, 2 sc in next st, 17 sc; rep from * once—612 sts.

RND 21: *Carry B, with A, 18 sc, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc, 2 sc in next st, 264 sc, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc, 2 sc in next st, 18 sc; rep from * once—620 sts.

RND 22: Working with both A and B held tog, 620 sc, sl st in next st. Fasten off both yarns.

Finishing

Weave in loose ends. Block scarf.

 

Carol Ventura, art historian at Tennessee Technological University, documents craftspeople from around the world. See more of her work and learn about tapestry crochet at tapestrycrochet.com.

Lace Dress

design by LILY M. CHIN

Lily Chin, the fastest crocheter in the world and one of the craft’s most innovative designers, has made a graceful lace dress that’s sure to please both steadfast traditionalists and up-to-the-minute trendsetters. Intricate as it looks, the dress is composed of basic crochet stitches: chain, single and double crochet, and slip stitch. The bodice is worked in a solid crocheted fabric, while a variety of lace patterns circles the skirt in horizontal bands. “Each pattern has an inherent logic,’’ says Lily. “Once you’ve established the pattern, it’s easy to keep track of where you are.’’

© Chris Hartlove

Finished Size

34 (36, 38, 40, 42)" (86.5 [91.5, 96.5, 101.5, 106.5] cm) bust circumference. Dress shown measures 34" (86.5 cm).

Yarn

DK weight (#3 Light)

shown here: Lang Golf (100% mercerized cotton; 136 yd [125 m]/50 g; ): #24 pearl grey, 13 (14, 15, 17, 18) balls. Yarn distributed by Berroco.

note: This yarn has been discontinued. Suggested substitution: Cotton Classic Lite or Patons Grace.

Hook

Sizes D/3 (3.25 mm) and F/5 (3.75 mm). Adjust hook size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.

Notions

Tapestry needle.

Gauge

1 shell st = 1" (2.5 cm), 12 shell rows = 4" (10 cm) on smaller hook; 12 st-rep of first diamond pattern = 2" (5 cm) blocked, stretched lengthwise.

Stitch Guide

Lace Shell Stitch: Sc in center-dc of next lace shell, *ch 2, skip 2 dc, dc in next sc, ch 2, skip 2 dc, sc in next st (center-dc of next lace shell); rep from * around, end as indicated.

Small Lace Shell Stitch: Sc in center-dc of next lace shell or small lace shell, *ch 1, skip 1 or 2 dc, dc in next sc, ch 1, skip 1 or 2 dc, sc in next st (center-dc of next lace or small lace shell); rep from * around, end as indicated.

Shell Stitch: Sc in center-dc of next shell, *skip 2 dc, work 5 dc in next sc, skip 2 dc, sc in next st (center-dc of next shell); rep from * around, end as indicated.

Small Shell: Sc in center-dc of next shell or small shell, *skip 1 or 2 dc, 3 dc in next dc, skip 1 or 2 dc, sc in next st (center-dc of next shell or small shell); rep from * around, end as indicated.

3-Row Shell Decrease Sequence:

ROW 1: Work small shell in sc indicated in instructions.

ROW 2: Work small shell on each side of next small shell—2 small shells.

ROW 3: Work 5 dc in sc just before first small shell, pick up loop in center-dc of each of next 2 small shells, yo hook and draw through all 3 loops for sc dec, work 5 dc in next sc after last small shell.

3-Row Lace Shell Decrease Sequence:

ROW 1: Work small lace shell in sc indicated in instructions.

ROW 2: Work small lace shell on each side of next small lace shell—2 small lace shells.

ROW 3: Work (ch 2, dc, ch 2) in sc just before first small lace shell st, pick up loop in center-dc of each of next 2 small lace shells, yo hook and draw through all 3 loops for sc dec, work (ch 2, dc, ch 2) in next sc after last small lace shell.

Bodice

With smaller hook, very loosely ch 204 (216, 228, 240, 252). Join with sl st to beg of ch, being careful not to twist sts.

ROW 1: (WS) Ch 3 (counts as dc), work another dc at base of ch-3, *skip 2 ch, sc in next ch, skip 2 ch, 5 dc in next ch; rep from * across, end last rep with 3 more dc at base of first ch-3 instead of 5 dc. Join with sl st to top of beg ch-3—34 (36, 38, 40, 42) shell sts around.

Right side-bodice

Turn, cont working one side as foll:

ROW 2: (RS) Ch 1, ++*sc in center-dc of next shell, skip 2 dc, 5 dc in next sc, skip 2 dc; rep from * until 16 (17, 18, 19, 20) shells total have been worked, ending with sc in center-dc of next shell, turn. Rem sts will be worked later for left side-bodice.

ROW 3: Sl st to center-dc of first shell, ch 1, sc in same center-dc, *skip 2 dc, 5 dc in next sc, skip 2 dc, sc in center-dc of next shell; rep from * across, ending skip rem 2 dc and sc—15 (16, 17, 18, 19) shells total, turn.

Rep Row 3, working 1 less shell each row, until 6 shells rem—12 (13, 14, 15, 16) rows total have been worked.

ROW 13 (14, 15, 16, 17): Working each armhole edge separately, turn.

Shape armhole

Sl st to center-dc of first shell, +ch 1, sc in same dc, *skip 2 dc, 5 dc in next sc, skip 2 dc, sc in center-dc of next shell; rep from * once more, skip rem sts—2 shells total. Mark this side of row to indicate which side to pick up from later, turn.

NEXT ROW: Sl st to center-dc of first shell, ch 1, sc in same center-dc, skip 2 dc, 5 dc in next sc, skip 2 dc, sc in center-dc of next shell, skip rem 2 dc and sc—1 shell total. Fasten off.+ With marked side of row facing, return to sts left unworked on Row 13 (14, 15, 16, 17), skip (2 dc, sc, 2 dc) to the left of marker for underarm, join yarn to center-dc of next shell; rep from + to + as for first armhole edge.

Left side-bodice

With RS facing, return to Row 1 sts worked for right side-bodice, skip next (2 dc, sc, 2 dc) of Row 1 for center back, join yarn to center-dc of next shell, ch 1, beg at ++ , work as for right side-bodice.

Yoke

With RS facing, join yarn to center-dc of top shell on right side-bodice, ready to work toward center back.

For sizes 34 (38, 42)":

ROW 1: Ch 3 (counts as dc), work 2 dc in same center-dc as join (for half-shell), +working down into V along side edges of rows, *skip 2 dc, sc in next sc, skip 2 dc, work 5 dc in next sc; rep from * until just before center sc at bottom of V—6 (7, 8) shells, plus a half-shell at beg; work small shell of only 3 dc in center sc at bottom of V (center back); rep from *, working up other side of V along side edges of rows, end with only 3 dc in center-dc of top shell on left side-bodice, just before armhole; ch 77 (77, 89) for sleeve+, work 3 dc in center-dc of top shell of front, ready to work into center front V; rep from + to +, join with sl st to top of beg ch-3, turn.

ROW 2: (WS) Ch 1, sc in same ch as joining sl st, +*ch 2, skip 2 ch, dc in next ch, ch 2, skip 2 ch, sc in next ch; rep from * across sleeve ch, ending with sc in top of next dc, instead of next ch—13 (13, 15) lace shell sts for sleeve; work in shell st across V-section, dec at center V by beg Row 2 of shell dec sequence (see Stitch Guide, page 146),+ end with sc in last dc; rep from + to +, join with sl st to top of beg sc; mark center shell of each sleeve, turn.

ROW 3: Ch 3 (counts as dc), work 2 dc into same sc as join (for half-shell), +work in shell st as established, dec at center V, end with 3 dc in last sc of back; work in lace shell across sleeve as foll: *ch 2, skip ch-2, sc in next dc, ch 2, skip ch-2,+ dc in next sc; rep from *, ending with 3 dc instead of 1 in next sc (half-shell); rep from + to +, join with sl st to top of beg ch-3, turn.

ROW 4: Ch 1, sc in same ch as joining sl st, +*ch 2, skip ch-2, dc in next sc, ch 2, skip ch-2, sc in next dc; rep from * across sleeve, work in shell st across front, dec at center V,+ end with sc in last dc; rep from + to +, join with sl st to top of beg sc, turn.

Rep Rows 3 and 4 until a total of 9 rows have been completed, and at the same time:

Shape sleeves

Cont in established patt, working dec at center front and back, beg lace shell dec sequence (see Stitch Guide, page 146) on each sleeve at marked center shell.

NOTE: All dec sequences are now aligned with each other.

Cont in this manner until a total of 10 (12, 14) rows have been completed.

NEXT ROW: Change to lace shells; cont dec at sleeve centers and center of front and back. Work until 21 (21, 24) rows have been completed—32 (36, 40) lace shells around.

NEXT ROW: Change to mini shells (sc, 3 dc, sc) in place of lace shells around. Fasten off.

For sizes 36 (40)" (91.5 [101.5] cm):

ROW 1: (RS) Ch 1, sc in same center-dc as join (for half-shell), +working down into V along side edges of rows, *skip 2 dc, work 5 dc in next sc, skip 2 dc, sc in next sc; rep from * until just before center sc at bottom of V—7 (8) shells; work small shell of only 3 dc in center sc at bottom of V (center back); rep from *, working up other side of V along side edges of rows, end with sc in center-dc of top shell on left side-bodice, just before armhole, ch 71 (83) for sleeve,+ work 3 sc in center-dc of top shell of front, ready to work into center front V; rep from + to +, join to beg sc, turn.

ROW 2: (WS) Ch 5 (counts as dc, ch 2), +*skip 2 ch, sc in next ch, ch 2, skip 2 ch, dc in next ch, ch 2; rep from * across sleeve ch, end with 3 dc on top of next dc instead of next ch (for half-shell)—12 (14) lace shells for sleeve; work in shell st across V-section, dec at center V by beg Row 2 of shell dec sequence (see Stitch Guide), end with 3 dc in last sc;+ rep from + to +, ending with 2 dc in last sc, join with sl st in third ch of beg ch-5, mark center shell of each sleeve, turn.

ROW 3: Ch 1, +work in shell st as established, dec at center; work in lace shell across sleeve as foll: *ch 2, skip ch-2, dc in next sc, ch 2, skip ch-2, sc in next dc; rep from *, then rep from + for front, then rep from * for other sleeve, join with sl st to beg sc, turn.

ROW 4: Ch 5 (counts as dc, ch 2), +*skip ch-2, sc in next dc, ch 2, skip ch-2, dc in next sc, ch 2; rep from * across sleeve, work in shell st across front, dec at center V,+ end with sc in last dc; rep from + to + across back, end with 2 dc in last sc, join with sl st in third ch of beg ch-5, turn.

Rep Rows 3 and 4 until a total of 9 rows have been completed, and at the same time:

Shape sleeves

Cont in established patt, work dec at center front and back, beg lace shell dec sequence (see Stitch Guide, page 146) on each sleeve at marked center shell.

NOTE: All dec sequences are now aligned.

Cont in this manner until a total of 11 (13) rows have been completed.

NEXT ROW: Change to lace shells; cont dec at sleeve centers and center of front and back. Work until 21 (24) rows have been completed—32 (36) lace shells around.

NEXT ROW: Change to mini-shells (sc, 3 dc, sc) in place of lace shells around. Fasten off.

Skirt

With RS facing and smaller hook, join yarn at center back; ch 1, sc 168 (180, 192, 204, 216) sts evenly around lower edge of bodice, join with sl st to first sc, turn.

First diamond patt

Work as foll:

ROW 1: (WS) Ch 8 (counts as dc, ch 5), *skip next 5 sc, sc in next sc, ch 5, skip next 5 sc +, 3 dc in next sc, ch 5; rep from * around, end last rep at +, work 2 dc in lasc sc (the beg ch-8 counts as the third dc), join with sl st to third ch of beg ch-8—14 (15, 16, 17, 18) patt reps; turn.

ROW 2: (RS) Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in base of ch, *dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc, ch 4, skip ch-5, dc in next sc, ch 4, skip ch-5,+ 2 dc in next dc; rep from *, end last rep at +, join with sl st to top of beg ch-3, turn.

ROW 3: Ch 6 (counts as dc, ch 3), *skip ch-4, dc in next dc, ch 3, skip ch-4, 2 dc in next dc, dc in next dc, ch 1, skip next dc, dc in next dc,+ 2 dc in next dc, ch 3; rep from *, end last rep at +, dc in base of beg ch, join with sl st to third ch of beg ch-6, turn.

ROW 4: Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in base of ch, *dc in next dc, ch 1, skip next dc, dc in ch-1, ch 1, skip next dc, dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc, ch 2, skip ch-3, dc in next dc, ch 2, skip ch-3,+ 2 dc in next dc; rep from *, end last rep at +, join with sl st to top of beg ch-3, turn.

ROW 5: Ch 6 (counts as dc, ch 3), *skip (ch-2, dc, ch-2), 2 dc in next dc, dc in next dc, [ch 1, skip next dc, dc in next ch] 2 times, ch 1, skip next dc, dc in next dc,+ 2 dc in next dc, ch 3; rep from *, end last rep at +, dc in base of beg ch, join with sl st to third ch of beg ch-6, turn.

ROW 6: Ch 3 (counts as dc), *dc in next dc, [ch 1, skip next dc, dc in next ch] 3 times, ch 1, skip next dc, dc in each of next 2 dc, ch 3, skip ch-3,+ dc in next dc; rep from *, end last rep at +, join with sl st to top of beg ch-3, turn.

ROW 7: Ch 6 (counts as dc, ch 3), *skip ch-3, dc in each of next 2 dc, [dc in next ch, ch 1, skip next dc] 3 times, dc in next ch,+ dc in each of next 2 dc, ch 3; rep from *, end last rep at +, dc in next dc, join with sl st to third ch of beg ch-6, turn.

ROW 8: Ch 3 (counts as dc), skip first dc, *dc in next dc, dc in next ch, [ch 1, skip next dc, dc in next ch] 2 times, dc in next dc, dec next 2 dc tog, ch 2, skip next ch, dc in next ch, ch 2, skip next ch,+ dec next 2 dc tog; rep from *, end last rep at +, join with sl st to top of beg ch-3, turn.

ROW 9: Ch 5 (counts as dc, ch 2), *skip ch-2, (dc, ch 1, dc) all in next dc, ch 2, skip ch-2, dec next 2 dc tog, dc in next dc, dc in next ch, ch 1, skip next dc, dc in next ch, dc in next dc,+ dec next 2 dc tog, ch 2; rep from *, end last rep at +, skip last dc, join with sl st to third ch of beg ch-5, turn.

ROW 10: Ch 3 (counts as dc), skip first dc, *dc in next dc, dc in next ch, dc in next dc, dec next 2 dc tog, ch 2, skip (ch-2, dc), (dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc) all in next ch, ch 2, skip (dc, ch-2),+ dec next 2 dc tog; rep from *, end last rep at +, join with sl st to top of beg ch-3, turn.

ROW 11: Ch 5 (counts as dc, ch 2), *skip (ch-2, dc), (dc, ch 1, dc) in next ch, ch 1, skip next dc, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next ch, ch 2, skip (dc, ch-2), dec next 2 dc tog, dc in next dc,+ dec next 2 dc tog, ch 2; rep from *, end last rep at +, skip last dc, join with sl st to third ch of beg ch-5, turn.

ROW 12: Ch 2, skip first dc, dc in next dc (do not count ch, this is equivalent of double-dec), *ch 2, skip (ch-2, dc), [(dc, ch 1, dc) in next ch, ch 1, skip next dc] 3 times, ch 2, skip (dc, ch-2),+ dec next 3 sts tog for double-dec; rep from *, end last rep at +, join with sl st to first dc, turn.

ROW 13: Ch 4 (counts as dc, ch 1), *skip (ch-2, dc), [(dc, ch 1, dc) in next ch, ch 2, skip (dc, ch-1, dc)] 2 times, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next ch, ch 1, skip (dc, ch-2),+ dc in next dc, ch 1; rep from *, end last rep at +, join with sl st to third ch of beg ch-4, turn.

ROW 14: Ch 4 (counts as dc, ch 1), *skip (ch-1, dc), [(dc, ch 1, dc) in next ch, ch 1, skip next dc, dc in next ch-2 space, ch 1, skip next dc] 2 times, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next ch, ch 1, skip (dc, ch-1),+ dc in next dc, ch 1; rep from *, end last rep at +, join with sl st to third ch of beg ch-4, turn.

ROW 15: Ch 1, *sc in next ch-1 space, ch 1, skip next dc; rep from *, join with sl st to first st—252 (270, 288, 306, 324) sts, turn.

Pineapple patt

Cont in pineapple patt as foll:

ROW 16: (RS) Ch 5 (counts as dc, ch 2), (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in first ch-1 space, *ch 3, skip next 5 sts, [sc in next ch-1 space, ch 3, skip next sc] 4 times, skip next 4 sts,+ (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch-1 space; rep from *, end last rep at +, dc at base of beg ch, join with sl st to third ch of beg ch-5, sl st into next ch-2 space, turn.

ROW 17: (WS) Ch 5 (counts as dc, ch 2), 2 dc in same ch-2 space at base of beg ch, *ch 3, skip (2 dc, ch-3, sc), [sc in next ch-3 space, ch 3, skip next sc] 3 times, skip (ch-3, 2 dc), (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch-2 space, ch 1,+ (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch-2 space; rep from *, end last rep at +, dc in same ch-2 space at base of beg ch, join with sl st to third ch of beg ch-5, sl st into next ch-2 space, turn.

ROW 18: Ch 5 (counts as dc, ch 2), 2 dc in same ch-2 space at base of beg ch, *ch 4, skip (2 dc, ch-1, 2 dc), (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch-2 space, ch 3, skip (2 dc, ch-3, next sc), [sc in next ch-3 space, ch 3, skip next sc] 2 times, skip (ch-3, 2 dc),+ (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch-2 space; rep from *, end last rep at +, dc in same ch-2 space at base of beg ch, join with sl st to third ch of beg ch-5, sl st into next ch-2 space, turn.

ROW 19: Ch 5 (counts as dc, ch 2), 2 dc in same ch-2 space at base of beg ch, *ch 3, skip (2 dc, ch-3, next sc), sc in next ch-3 space, ch 3, skip (next sc, ch-3, 2 dc), (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch-2 space, ch 1, skip next 2 dc, 6 dc in next ch-4 space, ch 1, skip next 2 dc,+ (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch-2 space; rep from *, end last rep at +, dc in same ch-2 space at base of beg ch, join with sl st to third ch of beg ch-5, sl st into next ch-2 space, turn.

ROW 20: Ch 5 (counts as dc, ch 2), 2 dc in same ch-2 space at base of beg ch, *ch 1, skip (2 dc, ch-1), [dc in next dc, ch 1] 6 times, skip (ch-1, 2 dc), (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch-2 space, skip (2 dc, ch-3, sc, ch-3, 2 dc),+ (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch-2 space; rep from *, end last rep at +, dc in same ch-2 space at base of beg ch, join with sl st to third ch of beg ch-5, sl st into next ch-2 space, turn.

ROW 21: Ch 5 (counts as dc, ch 2), *skip next 4 dc, 2 dc in next ch-2 space, ch 3, skip (2 dc, ch-1, next dc), [sc in next ch-1 space, ch 3, skip next dc] 5 times, skip (ch-1, 2 dc),+ 2 dc in next ch-2 space, ch 2; rep from *, end last rep at +, dc in same ch-2 space at base of beg ch, join with sl st to third ch of beg ch-5, sl st into next ch-2 space, turn.

ROW 22: Ch 5 (counts as dc, ch 2), 2 dc in same ch-2 space at base of beg ch, *ch 3, skip (2 dc, ch-3, next sc), [sc in next ch-3 space, ch 3, skip sc] 4 times, skip (ch-3, 2 dc),+ (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch-2 space; rep from *, end last rep at +, (2 dc, ch 2, 1 dc) in same ch-2 space at base of beg ch, join with sl st to third ch of beg ch-5, sl st into next ch-2 space, turn.

ROW 23: Ch 5 (counts as dc, ch 2), 2 dc in same ch-2 space at base of beg ch, *ch 1, skip next 2 dc, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch-2 space, ch 3, skip (2 dc, ch-3, next sc), [sc in next ch-3 space, ch 3, skip sc] 3 times, skip (ch-3, 2 dc),+ (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch-2 space; rep from *, end last rep at +, dc in same ch-2 space at base of beg ch, join with sl st to third ch of beg ch-5, sl st into next ch-2 space, turn.

ROW 24: Ch 5 (counts as dc, ch 2), 2 dc in same ch-2 space at base of beg ch, *ch 3, skip (2 dc, ch-3, next sc), [sc in next ch-3 space, ch 3, skip sc] 2 times, skip (ch-3, 2 dc), (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch-2 space, ch 4, skip (2 dc, ch-1, 2 dc),+ (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch-2 space; rep from *, end last rep at +, dc in same ch-2 space at base of beg ch, join with sl st to third ch of beg ch-5, sl st into next ch-2 space, turn.

ROW 25: Ch 5 (counts as dc, ch 2), 2 dc in same ch-2 space at base of beg ch, *ch 1, skip next 2 dc, 6 dc in next ch-4 space, ch 1, skip next 2 dc, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch-2 space, ch 3, skip (2 dc, ch-3, next sc), sc in next ch-3 space, ch 3, skip (1 sc, ch-3, 2 dc),+ (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch-2 space; rep from *, end last rep at +, dc in same ch-2 space at base of beg ch, join with sl st to third ch of beg ch-5, sl st into next ch-2 space, turn.

ROW 26: Ch 5 (counts as dc, ch 2), 2 dc in same ch-2 space at base of beg ch, *skip (2 dc, ch-3, 1 sc, ch-3, 2 dc), (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch-2 space, ch 1, skip (2 dc, ch-1), [dc in next dc, ch 1] 6 times, skip (ch-1, 2 dc),+ (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch-2 space; rep from *, end last rep at +, dc in same ch-2 space at base of beg ch, join with sl st to third ch of beg ch-5, sl st into next ch-2 space, turn.

ROW 27: Ch 5 (counts as dc, ch 2), dc in same ch-2 space at base of beg ch, *ch 3, skip (2 dc, ch-1, next dc), [sc in next ch-1 space, ch 3, skip dc] 5 times, skip (ch-1, 2 dc), 2 dc in next ch-2 space, ch 2, skip 4 next dc,+ 2 dc in next ch-2 space; rep from *, end last rep at +, dc in same ch-2 space at base of beg ch, join with sl st to third ch of beg ch-5, sl st into next ch-2 space, turn.

ROW 28: Ch 1, *sc in each of next 2 ch, sc in each of next 2 dc, sc in each of next 3 ch, [sc in next sc, sc in next ch-3 space] 4 times, sc in next sc, sc in each of next 3 ch, sc in each of next 2 dc; rep from *, join with sl st to beg sc—294 (315, 336, 357, 378) sts; turn.

Second diamond patt

Cont in second diamond patt as foll:

ROW 29: (WS) Ch 6 (counts as dc, ch 3), *skip next 3 sc, dc in each of next 4 sc, ch 3, skip 2 sc, sc in next sc, ch 3, skip next 2 sc, dc in each of next 4 sc, ch 3, skip 3 next sc,+ dc in each of next 2 sc, ch 3; rep from *, end last rep at +, dc in next sc, join with sl st to third ch of beg ch-6, turn.

ROW 30: (RS) Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in base of beg ch, *2 dc in next dc, ch 3, skip ch-3, dec next 2 dc tog, dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc, ch 4, skip ch-3, sc in next sc, ch 4, skip ch-3, 2 dc in next dc, dc in next dc, dec next 2 dc tog, ch 3, skip ch-3,+ 2 dc in next dc; rep from *, end last rep at +, join with sl st to top of beg ch, turn.

ROW 31: Ch 6 (counts as dc, ch 3), *skip ch-3, dec next 2 dc tog, dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc, ch 4, skip ch-4, sc in next sc, ch 4, skip ch-4, 2 dc in next dc, dc in next dc, dec next 2 dc tog, ch 3, skip ch-3, 2 dc in next dc, dc in each of next 2 dc,+ 2 dc in next dc, ch 3; rep from *, end last rep at +, dc in base of beg ch, join with sl st to third ch of beg ch-6, turn.

ROW 32: Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in base of beg ch, *dc in each of next 4 dc, 2 dc in next dc, ch 3, skip ch-3, dec next 2 dc tog, dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc, skip (ch-4, next sc, ch-4), 2 dc in next dc, dc in next dc, dec next 2 dc tog, ch 3, skip ch-3,+ 2 dc in next dc; rep from *, end last rep at +, join with sl st to top of beg ch, turn.

ROW 33: Ch 6 (counts as dc, ch 3), *skip next 3 sc, dec next 2 dc tog, dc in each of next 4 dc, dec next 2 dc tog, ch 3, skip ch-3, 2 dc in next dc, dc in next dc, dec next 2 dc tog, ch 11, dec next 2 dc tog, dc in next dc,+ 2 dc in next dc, ch 3; rep from *, end last rep at +, dc in base of beg ch, join with sl st to third ch of beg ch-6, turn.

ROW 34: Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in base of beg ch, *dc in next dc, dec next 2 dc tog, ch 4, skip 5 ch, sc in next ch, ch 4, skip 5 ch, dec next 2 dc tog, dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc, ch 3, skip ch-3, dec next 2 dc tog, dc in each of next 2 dc, dec next 2 dc tog, ch 3, skip ch-3,+ 2 dc in next dc; rep from *, end last rep at +, join with sl st to top of beg ch, turn.

ROW 35: Ch 6 (counts as dc, ch 3), *skip next 3 sc, [dec next 2 dc tog] 2 times, ch 3, skip ch-3, 2 dc in next dc, dc in next dc, dec next 2 dc tog, ch 3, skip ch-4, sc in next sc, ch 3, skip ch-4, dec next 2 dc tog, dc in next dc,+ 2 dc in next dc, ch 3; rep from *, end last rep at +, dc in base of beg ch, join with sl st to third ch of beg ch-6, turn.

ROW 36: Change to larger hook, ch 3 (counts as dc), *dc in each of next 3 dc, ch 3, skip ch-3, sc in next ch, ch 3, skip ch-3, dc in each of next 4 dc, ch 3, skip ch-3, dc in each of next 2 dc, ch 3, skip ch-3,+ dc in next dc; rep from *, end last rep at +, join with sl st to top of beg ch, sl st into next dc, turn.

ROW 37: Ch 6 (counts as dc, ch 3), *skip ch-3, 2 dc in each of next 2 dc, ch 3, skip ch-3, dec next 2 dc tog, dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc, ch 4, skip ch-3, sc in next sc, ch 4, skip ch-3, 2 dc in next dc, dc in next dc,+ dec next 2 dc tog, ch 3; rep from *, end last rep at +, join with sl st to third ch of beg ch-6, turn.

ROW 38: Sl st into first dc, ch 3 (counts as dc), *dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc, ch 4, skip ch-4, sc in next sc, ch 4, skip ch-4, 2 dc in next dc, dc in next dc, dec next 2 dc tog, ch 3, skip ch-3, 2 dc in next dc, dc in each of next 2 dc, 2 dc in next dc, ch 3, skip ch-3,+ dec next 2 dc tog; rep from *, end last rep at +, join with sl st to top of beg ch, sl st into next dc, turn.

ROW 39: Ch 6 (counts as dc, ch 3), *skip ch-3, 2 dc in next dc, dc in each of next 4 dc, 2 dc in next dc, ch 3, skip ch-3, dec next 2 dc tog, dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc, skip (ch-4, next sc, ch-4), 2 dc in next dc, dc in next dc,+ dec next 2 dc tog, ch 3; rep from *, end last rep at +, join with sl st to third ch of beg ch-6, turn.

ROW 40: Sl st into first dc, ch 3 (counts as dc), *dc in each of next 4 dc, dec next 2 dc tog, ch 3, skip ch-3, 2 dc in next dc, dc in next dc, dec next 2 dc tog, ch 11, dec next 2 dc tog, dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc, ch 3, skip ch-3,+ dec next 2 dc tog; rep from *, end last rep at +, join with sl st to top of beg ch, sl st into next dc, turn.

ROW 41: Ch 6 (counts as dc, ch 3), *skip ch-3, 2 dc in next dc, dc in next dc, dec next 2 dc tog, ch 4, skip 5 ch, sc in next ch, ch 4, skip 5 ch, dec next 2 dc tog, dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc, ch 3, skip ch-3, dec next 2 dc tog, dc in each of next 2 dc,+ dec next 2 dc tog, ch 3; rep from *, end last rep at +, join with sl st to third ch of beg ch-6, turn.

ROW 42: Sl st into first dc, ch 3 (counts as dc), dec next 2 dc tog, *ch 3, skip ch-3, 2 dc in next dc, dc in next dc, dec next 2 dc tog, ch 3, skip ch-4, sc in next sc, ch 3, skip ch-4, dec next 2 dc tog, dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc, ch 3, skip ch-3,+ dec next 2 dc tog; rep from *, end last rep at +, join with sl st to top of beg ch, sl st into next dc, turn.

ROW 43: Ch 6 (counts as dc, ch 3), *skip ch-3, dc in each of next 4 dc, ch 3, skip ch-3, sc in next ch, ch 3, skip ch-3, dc in each of next 4 dc, ch 3, skip ch-3, dc in next dc,+ dc in next dc, ch 3; rep from *, end last rep at +, join with sl st to 3rd ch of beg ch-6, turn.

ROW 44: Ch 1, sc in base of ch, *sc in next dc, sc in each of next 3 ch, sc in each of next 4 dc, sc in each of next 3 ch, 2 sc in next sc, sc in each of next 3 ch, sc in each of next 4 dc, sc in each of next 3 ch, sc in next dc; rep from *, join with sl st to first sc—336 (360, 384, 408, 432) sts, turn.

Scallops patt

Cont in scallops patt as follows:

ROW 45: (WS) Ch 7 (counts as dc, ch 4), *skip 4 sc, dc in next sc,+ dc in next sc, ch 4; rep from *, end last rep at +, join with sl st to third ch of beg ch-7, turn.

ROW 46: (RS) Ch 1, *skip dc, (sc, hdc, dc, ch 2, dc, hdc, sc) all in next ch-4 space, skip dc; rep from *, join with sl st to beg sc, turn.

ROW 47: Sl st into next (sc, hdc, dc and ch-1 space), ch 8 (counts as dc, ch 5), *skip (dc, hdc, sc, hdc and dc), dc in next ch-1 space, ch 5; rep from *, join with sl st to third ch of beg ch-7; sl st into next ch, turn.

ROW 48: Ch 1, sc in same ch at base of ch 1, *sc in next dc, sc in each of next 5 ch; rep from *, end last rep with sc in each of last 4 ch, join with sl st to beg sc—336 (360, 384, 408, 432) sts; turn.

ROW 49: Ch 4 (counts as dc, ch 1), dc in base of ch, *ch 1, skip next 3 sc, dc in each of next 9 sc, ch 1, skip next 3 sc, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next sc, ch 1, skip next 3 sc, (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next sc, ch 1, skip next 3 sc,+ (dc, ch 1, dc) in next sc; rep from *, end last rep at +, join with sl st to third ch of beg ch-4, sl st into next ch-1 space, turn.

ROW 50: Ch 4 (counts as dc, ch 1), dc in same ch-1 space at base of ch, *ch 1, skip (next dc, ch-1, 2 dc), (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next ch-1 space, ch 1, skip (2 dc, ch-1, dc), (dc, ch 1, dc) in next ch-1 space, ch 1, skip (next dc, ch-1), dc in each of next 9 dc, ch 1, skip (ch-1, dc),+ (dc, ch 1, dc) in next ch-1 space; rep from *, end last rep at +, join with sl st to third ch of beg ch-4, sl st into next ch-1 space, turn.

ROW 51: Ch 4 (counts as dc, ch 1), 2 dc in same ch-1 space at base of ch, *ch 1, skip next (dc, ch-1, dc), dc in each of next 7 dc, ch 1, skip next (dc, ch-1, dc), (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next ch-1 space, ch 1, skip next (dc, ch-1, 2 dc), (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next ch-1 space, ch 1, skip (2 dc, ch-1, next dc),+ (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next ch-1 space; rep from *, end last rep at +, dc in same ch-1 space at base of ch, join with sl st to third ch of beg ch-4, sl st into next ch-1 space, turn.

ROW 52: Ch 4 (counts as dc, ch 1), 2 dc in same ch-1 space at base of ch, *[ch 1, skip (2 dc, ch-1, 2 dc), (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next ch-1 space] 2 times, ch 1, skip (2 dc, ch-1), dc in each of next 7 dc, ch 1, skip (ch-1, 2 dc),+ (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next ch-1 space; rep from *, end last rep at +, dc in same ch-1 space at base of ch, join with sl st to third ch of beg ch-4, sl st into next ch-1 space, turn.

ROW 53: Ch 4 (counts as dc, ch 1), 2 dc in same ch-1 space at base of ch, *ch 2, skip (2 dc, ch-1), dc in each of next 7 dc, ch 2, skip (ch-1, 2 dc), [(2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next ch-1 space, ch 1, skip (2 dc, ch-1, 2 dc)] 2 times,+ (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next ch-1 space; rep from *, end last rep at +, dc in same ch-1 space at base of ch, join with sl st to third ch of beg ch-4, sl st into next ch-1 space, turn.

ROW 54: Ch 4 (counts as dc, ch 1), 2 dc in same ch-1 space at base of ch, *[ch 1, skip (2 dc, ch-1, 2 dc), (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next ch-1 space] 2 times, ch 3, skip (2 dc, ch-2, next dc), dc in each of next 5 dc, ch 3, skip next (dc, ch-2, 2 dc),+ (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next ch-1 space; rep from *, end last rep at +, dc in same ch-1 space at base of ch, join with sl st to third ch of beg ch-4, sl st into next ch-1 space, turn.

ROW 55: Ch 4 (counts as dc, ch 1), 2 dc in same ch-1 space at base of ch, *ch 3, skip (2 dc, ch-3), dc in each of next 5 dc, ch 3, skip (ch-3, 2 dc), [(2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next ch-1 space, ch 1, skip (2 dc, ch-1, 2 dc)] 2 times,+ (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next ch-1 space; rep from *, end last rep at +, dc in same ch-1 space at base of ch, join with sl st to third ch of beg ch-4, sl st into next ch-1 space, turn.

ROW 56: Ch 4 (counts as dc, ch 1), 2 dc in same ch-1 space at base of ch, *[ch 1, skip (2 dc, ch-1, 2 dc), (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next ch-1 space] 2 times, ch 4, skip (2 dc, ch-3), dc in each of next 5 dc, ch 4, skip (ch-3, 2 dc),+ (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next ch-1 space; rep from *, end last rep at +, dc in same ch-1 space at base of ch, join with sl st to third ch of beg ch-4, sl st into next ch-1 space, turn.

ROW 57: Ch 4 (counts as dc, ch 1), 2 dc in same ch-1 space at base of ch, *ch 4, skip (2 dc, ch-4, next dc), dc in each of next 3 dc, ch 4, skip next (dc, ch-4, 2 dc), [(2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next ch-1 space, ch 2, skip (2 dc, ch-1, 2 dc)] 2 times,+ (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next ch-1 space; rep from *, end last rep at +, dc in same ch-1 space at base of ch, join with sl st to third ch of beg ch-4, sl st into next ch-1 space, turn.

ROW 58: Ch 4 (counts as dc, ch 1), 2 dc in same ch-1 space at base of ch, *[ch 2, skip (2 dc, ch-2, 2 dc), (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next ch-1 space] 2 times, ch 4, skip (2 dc, ch-4), dc in each of next 3 dc, ch 4, skip (ch-4, 2 dc),+ (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next ch-1 space; rep from *, end last rep at +, dc in same ch-1 space at base of ch, join with sl st to third ch of beg ch-4, sl st into next ch-1 space, turn.

ROW 59: Ch 4 (counts as dc, ch 1), 2 dc in same ch-1 space at base of ch, *ch 5, skip (2 dc, ch-4), dc in each of next 3 dc, ch 5, skip (ch-4, 2 dc), [(2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next ch-1 space, ch 2, skip (2 dc, ch-2, 2 dc)] 2 times,+ (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next ch-1 space; rep from *, end last rep at +, dc in same ch-1 space at base of ch, join with sl st to third ch of beg ch-4, sl st into next ch-1 space, turn.

ROW 60: Ch 4 (counts as dc, ch 1), 2 dc in same ch-1 space at base of ch, *[ch 2, skip (2 dc, ch-2, 2 dc), (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next ch-1 space] 2 times, ch 2, skip (2 dc, 2 ch), (dc, ch 1, dc) in next ch, ch 2, skip (ch-2, next dc), (dc, ch 1, dc) in next dc, ch 2, skip next (dc, ch-2), (dc, ch 1, dc) in next ch, ch 2, skip (ch-2, 2 dc),+ (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next ch-1 space; rep from *, end last rep at +, dc in same ch-1 space at base of ch, join with sl st to third ch of beg ch-4, sl st into next ch-1 space, turn.

ROW 61: Ch 4 (counts as dc, ch 1), 2 dc in same ch-1 space at base of ch, *ch 2, skip (2 dc, ch-2, next dc), [(dc, ch 1, dc) in next ch-1 space, ch 2, skip next (dc, ch-2, next dc)] 3 times, skip 1 more dc, [(2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next ch-1 space, ch 2, skip next (2 dc, ch-2, 2 dc)] 2 times,+ (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next ch-1 space; rep from *, end last rep at +, dc in same ch-1 space at base of ch, join with sl st to third ch of beg ch-4, sl st into next ch-1 space, turn.

ROW 62: Ch 4 (counts as dc, ch 1), 2 dc in same ch-1 space at base of ch, *[ch 2, skip (2 dc, ch-2, 2 dc), (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next ch-1 space] 2 times, ch 2, skip (2 dc, ch-2, next dc), (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next ch-1 space, ch 2, skip next (dc, ch-2, dc), (dc, ch 1, dc) in next ch-1 space, ch 2, skip next (dc, ch-2, dc), (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next ch-1 space, ch 2, skip next (dc, ch-2, 2 dc),+ (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next ch-1 space; rep from *, end last rep at +, dc in same ch-1 space at base of ch, join with sl st to third ch of beg ch-4, sl st into next ch-1 space, turn.

ROW 63: Ch 4 [counts as dc, ch 1], 2 dc in same ch-1 space at base of ch, *ch 2, skip (2 dc, ch-2, 2 dc), (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next ch-1 space, ch 2, skip (2 dc, ch-2, next dc), (dc, ch 1, dc) in next ch-1 space, ch 2, skip next (dc, ch-2, 2 dc), [(2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next ch-1 space, ch 2, skip (2 dc, ch-2, 2 dc)] 3 times,+ (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next ch-1 space; rep from *, end last rep at +, dc in same ch-1 space at base of ch, join with sl st to third ch of beg ch-4, sl st into next ch-1 space, turn.

ROW 64: Ch 4 (counts as dc, ch 1), 2 dc in same ch-1 space at base of ch, *[ch 2, skip (2 dc, ch-2, 2 dc), (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next ch-1 space] 3 times, ch 2, skip (2 dc, ch-2, next dc), (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next ch-1 space, ch 2, skip next (dc, ch-2, 2 dc), (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc]) in next ch-1 space, ch 2, skip next (2 dc, ch-2, 2 dc),+ (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next ch-1 space; rep from *, end last rep at +, dc in same ch-1 space at base of ch, join with sl st to third ch of beg ch-4, sl st into next ch-1 space, turn.

ROW 65: Ch 4 (counts as dc, ch 1), 2 dc in same ch-1 space at base of ch, *ch 2, skip (2 dc, ch-2, 2 dc), (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next ch-1 space; rep from *, end with dc in same ch-1 space at base of ch, join with sl st to third ch of beg ch-4—588 (630, 672, 714, 756) sts total; 84 (90, 96, 102, 108) scallops separated by ch-2. Fasten off.

Finishing

Weave in loose ends. Block to measurement.

 

Lily M. Chin, the world’s fastest crocheter, is author of her own crochet book and is always seeking new ways to invent in crochet. Find her online at lilychinsignaturecollection.com.