If you love the look of delicate lace but want something you can actually wear out in real life, this is the pattern for you. The Lace-Inspired Crocheted Top by Valerie Kurita is a free crochet pattern that uses a mix of half-double crochet, petal stitch, and scallop stitch to create something that looks genuinely special — while still being structured enough to work as a real garment.
It’s worked in Bernat Cool Crochet yarn, a sport-weight cotton-nylon blend that’s light enough for summer and holds stitch definition beautifully. The lace sections actually pop the way they’re supposed to.
Pattern Details
- Designer: Valerie Kurita
- Originally published in: Family Circle Easy Crochet, Spring 2007
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Yarn: Bernat Cool Crochet (sport weight, 70% cotton / 30% nylon) — approximately 1,000–1,400 yards
- Hook: E/4 (3.5mm)
- Sizes: S (M, L) — fits bust 34 (38, 42)”
What the Stitches Look Like
Three different stitch patterns are used across the body of this top — a half-double crochet mesh section, a petal pattern, and a scallop section along the hem. Each one is worked separately but they flow together cleanly. It’s the kind of design where working through it teaches you something.
Get the Free Pattern
The pattern is listed as free on Ravelry. You can find the full pattern details and download link on the Ravelry listing page.
Get the Lace-Inspired Crocheted Top on Ravelry
Before You Start
- Make a gauge swatch. This is a fitted garment — gauge really matters here. 22 hdc to 4″ in the main stitch section.
- This is listed as intermediate because of the stitch variety, not because any single stitch is hard. If you’re comfortable reading a pattern and switching stitch patterns, you’ll be fine.
- Cotton yarn doesn’t have much stretch, so check your gauge closely and pick the size based on your actual bust measurement, not your usual size.
- The top is worked top-down and in the round, which makes it easy to try on as you go and adjust length.
More Free Crochet Top Patterns
- Easy Days Jacket — Free Crochet Pattern by Tammy Hildebrand
- Quick and Easy Triangles — Free Crochet Pattern
What You’ll Need
- Yarn: Sport Weight Yarn
- Crochet Hook: D/3 (3mm) Crochet Hook
- Scissors & Tapestry Needle
- Stitch Markers: Stitch Markers
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
The crochet journal I call my magic tool
My best seller: a vintage-look printable journal that’s inspiring, a little funny, and nothing like a plain planner. Inside: hook conversion chart, stitch symbol guide, yarn stash inventory, row counter, pattern notes, and more.
Love blanket stitches too? 50+ easy-yet-unique blanket stitches – $27
Want more free patterns in your inbox? Join the Cozy Stitch Newsletter and we’ll send them straight to you.
Happy hooking!
