Looking for a new favorite summer top? This easy, breezy lace yoke blouse is the perfect project! Its top-down construction means there are no seams to sew, and you can easily adjust the length to create a crop top, a full-length blouse, or even a dress. The elegant lace yoke gives way to a simple, straight body, making it a quick and rewarding crochet project for all skill levels.
Let’s grab our hooks and make a gorgeous blouse that you’ll want to wear all season long!
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner to Intermediate
Materials You’ll Need:
- Yarn: Approximately 400-500 yards of sport (size 2) or DK (size 3) weight yarn in your preferred color. A cotton or cotton blend is great for a light, breathable garment.
- A crochet hook appropriate for your yarn. A size G/6 (4.0mm) hook is a good choice for this type of project.
- Scissors
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends
- Stitch markers
Key Stitches and Abbreviations:
- ch: chain
- st(s): stitch(es)
- sl st: slip stitch
- sc: single crochet
- dc: double crochet
- Fan st: fan stitch ([3 dc] in the same stitch)
- V-st: V-stitch (dc, ch 1, dc) in the same stitch
- sk: skip
- sp: space
- rnd: round
Pattern Instructions:
Part 1: The Yoke
The yoke is worked in the round, top-down, with increases to create the circular shape.
- Rnd 1 (Neckline): ch 85 (or enough chains to fit comfortably around your neck). Join with a sl st to the first ch to form a ring. (85 sts)
- Rnd 2: ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in each st around. Join with sl st.
- Rnd 3 (First Lace Row): ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in next st. ch 1, sk 1 st, [dc, ch 1, dc] in next st (this is your V-stitch), ch 1, sk 1 st, dc in next st. Repeat from * around. You will be creating a repeating pattern of V-stitches and single dc stitches. Join with a sl st to the top of the ch 3.
- Rnd 4: ch 3 (counts as dc). work [dc, ch 1, dc] in the ch-1 sp of the V-stitch, ch 1, dc in next dc. Repeat from * around, adjusting the pattern to fit the round.
- Continue working in the V-stitch lace pattern, adding increases strategically to create a flat, round yoke. A good way to increase is to replace a V-stitch with a fan stitch ([5 dc] in the ch-1 space) every few rounds, or to add more stitches between the V-stitches. Work until the yoke is wide enough to rest on your shoulders and reach your armpits.
Part 2: Separate Armholes
Once the yoke is wide enough, you will separate the sleeves and continue with the body.
- Split for Sleeves: Count the stitches on your last round. Place stitch markers to separate the front, back, and sleeves. For example, if you have 160 sts, you can place 40 sts for the front, 40 sts for the back, and 40 sts for each sleeve.
- Continue Body: ch 3 (counts as dc), and continue your pattern across the stitches for the front panel. When you reach the first sleeve marker, ch 4 (or enough chains to comfortably span the armpit) and skip all the sleeve stitches to the next marker. Continue the pattern across the back stitches. When you reach the second sleeve marker, ch 4 and skip the remaining sleeve stitches. Join the round.
Part 3: The Body
The body is worked in continuous rounds from the armhole separation down to the hem.
- Work the Body: ch 3 (counts as dc), and dc in each st around, including in the ch-4 spaces under the armpits.
- Add Eyelet Rows: The body of the top in the image features simple eyelet rows. A simple pattern is: dc, ch 1, sk 1 st. Work this pattern for a full round every few rows (e.g., after 5-6 rows of straight dc).
- Continue working in this pattern of double crochet and periodic eyelet rows until the body reaches your desired length.
Part 4: Finishing Touches
- Sleeves: Join yarn at the armhole opening. Work a simple border of single crochet or a final fan stitch row around the sleeve opening. Fasten off.
- Neckline and Hem: Work a neat border of single crochet or slip stitch around the neckline and the bottom hem for a clean, finished edge.
- Weave in Ends: Weave in all loose ends securely with your yarn needle.
- Blocking: Gently block the finished top to help the lace pattern lay flat and define the stitches.
You’re Done!
Video tutorial
Congratulations! You’ve just crocheted a gorgeous and easy top-down blouse with a beautiful lace yoke. This project is a testament to your skills, resulting in a versatile and comfortable garment.
Share your finished top with me on social media using #LaceYokeTop – I’d love to see your color choices! Happy crocheting!
