purlJam

# Summer Breeze Backless Crop Top

A breezy, partially backless crop top perfect for warm summer days! This beginner-friendly design features a simple lace front panel with adjustable back straps that tie for a customizable fit. The ribbed bottom band provides structure while the open back keeps you cool.

**Size:** Teen Medium (32-34" bust)
**Finished Measurements:** 
- Bust circumference: 28-30" (designed with negative ease, stretches to fit)
- Length: 15" from shoulder to bottom edge

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## MATERIALS

**Yarn:** Sport weight (#2 Fine) lace or sport yarn
- Approximately 500-600 yards
- Sample shown in cotton/bamboo blend

**Hook:** 
- US G/6 (4.0 mm) for ribbed band
- US H/8 (5.0 mm) for main body

**Notions:**
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends
- Stitch markers
- 2 buttons (¾" diameter) OR ribbon for ties (optional)

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## GAUGE

**With larger hook in Shell Lace Pattern:**
20 sts × 12 rows = 4" (10 cm)

**With smaller hook in Single Crochet:**
22 sts × 28 rows = 4" (10 cm)

*Gauge is important for proper fit. Take time to check your gauge and adjust hook size if necessary.*

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## ABBREVIATIONS

- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- dc = double crochet
- sk = skip
- sl st = slip stitch
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- BLO = back loop only
- rep = repeat
- RS = right side
- WS = wrong side
- ( ) = stitch count at end of row/round

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## PATTERN NOTES

1. Turning chain 3 counts as first dc throughout.
2. Ribbed band is worked flat with smaller hook, then body is worked with larger hook.
3. Shell Lace Pattern creates an airy, open fabric perfect for summer.
4. Side panels are worked separately and attached to front panel.
5. Back straps can be tied or buttoned based on preference.

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## SPECIAL STITCHES

**Shell:** (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) all in same stitch or space

**Ribbing Row:** Sc BLO in each st across

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## INSTRUCTIONS

### RIBBED BAND

With smaller hook, ch 22.

**Row 1 (WS):** Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (21 sc)

**Rows 2-154:** Ch 1, turn, sc BLO in each st across. (21 sc)

*Note: This creates a ribbed band approximately 28" long when slightly stretched. Try around your ribcage before continuing. Should reach comfortably around.*

Do not fasten off. Rotate piece 90 degrees to work along long edge.

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### FRONT PANEL

Switch to larger hook.

**Row 1 (RS):** Ch 3 (counts as dc), work 139 dc evenly spaced along long edge of ribbed band (approximately 1 dc in side of each ribbing row, adjusting as needed to reach count). (140 dc)

*Math check: 140 sts ÷ 20 sts per 4" × 4" = 28" circumference ✓*

**Row 2 (WS):** Ch 3, turn, dc in same st (half shell), sk 2 sts, *shell in next st, sk 2 sts; rep from * across to last st, 2 dc in last st. (23 shells + 2 half shells = 94 dc + 23 ch-1 spaces)

*Math check: Starting with 140 sts. Pattern repeat uses 3 sts per shell. (140-2)/3 = 46 shells possible; we're working 23 across. Half shells on ends. ✓*

**Row 3 (RS):** Ch 3, turn, 2 dc in first st, *shell in ch-1 sp of shell below; rep from * across to last st, 3 dc in top of turning ch. (23 shells + 2 half shells)

**Rows 4-15:** Rep Row 3. (23 shells + 2 half shells)

*Note: After Row 15, piece should measure approximately 9" from bottom of ribbed band.*

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### SHAPE ARMHOLES

**Row 16 (RS):** Sl st across first 13 sts, ch 3 in 14th st, 2 dc in same st, *shell in ch-1 sp of shell below; rep from * across until 12 sts remain, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, leave remaining sts unworked. Turn. (17 shells + 2 half shells)

*Math check: Removed 12-13 sts from each side. 140 - 26 = 114 sts remain approximately. ✓*

**Rows 17-21:** Ch 3, turn, 2 dc in first st, *shell in ch-1 sp of shell below; rep from * across, 3 dc in top of turning ch. (17 shells + 2 half shells)

*Note: Front panel should now measure approximately 12" from bottom of ribbed band and 14" wide.*

Fasten off. Weave in ends.

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### SIDE/BACK PANELS (Make 2)

With larger hook, ch 44.

**Row 1 (WS):** Dc in 4th ch from hook and in each ch across. (42 dc)

*Math check: 42 sts ÷ 20 sts per 4" × 4" = 8.4" width ✓*

**Row 2 (RS):** Ch 3, turn, dc in same st, sk 2 sts, *shell in next st, sk 2 sts; rep from * across to last st, 2 dc in last st. (6 shells + 2 half shells)

**Row 3:** Ch 3, turn, 2 dc in first st, *shell in ch-1 sp of shell below; rep from * across, 3 dc in top of turning ch. (6 shells + 2 half shells)

**Rows 4-15:** Rep Row 3. (6 shells + 2 half shells)

*Note: After Row 15, piece should measure approximately 9" tall, matching the pre-armhole section of front panel.*

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### SHAPE ARMHOLE EDGE (worked on one side only)

**Row 16 (RS):** Sl st across first 13 sts, ch 3 in 14th st, 2 dc in same st, *shell in ch-1 sp of shell below; rep from * across, 3 dc in top of turning ch. Turn. (4 shells + 2 half shells)

**Rows 17-21:** Ch 3, turn, 2 dc in first st, *shell in ch-1 sp of shell below; rep from * across, 3 dc in top of turning ch. (4 shells + 2 half shells)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for seaming.

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### BACK STRAPS (Make 2)

With smaller hook, ch 8.

**Row 1:** Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (7 sc)

**Rows 2-60:** Ch 1, turn, sc BLO in each st across. (7 sc)

*Note: This creates a strap approximately 16" long. Adjust length as desired for fit.*

Fasten off.

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## FINISHING

### ASSEMBLY

1. **Attach Side Panels to Front Panel:**
   - With RS facing, align the armhole shaping of one side panel with the armhole shaping of the front panel
   - Using yarn needle and whip stitch or sl st, seam the armhole edges together (Rows 16-21)
   - Seam down the side edge, matching the ribbed band edge with the bottom of the side panel
   - Repeat for second side panel on opposite side

*Note: The side panels will wrap around to the back, leaving an open section in the center back.*

2. **Attach Back Straps:**
   - Position one strap at the top corner of one side panel (at Row 21)
   - Sew securely with yarn needle
   - Repeat for second strap on opposite side panel
   - Straps will cross or tie at the center back of neck

3. **Closure Options:**

   *Option A - Tie Closure:*
   - Straps can be tied in a bow at center back
   - Additionally, sew ribbon or make chain ties at the point where side panels meet at lower back for adjustable closure

   *Option B - Button Closure:*
   - Overlap straps at back neck and sew button
   - Sew buttons at lower back where panels meet
   - Create button loops with ch-8 loops on opposite panel edges

4. **Edging (Optional):**
   If desired, work one round of sc around all edges (neckline, armholes, back opening) for a finished look.

5. **Weave in all remaining ends.** Block gently to measurements if needed.

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## WEARING & CARE

**To Wear:** Slip on over head, adjust back straps, and tie or button closure at back. The ribbed band should sit at natural waist or just above.

**Care:** Hand wash in cool water, lay flat to dry. Do not wring. Sport weight cotton/bamboo blends are durable and breathable for summer wear.

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## ADJUSTMENTS & CUSTOMIZATION

**Length:** Add or subtract rows in the main body section (before armhole shaping) for desired crop length.

**Width:** For a larger or smaller size, adjust the starting chain and stitch count in multiples of 6 for the shell pattern. Each additional shell adds approximately 1.2" width.

**Back Coverage:** For more back coverage, make side panels wider by starting with more chains (maintain multiples of 3 + 2 for pattern). For less coverage, make panels narrower.

**Strap Style:** Make straps thinner (ch 6) or wider (ch 10) as preferred. Add beads or work in a contrasting color for embellishment.

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## STITCH PATTERN REFERENCE

**Shell Lace Pattern (worked over multiple of 3 sts)**

Foundation Row: All dc
Pattern Row: Ch 3, 2 dc in first st, *shell in ch-1 sp; rep from * across, 3 dc in last st.

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*Pattern designed for teen sizing. Always check gauge and measurements as you work. The partially backless design makes this adjustable and comfortable for warm weather wear. Enjoy your breezy summer creation!*