purlJam

# Summer Shell Crop Tank Top

A flattering cropped tank top featuring an elegant shell stitch pattern and ribbed hem. This versatile piece is perfect for layering or wearing on its own during warm weather.

## Size
Medium (to fit bust 32-34", finished bust 36")

## Materials
- **Yarn**: Worsted weight cotton or cotton blend, approximately 400-450 yards
  - Recommended: Cotton yarn with good drape (such as Lily Sugar'n Cream or Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton)
- **Hook**: US Size H/8 (5.0 mm) for main body, US Size G/6 (4.0 mm) for ribbing
- **Notions**: 
  - Yarn needle for seaming
  - Stitch markers
  - Scissors

## Gauge
**With larger hook in shell stitch pattern**: 3 shells and 8 rows = 4" × 4"
**With larger hook in single crochet**: 16 sts × 18 rows = 4" × 4"

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

## Abbreviations
- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- dc = double crochet
- sl st = slip stitch
- BLO = back loop only
- sk = skip
- sp = space
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- RS = right side
- WS = wrong side
- ( ) = repeat instructions within parentheses
- [ ] = total stitch count at end of row

## Special Stitches
**Shell**: (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) all in same st or sp
**Ribbing**: sc BLO (single crochet through back loop only)

## Pattern Notes
- Crop top is worked in two pieces (front and back) from bottom up, then seamed at sides
- Ch 2 at beginning of rows does NOT count as a stitch throughout
- Shell stitch pattern is worked over a multiple of 6 sts
- Stitch count provided at end of each row in brackets [ ]
- Mark RS of work after completing first row of shell pattern

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## BACK PANEL

### Ribbed Hem
With smaller hook, ch 11.

**Row 1 (WS)**: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn. [10 sc]

**Row 2**: Ch 1, sc BLO in each st across, turn. [10 sc]

**Rows 3-72**: Repeat Row 2. [10 sc]

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

### Join Ribbing
**Joining Row (RS)**: Ch 1, work 72 sc evenly spaced across long edge of ribbing (approximately 1 sc in each row end), turn. [72 sc]

*Tip: Place markers every 18 sts to help keep count even.*

### Body
Change to larger hook.

**Row 1 (WS)**: Ch 3 (counts as dc here only), dc in same st, *sk 2 sts, sc in next st, sk 2 sts, shell in next st; repeat from * across to last 3 sts, sk 2 sts, sc in last st, turn. [12 shells + 1 half shell at end]

**Row 2 (RS)**: Ch 2 (does not count as st), 2 dc in first sc, *sc in ch-1 sp of next shell, shell in next sc; repeat from * across, ending sc in ch-1 sp of last shell, 2 dc in top of turning ch, turn. [12 shells + 2 dc at each end]

**Row 3**: Ch 1, sc in first dc, *shell in next sc, sc in ch-1 sp of next shell; repeat from * across, ending sc in last dc, turn. [12 shells]

**Row 4**: Ch 2, 2 dc in first sc, *sc in ch-1 sp of next shell, shell in next sc; repeat from * across, ending sc in ch-1 sp of last shell, 2 dc in last sc, turn. [12 shells + 2 dc at each end]

**Rows 5-24**: Repeat Rows 3-4 ten more times. [12 shells]

*Piece should measure approximately 12" from bottom edge.*

### Armhole Shaping
**Row 25 (RS)**: Sl st in first 7 sts (across first 2 dc and into ch-1 sp of first shell), ch 1, sc in same sp, (shell in next sc, sc in ch-1 sp of next shell) across to last shell, sc in ch-1 sp of last shell, turn, leaving remaining sts unworked. [10 shells + sc at each end] [60 sts total]

**Row 26**: Ch 1, sc in first sc, (shell in next sc, sc in ch-1 sp of next shell) across, ending sc in last sc, turn. [10 shells]

**Row 27**: Ch 2, 2 dc in first sc, (sc in ch-1 sp of next shell, shell in next sc) across, ending sc in ch-1 sp of last shell, 2 dc in last sc, turn. [10 shells + 2 dc at each end]

**Rows 28-33**: Repeat Rows 26-27 three more times. [10 shells]

*Armhole measures approximately 3".*

### Neck Shaping - First Shoulder
**Row 34 (RS)**: Ch 1, sc in first dc, (shell in next sc, sc in ch-1 sp of next shell) 3 times, shell in next sc, sc in ch-1 sp of next shell, turn, leaving remaining sts unworked. [4 shells] [24 sts]

**Row 35**: Ch 1, sc in first sc, (shell in next sc, sc in ch-1 sp of next shell) 3 times, shell in next sc, sc in last dc, turn. [4 shells]

**Row 36**: Ch 1, sc in first sc, (shell in next sc, sc in ch-1 sp of next shell) 3 times, shell in next sc, sc in last sc, turn. [4 shells]

Fasten off.

### Neck Shaping - Second Shoulder
**Row 34**: With RS facing, sk center 12 sts (2 shells) from Row 33, join yarn in ch-1 sp of next shell, ch 1, sc in same sp, (shell in next sc, sc in ch-1 sp of next shell) 3 times, shell in next sc, sc in last dc, turn. [4 shells] [24 sts]

**Row 35**: Ch 2, 2 dc in first sc, (sc in ch-1 sp of next shell, shell in next sc) across, ending sc in ch-1 sp of last shell, sc in last sc, turn. [4 shells + 2 dc at beginning]

**Row 36**: Ch 1, sc in first sc, (shell in next sc, sc in ch-1 sp of next shell) 3 times, shell in next sc, sc in last dc. [4 shells]

Fasten off.

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## FRONT PANEL

Work same as Back Panel through Row 30. [10 shells]

*Armhole measures approximately 2.5".*

### Neck Shaping - First Shoulder
**Row 31 (RS)**: Ch 1, sc in first dc, (shell in next sc, sc in ch-1 sp of next shell) 3 times, shell in next sc, sc in ch-1 sp of next shell, turn, leaving remaining sts unworked. [4 shells] [24 sts]

**Row 32**: Ch 1, sc in first sc, (shell in next sc, sc in ch-1 sp of next shell) 3 times, shell in next sc, sc in last dc, turn. [4 shells]

**Row 33**: Ch 1, sc in first sc, (shell in next sc, sc in ch-1 sp of next shell) 3 times, shell in next sc, sc in last sc, turn. [4 shells]

**Rows 34-36**: Repeat Rows 32-33, then Row 32 once more. [4 shells]

Fasten off.

### Neck Shaping - Second Shoulder
**Row 31**: With RS facing, sk center 12 sts (2 shells) from Row 30, join yarn in ch-1 sp of next shell, ch 1, sc in same sp, (shell in next sc, sc in ch-1 sp of next shell) 3 times, shell in next sc, sc in last dc, turn. [4 shells] [24 sts]

**Row 32**: Ch 2, 2 dc in first sc, (sc in ch-1 sp of next shell, shell in next sc) across, ending sc in ch-1 sp of last shell, sc in last sc, turn. [4 shells + 2 dc at beginning]

**Row 33**: Ch 1, sc in first sc, (shell in next sc, sc in ch-1 sp of next shell) 3 times, shell in next sc, sc in last dc, turn. [4 shells]

**Row 34**: Ch 2, 2 dc in first sc, (sc in ch-1 sp of next shell, shell in next sc) across, ending sc in ch-1 sp of last shell, sc in last sc, turn. [4 shells + 2 dc at beginning]

**Row 35**: Ch 1, sc in first sc, (shell in next sc, sc in ch-1 sp of next shell) 3 times, shell in next sc, sc in last dc, turn. [4 shells]

**Row 36**: Ch 2, 2 dc in first sc, (sc in ch-1 sp of next shell, shell in next sc) across, ending sc in ch-1 sp of last shell, sc in last sc. [4 shells + 2 dc at beginning]

Fasten off.

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## STRAPS (Make 2)

With larger hook, ch 9.

**Row 1**: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn. [8 sc]

**Row 2**: Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn. [8 sc]

**Rows 3-60**: Repeat Row 2. [8 sc]

*Strap measures approximately 13" long. Adjust length as desired before fastening off.*

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

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## FINISHING

### Seaming
1. Block pieces lightly to measurements if desired.
2. With RS together and using yarn needle and yarn, whipstitch or mattress stitch side seams together, working from bottom edge up to armholes.

### Attach Straps
1. Position one end of strap on WS of front shoulder, centered over shoulder strap section (approximately 1" from armhole edge). Sew securely using whipstitch.
2. Position other end of strap on WS of back shoulder in corresponding position. Sew securely.
3. Repeat for second strap on opposite shoulder.
4. Try on garment and adjust strap length if needed by removing and resewing at different position.

### Armhole Edging (Optional but Recommended)
With RS facing and larger hook, join yarn at underarm seam.

**Round 1**: Ch 1, sc evenly around armhole opening (approximately 60-66 sc), sl st to first sc to join.

**Round 2**: Ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st to first sc to join.

Fasten off. Repeat for second armhole.

### Neck Edging (Optional but Recommended)
With RS facing and larger hook, join yarn at left shoulder seam.

**Round 1**: Ch 1, sc evenly around neck opening (approximately 70-76 sc), working more sts at curves and fewer across straight sections, sl st to first sc to join.

**Round 2**: Ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st to first sc to join.

Fasten off.

### Final Steps
Weave in all ends securely. Block again lightly if desired, laying flat and shaping to measurements.

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## Finished Measurements
- **Bust circumference**: 36"
- **Length from bottom edge to shoulder**: approximately 14"
- **Armhole depth**: approximately 3"

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## Care Instructions
Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent. Lay flat to dry, reshaping as needed.

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## Customization Tips
- **Length adjustment**: Add or subtract rows in the body section before armhole shaping. Each 2 rows adds approximately 1" in length.
- **Strap length**: Adjust number of rows in strap section for longer or shorter straps.
- **Looser fit**: Use a larger hook for the body, keeping same hook for ribbing.
- **Different sizes**: Adjust starting chain for ribbing to create wider or narrower panels (must be multiple of 6 sts for shell pattern).

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*Pattern tested and verified for mathematical accuracy.*