✨ "Watercolor Wrap" Lace Tank Top ✨

A size-inclusive faux-wrap V-neck tank with vertical openwork lace, raised ridges, a scalloped pointed hem, and a soft rainbow gradient.

Description

This lightweight tank features a flattering faux-wrap crossover front, an elongating vertical lace-panel body separated by raised post-stitch ridges, and a delicate scalloped pointed hem. A seamless-look gradient flows from soft pink through peach, butter yellow, mint, aqua, lavender, and back to pink at the hem. Worked in two panels and seamed for clean, tailored fit. Skill level: Easy–Intermediate.

Materials

• Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) cotton or cotton-blend with smooth drape (e.g., mercerized cotton).
  • 7 colors, mini-skein friendly:
    1. Soft Pink (A)
    2. Peach (B)
    3. Butter Yellow (C)
    4. Mint (D)
    5. Aqua (E)
    6. Lavender (F)
    7. Soft Pink at hem (A again / or a 2nd pink)
• Hook: US H/8 (5.0 mm) main; US G/6 (4.0 mm) for edging.
• Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch markers (8+), scissors, blocking mat & pins.

Yardage (approx. total, all colors combined)

Gauge

In lace pattern, blocked, with US H/8 (5.0 mm):

• 18 sts × 12 rows = 4" (10 cm) → 4.5 sts/inch, 3 rows/inch
• One lace repeat (6 sts) = 1.33" wide.

⚠️ Gauge is essential for fit. Make a 4"×4" swatch in pattern and block before starting.

Sizes (Finished Measurements)

Designed with ~2" (5 cm) positive ease at bust.

*Panel stitch counts follow the 6n + 2 lace-repeat rule. Verification: XS 74 = (6×12)+2 ✔ | S 80 = (6×13)+2 ✔ | M 86 = (6×14)+2 ✔ | L 92 = (6×15)+2 ✔ | XL 98 = (6×16)+2 ✔ | 2XL 104 = (6×17)+2 ✔ | 3XL 110 = (6×18)+2 ✔ | 4XL 116 = (6×19)+2 ✔ | 5XL 122 = (6×20)+2 ✔

Width check XS: 74 sts ÷ 4.5 = 16.4" per panel × 2 = 32.9" ≈ 33" ✔

Instructions are written for XS with all other sizes in parentheses: XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL)

Abbreviations (US Terms)

• ch – chain
• sc – single crochet
• dc – double crochet
• tr – treble crochet
• sl st – slip stitch
• sp – space
• st(s) – stitch(es)
• FPdc – front post double crochet (raised ridge)
• dc2tog – double crochet 2 together (decrease)
• rep – repeat
• RS/WS – right side / wrong side
• beg – beginning
• PM – place marker

Special Stitches

• FPdc (Front Post dc): Yarn over, insert hook front-to-back-to-front around the post of the indicated st, complete as a dc. Creates the raised vertical ridge.
• Lace unit (LU): (dc, ch 1, dc) worked as directed for openwork panels.
• Shell (for hem): 5 dc worked in one st — forms scallop.
• Point (for hem): worked over a chain-base to form the pointed scallop (see Hem section).

Pattern Notes

• Ch 3 at the beginning of a row counts as 1 dc throughout.

• Body is worked flat, bottom-up, in two panels (Back and Front). The Front is worked identically to the Back until the neckline split, where the faux-wrap crossover is shaped.

• Turning: turn work at the end of each row unless noted.

• Gradient plan (row groups) — change color at the start of a RS row:

  1. Rows 1–3: A (Pink – hem)
  2. Rows 4–9: F (Lavender)
  3. Rows 10–15: E (Aqua)
  4. Rows 16–21: D (Mint)
  5. Rows 22–27: C (Butter Yellow)
  6. Rows 28–33: B (Peach)
  7. Rows 34–end: A (Soft Pink – top)

  For a seamless-look gradient, hold one strand of the old and one of the new color together for 2 rows at each transition, or use a gradient/self-striping cake.

• Stitch counts are given at the end of each row in [brackets].

STITCH PATTERN — Lace Panel with Ridges (multiple of 6 + 2)

Pattern Row A (RS): Ch 3 (counts as dc), skip 1 st, LU (dc, ch1, dc) in next st, skip 1 st, FPdc around next st, ch 1, dc in next st; rep from * across, ending dc in last st.

Pattern Row B (WS): Ch 3, dc in ch-1 sp, ch 1, dc in next dc, FPdc around next FPdc, ch 1; rep from *, ending dc in top of turning ch.

Repeat Rows A & B for pattern. The FPdc columns form the raised ridges; the LU columns form the openwork lace.

SCALLOPED POINTED HEM (worked first as foundation)

The hem is worked before the body so points hang downward.

Foundation: With Color A and US H/8, ch a multiple that gives your panel count. Chain (panel sts + 1) = 75 (81, 87, 93, 99, 105, 111, 117, 123) ch.

Hem Row 1 (RS): Working into the chain, skip 2 ch, 5 dc in next ch (shell), skip 2 ch, sc in next ch; rep from * across, ending sc in last ch. This forms scalloped points.

• Repeats: each point uses 6 ch → number of scallops XS = 12 (S 13, M 14, L 15, XL 16, 2XL 17, 3XL 18, 4XL 19, 5XL 20). ✔ matches 6n repeat.

Hem Row 2 (WS): Ch 3, dc evenly across the tops of the scallops, spacing to re-establish panel sts + 1 live sts: work 3 dc across each 5-dc shell and 1 dc in each sc, adjusting to land on 74 (80, 86, 92, 98, 104, 110, 116, 122) sts. [74 (80, 86, 92, 98, 104, 110, 116, 122)]

💡 Tip: Count carefully after Row 2 — this row sets your base panel count for all lace math.

BACK PANEL

With the hem complete and 74 (80, 86, 92, 98, 104, 110, 116, 122) sts on the working edge:

Rows 1–2: Follow gradient. Work Pattern Row A, then Pattern Row B. [count stays 74 (80...122)]

Rows 3–33 (fitted waist shaping): To create a fitted waist, work a gentle hourglass:

• Waist decrease (Rows 7 & 9): At each end of the RS row, replace the first/last lace action with dc2tog to remove 1 st each end.
  • After Row 9: 70 (76, 82, 88, 94, 100, 106, 112, 118) sts.
• Bust increase (Rows 19 & 21): At each end of the RS row, work 2 dc in the first/last st to add 1 st each end.
  • After Row 21: back to 74 (80, 86, 92, 98, 104, 110, 116, 122) sts. ✔

Continue in established Lace Pattern (Rows A/B), maintaining gradient, until piece measures 13" (13, 13½, 13½, 14, 14, 14½, 14½, 15") from hem base — approximately Row 33.

Armhole Shaping (Back)

Next Row (RS): Sl st across first 6 (6, 7, 7, 8, 8, 9, 9, 10) sts, ch 3, pattern to last 6 (6, 7, 7, 8, 8, 9, 9, 10) sts, turn (leave remaining unworked).

• Sts remaining: 62 (68, 72, 78, 82, 88, 92, 98, 102).

Dec Rows: dc2tog at each armhole edge every RS row 3 (3, 4, 4, 5, 5, 6, 6, 6) times.

• Sts after shaping: 56 (62, 64, 70, 72, 78, 80, 86, 90).

Work even in pattern until armhole measures 8" (8½, 8½, 9, 9, 9½, 9½, 10, 10").

Shoulders: Fasten off, leaving outer 12 (14, 14, 16, 16, 18, 18, 20, 21) sts each side for shoulder seams; center 32 (34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48) sts form the back neck. Fasten off.

FRONT PANEL (Faux-Wrap V-Neck Crossover)

Work the hem and Rows 1 through the armhole shaping exactly as the Back, including waist/bust shaping, until you reach the armhole shaping row.

After completing armhole shaping you have 56 (62, 64, 70, 72, 78, 80, 86, 90) sts and armhole measures ~1".

Faux-Wrap V-Neck Split

The crossover is created by working two overlapping halves that will layer at center front.

Divide for neck (RS): Work in pattern across first half + overlap = 32 (35, 36, 39, 40, 43, 44, 47, 49) sts, turn. Leave remaining sts unworked (place on holder or fasten off and rejoin).

The overlap (extra ~8 sts past true center) creates the faux-wrap crossover — the right half laps over the left.

Right Neck Shaping: Dec 1 st (dc2tog) at neck edge every RS row until 12 (14, 14, 16, 16, 18, 18, 20, 21) shoulder sts remain.

• V-neck depth ≈ 6–7". Work even to shoulder height matching Back. Fasten off.

Left Neck Shaping: Rejoin yarn to remaining sts at center. Work in pattern across 32 (35, 36, 39, 40, 43, 44, 47, 49) sts (mirrored overlap), turn. Dec 1 st at neck edge every RS row until 12 (14, 14, 16, 16, 18, 18, 20, 21) shoulder sts remain. Work even to shoulder height. Fasten off.

💡 When assembling, lap the right front over the left front and tack the crossover point invisibly at the side seam for the wrap effect.

ASSEMBLY

1. Block all pieces to schematic measurements.
2. Seam shoulders (12/14/…/21 sts each side) using mattress/whip stitch.
3. Overlap the two front halves at center (faux-wrap) and pin.
4. Seam side seams from hem to armhole, catching the crossover overlap at the lower edge to secure the wrap.

NECKLINE EDGING

With US G/6 (4.0 mm) and Color A, RS facing, join at right shoulder.

Round 1: Sc evenly around the entire V-neck (including down/up the crossover edges), keeping edge flat (approx. 3 sc per 4 rows along diagonals, 1 sc per st along back neck). At the center V, work sc, ch1, sc to define the point. Round 2: Reverse single crochet (crab stitch) around for a clean finish. Sl st, fasten off.

ARMHOLE EDGING (make 2)

With US G/6 and Color A, RS facing, join at underarm seam. Round 1: Sc evenly around armhole (approx. 3 sc per 4 rows), join with sl st. Round 2: Reverse single crochet around. Sl st, fasten off.

FINISHING

• Weave in all ends securely (especially color-change tails).
• Wet block again lightly to open the lace and set the scalloped points.
• Tack the crossover overlap discreetly if extra security is desired.

SCHEMATIC (approx., XS shown; grades listed)

        shoulder 12 sts        back neck 32 sts        shoulder 12 sts
        |------------|--------------------------------|------------|
       /                                                            \
      |   armhole 8"                                     armhole 8"  |
      |                                                              |
      |------------------------ bust 16.4" (per panel) --------------|
      |   waist shaping ~ -1.8" at narrowest                          |
      |                                                              |
      \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/  scalloped pointed hem  \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
             length: hem to shoulder = 21"

GRADING NOTES

• Each size increases by 1 lace repeat (6 sts) per panel = ~2.5–3" bust per step, keeping the 6n+2 rule intact so lace never breaks.
• Armhole depth and length increase ~½" per size for proportional fit.
• Waist shaping is a fixed ±4 sts (2 dec each side, 2 inc each side) across all sizes; scale to ±6 sts on 3XL–5XL for a deeper waist if desired.

OPTIONAL CUSTOMIZATION

• Length: Add or remove pattern rows in multiples of 2 (1 lace repeat tall = 2 rows ≈ 0.67"). For a tunic, add 12–18 rows before armhole shaping and increase yardage ~15%.
• Cropped: Remove 6–8 rows before armholes.
• Fit: For a more fitted look, go down one hook size for the body; for looser drape, go up one size (adjust yardage accordingly).
• V-neck depth: Split for neck 2 rows earlier/later to raise or lower the V.
• Wrap emphasis: Increase the overlap by 4–6 sts for a deeper faux-wrap.
• Gradient: Reverse color order, or use a single gradient yarn cake and skip manual color changes.

✅ Final Math Verification

• Panel base = 6n+2 for all sizes ✔
• XS: 74 sts ÷ 4.5 spi = 16.4" × 2 = 32.9" ≈ 33" finished bust ✔
• Waist: 74 → 70 (−4) at narrowest = 15.6"/panel × 2 = 31.1" waist (fitted) ✔
• Bust restored: 70 → 74 ✔
• Armhole: 74 − (2×6 sts sl st) − (2×3 dec) = 74−12−6 = 56 sts XS ✔
• Shoulders 12 + 12 + back neck 32 = 56 ✔

Original design — not copied from any existing copyrighted pattern.