In Bloom Lace Pullover: Easy One-Piece Lace Crochet Top (XS–5X)

The In Bloom Lace Pullover is an easy one-piece lace crochet top from MJ's Off The Hook Designs. It is made to be worn over a tank top or bralette, and its open lattice stitch with little "blooming" flowers keeps it light enough for warm days. The whole top is worked as one flat piece, front to back, with the sleeves built in as you go, so there is very little seaming at the end.

In Bloom Lace Pullover at a Glance

• Designer: Michelle of MJ's Off The Hook Designs
• Skill level: easy
• Sizes: XS to 5X
• Yarn: DK weight cotton-linen blend (the sample uses WeCrochet CotLin in Sagebrush)
• Hooks: 4.5 mm (US 7) for the lace body and 4 mm (US G/6) for the bands
• Gauge: 16.5 stitches and 7.75 rows = 4 in (10 cm) in the lace pattern, blocked
• Stitch pattern: an easy 4-row lace repeat
• Video length: about 1 hour, worked in size medium

What You'll Need

• DK weight yarn: 5 to 10 balls of CotLin (123 yd / 50 g), depending on your size. Gloss DK, Capra DK or Brava Sport are suggested alternatives.
• 4.5 mm and 4 mm crochet hooks, or the sizes you need to match gauge
• Stitch markers, a tapestry needle, scissors and a measuring tape
• Blocking pins and blocking mats

A cotton-linen yarn is a great choice for this top. It breathes well, gets softer with every wash and gives the lace a crisp, summery drape.

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How the One-Piece Construction Works

If you have only made flat projects like scarves and blankets so far, this is a friendly first garment. You start at the front with a single crochet band and then move into the lace stitch. As the body grows, the sleeves are added on each side with a chain, so the front, sleeves and back all come from the same piece. A marked opening becomes the neckline, and once the back is finished you simply fold the piece in half.

The finishing is quick: sew each sleeve from cuff to underarm and each side from the band to the underarm, lining up the lace as you go. The bodice and sleeve bands are worked in single crochet, and the neckline needs no extra edging.

The Lace Stitch

The lace is built on chain-5 spaces with double crochet clusters and single crochet anchors. Together they form a trellis with small flowers sitting in the openings. Because it repeats every 4 rows, you will have the rhythm memorized after the first few repeats, which makes this a relaxing project to work on in front of the TV.

Make It Fit Your Way

• Sleeves: the sleeves measure about 17 in and can be shortened or lengthened in multiples of 10 stitches, so you can choose elbow, 3/4 or full length.
• Body length: add or remove lace repeats in the bodice for a cropped or longer top.
• Gauge first: the designer stresses that matching gauge is essential for the sizing to work. Make a small swatch in the lace pattern, block it, and change your hook size if needed.

Images and patterns courtesy of mjsoffthehookdesigns.com

Enjoy the Video Tutorial

Source: MJ's Off The Hook Designs

Tips for a Beautiful Lace Top

• Block it. Soak the finished top in lukewarm water with a little wool wash for about 30 minutes, roll it in a towel and pin it to your measurements. Blocking opens up the lace and evens out the flowers.
• Use stitch markers. Mark the neck opening and the sleeve edges so it is easy to see where you are on each row.
• Style it. Wear it over a tank top or bralette with jeans, shorts, a skirt or wide-leg pants. Michelle also pairs it with her Stroll in the Park halter top.
• Pick a soft solid color. Light, solid shades show off the lace and the little flowers best.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the In Bloom Lace Pullover good for beginners?
Yes. It is rated easy, the stitch repeat is short, and the one-piece construction means very little sewing. If you can work chains, single crochet and double crochet, the video will guide you through the rest.

What sizes is the pattern written for?
XS to 5X. The video is worked in size medium.

Can I use a different yarn?
Any DK weight yarn that matches the gauge will work. A cotton or cotton-linen blend is the most comfortable choice for a summer top.

Where can I find the written pattern?
The written instructions are available from MJ's Off The Hook Designs, linked in the credit above, and the video walks you through every step.

More Summer Tops from MJ's Off The Hook Designs

If you love this lacy pullover, try the Stroll in the Park halter top that pairs with it, the crochet lace tee, the sleeveless lace pullover or the light and lacy V-stitch top. You can find many more ideas in our summer crochet patterns.