Easy Violet Lace Crochet Top – Free Pattern for a Stylish Summer Look 💜
There is something undeniably magical about wearing a garment you made with your own hands. When that garment happens to be a delicate, lacy crochet top in a dreamy shade of violet, the magic multiplies. Whether you are a seasoned crocheter looking for a quick and satisfying project or someone who has been building their skills and finally feels ready to tackle something wearable, this free pattern is exactly what you need to add a little handmade charm to your summer wardrobe.
This violet lace crochet top is feminine, breezy, and surprisingly easy to make. The open lace structure keeps it light enough to wear on the warmest days, while the rich purple hue gives it a richness that feels luxurious. You can wear it over a bikini at the beach, layered over a bralette for a festival look, or paired with high-waisted linen trousers for a garden brunch. The versatility of this piece is one of the many reasons it has become such a beloved summer staple for crocheters around the world.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make your own.
Why You’ll Love This Pattern
Before we get into the details, here is a quick look at what makes this particular pattern so appealing to crocheters of all levels.
First, the stitch pattern is repetitive and rhythmic. Once you learn the lace repeat, your hands will find their rhythm quickly and the project will flow almost effortlessly. There is no complicated colorwork, no intricate shaping, and no frustrating pattern reading required once you are in the groove.
Second, it works up quickly. Using a slightly larger hook and lightweight yarn, you can complete this top in just a few evenings of relaxed crocheting. If you set aside a weekend, you could realistically finish it from start to finish.
Third, the pattern is highly adaptable. The lace repeat can be sized up or down with very little adjustment, and the yarn weight can be modified to create a completely different look. A fine cotton thread will give you something delicate and romantic, while a slightly heavier cotton sport weight will create a more structured, casual piece.
Materials You’ll Need
To make this easy violet lace crochet top, gather the following supplies before you begin.
Yarn: Approximately 300–500 yards (depending on your size) of lightweight cotton yarn in violet. A fingering weight or sport weight cotton works beautifully for this project. Look for something with a slight sheen if you want that extra touch of elegance, or choose a matte cotton for a more relaxed, bohemian feel. Some lovely options include Paintbox Simply DK Cotton, Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton in a purple or violet shade, or Drops Safran in any of their lovely lilac tones.
Hook: A 3.5mm to 4.5mm crochet hook, depending on your yarn weight and personal tension. Always swatch first to ensure your gauge is correct before committing to the full project.
Notions: A yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors, stitch markers, and a measuring tape. If you plan to add any embellishments like ribbon ties or small flower motifs, gather those as well.
Gauge: Approximately 18 stitches and 10 rows in 4 inches using a basic double crochet stitch. The lace pattern itself is more open, so your gauge in the lace repeat will differ, but starting with this baseline helps ensure a good fit.
Sizing and Measurements
This pattern is written for a finished bust measurement of approximately 32–34 inches (small), with notes for adjusting to medium (36–38 inches) and large (40–42 inches). The top is designed to have a relaxed, slightly oversized fit, which means the lace drapes beautifully and flatters a wide range of body types.
Finished measurements (Small):
Bust circumference: approximately 34 inches
Length from shoulder to hem: approximately 20 inches
Armhole depth: approximately 7 inches
For a medium, add two full lace repeats to the width of your starting chain. For a large, add four full lace repeats. The lace repeat in this pattern is 6 stitches wide, so adding repeats is simple and straightforward.
If you would like a longer top that falls at the hip rather than the waist, simply continue working the body section until you reach your desired length before moving on to the hem edging.
Abbreviations and Special Stitches
This pattern uses standard US crochet terminology.
ch – chain
sl st – slip stitch
sc – single crochet
dc – double crochet
tr – treble crochet
sp – space
ch-sp – chain space
rep – repeat
sk – skip
RS – right side
WS – wrong side
Shell stitch: Work 5 dc into the same stitch or space. This forms the fan-shaped shell that gives the lace its beautiful, open texture.
V-stitch: Work (dc, ch 2, dc) into the same stitch or space.
The Lace Pattern Explained
The heart of this top is a simple yet stunning lace repeat that alternates shell stitches with open chain spaces. Here is a breakdown of the lace pattern before we dive into the full garment instructions.
Lace Repeat (worked over a multiple of 6 stitches + 1):
Row 1 (RS): Ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc in first st, sk 2 sts, sc in next st, sk 2 sts, shell in next st; rep from to last 3 sts, sk 2 sts, sc in last st, turn.
Row 2 (WS): Ch 1, sc in first sc, ch 5, sc in center dc of next shell; rep from to last sc, sc in last sc, turn.
Row 3 (RS): Ch 3, 2 dc in first sc, sc in ch-5 sp, shell in next sc; rep from to last ch-5 sp, sc in last ch-5 sp, 3 dc in last sc, turn.
Rep Rows 2 and 3 for pattern.
Once you have worked this repeat a few times on a swatch, you will notice just how quickly the rhythm develops. The alternating shells and chain arches create that beautiful, airy quality that makes this top so perfectly suited to summer.
Pattern Instructions
Front Panel
Begin by making your foundation chain. For a small size, chain 97 (a multiple of 6 plus 1). For a medium, chain 109. For a large, chain 121.
Work one row of foundation single crochet or a standard chain foundation if you prefer.
Begin working the lace repeat as described above. Continue until your piece measures approximately 10 inches from the foundation edge, or until you reach your desired waist length. You will work the front and back panels separately and seam them together at the shoulders and sides, so keep this in mind as you measure.
At this point, you will begin the armhole shaping. On the next right-side row, slip stitch across the first full lace repeat plus one additional stitch, then continue in pattern until you reach the last full lace repeat, leave it unworked, and turn. This creates the armhole openings on both sides.
Continue working in the lace pattern on the remaining stitches for another 7 inches, which forms the armhole depth and the upper body of the garment.
For the neckline shaping, work across approximately one-third of your stitches, fasten off, skip the center third of stitches, rejoin yarn, work across the remaining third of stitches, and fasten off. This creates a simple, open neckline. You can make the neckline as wide or narrow as you prefer simply by adjusting how many stitches you skip in the center.
Back Panel
Work the back panel in exactly the same way as the front, with one exception. For the back neckline, skip fewer stitches in the center to create a slightly higher back neck, which gives the garment a more polished, wearable fit. Skipping the center fifth rather than the center third of stitches works well.
Assembly
With your yarn needle and a length of matching violet yarn, seam the front and back panels together at the shoulder seams using a whipstitch or mattress stitch. Both create a clean, flat seam, though the mattress stitch tends to be less visible from the right side.
Next, seam the side edges from the hem upward, leaving the armhole openings free. You can leave the sides fully open for an even more relaxed, flowy style, or seam them fully for a more structured fit. Many crocheters choose to leave the bottom few inches unseamed for a small side slit, which is both stylish and practical for movement.
Edging and Finishing
The finishing details are what elevate this top from a simple project to something that looks truly polished and intentional.
Hem Edging: With RS facing, join yarn at the side seam at the bottom hem. Work one round of sc evenly around the entire hem, then work a second round of shell stitch edging by working sk 2 sts, shell in next st, sk 2 sts, sc in next st; rep from around. Join with a sl st to the first sc and fasten off.
Armhole Edging: Join yarn at the underarm seam. Work one round of sc around the entire armhole opening, ensuring your stitches are even and not too tight (tight armhole edging can pull the garment and make it uncomfortable to wear). Work a second round of reverse single crochet (also called crab stitch) for a neat, textured finish. Alternatively, work a simple picot edging by working sc, ch 3, sl st back into first ch, sc in next 2 sts; rep from around.
Neckline Edging: Work the neckline edging in the same manner as the armhole edging. Pay special attention to the corners and neckline curves, adding or skipping stitches as necessary to keep the edging lying flat.
Once all edging is complete, weave in all ends thoroughly with your yarn needle. Block your finished top by soaking it in cool water, gently pressing out the excess moisture in a towel, and pinning it to the correct measurements on a blocking mat. Allow it to dry completely before wearing.
Tips for Success
A few small things can make a big difference in how your finished top looks and feels.
Always swatch before you begin. Even experienced crocheters sometimes work at a different tension than expected, and a quick gauge swatch can save you hours of frustration later. Make a swatch at least 6 inches by 6 inches, wash and block it the same way you plan to treat the finished garment, and then measure your gauge.
Choose a high-quality cotton yarn. Acrylic yarns can work in a pinch, but cotton has the breathability, drape, and slight weight that makes lace crochet look its very best. Cotton also holds its shape well after washing, which means your top will look beautiful wear after wear.
Keep your tension consistent throughout the project. Lace patterns are especially sensitive to tension changes because the open spaces between stitches magnify any irregularities. If you find your tension changing, try taking regular breaks or switching to a slightly smaller or larger hook.
Take your time with the blocking step. This is perhaps the single most transformative step in the entire process. Unblocked lace can look uneven and somewhat underwhelming. Blocked lace opens up beautifully, the stitches even out, and the drape improves dramatically. Don’t skip it.
Styling Your Violet Lace Top
Once your top is finished and blocked, the styling possibilities are genuinely endless. Here are a few looks to inspire you.
For a classic beach look, wear the top over a simple white or nude bandeau bikini top. The violet lace against the white creates a beautiful contrast, and the open lace gives you just enough coverage while keeping things breezy.
For an evening out, tuck the top into a flowy satin maxi skirt in a complementary color like dusty rose, cream, or even deep emerald. Add some gold jewelry and strappy sandals and you have an effortlessly beautiful outfit that looks anything but homemade.
For a daytime casual look, pair it with high-waisted denim shorts and flat sandals. Keep the jewelry minimal and let the handmade top be the star.
For a festival or bohemian vibe, layer it over a floral printed bralette, pair with wide-leg linen trousers, and add some layered necklaces and wooden earrings. This look leans into the handmade, artisan quality of the piece.
Making It Your Own
One of the greatest joys of working from a free crochet pattern is the freedom to customize. Here are some ideas for putting your own stamp on this design.
Try the pattern in a variegated violet and cream yarn for a softer, more romantic look. Or work it in a deep jewel-toned grape for an evening-appropriate version. A pale lavender or lilac would create something softer and more delicate.
Add small crocheted flower appliqués at the neckline or shoulders for a whimsical, garden-inspired touch. A simple five-petal flower worked in white or cream looks beautiful against the violet lace.
Instead of working a standard hem edging, try adding a few inches of fringe at the hem for a boho festival feel. Simply cut lengths of yarn twice your desired fringe length, fold them in half, and use a crochet hook to pull them through the hem stitches at even intervals.
You could also add adjustable ribbon ties at the neckline or underarm for a more fitted look. Thread a length of satin ribbon through the uppermost row of chain spaces at the neckline and tie it in a bow for a sweet, feminine detail.
Sharing Your Finished Top
When you finish your violet lace top, please consider sharing it with the crochet community. Post a photo on Instagram with the hashtag #violetlacetop or #crochetlacetop and tag the community so others can find your beautiful work for inspiration. There is something so uplifting about seeing how different crocheters interpret the same pattern with their own yarn choices, sizing adjustments, and styling ideas.
Leave a comment below sharing your experience with the pattern. Did you find the lace repeat easy to pick up? Did you make any modifications? What yarn did you use? Your feedback helps other crocheters and also helps improve and refine the pattern over time.
This violet lace crochet top is more than just a summer garment. It is a reminder of what you are capable of creating with nothing more than yarn, a hook, and a little time. Wear it proudly, knowing that every stitch came from your own hands.
Happy crocheting, and here’s to a summer filled with beautiful handmade things. 💜
