Shell stitch and a peplum hem are a natural pairing, the fan repeats flare out at the bottom without any extra shaping rows, and the rust colour makes every shell pop. Add a bow tie at the waist and the whole silhouette comes together without much effort. For another backless top in a completely different stitch texture, the backless halter top works up in solid hdc with a lace-up back.
Backless Crochet Top With Bow
The shell repeats stack consistently from the bodice down through the flared hem, so once you have the foundation row set, the stitch pattern carries itself. The bow is worked as a separate tie piece and added at the end, so you can leave it off for a cleaner look if you prefer. The backless top with straps is a good next make if you want to stay in the backless family with a simpler stitch.
Skill Level
- Beginner to Intermediate
Finished Features
- Adjustable tie-back design
- Beautiful shell stitch texture
- Flowy ruffled hem
- Customizable sizing
- Adjustable shoulder straps
- Lightweight and breathable fabric
- Perfect for summer wear and beach outfits
Materials
- 6-ply comb cotton yarn or any Size 2 Sport Weight yarn
- 3.5 mm crochet hook
- Lining needle
- Tape measure
- Stitch markers
- Scissors
Crochet Stitches Explained
Sizing & Measurements
Foundation Chain Formula
The starting chain must be:
Multiple of 6 + 2
Sample Size
- Extra Small to Small: Chain 44
To Increase Size
Add additional sets of:
- 6 chains for each size increase
Finished Sample Measurements
- Approximate body height: 6 inches
- Adjustable back ties
- Adjustable strap length
Crochet Abbreviations
- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- dc = double crochet
- sl st = slip stitch
Main Body (Shell Stitch)
Starting Chain
Chain 44 for an Extra Small to Small size.
For larger sizes, add chains in multiples of 6 while maintaining the Multiple of 6 + 2 foundation formula.
Row 1
- Work 1 single crochet into the second chain from the hook.
- Skip the next 2 chains.
- Work 5 double crochets into the next chain.
- Skip the next 2 chains.
- Work 1 single crochet into the next chain.
- Repeat this sequence across the row.
- Just starting out with crochet? The video tutorial below is a great place to begin, or challenge yourself with the written pattern below!
Row 2
- Chain 2 and turn.
- Work 4 double crochets into the first stitch.
- Work 1 single crochet into the center double crochet of the shell from the previous row.
- Work 5 double crochets into the next single crochet space.
- Repeat across the row.
- Finish with 4 double crochets in the final single crochet stitch.
Row 3
- Chain 2 and turn.
- Work 2 double crochets into the first stitch.
- Work 1 single crochet into the next stitch.
- Work 5 double crochets into the single crochet from the previous row.
- Work 1 single crochet into the center of the next shell.
- Repeat across the row.
- Work 1 single crochet into the second-to-last stitch.
- Work 2 double crochets into the final stitch.
Row 4
- Chain 1 and turn.
- Work 1 single crochet into the first stitch.
- Work 5 double crochets into the single crochet from the previous row.
- Work 1 single crochet into the center double crochet of the next shell.
- Repeat across the row.
- Finish with 1 single crochet in the final stitch.
Continue Working
Repeat Rows 2–4 until the top reaches from your upper bust to your underbust.
The sample shown uses:
- 16 total rows
- Approximately 6 inches of height
Back Ribbon Ties
Create one tie on each side of the top.
Row 1
At one side edge:
- Chain 2.
- Work 8 double crochets evenly along the side edge.
- Place 2 double crochets into the side of double crochet rows.
- Place 1 double crochet into the side of single crochet rows as needed for even spacing.
Row 2
- Chain 2 and turn.
- Work 1 double crochet into each stitch across.
Continue
Repeat Row 2 until the tie reaches:
- Approximately 44 rows
- Or your preferred length
Fasten off.
Repeat on the opposite side.
Ruffled Hem
Preparation
- Fold the top in half to locate the center.
- Measure your preferred front coverage.
- Place stitch markers evenly on both sides.
Row 1
Attach yarn at the first stitch marker.
- Chain 3.
- Work (1 double crochet, chain 2, 2 double crochets) into the same starting space.
- Work (2 double crochets, chain 2, 2 double crochets) into each side-row space.
Along the shell stitch body:
- Work (2 double crochets, chain 2, 2 double crochets) into the first stitch.
- Skip 1 stitch.
- Work (2 double crochets, chain 2, 2 double crochets) into the next stitch.
Repeat across.
Continue working the same cluster pattern into side-row spaces until reaching the second stitch marker.
Row 2
- Chain 1 and turn.
- Slip stitch into the first 2 stitches.
- Slip stitch into the first chain-2 space.
- Chain 3.
- Work (1 double crochet, chain 2, 2 double crochets) into the same chain space.
- Work (2 double crochets, chain 2, 2 double crochets) into every chain-2 space across.
Rows 3–8
Repeat Row 2.
Optional Increase For Extra Flare
For a fuller and more dramatic ruffle:
On Row 4, replace:
- (2 double crochets, chain 2, 2 double crochets)
with:
- (3 double crochets, chain 2, 3 double crochets)
in every chain space.
Pro Tip
This increase creates a cascading effect and gives the hem extra movement when worn.
Final Edge Row
- Work 6 double crochets into a chain-2 space.
- Slip stitch into the space between the shell clusters below.
- Repeat across the entire row.
- Join with a slip stitch.
- Chain 1.
- Fasten off.
Upper Edging & Shoulder Straps
Upper Edge Edging
Attach yarn where the back ribbon meets the body.
- Work single crochet stitches evenly along the upper edge toward the front corner.
First Strap
At the front corner:
- Chain 50 or your preferred strap length.
- Attach the chain to the corresponding back ribbon area.
- Chain 1.
- Work single crochet stitches back down the entire chain.
- Return to the top corner.
Front Neckline
- Continue working single crochet stitches evenly across the neckline edge.
Second Strap
At the opposite front corner:
- Chain 50.
- Attach to the matching back ribbon area.
- Chain 1.
- Work single crochet stitches back down the chain.
Finish
- Continue working single crochet stitches around the remaining edge.
- Join with a slip stitch.
- Chain 1.
- Cut yarn.
- Weave in all loose ends securely using a lining needle.
Technique Explainer: Shell Stitch
The shell stitch is created by working multiple double crochets into a single stitch, forming a fan-shaped cluster. These shells alternate with single crochet stitches, producing a delicate and airy texture that is perfect for summer garments.
Beginner Tip
When locating the center of a shell, count to the third double crochet. This center stitch is where many of the following-row stitches will be placed.
Pro Tips For Success
- Use stitch markers at the beginning and end of rows to keep shell placement consistent.
- Try the top on before finishing the straps to customize the fit.
- Block the finished garment lightly for a polished appearance.
- Cotton yarn provides excellent stitch definition and breathability.
- For additional support, add a lightweight fabric lining inside the bust area.
Styling Ideas
This Backless Crochet Top With Bow pairs beautifully with:
- High-waisted shorts
- Linen trousers
- Denim skirts
- Beach cover-ups
- Maxi skirts
- Layered summer outfits
The adjustable tie-back and delicate ruffle detail make it a versatile handmade piece you’ll reach for all season long.
