The Mesh Shells Top Pattern is now available — a modern, minimalist design worked in the filet crochet technique. This lightweight and breathable top is perfect for warm weather and offers plenty of styling possibilities.

It can be worn as a tube top, transformed into a skirt, or even adapted into a beach bag — feel free to get creative. The design includes two shells placed on the chest, giving the top its distinctive name and look. I’ve already made two versions myself — one with a single shell and one with two — and both turned out beautifully. It’s a fun and satisfying project, and you might find yourself wanting to make more than one too.

MATERIALS:

Crochet Hook: 3 mm / US D/3 / UK 11

Yarn:

You can use any type of yarn for this top, but make sure the width and height of the shells suit the yarn you choose. For example, you can use 8/8 cotton yarn for larger sizes, but for XS, it wouldn’t work due to the width of the top.

You can use any 8/4 Cotton yarn, I used:

Hobbii Baby Cotton Organic, Super Fine, 100% Egyptian Cotton, 50 g (1.75 oz) / 170 m (185 yds) - 3, (3), 4, 5, 5, 6, 6, 7, 7 skeins

Stitches Used: Ch - chain, sl st - slip stitch, sc - single crochet, dc - double crochet, dc2tog - 2 dc crochet together in the same stitch.

Gauge: Open blocks (mesh) = 10 x 10 cm (4 x 4 in) = 11 blocks x 12 rows, 2 shells = 40 cm x 13,5 cm (15 3/4 x 6 1/4 in), 1 shell - 19 cm x 13,5 cm

Sizes:

The model has a 90 cm chest and wears a size S top. Her bra size is 34D (75C). If you are between sizes, size down, as the top will stretch slightly over time.

XS – width – 38 cm ( 15 in), length – 35 cm (14 in)

(S) – width – 40 cm ( 15 3/4 in), length – 35 cm (14 in)

M – width – 42 cm (16 1/2 in), length – 35 cm (14 in)

L – width – 44 cm ( 17 1/2 in), length – 35 cm (14 in)

XL – width – 46 cm (18 in), length – 35 cm (14 in)

2XL – width – 48 cm (19 in), length – 35 cm (14 in)

3XL – width – 50 cm ( 19 3/4 in), length – 35 cm (14 in)

4XL – width – 52 cm ( 20 1/2 in), length – 35 cm (14 in)

5XL – width – 54 cm ( 21 1/4 in), length – 35 cm (14 in)