The Galena Crochet Lacy Top is a beautiful and airy crochet lacy top that’s perfect for summer. This free tutorial and pattern guide you step by step, making it easy for beginners to create a stylish handmade top. With simple stitches and an open lace design, this lightweight crochet top is great for warm weather, layering, or adding a unique piece to your wardrobe.
Skill Level
Beginner to Easy Intermediate
You should be comfortable with:
– Chains
– Double crochet
– Working in rows
– Simple shaping
– How to Crochet 4 dc tog Across 4 Stitches
The 4 dc tog stitch creates a cluster by combining four double crochets from four consecutive stitches into one stitch at the top.
Step-by-Step Instructions
– Yarn over (YO) and insert your hook into the first stitch.
– YO and pull through, leaving 3 loops on the hook.
– YO and pull through 2 loops, leaving 2 loops on the hook. (first dc started)
– Repeat steps 1–3 in the next three stitches — after the fourth stitch, you should have 5 loops on your hook.
– YO and pull through all 5 loops — this completes the 4 dc tog cluster.
Tips for Beginners
– Always leave the last loop of each dc on the hook until you finish the cluster.
– The top of the cluster will count as one stitch, so adjust your stitch count accordingly.
– “4dctog, ch 1 to close the cluster. This ch-1 counts as a stitch.”
If you’re interested in purchasing this crochet top pattern in a downloadable, printable PDF format, it is available for purchase on the shop linked bellow:
Click Here To Purchase The Galena Crochet Lacy Top Pattern on Etsy
Notes
– This pattern is written in US terms
– Take measurements of your body so you can chain accurate amount of stitches
– Ch 3 counts as 1st dc
– Multiple of 6 + 3 – see chart for size adjustments
Materials Needed
– Yarn: I Love This Cotton Yarn Color Bruschetta Weight: 4 – Medium
You will need approximately 420 (450, 505, 560, 600, 640, 700) yards of yarn for sizes XS (S, M, L, XL, XXL, 3XL).
– Crochet hook: 5mm
– Stitch markers
– Yarn needle
– Scissors
Galena Crochet Lacy Top: Abbreviations
US terms used
**: Repeat instructions between asterisks as described
Ard: Around
Ch: Chain
Dc: Double crochet
Eor: End of row
Hdc: Half double crochet
Rep: Repeat
Sk: Skip
Sl st: Slip stitch
St: Stitch(es)
4dctog: 4 double crochets together
Galena Crochet Lacy Top Sizing
This crochet lacy top pattern can easily be adjusted for different sizes.
– Instructions are written for: XS–3XL
– Custom fit tips included throughout the pattern
– Length and sleeve adjustments explained
👉 Always check your gauge before starting.
Made-to-Measure Option
Although starting chain counts are provided for each size, this crochet lacy top can easily be made to measure for a custom fit while maintaining its relaxed ease. Create a starting chain that fits comfortably around your bust (or desired width) without stretching. Be sure the chain follows the stitch multiple used in the pattern. Once the correct length is reached, continue working the pattern as written. This option allows you to customize the fit while keeping the airy, relaxed look of the design.
Made-to-Measure: Step-by-Step for Beginners
– Measure around your bust at the fullest point.
– Add 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) for relaxed ease.
– Chain stitches until the chain length matches your measurement, keeping the chain loose and even.
– Adjust the number of chains to match the stitch multiple used in the pattern.
– Begin Row 1 and follow the pattern as written once the chain fits comfortably without stretching.
Helpful Tip
Always check your gauge before starting, especially when working a crochet lacy top with relaxed ease. Even small differences in tension can change the fit.
Gauge
Gauge is important for achieving the correct fit.
Make a small swatch using the lace stitch pattern and adjust your hook size if needed.
4 inch x 4 inch = 12 dcs x 6 rows
Measurements
| Size Chest (in) | Length (in) | Width (in) |
| XS (28–30) | 19 | 17 |
| S (32–34) | 19 | 19 |
| M (36–38) | 21 | 21 |
| L (40–42) | 23 | 23 |
| XL (44–46) | 23 | 25 |
| XXL (48-50) | 25 | 27 |
| 3XL (52–54) | 25 | 27 |
Galena Crochet Lacy Top: Starting Chain Sizes
| Size Chest (in) | Start chain for Back and Front Panel |
| XS (28–30) | 54+3 |
| S (32–34) | 60+3 |
| M (36–38) | 66+3 |
| L (40–42) | 72+3 |
| XL (44–46) | 78+3 |
| XXL (48-50) | 84+3 |
| 3XL (52–54) | 90+3 |
Galena Crochet Lacy Top Pattern
Back Panel (Lace Stitch Pattern)
Begin by crocheting the back panel using the lace stitch pattern. Work until the desired length is reached, checking the fit as you go.
For Size Medium, refer to the size chart for the appropriate starting chain.
Foundation Chain:
Ch 66 + 3 (multiple of 6 + 3)
Row 1
Dc in the 4th ch from hook and in each ch across.
Row 2
Ch 4 (counts as dc + ch 1), turn.
*Sk 2, (4 dc, ch 1) in next st, ch 1, sk 2, dc in next st; repeat from * to * across.
At the end, sk 2, dc in the 3rd ch of the turning ch from the previous row.
Row 3
Ch 5 (counts as dc + ch 2), turn.
Sk 1, work 4 dc together (dc4tog) over the next 4 sts, ch 1 to close cluster (ch-1 counts as a st), ch 1, sk 1, dc in next st.
*Ch 2, sk 1, dc4tog over next 4 sts, ch 1 to close cluster, ch 1, sk 1, dc in next st; repeat from * to * across.
At the end, ch 1, sk 1, dc in the 3rd ch of the turning ch from the previous row.
Row 4
Ch 3, turn. Dc in each st across.
Pattern Repeat
– Row 5: Repeat Row 2
– Row 6: Repeat Row 3
– Row 7: Repeat Row 4
Continue repeating this 3-row pattern (Rows 2–4) as follows:
– Rows 8, 11, 14, 17, 20, 23, 26, 29: Repeat Row 2
– Rows 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30: Repeat Row 3
– Rows 10, 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, 28, 31: Repeat Row 4
Length Guide by Size
– XS / S: Work until you have 28 rows total
– M: Work until you have 31 rows total
– L / XL: Work until you have 34 rows total
– 2XL / 3XL: Work until you have 37 rows total
Front Panel (Lace Stitch Pattern)
Begin by crocheting the front panel using the same lace stitch pattern as the back panel. Work to the desired length, checking fit as you go.
For Size Medium, refer to the size chart for the appropriate starting chain.
Foundation Chain:
Ch 66 + 3 (multiple of 6 + 3)
Row 1
Dc in the 4th ch from hook and in each ch across.
Row 2
Ch 4 (counts as dc + ch 1), turn.
*Sk 2, (4 dc, ch 1) in next st, ch 1, sk 2, dc in next st; repeat from * to * across.
At the end, sk 2, dc in the 3rd ch of the turning ch from the previous row.
Row 3
Ch 5 (counts as dc + ch 2), turn.
Sk 1, dc4tog over next 4 sts, ch 1 to close cluster (ch-1 counts as a st), ch 1, sk 1, dc in next st.
*Ch 2, sk 1, dc4tog over next 4 sts, ch 1 to close cluster, ch 1, sk 1, dc in next st; repeat from * to * across.
At the end, ch 1, sk 1, dc in the 3rd ch of the turning ch from the previous row.
Row 4
Ch 3, turn. Dc in each st across.
Pattern Repeat
– Row 5: Repeat Row 2
– Row 6: Repeat Row 3
– Row 7: Repeat Row 4
Continue repeating the 3-row pattern (Rows 2–4) as follows:
– Rows 8, 11, 14, 17, 20, 23, 26: Repeat Row 2
– Rows 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27: Repeat Row 3
– Rows 10, 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, 28: Repeat Row 4
Length Guide by Size
– XS / S: Work until you have 25 rows total
– M: Work until you have 28 rows total
– L / XL: Work until you have 31 rows total
– 2XL / 3XL: Work until you have 34 rows total
Galena Crochet Lacy Top: Straps (Left Side)
Work directly from the front panel, continuing the lace stitch pattern to form the strap.
Sizes XS / S
Row 26
Ch 4 (counts as dc + ch 1), turn. Sk 2, (4 dc, ch 1) in next st, ch 1, sk 2, dc in next st, ch 1, sk 2, (4 dc, ch 1) in next st, ch 1, sk 2, dc in next st, sk 2, dc in next st.
Row 27
Ch 5 (counts as dc + ch 2), turn. Sk 1, dc4tog over next 4 sts, ch 1 to close cluster (ch-1 counts as a st), ch 1, sk 1, dc in next st, ch 2, sk 1, dc4tog over next 4 sts, ch 1 to close cluster, ch 1, sk 1, dc in the 3rd ch of the turning ch from the previous row.
Row 28
Ch 3, turn. Dc in each st across.
Size M
Row 29
Ch 4 (counts as dc + ch 1), turn. Sk 2, (4 dc, ch 1) in next st, ch 1, sk 2, dc in next st, *[ch 1, sk 2, (4 dc, ch 1) in next st, ch 1, sk 2, dc in next st]; repeat once more, sk 2, dc in next st.
Row 30
Ch 5 (counts as dc + ch 2), turn. Sk 1, dc4tog over next 4 sts, ch 1 to close cluster (ch-1 counts as a st), ch 1, sk 1, dc in next st, *[ch 2, sk 1, dc4tog over next 4 sts, ch 1 to close cluster, ch 1, sk 1, dc in next st]; repeat once more, ch 1, sk 1, dc in the 3rd ch of the turning ch from the previous row.
Row 31
Ch 3, turn. Dc in each st across.
Sizes L / XL
Row 35
Ch 4 (counts as dc + ch 1), turn. Sk 2, (4 dc, ch 1) in next st, ch 1, sk 2, dc in next st, *[ch 1, sk 2, (4 dc, ch 1) in next st, ch 1, sk 2, dc in next st]; repeat 2 more times, sk 2, dc in next st.
Row 36
Ch 5 (counts as dc + ch 2), turn. Sk 1, dc4tog over next 4 sts, ch 1 to close cluster (ch-1 counts as a st), ch 1, sk 1, dc in next st, *[ch 2, sk 1, dc4tog over next 4 sts, ch 1 to close cluster, ch 1, sk 1, dc in next st]; repeat 2 more times, ch 1, sk 1, dc in the 3rd ch of the turning ch from the previous row.
Row 37
Ch 3, turn. Dc in each st across.
Sizes 2XL / 3XL
Row 32
Ch 4 (counts as dc + ch 1), turn. Sk 2, (4 dc, ch 1) in next st, ch 1, sk 2, dc in next st, *[ch 1, sk 2, (4 dc, ch 1) in next st, ch 1, sk 2, dc in next st]; repeat 3 more times, sk 2, dc in next st.
Row 33
Ch 5 (counts as dc + ch 2), turn. Sk 1, dc4tog over next 4 sts, ch 1 to close cluster (ch-1 counts as a st), ch 1, sk 1, dc in next st, *[ch 2, sk 1, dc4tog over next 4 sts, ch 1 to close cluster, ch 1, sk 1, dc in next st]; repeat 3 more times, ch 1, sk 1, dc in the 3rd ch of the turning ch from the previous row.
Row 34
Ch 3, turn. Dc in each st across.
Straps (Right Side – All Sizes)
With the front panel facing right side up:
Repeat the same rows used for the left strap, corresponding to your size.
Leave the center stitches unworked to create the neckline opening.
Attach yarn at the opposite edge.
Sleeves (Make 2)
The sleeves are worked using the same lace stitch pattern as the body for a cohesive look. Adjust the length as desired for a cropped or full-length sleeve.
Foundation Chain
– XS: Ch 42 + 3
– S: Ch 42 + 3
– M: Ch 48 + 3
– L: Ch 48 + 3
– XL: Ch 54 + 3
– 2XL: Ch 54 + 3
– 3XL: Ch 54 + 3
Instructions
Work the same lace stitch pattern as established for the front and back panels (Rows 1–4 repeat).
Length Guide by Size
– XS / S: 25 rows
– M / L / XL: 28 rows
– 2XL / 3XL: 31 rows
Make 2 identical sleeves.
Galena Crochet Lacy Top: Assembly
– Place your squares right side facing each other. We will slip stitch inside out then turn right side out when done.
– Start on top shoulders both sides and leave the top neck hole open.
– Attach the sleeves to the panels
– Slip stitch from the bottom up to the under arm pit.
– Slip stitch the pieces together carefully, making sure the lace pattern lines up for a clean finish.
Galena Crochet Lacy Top: Neck border
Attach yarn in any stitch.
Row 1: Ch 2, ch hdc in each st around, sl st to the first ch2 to join
Row 2: Ch 1, sl st in each st, sl st to the ch1 to join
Watch the Full Crochet Tutorial
For a complete step-by-step walkthrough, watch the full crochet lacy top video tutorial on YouTube.
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