Plymouth Yarn Shell and Openwork Crochet Pullover Pattern

Plymouth Yarn Shell and Openwork Crochet Pullover

Project Overview

This crochet pullover, Pattern No. 3357 featuring Electra Lite, is a glitzy shell and openwork design ideal for layering over a black dress or camisole. The garment showcases elegant lace construction through the combination of two distinct stitch patterns that create visual interest and a sophisticated drape.

Garment Specifications

Available Sizes: Xsmall, Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large

Finished Measurements:

• Chest: 34 (38, 42, 46, 50) inches
• Length: 18.5 (19, 20, 20.5, 22) inches

Materials and Gauge

This pullover is crafted using Electra Lite yarn in 2 (2, 3, 3, 3) 100-gram skeins. The sample shown features color 9 Violet. A G-6 (4.0 mm) crochet hook is required for construction.

Gauge: 20 stitches and 9 rows in both Shell Stitch and Openwork patterns equal 4 inches. Achieving proper gauge is essential for accurate finished measurements.

Construction Techniques

The pullover is worked flat in separate pieces that are later seamed together, allowing for precise shaping and pattern alignment. The garment is constructed bottom-up, beginning with the back and front panels before adding sleeves. This method provides control over fit and enables the crocheter to adjust length before completing the piece.

Stitch Patterns and Techniques

Two primary crochet stitches create the visual design of this pullover:

Shell Stitch

The foundation of the garment uses a classic Shell Stitch pattern. This technique begins with a foundation chain, and the first row establishes the shell motif by working 5 double crochets in alternating stitches with chain spaces between. The pattern reads: work 5 double crochets in the 5th chain from the hook, skip 2 chains, work a double crochet in the next chain, skip 2 chains, and repeat this sequence across the row, ending with a double crochet in the last chain.

Subsequent shell rows maintain the pattern by working 5 double crochets into the top of each shell from the previous row, with a single double crochet worked into the double crochet between shells. This creates a repeating fan or shell-like appearance. The back panel continues in this shell pattern for 11 (12, 14, 16, 18) shells across, repeated for 13 (14, 16, 18, 20) rows until the work reaches 11 (11, 11.5, 11.5, 12) inches or the desired length to the armhole.

Openwork Pattern

Once the shell stitch section reaches armhole depth, the pattern transitions to an Openwork design that creates an airy, lacy appearance. This pattern uses chain spaces and double crochets to form open geometric motifs. The openwork begins with a chain 5 foundation, followed by alternating double crochets and chain 2 spaces across the row. Subsequent openwork rows maintain the chain 5 turning chain and repeat the double crochet and chain 2 sequence, with double crochets worked into the previous row's double crochets.

The transition between shell and openwork sections occurs at the armhole, where the crocheter slips a stitch across the first shell and double crochet, then chains 3 and continues the shell pattern to the last shell. The final shell and double crochet are left unworked, and the piece is turned and fastened off. The armhole depth measures 7.5 (8, 8.5, 9, 10) inches depending on size.

Crochet Stitches Used

The pattern employs fundamental crochet stitches:

• Chain (CH): Creates the foundation and forms the open spaces in the openwork pattern
• Double Crochet (DC): The primary stitch for both shell and openwork sections, providing structure and drape
• Single Crochet (SC): Used in joining and finishing techniques