When I sat down to design this summer tank, I had three goals in mind. First, I wanted those gorgeous shell stitch texture bands that catch the light. Second, I needed a coastal color palette that felt fresh without being predictable. Third, and this was the fun part, I wanted playful pompom trim that would actually stay put after washing.
I am SO pleased with how this turned out. The stripe sequence creates visual interest without overwhelming the eye. The lace divider rows give it that breezy summer feel. And those little crocheted pompom balls? They add just the right amount of whimsy.
If you have been wanting to try a wearable project but felt intimidated by garment construction, this is your sign. The shaping is straightforward, the pieces are identical, and you will finish with a top that looks far more complicated than it actually is.
About This Crochet Pattern
This tank top features alternating shell stitch bands in teal, mint, and sand, separated by delicate white lace rows. The construction is beginner-friendly for anyone comfortable with basic garment shaping. You will work two flat pieces, seam them together, then add the border and pompoms.
The finished bust measures 34 to 36 inches for the size Small/Medium as written. I have included notes for adjusting from XS through 2X/3X at the end of the pattern. The length from shoulder to hem sits at approximately 15 inches, not counting those adorable pompom balls dangling below.
Skill level: Intermediate. You should feel comfortable with shell stitches, working color changes, basic garment shaping, and crocheting small pieces in the round for the pompoms.
Time estimate: Plan for 20 to 30 hours depending on your experience level. This is a perfect project for a week of evening crochet sessions.
Materials You Will Need
Yarn (DK weight, category 3):
Total yardage comes to approximately 650 yards.
Recommended yarn options:
Paintbox Yarns Simply DK works beautifully here. Try Spearmint Green, Seafoam, Soft Caramel, and Paper White. This acrylic yarn gives excellent stitch definition and washes like a dream.
Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton offers gorgeous drape for summer wear. Look for Turquoise, Aqua, Tan, and White.
WeCrochet Dishie in Teal, Sea Foam, Almond, and Bare blocks beautifully and holds that lacework definition crisp.
Quick substitution tip: Any smooth DK weight yarn that achieves gauge will work. Avoid fuzzy or textured yarns since they will obscure your shell and lace stitch detail.
Hooks:
Notions:
Gauge
In shell stitch pattern with G-6 hook, after blocking: 16 stitches and 10 rows = 4 inches.
In single crochet with G-6 hook: 18 stitches and 20 rows = 4 inches.
Please make a 6-inch swatch in the shell stitch pattern before starting. Block it and measure. This step matters for a wearable fit. Go up a hook size if your gauge is too tight. Go down if it is too loose.
Abbreviations and Stitch Definitions
Let me walk you through every abbreviation before we begin. I will define each term in plain English so nothing catches you off guard.
ch = chain. Wrap yarn over hook and pull through the loop on your hook.
sl st = slip stitch. Insert hook, yarn over, pull through both the stitch and the loop on hook in one motion.
sc = single crochet. Insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop (two loops on hook), yarn over, pull through both loops.
dc = double crochet. Yarn over, insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop (three loops on hook), yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over, pull through remaining two loops.
sc2tog = single crochet two together (a decrease). Insert hook into next stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop. Insert hook into following stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop. You now have three loops on your hook. Yarn over, pull through all three loops. You have decreased by one stitch.
sk = skip
st(s) = stitch(es)
sp = space
ch-sp = chain space
t-ch = turning chain
rep = repeat
rem = remaining
RS = right side
WS = wrong side
yo = yarn over
Special Stitches
Shell Stitch
Work 5 double crochet stitches all into the same stitch or space. This creates a beautiful fan-shaped cluster.
Here is how to do it step by step:
1. Identify the stitch or space where you need to place your shell.
2. Work one double crochet into that spot.
3. Work four more double crochet stitches into the exact same spot.
4. You now have 5 dc grouped together forming one shell.
Lace Row
This creates the open mesh between your shell stitch bands.
1. Single crochet into the first stitch of the row.
2. Chain 5, skip 4 stitches, single crochet into the next stitch.
3. Repeat the chain 5, skip 4, single crochet sequence across.
4. On the following row, you will work shells or single crochets into those chain-5 spaces.
Crochet Pompom Ball
These adorable stuffed spheres are crocheted in the round. Use your F-5 hook.
Round 1: Make a magic ring, work 6 sc in ring. (6 sc)
Round 2: Work 2 sc in each stitch around. (12 sc)
Round 3: Work (sc in next stitch, 2 sc in next stitch) around. (18 sc)
Round 4: Work (sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch) around. (24 sc)
Round 5: Work (sc in next 2 stitches, sc2tog) around. (18 sc)
Round 6: Work (sc in next stitch, sc2tog) around. (12 sc)
Stuff lightly with yarn scraps or fiberfill now.
Round 7: Work sc2tog around. (6 sc)
Fasten off, leaving a 10-inch tail. Thread tail through remaining 6 stitches, pull tight to close, weave in end inside ball. Leave a separate 12-inch tail at the starting end for attaching to the hem later.
Important Pattern Notes
Before you begin, please read through these notes. They will save you confusion later.
1. The top is worked flat in two identical pieces (front and back), then seamed at the sides and shoulders.
2. For color changes, complete the last pull-through of the stitch before the new color begins using the new color. This creates a clean color transition.
3. Turning chain rules: Chain 1 does NOT count as a stitch. Chain 3 COUNTS as the first double crochet throughout.
4. The right side faces you throughout if you turn at the end of each row as directed.
5. Foundation chain math: The pattern uses a multiple of 6, plus 2 for selvedge. For size adjustment, add or subtract 6 stitches per size (approximately 1.5 inches per repeat).
Stripe Sequence Overview
Work this sequence once for the front piece and once for the back piece.
Instructions for Front Piece
Foundation and Hem Band
With G-6 hook and Color A, ch 74.
Row 1 (WS): Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. (73 sc)
Row 2 (RS): Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (73 sc)
Shell Pattern Section with Color A
For the shell pattern, you will use this two-row repeat:
Shell Row A (odd shell rows): Ch 3 (counts as dc), sk 1 st, shell in next st, (sk 2 sts, sc in next st, sk 2 sts, shell in next st) 11 times, sk 1 st, dc in last st. Turn. (12 shells, 11 sc, 2 edge dc; 73 sts consumed)
Shell Row B (even shell rows): Ch 3 (counts as dc), sc in first shell center dc, (shell in next sc, sc in center dc of next shell) 11 times, shell in next sc, dc in top of t-ch. Turn. (12 shells, 11 sc, 2 edge dc; 73 sts consumed)
Row 3: Work Shell Row A with Color A. (73 sts consumed)
Row 4: Work Shell Row B with Color A. (73 sts consumed)
Lace Divider with Color D
Row 5 (Lace Divider): With Color D, ch 1, sc in first dc. (Ch 5, sk next 5 sts, sc in next st) across, ending sc in top of t-ch. Turn. (12 ch-5 spaces, 13 sc)
Shell Band 2 with Color B
Row 6: With Color B, ch 3 (counts as dc), (shell in next ch-5 sp, sc between ch-5 sps) 11 times, shell in last ch-5 sp, dc in last sc. Turn. (12 shells, 11 sc, 2 edge dc; 73 sts consumed)
Row 7: Work Shell Row B with Color B. (12 shells, 11 sc, 2 edge dc; 73 sts consumed)
Continuing the Stripe Pattern
Row 8: With Color D, rep Row 5. (Lace Divider)
Row 9: With Color C, rep Row 6. (73 sts consumed)
Row 10: Work Shell Row B with Color C. (73 sts consumed)
Row 11: With Color D, rep Row 5. (Lace Divider)
Row 12: With Color B, rep Row 6. (73 sts consumed)
Row 13: Work Shell Row B with Color B. (73 sts consumed)
Row 14: With Color D, rep Row 5. (Lace Divider)
Row 15: With Color A, rep Row 6. (73 sts consumed)
Row 16: Work Shell Row B with Color A. (73 sts consumed)
Upper Body in Single Crochet
Row 17: Ch 1, sc in first dc, sc in each st across, working 1 sc in each dc within shells, 1 sc in each sc between shells, and 1 sc in top of t-ch. Turn. (73 sc)
Row 18: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (73 sc)
Row 19: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (73 sc)
Checkpoint: After Row 19, your piece should measure approximately 9 inches from the foundation chain. It should be 18 inches wide laid flat.
Armhole Shaping
Row 20 (Armhole Row): Sl st across first 8 sts (these sts are bound off for the left armhole), ch 1, sc in next st and in each st across until 8 sts remain, leave last 8 sts unworked. Turn. (57 sc)
Row 21: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in each st across to last 2 sts, sc2tog. Turn. (55 sc)
Row 22: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in each st across to last 2 sts, sc2tog. Turn. (53 sc)
Row 23: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in each st across to last 2 sts, sc2tog. Turn. (51 sc)
Row 24: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (51 sc)
Row 25: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (51 sc)
Checkpoint: After Row 25, your piece should measure approximately 12 inches from the foundation chain. You should have 51 stitches.
Upper Chest and Strap Shaping
Row 26 (Neckline Opening): Ch 1, sc in first 12 sts. Fasten off. Rejoin yarn at st 40 (counting from left edge), sc in last 12 sts. Turn. (12 sc each strap; 27 center sts set aside for neckline)
Work each strap separately from this point.
Left Strap
Rows 27-32: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (12 sc each row)
Fasten off after Row 32, leaving a 24-inch tail for shoulder seaming.
Right Strap
Rejoin Color A at right edge of Row 26. Work Rows 27-32 as written for left strap. (12 sc each row)
Fasten off after Row 32, leaving a 24-inch tail.
Back Piece
Work the back piece identically to the front piece through Row 32. This includes all stripe sections, armhole shaping, and strap construction.
Neckline and Armhole Border
With F-5 hook and Color D, work 1 round of single crochet evenly around the entire neckline. Work approximately 1 sc per row along strap sides, 1 sc per stitch along bound-off edges, and 3 sc at each corner. Slip stitch to first sc to join. Fasten off.
Repeat the border process for both armhole openings. Work 1 sc per stitch along bound-off stitches and 1 sc per row along shaped edges. Slip stitch to join. Fasten off.
Assembly
Side Seams
Place front and back pieces with right sides together. Using a tapestry needle and Color A, mattress stitch or whipstitch the side seams together from the hem edge upward to the armhole opening. Leave armholes open.
Shoulder Seams
With right sides together, align front and back strap edges. Using the long tails left at the strap tops, whipstitch across the 12 stitches of each shoulder. Join front strap to corresponding back strap. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Hem Edging and Pompom Attachment
With F-5 hook and Color D, work 1 row of sc along the foundation chain edge (bottom hem). Work 1 sc in each original chain loop. (73 sc)
Fasten off. This gives you a clean hem edge for attaching your pompoms.
Make Your Pompom Balls
Using the Crochet Pompom Ball instructions from the Special Stitches section, make:
Total: 18 pompom balls (9 for front hem, 9 for back hem)
Attaching the Pompoms
Space 9 pompom balls evenly along the front hem edge, approximately 3.5 to 4 stitches apart. Alternate colors loosely in a sequence like: A, D, C, A, D, A, C, D, A. Adjust for your desired color distribution.
To attach each pompom: Thread the long starting tail onto a tapestry needle. Insert needle through the hem sc edge at your desired position, pull through to the inside, and knot securely. Weave in ends inside the pompom ball.
Repeat for back hem with remaining 9 pompom balls.
Size Customization Tips
The foundation chain uses a multiple of 6, plus 1 to even out the shell arrangement.
Size XS (32 inch bust): Use ch 62 for 61 working stitches. This gives you 10 shell repeats.
Size S/M (34-36 inch bust): Use ch 74 for 73 working stitches. Pattern as written. 12 shell repeats.
Size L/XL (38-42 inch bust): Use ch 86 for 85 working stitches. 14 shell repeats. Straps remain 12 stitches. Neckline opening becomes 61 stitches.
Size 2X/3X (44-48 inch bust): Use ch 98 for 97 working stitches. 16 shell repeats. Straps remain 12 stitches each. Neckline opening becomes 73 stitches.
For each size increase, add 2 pompoms to the hem, maintaining approximately 1 pompom every 7-8 stitches.
Length adjustments: Add or subtract plain sc rows in the upper body section (Rows 17-19) before armhole shaping. Each row of sc adds approximately 0.2 inches of length.
Finishing and Blocking
Weave in all remaining ends securely, burying tails at least 2 inches into the work.
Wet blocking method: Submerge the completed top in cool water. Gently squeeze out excess water without wringing. Lay flat on a blocking mat. Pin to finished measurements: 18 inches wide and 15 inches tall (excluding pompoms). Allow straps to dry in their shaped position. Let dry completely before unpinning, at least 24 hours.
Blocking opens the lace rows and shell stitches to their full beauty. Do not skip this step.
Care Instructions
Hand wash in cool water with gentle detergent. Do not wring or twist. Press gently between clean towels to remove excess water. Lay flat to dry. Do not hang wet since this will stretch the garment. Do not machine dry.
If using cotton yarn, you may be able to machine wash on a delicate cycle in a mesh bag. Check your yarn label for specific care recommendations.
Store your finished top folded rather than hung to maintain its shape.
You Did It!
This Ocean Breeze Pompom Crochet Top is one of those projects that looks impressive hanging in your closet but was actually enjoyable to make. The stripe sequence keeps things interesting, the shell stitches work up quickly once you find your rhythm, and those pompom balls are the perfect finishing touch.
I hope you love making this as much as I loved designing it. The coastal color palette works beautifully for summer, but imagine this in sunset oranges and pinks, or cool lavenders and grays for a different vibe entirely.
Thank you so much for choosing this pattern. I would absolutely love to see your finished tops! Tag me on Instagram or share in my Facebook group when you complete yours. There is nothing better than seeing these designs come to life in your hands.
If this pattern made you excited to grab your hook and get started, save it to your Pinterest boards so you can find it easily later. And please drop a comment below if you make one. I read every single comment and love hearing about your color choices and any modifications you try!
