Solea Shell Stitch Crochet Cardigan Pattern

A lightweight, seamless crochet cardigan you’ll reach for all season!

The Solea Shell Stitch Cardigan is a top-down, seamless crochet cardigan designed with elegance, texture, and wearability in mind. Featuring a beautiful shell-stitch pattern and a breezy drape, this design is perfect for layering throughout spring and summer.

Why You’ll Love This Pattern

• Top-down, seamless construction
• No seaming required for a clean, professional finish
• Lightweight and breathable for warmer weather
• Elegant shell stitch texture that looks intricate but is easy to follow
• Customizable length and fit options
• Step-by-step video tutorial included
• Designed for confident beginners and beyond
• Perfect for layering over tanks, dresses, or swimwear

A Personal Note from MJ

This is honestly one of my favourite designs I’ve created to date.

There’s something about the combination of the shell stitch and the top-down construction that just works. It has that perfect balance of being visually detailed without feeling complicated to make.

I also love how wearable it is. This isn’t one of those pieces that sits in your closet. It’s the kind of cardigan you’ll throw on without thinking, whether you’re heading out for the day or just want something light and comfortable at home.

The fit, the drape, the texture… it all came together exactly how I envisioned!

Mexico

This cardigan was part of a special collection we photographed during our trip to Mexico.

We wanted a design that felt light, effortless, and perfect for warm weather, and this piece captured that perfectly. Shooting it in that setting really brought the whole vision to life, from the soft texture of the stitch to the relaxed, breezy fit.

This is just the beginning of the collection, and there are more coordinating designs coming soon that build on the same style and feel.

Video Tutorial

Watch the tutorial on YouTube

Yarn Requirements

Willow Yarns Farmhouse Cotton

DK weight #3 (similar to weight #1), 360 yds / 100 g, 100% Cotton, shown in Magnolia

Lion Brand Mandala String

Fingering weight #1, 350 yds / 100 g, 100% Acrylic, shown in Tune

SIZES

XS (S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X)
To fit bust: 28-30 ( 32-34, 36-38, 40-42, 44-46, 48-50, 52-54, 56-58, 60-62) “
Finished Bust Circumference: 30(33.5, 37, 40.5, 44, 51, 54.5, 58, 61.5)”
Yoke Depth: 5.5 (6.25, 7.25, 8, 9, 10.75, 11.5, 12.5, 13.5)”
Underarm to Hem: Cream shown 7.25″ Blue shown 9″
Sleeve Circumference: 10.5 (12.5, 14, 16, 17.75, 21.25, 23, 24.75, 26.5)”
Short Sleeve Length: 1″
Long Sleeve Length: 17″

Fit and Ease

The cardigan is designed for a close, comfortable fit at the bust, with approximately 2 inches of negative ease to 3 inches of positive ease, depending on the size chosen and where you fall within the size range.

Choose your size based on your preferred finished bust measurement. For a looser fit, consider sizing up. The model shown is wearing a size Medium with a 36-inch bust.

My good friend Thelma modelled and tested the cardigan for me, bringing this design to life beautifully.

Yarn Substitutes

When substituting the recommended yarn, choose one that meets the pattern gauge and has a similar yardage-to-weight ratio.

Willow Yarns Farmhouse Cotton has a yardage-to-weight ratio of approximately 3.60 yards per gram, while Lion Brand Mandala String measures 3.50 yards per gram. Yarns within a similar range will produce a comparable fabric.

Always check your gauge.

• Comfy Fingering – 218 yds / 50 g (75% Pima cotton, 25% acrylic) = 4.36 yds/g
• Hawthorne Fingering – 357 yds / 100 g (80% superwash wool, 20% nylon) = 3.57 yds/g
• Lindy Chain – 218 yds / 50 g (70% linen, 30% cotton) = 4.36 yds/g
• Premier Cotton Fair – 317 yds / 100 g (52% cotton, 48% acrylic) = 3.17 yds/g
• Curio #3 – 295 yds / 100 g (100% mercerized cotton) = 2.95 yds/g

Crochet Hook

US G/6 (4 mm) or sizes needed to obtain gauge

Hook Tray

Materials

Yarn Needle

Scissors

Measuring Tape

Stitch Markers

Gauge

4.5 shells and 9 rows equal to 4″ in pattern with 4 mm hook blocked

Construction

This cardigan is worked seamlessly from the top down.

The yoke is worked flat in rows, alternating v st and shell rows to create the lace pattern. Once the yoke reaches the desired depth, the body and sleeves are separated. The body is worked flat in rows to the desired length. Sleeves are joined at the underarm and worked in joined, turned rounds to maintain the stitch pattern. Edging and front ties are added to finish.

Project Tips

• Check fit as you go. Try the yoke on before separating the sleeves to ensure the armhole depth feels comfortable.
• Use stitch markers. Marking the corner v stitches helps keep increases consistent and prevents missed stitches.
• Blocking matters. This fabric relaxes after blocking and will gain slight ease. Do not size up based only on unblocked measurements.
• Match colour transitions (optional). When using colour-changing yarn such as Mandala String, joining sleeves at the same colour section can help create a more balanced look.
• Consider extra yarn for colour control. If you want sleeves to begin with the same colour or prefer more control over colour placement, purchasing an extra ball may be helpful.
• Adjust length easily. Both the body and sleeves can be customized by adding or removing rows.

FAQ & Terms

Styling Tips

The Solea Shell Stitch Cardigan is designed to be a versatile layering piece you can style across seasons and occasions.

Effortless Everyday

• Pair with a simple tank or tee and your favourite jeans
• Add sneakers or flat sandals for an easy, casual look
• Let the texture of the shell stitch be the statement

Beach & Vacation Ready

• Layer over a swimsuit or lightweight cover-up
• Style with linen shorts or a flowy skirt
• Perfect for throwing on when the sun goes down

Elevated Casual

• Wear over a fitted dress or bodysuit
• Add wedges or heeled sandals for a more polished outfit

If you love this pattern, you may also like these patterns:

• Halo Hugs V-Neck Sweater Crochet Pattern
• Caribbean Sea Sweater
• Winterberry Blanket Free Crochet Pattern
• Crochet Rosy Posy Dishcloth
• Viscountess V-Neck

This pattern is designed by Michelle Moore of MJ’s Off The Hook Designs Inc, based in Lakefield, Ontario, Canada. Your go-to source for modern, easy crochet patterns. Published on April 16th, 2025.

Thank you for visiting MJ’s Off The Hook Designs I hope you enjoyed this pattern and feel inspired to pick up your hook and start creating.

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