Bruges Lace Sleeveless Summer Top

Free Crochet Top Pattern

Bruges Lace is a type of bobbin lace that originated from the city of Bruges, Belgium. It's sometimes known as Brussels lace or Belgian lace. The lace was originally made using ribbons and tapes and had nothing to do with crochet. However, during the 19th Century, some creative crocheters figured out that crochet can be used to make something very similar to the lace. This pattern uses two basic Bruges Lace techniques.

Sizes: S/M (L, XL)

Note about the sizes: the top has a slightly loose fit. The difference in sizes is due to the number of tapes in the back and the front. Each next size has 2 more tapes in the back and 2 more tapes in the front. For bigger sizes, work more tapes in the back and in the front.

Materials: Aunt Lydia (affiliate link)'s 100% Mercerized Cotton, Size 3, 150yd/138m, color - Natural - 8 balls.

Hook: D (3.25 mm)

Gauge
2 tapes with the loops connected between them = 2" (5 cm) wide

Patterns

Basic tape

Basic Bruges Tape row: ch 6, 4 dc over the 4 dc of the previous row, turn.
Repeat to desired length. Tie off.

Joining to another tape

Row 1: ch 3, slip st to the corresponding 6-chain loop of other tape, ch 3, 4 dc over 4 dc of the previous row, turn.
Row 2: ch 6, 4 dc over 4 dc of the previous row, turn.
Repeat to desired length.

180 degree tape turn (consists of 7 rows)

The 1st row starts at the inner edge of the turn.
Row 1: ch 6, 1 sc, 1 hdc, 2 dc, turn
Row 2: ch 6, 2 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc, turn
Rows 3-6: repeat rows 1-2.
Row 7: ch 3, sl st through the 3 inner loops, 1 sc, 1 hdc, 2 dc, turn.

Directions

The top consists of one long, continuous tape that doubles back on itself with 180-degree turns. The top starts from the right bottom edge of the back and progresses sideways from the right side of the back to the left side, then continues from the left side of the front to the right sides, where it is joined with the first tape of the back.
The top essentially consists of the 2 rectangles for the front and back with a boat-like opening for the head. I think in this case the diagram really helps in understanding what's going on.

Back

Chain 10
Row 1: dc in to the 7th chain from the hook, 3 dc, turn
Work 7-row 180 degree turn
Continue to work basic tape to make 38 ch-6 loops on the left edge of the tape (or to desired lengrh). It is is a good idea to try on the tape to see if you like the lengrh og the top.
Work 180 degree turn
Work basic tape of the same length joining it to the first tape as-you-go.
Work another 180 degree turn.
Note: when joining tapes at the 180 degree turn at the bottom of the top, don't join the last loops of the tapes for a better-looking bottom edge (see picture). When joining the tapes at shoulders and along the opening for the head, join all the loops.

Work basic tape to make 39 ch-6 loops on the left edge of the tape (2 more rows to shape the shoulder) joining it to the previous tape as-you-go.
Work another 180 degree turn.
Work basic tape of the same length joining it to the first tape as-you-go.
Work another 180 degree turn.
Work 6 (8, 10) more tapes of the same length with 180 degree turns at both ends.
Work basic tape to make 38 ch-6 loops on the left edge of the tape joining it to the previous tape as-you-go.
Work another 180 degree turn.
Work basic tape of the same length, joining it to the first tape as-you-go.
Work another 180 degree turn.
Work basic tape to make 52 ch-6 loops on the left edge, joining it to the previous tape until the previous tape ends, then continue to work it without joining to 52nd loop. Join loop 53 to loop 27 of the same tape. (see pictures, the loops that should be joined are marked with red Xs). This tape forms the armhole and begins the front.

Front

Continue to work the tape to the same length as the last tape of the back joining it as-you-go. If you would like to make side slits, don't join the last 7 loops. As you can see in the picture, I made side slits initially, but then decided against it and joined all the loops at the side.
Work 180 degree turn.
Work basic tape to make 38 ch-6 loops on the left edge of the tape, joining it to the previous tape as-you-go.
Work 180 degree turn. While making the turn connect with dc - sl-st - dc the top 3 loops to the top 3 loop of the corresponding back turn to form a shoulder.
Work same length tape and another 180 degree turn.
Work basic tape to make 39 ch-6 loops on the left edge of the tape joining it to the previous tape as-you-go.
Work 180 degree turn. While making the turn connect with dc - sl-st - dc the top 3 loops to the top 3 loop of the corresponding back turn to form a shoulder.
Work same length tape and another 180 degree turn.
Work next basic tape to make 37 ch-6 loops on the left edge of the tape joining it to the previous tape as-you-go (neckline shaping).
Work 180 degree turn.
Work same length tape and another 180 degree turn.
Work 2 (4, 6) more tapes of the same length with 180 degree turns at both ends.
Work next basic tape to make 39 ch-6 loops on the left edge of the tape joining it to the previous tape as-you-go.
Work 180 degree turn. While making the turn connect with dc - sl-st - dc the top 3 loops to the top 3 loop of the corresponding back turn to form a shoulder.
Work same length tape and another 180 degree turn.
Work basic tape to make 38 ch-6 loops on the left edge of the tape joining it to the previous tape as-you-go.
Work 180 degree turn. While making the turn connect with dc - sl-st - dc the top 3 loops to the top 3 loop of the corresponding back turn to form a shoulder.
Work same length tape and another 180 degree turn.
Work basic tape to make 52 ch-6 loops on the left edge, joining it to the previous tape along its length, then continue to join it to the 1st tape of the back. Join loop 53 to loop 27 of the same tape. Continue to work the tape joining it on both sides to the same tape of the front and to the first tape of the back. Work to the beginning of the first 180 degree turn of the back. Connect both ends with 4 slip sts. The top is ready.


Finishing

Block the top.

Enjoy

Diagram for S/M size

Diagram for L size

Diagram for XL size