Seafoam Lattice Shell Top Free Pattern – Knit a Breezy Coastal Cover-Up

Imagine the gentle sound of waves, the warmth of the sun on your skin, and the soft, airy embrace of a hand-knit cover-up. The Seafoam Lattice Shell Top captures this coastal dream in every stitch. This free knitting pattern creates a lightweight, open-knit shell top with a delicate lattice stitch that forms a subtle diamond mesh—perfect for layering over swimwear or a summer dress. Knit in a soft cotton blend with a gradient of seafoam green, aqua, and creamy white, this top evokes the beauty of sea glass and ocean waves. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or a confident beginner ready for a new challenge, this pattern will guide you through creating a breezy, feminine garment that's as beautiful to make as it is to wear.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies to ensure a smooth and enjoyable knitting experience:

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton or cotton-blend yarn in shades of seafoam, aqua, and white (approx. 400-500 yards). Choose a soft, breathable yarn for maximum comfort in warm weather.
• Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles—straight needles work well for smaller sizes, or use circular needles for larger sizes to accommodate the number of stitches.
• Stitch holders (or scrap yarn) for holding stitches while shaping the neckline.
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming.
• Scissors and a tape measure for finishing.

Gauge

18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (blocked). Always knit a gauge swatch before starting to ensure your finished garment fits as intended. Adjust needle size if necessary to achieve the correct gauge.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sizes and Abbreviations

Sizes: S (M, L) – Finished bust: 34 (38, 42) inches

Abbreviations:

• CO: cast on
• K: knit
• P: purl
• Yo: yarn over
• K2tog: knit two together
• SSK: slip, slip, knit (decrease)
• St(s): stitch(es)
• RS: right side
• WS: wrong side

Special Stitch Pattern – Lattice Stitch (multiple of 4 + 2)

This beautiful lattice stitch creates the signature open, diamond mesh effect of the top. Practice this pattern on a swatch to get comfortable with the yarn overs and decreases.

• Row 1 (RS): K2, *yo, SSK, K2; repeat from * to end.
• Row 2 (WS): Purl all sts.
• Row 3: K1, *K2tog, yo, K2; repeat from * to last st, K1.
• Row 4: Purl all sts.
• Repeat rows 1-4 for pattern.

Back Panel

Cast On and Hem: CO 78 (86, 94) sts. Work in stockinette stitch (K on RS, P on WS) for 2 inches, ending with a WS row. This creates a neat, rolled hem that gives the top a polished finish.

Begin Lattice Pattern: Start the Lattice Stitch pattern and work even until the piece measures 10 (11, 12) inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a WS row. This forms the main body of the back panel.

Shape Armholes

Bind Off: Bind off 4 (5, 6) sts at the beginning of the next 2 rows. This creates the initial armhole depth.

Decrease: Then decrease 1 st at each edge every RS row 3 times. To do this, on RS rows, work K1, SSK at the beginning, and K2tog, K1 at the end. Continue in pattern until the armhole measures 7 (8, 9) inches from the bind-off edge, ending with a WS row.

Shape Neck (Back)

Divide for Neck: Work across 20 (22, 24) sts, place the remaining sts on a holder. Working on this side only, bind off 3 sts at the neck edge once, then bind off 2 sts once, then decrease 1 st at the neck edge every RS row 2 times. Work even until the armhole measures 8 (9, 10) inches. Bind off the remaining 13 (15, 17) shoulder sts. Repeat for the other side, reversing the shaping.

Front Panel

Work as Back: Work the front panel the same as the back until the armhole shaping is complete. Continue in pattern until the armhole measures 4 (5, 6) inches, ending with a WS row. The front neckline is deeper than the back, creating a lovely scooped shape.

Shape Neck (Front)

Divide for Neck: Work across 25 (27, 29) sts, place the center 20 (22, 24) sts on a holder. Working on one side, bind off 4 sts at the neck edge once, then 2 sts once, then decrease 1 st every RS row 3 times. Work even until the armhole measures 8 (9, 10) inches. Bind off the remaining 13 (15, 17) shoulder sts. Repeat for the other side.

Finishing

Blocking: Block both pieces to the measurements specified. This is crucial for the lattice stitch to open up and drape beautifully. Pin the pieces to a blocking mat and spray with water or use a steam iron (without touching the yarn) to set the shape.

Seaming: Sew the shoulder seams using a mattress stitch or whip stitch. Then sew the side seams, leaving 8 (9, 10) inches open at the top for armholes. This creates the cap-sleeve effect.

Edging

Pick Up and Knit: With the RS facing, pick up and knit sts evenly around the neckline and armholes. Work 3 rows of garter stitch (K every row). Bind off loosely to keep the edges stretchy. This neat border gives the top a professional finish.

Weave in Ends: Use a tapestry needle to weave in all loose ends securely. Trim any excess yarn.

Your Seafoam Lattice Shell Top is now complete! Slip it on over your favorite swimsuit or a sundress, and let the breezy, coastal vibes transport you to the shore. This pattern is a wonderful way to practice lace techniques while creating a stunning, wearable piece. Happy knitting!