Black Dahlia Lace-Up Top Crochet Pattern

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Looking for a statement piece that turns heads while keeping you cool on warm evenings? This fitted open-back crochet top delivers on all fronts. The sculptural dahlia motif adds drama, the champagne lace-up back provides adjustable fit, and the scalloped hem gives it that polished finish.

This pattern uses half double crochet (hdc) for the body panels, which works up quickly and creates a dense, flattering fabric. The dahlia yoke combines double crochet (dc), treble crochet (tr), and double treble crochet (dtr) for those gorgeous layered petals. If you have been wanting to level up your garment-making skills, this is a beautiful project to grow with.

The construction breaks down into manageable sections, so you are never overwhelmed. You will make the front panel, two back panels, the dahlia motif, straps, cords, hem, and leaf appliques separately before joining everything together. Perfect for intermediate crocheters ready to tackle something special, or advanced beginners who want a challenge.

Skill Level

Intermediate to Advanced Crochet

This pattern involves shaping, working in the round, creating a multi-layered motif, and garment assembly. If you are comfortable with basic stitches and have made at least one or two garments before, you will do great here.

Materials You Will Need

Gather these supplies before you start:

Fine black mercerized cotton yarn (sport or fine DK weight) for the main body

Champagne or ivory mercerized cotton yarn for accents, cords, and contrast details

Crochet hook approximately 2.5 mm to 3.25 mm (adjust to meet gauge)

Stitch markers for tracking your place

Yarn needle for weaving ends and assembly

Measuring tape for checking dimensions

Blocking mat and pins for finishing

Why mercerized cotton? This type of yarn has been treated to create a smooth, lustrous finish with excellent stitch definition. It holds its shape beautifully and gives this top that polished, almost elegant look you see in the photos.

Gauge

Approximately 24 single crochet stitches x 26 rows = 10 cm (4 inches) square after blocking.

Please make a gauge swatch before starting. Gauge matters enormously for garment fit. If your swatch is too big, go down a hook size. Too small? Go up a hook size.

Abbreviations

Here is every abbreviation used in this pattern, with plain-English definitions:

ch (chain): The foundation stitch. Wrap yarn over hook, pull through loop.

sl st (slip stitch): Insert hook, yarn over, pull through stitch and loop on hook in one motion. Used for joining and creating smooth cords.

sc (single crochet): Insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop (2 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through both loops. The shortest basic stitch.

hdc (half double crochet): Yarn over, insert hook, pull up a loop (3 loops), yarn over, pull through all 3 loops. Slightly taller than sc, creates a dense fabric.

dc (double crochet): Yarn over, insert hook, pull up a loop (3 loops), yarn over, pull through 2 loops, yarn over, pull through remaining 2 loops. A medium-height stitch.

tr(treble crochet): Yarn over twice, insert hook, pull up a loop (4 loops), three times. Taller than dc.

dtr(double treble crochet): Yarn over three times, insert hook, pull up a loop (5 loops), four times. Creates the tallest points in the dahlia petals.

sp (space): The gap created by chain stitches.

sk (skip): Pass over the indicated stitch without working into it.

picot: Chain 3, slip stitch into the first chain. Creates a small decorative bump.

Construction Overview

This top is made in seven separate sections, then assembled:

1. Front fitted panel

2. Two back side panels

3. Dahlia lace yoke motif

4. Shoulder straps

5. Champagne lace-up cord

6. Hem scallops

7. Leaf appliques

Working in sections keeps each piece manageable and allows you to block components individually for the crispest results.

Step 1: Front Body Panel

The front panel is worked flat in rows from the bottom up.

Chain the width needed for your size. This will depend on your measurements. Use your gauge to calculate: multiply your desired width in centimeters by 2.4 (the number of stitches per cm from gauge).

Row 1: Work hdc across the chain.

Rows 2 through 8: Continue working hdc rows. If you need bust shaping, increase slightly at the sides during these rows. To increase, work 2 hdc into the same stitch at each end of the row.

Neckline Shaping: Once you reach the desired length to the neckline, begin reducing stitches evenly toward the center. You can do this by skipping stitches or working decreases (hdc2tog) at regular intervals.

Continue until the front reaches your waistline measurement.

Border: Add a firm single crochet border around all edges. This stabilizes the panel and creates clean edges for assembly.

Step 2: Back Side Panels

You will make two mirrored panels for the back. These create the fitted sides and leave the center back open for the lace-up detail.

Chain from waist upward for the desired height.

Work hdc in dense rows to create a fitted side section. The panels should be wide enough to wrap around your sides but leave a gap at center back.

Creating Eyelets: Along the inner edge (the edge that will face center back), create evenly spaced eyelets for the lacing:

Eyelet Row: sc, chain 1, skip 1 stitch. Repeat across the inner edge.

Space your eyelets evenly, approximately every 2 to 3 cm apart, depending on how many crossings you want in your lacing.

Make sure both panels mirror each other exactly. The eyelets should align when the panels are placed side by side.

Step 3: Dahlia Lace Yoke

This is the showstopper of the design. The dahlia is worked in the round from the center outward.

Center Ring: Create a center ring with 8 single crochet stitches. You can start with a magic ring or chain 4 and slip stitch to join.

Round 1: Work 16 dc into the ring. Slip stitch to join.

Round 2 (First Petal Layer):

Work pointed petals around:

dc, tr, dtr, tr, dc all in one stitch, skip next stitch

Repeat around the entire round.

Round 3 (Chain Bridges):

Add chain bridges between petals: