Time to dig into that stash and pull out that gorgeous plum yarn you’ve been saving for something special. This is the project it’s been waiting for.
The Plum Shell Duster is a longline open-front cardigan that combines two distinct textures: a structured small mesh grid across the upper body and shoulders, then an airy decorative lattice that flows from bust to hem. The construction is straightforward, working three flat panels from the shoulders down, joining them, then adding bell sleeves with optional ribbed cuffs. If you’re comfortable with double crochet and chain spaces, you can absolutely tackle this one.
Fair warning: this is a larger project that takes time and yarn commitment. But the rhythm of the stitches becomes meditative, and watching those lacy diamonds form row after row is genuinely satisfying.
About This Design
This duster cardigan sits beautifully over simple outfits, adding drama without weight. The deep plum color makes it perfect for transitional seasons, and the open mesh construction means it layers comfortably without overheating.
Key design features include:
- Small-grid upper body for structure and coverage where you want it most
- Large lattice lower body that creates elegant diamond shapes and gorgeous drape
- Bell sleeves with the same lattice pattern, ending at approximately elbow length
- Optional ribbed cuffs for a gathered, romantic finish
- Shell-trimmed hem that adds a scalloped edge along the bottom
The finished cardigan provides about 102 cm of body coverage, fitting an 88 to 94 cm bust with approximately 8 to 14 cm of ease. Body length reaches about 88 cm, and sleeves measure about 28 cm including cuffs when present.
Skill Level
This pattern suits intermediate crocheters who are comfortable reading row-by-row instructions and working with two different stitch textures. You should be familiar with basic increases, working into chain spaces, and seaming flat pieces together.
The techniques themselves are not complicated. The lattice section is simply chains and single crochets worked in an offset pattern. Once you establish the rhythm, it becomes almost automatic.
Materials You’ll Need
Yarn:
- Main color (deep plum): 900 g / approximately 1980 m of smooth DK cotton blend, approximately 220 m per 100 g
- Named contrast colors (optional, for trim): 100 g / approximately 220 m total
Hooks:
- 4 mm hook for main fabric
- 3.5 mm hook for cuffs and trim
- Or sizes needed to meet gauge
Notions:
- Tapestry needle
- 8 stitch markers
- Measuring tape
- Scissors
- Pearl version: 12 sew-on imitation pearls and strong thread
Gauge (Important!)
You need to swatch BOTH fabric types before starting.
Small mesh gauge: 16 stitch positions (8 cells) x 10 rows = 10 cm
Large lattice gauge: 4 arches x 10 rows = 10 cm, lightly blocked
Make a swatch at least 15 x 15 cm, wash and dry it as you plan to treat the finished piece, then measure the central 10 cm without stretching. Adjust your hook size up or down to match gauge. Record both width and height measurements.
All dimensions in this pattern are blocked targets. Keep in mind that cotton lace can lengthen while worn.
Abbreviations and Special Stitches
This pattern uses US crochet terminology.
- ch = chain
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- sp = space
- sl st = slip stitch
- sc = single crochet (insert hook, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)
- hdc = half double crochet
- dc = double crochet (yarn over, insert hook, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops, yarn over, pull through remaining 2 loops)
- tr = treble crochet
- BLO = back loop only
- RS/WS = right side / wrong side
- rep = repeat
- inc = increase
- sc2tog = single crochet 2 stitches together (a decrease)
Small Mesh (Flat)
Ch 3 (counts as first dc), to end. Work the dc into the post stitch, not the gap.
A mesh cell is one ch-1 space bounded by dc posts on each side. For flat work with C cells, you have C+1 dc posts and C chains. Total stitch positions = 2C+1.
Large Lattice Foundation
Ch 1, sc in first dc; across. Each arch spans 4 old stitch positions, ending on every second old dc post.
Continuing Lattice Rows
Offset row:Ch 5 (counts as edge dc + ch 2), sc in first old arch; to last arch; ch 2, dc in last edge sc (or third chain of prior turning ch-5). Turn.
Return row:Ch 1, sc in first dc; across, then ch 5, sc in last edge dc.
Count the two edge half-arches together as one arch. These two rows alternate throughout the lattice section.
Shell Trim
On a prepared sc edge with a multiple of 6 stitches: .
Picot Trim
.
Pattern Notes
- Turning ch 3 counts as a dc
- Ch 1 does NOT count as a sc
- Join rounds with sl st unless stated otherwise
- Flat rows turn after each row
- Brackets [ ] enclose a repeat
- Do not count joining sl sts
- Sew with RS together unless directed otherwise
This document supplies one adult sample size only. Check measurements against your body before committing yarn. Altering stitch counts requires recalculating motif placement and shaping.
Construction Overview
The cardigan is built in five main parts:
- Back panel worked top down (shoulder to hem)
- Left front panel worked top down with neck shaping
- Right front panel worked top down with neck shaping
- Two sleeves worked from upper arm down
- Optional ribbed cuffs
After completing all pieces, you’ll seam shoulders, sew side seams leaving armholes, attach sleeves, add cuffs if desired, and finish with border edging.
Instructions
Back Panel
Row 1:Ch 84; dc in sixth ch from hook, 39 times; turn. — 40 cells; 41 dc + 40 ch-1 spaces.
Rows 2-30: Work small mesh across; turn. — 40 cells.
Row 31: Work large-lattice foundation; turn. — 20 arch equivalents (two edge halves count as one).
Rows 32-88: Continue alternating offset lattice rows and return lattice rows with plain sc anchors, turning after each row. — 20 arch equivalents throughout.
Checkpoint: Back length about 88 cm; width about 51 cm. Do not block lower lace wider than upper grid.
