crochet pattern | LACEY SHELL bonnet

A really good bonnet that can be stylized as simple or complex as you want!!

⚘ This written pattern will mainly show how to make the base of this lacey shell bonnet (hood + fringe strands) Any other details/appliqué can be added to your liking. For example, in the cover photos, I wanted a dreamcore-butterfly theme, so I found additional "butterfly appliqué"s to dress up the bonnet.

Materials I Used

• Acrylic or Cotton Yarn, Weight: Medium (4)
• I used "Loops & Threads" Impeccable Acrylic/"I Love This Cotton Yarn"
• 1 skein, ~100 grams used
• 4.0mm crochet hook
• Pearls, Charms, or any Appliqué 
• Jewelry Loops + Pliers/tweezers ← to attach the charms, or you can sew them on

Abbreviations

ch - chain

slst - slip stitch

sc - single crochet

dc - double crochet (US)

dc inc - double crochet increase

LSS - lacy shell stitch (explained in pattern)

first published on 8/17/25

revised on 12/7/25 (corrected stitch count typos)

⚘⚘ PATTERN ⚘⚘

HOOD (starting from back of head)

R1: magic ring, ch2, 7 dc in magic ring and leave a long tail, turn (7)

close the ring to make a semi-circle

R2: ch2, dc inc in next 3 stitches, 1 dc in next stitch, dc inc in last 3 stitches, turn (13)

R3: ch2, (dc inc) in each stitch x13, turn (26)

R4: ch2, (1dc, dc inc)x13, turn (39)

R5: ch2, (2dc, dc inc)x13, turn (52)

R6: ch3, (3dc, dc inc)x13, turn (65)

🛑 Sizing Gauge: 5.5 inches in circle diameter, resembles a lilypad

Moving on, we will mainly use this Lacy Shell Stitch (LSS) - where you make (1 dc, ch1, 1dc, ch1, 1dc) in the same stitch

[LSS Chart] Refer to the chart to if it helps!

*still working in rows*

R7: ch1, [1 sc, skip 1, LSS in next stitch, skip 1] REPEATx16, 1 sc in last stitch, turn (total 16 shells)

R8: ch3, (1dc, ch1, 1dc) in first sc stitch, [skip, 1 sc in middle dc of shell, skip, LSS in sc] REPEATx16, turn (total 17 shells)

R9: ch1, [1 sc in middle dc of shell, skip, LSS in next stitch, skip] REPEATx16, 1 sc in last stitch, turn (total 16 shells)

R10-22 (or more): Repeat R8-9, fasten off

Check that the sizing fits your head, and add more rows, if needed (note: the yarn can also stretch to your specific liking)! 

Turn to the back of the hood and sew together sides using the long tail we kept from the magic ring. I sewed up until where the dc rows ended, but feel free to sew further down. (See photo). Weave in the end.

DETAILS (these parts are customizable!)

FRINGE STRANDS

Basic chain fringe --

Join yarn to the tip of the bottom flaps. Chain until desired length, and fasten off. Weave in the ends where you attached the yarn. Repeat for 4-6 fringe on each side.

Butterfly chain fringe --

Join yarn to the tip of the bottom flaps. *Chain 16, skip 2, [2dc, ch2, slst, ch1, 2hdc, ch1, slst, ch1, 2hdc, ch1, slst, ch2, 2dc, ch2, slst] all into the 3rd chain away from the hook (this is the butterfly shape, upper wings & lower wings).

ch3, slst into the slip stitch between the lower wings. Repeat *Chain and butterfly steps until desired length.

Fasten off, and weave in the ends. Repeat for 3 fringe on each side, alternating the starting chain lengths (for a staggered effect).

CHARMS -- Attach/Sew charms to anywhere of the following:

1) The center of each shell stitch of the hood rim

2) Along the fringe strands

3) Across the hood

(See example photos of ways that I decorated it!)

...and that's the whole project! i'd love to see if you make them ♥️

- celeste

tiktok (@celestespringride)