Ivory Bohemian Lace Tank Free Crochet Pattern

This ivory bohemian lace tank is the kind of piece that stops people mid-scroll, and I completely understand why! Those gorgeous pineapple motifs, the flattering fitted bodice, and that dreamy handkerchief hem that moves as you walk make it pure wearable art.

Yes, this is an advanced project, and yes, it takes time. But every hour shows in the finished garment. We will work the bodice front and back as separate flat panels, join them at the sides, then work the skirt in the round so those pineapples can radiate outward and downward into the pointed hem.

The finished garment is open lace throughout, so plan to wear it over a slip or camisole, or line the bodice cups with stretch knit fabric. I have included notes for the lining option at the end.

Materials

• 800 to 950 yards (730 to 870 meters) of size 10 crochet thread or fingering-weight cotton yarn in natural ecru or ivory
• US steel size 7 (1.65 mm) hook for thread, or US B-1 (2.25 mm) hook for light fingering cotton
• Tapestry needle for weaving ends
• Stitch markers, at least 6
• Measuring tape
• Blocking board and rust-proof pins
• Optional: 1 yard (1 meter) of nude or ivory stretch knit fabric for lining the bodice cups, plus needle and thread for hand sewing

Abbreviations

• beg: beginning
• ch: chain
• ch-sp: chain space
• dc: double crochet
• dc2tog: double crochet 2 together
• hdc: half double crochet
• lp: loop
• rep: repeat
• rnd: round
• RS: right side
• sc: single crochet
• sk: skip
• sl st: slip stitch
• sp: space
• st/sts: stitch / stitches
• t-ch: turning chain
• tog: together
• tr: treble crochet
• WS: wrong side
• yo: yarn over

Special Stitches

• Pineapple Fan: work 9 dc into the designated ch-sp or stitch. The 9 dc sit side by side and form a curved fan shape, the base shell of each pineapple motif. In later rows, each dc of the fan becomes its own stitch worked with sc, ch, or dc2tog as the pineapple tapers upward.
• Pineapple Decrease Row A: ch 1, sc in first dc of fan, (ch 1, sk 1 dc, sc in next dc) across the fan, ending sc in last dc of fan. (5 sc separated by 4 ch-1 sps)
• Pineapple Decrease Row B: sl st to first ch-1 sp, ch 1, sc in same sp, (ch 1, sc in next ch-1 sp) across, ending sc in last ch-1 sp. (4 sc separated by 3 ch-1 sps)
• Pineapple Decrease Row C: sl st to first ch-1 sp, ch 1, sc in same sp, (ch 1, sc in next ch-1 sp) to last sp, sc in last ch-1 sp. (3 sc separated by 2 ch-1 sps)
• Pineapple Decrease Row D: sl st to first ch-1 sp, ch 1, sc in same sp, ch 1, sc in next ch-1 sp. (2 sc, 1 ch-1 sp)
• Pineapple Decrease Row E: sl st to ch-1 sp, sc in sp. (1 sc, pineapple tip complete)
• Foundation V-Stitch: work (dc, ch 1, dc) in the same stitch or chain space. This counts as 2 dc with 1 ch-1 sp between them.
• Joining Picot: ch 3, sl st in base of ch-3. This creates a small decorative loop at each hem point.

Gauge & Size

• Finished size: bust approximately 34 inches (86 cm), waist approximately 30 inches (76 cm), hip at widest point of skirt approximately 42 inches (107 cm)
• Length: approximately 26 inches (66 cm) from top of front bodice to longest hem point, approximately 20 inches (51 cm) to shortest hem point; straps approximately 11 inches (28 cm) each
• Gauge: one complete pineapple motif (foundation fan of 9 dc plus surrounding mesh) = approximately 3.5 inches (9 cm) wide and 3 inches (7.6 cm) tall after blocking; 16 dc = 2 inches (5 cm); 8 rows of dc mesh = 2 inches (5 cm)
• Construction: bodice front and back worked flat as separate panels, joined at the sides, skirt worked in the round, straps made separately and sewn on
• Skill level: Advanced

Pattern Notes

The pineapple motif repeat is a multiple of 12 stitches plus 3, and the garment uses 8 full pineapple motifs around the skirt circumference in the sample size.

Ch 3 at the beginning of a dc row counts as the first dc throughout. Ch 1 at the beginning of an sc row does not count as a stitch.

All measurements are after blocking. Blocking is essential for this garment and will add approximately 10 to 15 percent to the overall dimensions. Place stitch markers at the side seam join points and at each motif repeat boundary.

Bodice Front Panel

The front bodice is worked flat, beginning at the center front V-neck point and widening outward with increases on each row to shape the bust. The panel ends at the underarm level.

Foundation: Ch 3. Sl st to first ch to form a small ring (this is the base of the V-neck point).

Row 1 (RS): Ch 3 (counts as dc), work 4 dc into ring, ch 1, work 5 dc into ring. Turn. (10 dc, 1 ch-1 sp)

Row 2 (WS): Ch 3, dc in next 4 dc, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-1 sp, dc in next 4 dc, dc in top of t-ch. Turn. (12 dc, 1 ch-1 sp)

Row 3: Ch 3, dc in next 5 dc, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-1 sp, dc in next 5 dc, dc in top of t-ch. Turn. (14 dc, 1 ch-1 sp)

Row 4: Ch 3, dc in next 6 dc, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-1 sp, dc in next 6 dc, dc in top of t-ch. Turn. (16 dc, 1 ch-1 sp)

Row 5: Ch 3, dc in next 2 dc, ch 1, sk 1 dc, dc in next 3 dc, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-1 sp, dc in next 3 dc, ch 1, sk 1 dc, dc in next 2 dc, dc in top of t-ch. Turn. (14 dc, 3 ch-1 sps)

Row 6: Ch 3, dc in next dc, ch 1, dc in ch-1 sp, ch 1, sk 1 dc, dc in next 3 dc, (dc, ch 1, dc) in center ch-1 sp, dc in next 3 dc, ch 1, sk 1 dc, dc in ch-1 sp, ch 1, dc in next dc, dc in top of t-ch. Turn. (14 dc, 5 ch-1 sps)

Row 7: Ch 3, dc in ch-1 sp, ch 1, dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, sk 1 dc, dc in next 2 dc, (dc, ch 1, dc) in center ch-1 sp, dc in next 2 dc, ch 1, sk 1 dc, dc in ch-1 sp, ch 1, dc in ch-1 sp, dc in top of t-ch. Turn. (12 dc, 5 ch-1 sps)

Row 8: Ch 3, ch 1, sk first dc, dc in ch-1 sp, ch 1, dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, sk 1 dc, dc in next dc, (dc, ch 1, dc) in center ch-1 sp, dc in next dc, ch 1, sk 1 dc, dc in ch-1 sp, ch 1, dc in ch-1 sp, ch 1, dc in top of t-ch. Turn. (12 dc, 7 ch-1 sps)

This completes the V-neck and center bodice shaping. You now begin the bust cup section.

Bust Widening Section

Row 9: Ch 3, work 1 dc in each dc and 1 dc in each ch-sp across row, placing (dc, ch 1, dc) in center ch-1 sp. Turn. (22 dc, 1 ch-1 sp)

Row 10: Ch 3, dc in next 3 dc, ch 2, sk 2 dc, dc in next 3 dc, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-1 sp, dc in next 3 dc, ch 2, sk 2 dc, dc in next 3 dc, dc in top of t-ch. Turn. (18 dc, 2 ch-2 sps, 1 ch-1 sp)

Row 11: Ch 3, dc in next 2 dc, ch 2, work 5 dc in ch-2 sp (first pineapple fan), ch 2, dc in next 2 dc, (dc, ch 1, dc) in center ch-1 sp, dc in next 2 dc, ch 2, work 5 dc in ch-2 sp (second pineapple fan), ch 2, dc in next 2 dc, dc in top of t-ch. Turn. (16 dc + 10 fan dc = 26 dc total, 4 ch-2 sps, 1 ch-1 sp)

The small 5-dc fans at Rows 11 to 13 form decorative bust cups and are not full pineapple motifs. They taper over the next two rows.

Row 12: Ch 3, dc in next dc, ch 2, sc in first dc of fan, (ch 1, sk 1, sc in next dc) twice, ch 2, dc in next dc, (dc, ch 1, dc) in center sp, dc in next dc, ch 2, sc in first dc of fan, (ch 1, sk 1, sc in next dc) twice, ch 2, dc in next dc, dc in top of t-ch. Turn. (8 dc, 3 sc per fan x 2 fans, 8 ch-sps, 1 ch-1 sp)

Row 13: Ch 3, ch 1, dc in ch-2 sp, sc in ch-1 sp, ch 1, sc in ch-1 sp, dc in ch-2 sp, ch 1, (dc, ch 1, dc) in center sp, ch 1, dc in ch-2 sp, sc in ch-1 sp, ch 1, sc in ch-1 sp, dc in ch-2 sp, ch 1, dc in top of t-ch. Turn. (8 dc, 4 sc, 9 ch-1 sps)

Row 14: Ch 3, dc in each st and ch-1 sp across, placing (dc, ch 1, dc) in center ch-1 sp. Turn. (26 dc, 1 ch-1 sp)

Row 15: Ch 3, dc in next 5 dc, ch 2, sk 2, dc in next 3 dc, (dc, ch 1, dc) in center sp, dc in next 3 dc, ch 2, sk 2, dc in next 5 dc, dc in top of t-ch. Turn. (22 dc, 2 ch-2 sps, 1 ch-1 sp)

Row 16: Ch 3, dc in next 4 dc, ch 2, work 9 dc in ch-2 sp, ch 2, dc in next 3 dc, (dc, ch 1, dc) in center sp, dc in next 3 dc, ch 2, work 9 dc in ch-2 sp, ch 2, dc in next 4 dc, dc in top of t-ch. Turn. (24 dc + 18 fan dc = 42 dc, 4 ch-2 sps, 1 ch-1 sp)

This row sets up the two large pineapple motifs framing the bust.

Bodice Front Pineapple Section

Row 17: Ch 3, dc across to first ch-2 sp, ch 2, work Pineapple Decrease Row A on 9-dc fan (produces 5 sc, 4 ch-1 sps), ch 2, dc to center sp, (dc, ch 1, dc) in center sp, dc to next ch-2 sp, ch 2, work Pineapple Decrease Row A on second fan, ch 2, dc to end, dc in top of t-ch. Turn.

Row 18: Work Row B of Pineapple Decrease on each fan (4 sc, 3 ch-1 sps per fan), maintaining mesh and center V-stitch. Turn.

Row 19: Work Row C (3 sc, 2 ch-1 sps per fan). Turn.

Row 20: Work Row D (2 sc, 1 ch-1 sp per fan). Turn.

Row 21: Work Row E (1 sc at tip of each fan). Pineapple tips complete. Turn.

Row 22: Ch 3, dc across all sts, filling ch-sps with dc. Do not increase or decrease. Turn. (34 dc)

Checkpoint: after Row 22 of the bodice front, your panel should measure approximately 6 inches (15 cm) tall from the V-neck point and approximately 8.5 inches (21.5 cm) wide across the bottom edge.

Bodice Back Panel

The back panel is worked flat and is a simple dc mesh rectangle that matches the height and width of the front panel. The back is lower cut than the front, with a wider, more open neckline.

Foundation: Ch 39.

Row 1: Dc in 4th ch from hook, dc in each ch across. Turn. (37 dc)

Rows 2 to 10: Ch 3, dc in each dc across, dc in top of t-ch. Turn. (37 dc)

After Row 10 the back panel should measure approximately 6 inches (15 cm) tall.

Row 11 (Side Decrease for Armhole Shaping): Ch 1, sl st across first 4 sts, ch 3, dc to last 4 sts, leave last 4 sts unworked. Turn. (29 dc)

This armhole shaping removes 4 sts from each side. The bodice back panel now has 29 dc and is ready for joining.

Joining the Bodice

Place front and back bodice panels with RS facing each other. Align the bottom edges. Using sc, join the left side seam by working sc through both thicknesses along the side edges of the panels for 6 rows, approximately 1.5 inches (4 cm). Fasten off. Repeat for the right side seam.

Turn right side out. The top edges form the armhole openings and necklines.

Work a single row of sc around each armhole opening. Approximately 28 sc around each armhole.

Skirt Section

After joining the bodice, we work the skirt downward from the joined bottom edge. The skirt uses 8 full pineapple motifs arranged evenly around the circumference.

Transition Round: Join yarn at left side seam. Ch 1. Work sc evenly around the bottom of the joined bodice, placing 2 sc into each dc row end at the sides and 1 sc per dc along the front and back bottom edges, decreasing evenly to reach exactly 96 sc. Join with sl st to first sc. (96 sc)

Round 1: Ch 4 (counts as dc plus ch 1), sk 1 sc, (dc in next sc, ch 1, sk 1 sc) around. Join with sl st to 3rd ch of beg ch-4. (48 dc, 48 ch-1 sps)

Round 2: Sl st into first ch-1 sp, ch 3, dc in same sp, ch 2, (2 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 2) around. Join with sl st to top of beg ch-3. (96 dc, 48 ch-2 sps)

Round 3: Sl st into ch-2 sp, ch 3, dc in same sp, ch 2, (2 dc in next ch-2 sp, ch 2) around. Join. (96 dc, 48 ch-2 sps)

Round 4 (Pineapple Fan Placement): Sl st into ch-2 sp, ch 3, (dc in same ch-2 sp) 8 times (9 dc fan in first sp), ch 3, sk next ch-2 sp, dc in next ch-2 sp, ch 3, sk next ch-2 sp, work 9 dc in next ch-2 sp; repeat from the start around, ending ch 3, sk, dc in sp, ch 3. Join with sl st to top of beg ch-3. (8 fans of 9 dc each = 72 dc; 8 single dc; 16 ch-3 sps)

Round 5 (Pineapple Row A): Sl st to first dc of fan, ch 1, sc in first dc, (ch 1, sk 1, sc in next dc) 4 times (5 sc with 4 ch-1 sps), ch 3, dc in single dc, ch 3, sc in first dc of next fan, (ch 1, sk 1, sc in next dc) 4 times; repeat around, ending ch 3, dc in single dc, ch 3. Join with sl st to first sc. (40 sc; 8 single dc; 16 ch-3 sps; 32 ch-1 sps)

Round 6 (Pineapple Row B): Sl st to first ch-1 sp, ch 1, sc in sp, (ch 1, sc in next ch-1 sp) 3 times (4 sc, 3 ch-1 sps per pineapple), ch 3, dc in single dc, ch 3, sl st to first ch-1 sp of next pineapple, sc in sp, (ch 1, sc in next ch-1 sp) 3 times; repeat around. Join. (32 sc; 8 single dc; 16 ch-3 sps; 24 ch-1 sps)

Round 7 (Pineapple Row C): Sl st to first ch-1 sp, ch 1, sc in sp, (ch 1, sc in next ch-1 sp) twice (3 sc, 2 ch-1 sps per pineapple), ch 3, dc in single dc, ch 3, sl st to first ch-1 sp of next pineapple, sc in sp, (ch 1, sc in next ch-1 sp) twice; repeat around. Join. (24 sc; 8 single dc; 16 ch-3 sps; 16 ch-1 sps)

Round 8 (Pineapple Row D): Sl st to first ch-1 sp, ch 1, sc in sp, ch 1, sc in next ch-1 sp (2 sc, 1 ch-1 sp per pineapple), ch 3, dc in single dc, ch 3, sl st to first ch-1 sp of next pineapple, sc in sp, ch 1, sc in next ch-1 sp; repeat around. Join. (16 sc; 8 single dc; 16 ch-3 sps; 8 ch-1 sps)

Round 9 (Pineapple Row E / Tip): Sl st to ch-1 sp, ch 1, sc in sp (1 sc per pineapple = tip complete), ch 3, dc in single dc, ch 3, sl st to ch-1 sp of next pineapple, sc in sp; repeat around. Join. (8 sc tips; 8 single dc; 16 ch-3 sps)

Checkpoint: after Round 9, the first tier of pineapples is complete and the skirt should measure approximately 5 inches (12.7 cm) below the bodice join.

Second Tier of Pineapples

Round 10 (Bridge / Fan Increase): At each pineapple tip and single dc connector, we now work a larger fan to begin the second, wider tier of pineapples. Sl st to single dc from previous round, ch 3, (dc in same st) 4 times (5 dc), ch 5, sc in pineapple tip sc, ch 5, dc in next single dc, (dc in same st) 4 times (5 dc), ch 3, sl st in same dc; repeat around. Join.

Round 11 (New Fan Foundations): At each position between previous pineapple tips, work 9 dc into the ch-5 loop space. Ch 3, dc in dc, ch 3, 9 dc in ch-5 sp; repeat around. Join. (8 fans x 9 dc = 72 dc; 8 single dc; 16 ch-3 sps)

Rounds 12 to 17: Repeat Pineapple Decrease Rows A through E on each new 9-dc fan while maintaining the single dc connectors with ch-3 bridges as established. Stitch counts mirror Rounds 5 to 9 above.

Checkpoint: after Round 17, the second tier of pineapples is complete. The skirt should measure approximately 11 inches (28 cm) below the bodice join.

Third Tier & Hem

Round 18 (Final Bridge Round): At each second-tier pineapple tip, work ch 7. At each single dc connector, work (dc, ch 3, dc) in dc.

Round 19 (Final Fan): Work 11 dc into each ch-7 arch. Ch 5, dc in dc, ch 3, dc in dc, ch 5, 11 dc in next arch; repeat around. Join. (8 fans x 11 dc = 88 fan dc; 16 bridge dc; 16 ch-5 sps; 8 ch-3 sps)

Round 20 (Row A for 11-dc fan): Sc in first dc, (ch 1, sk 1, sc in next dc) 5 times. (6 sc, 5 ch-1 sps per fan)

Round 21 (Row B): Sl st to first ch-1 sp, sc in sp, (ch 1, sc in next sp) 4 times. (5 sc, 4 ch-1 sps per fan)

Round 22 (Row C): Sl st to first ch-1 sp, sc, (ch 1, sc) 3 times. (4 sc, 3 ch-1 sps per fan)

Round 23 (Row D): Sl st to sp, sc, (ch 1, sc) twice. (3 sc, 2 ch-1 sps per fan)

Round 24 (Row E): Sl st to sp, sc, ch 1, sc. (2 sc, 1 ch-1 sp per fan)

Round 25 (Row F): Sl st to sp, sc. (1 sc tip per fan)

Each pineapple tip sc from Round 25 becomes the longest point of the handkerchief hem.

Round 26 (Hem Edging): Ch 5, sl st in tip sc, ch 5, sl st in next ch-sp, ch 3, sl st in base of ch-3 (picot made), ch 5, sl st in next connector dc; repeat around. Join and fasten off.

Checkpoint: after Round 26, the skirt should measure approximately 15 to 16 inches (38 to 41 cm) from the bodice join to the longest tip.

Straps

Make 2 straps.

Foundation: Ch 85 (or length needed for approximately 11 inches / 28 cm after blocking).

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Do not turn. Work sc back along the other side of the foundation chain, working 1 sc per ch. Join ends with sl st to form a doubled cord. (Approximately 168 sc total)

Fasten off, leaving a 12-inch (30 cm) tail for sewing.

Finishing & Assembly

Fold each strap so the two sc rows are aligned. Sew each strap securely to the inside front and inside back of the bodice at the shoulder position, spacing straps approximately 3 inches (7.6 cm) apart at the front and 3.5 inches (9 cm) apart at the back. Sew through the bodice fabric at least 4 times in each attachment point for security.

Blocking is absolutely essential for this garment. Soak your finished tank in lukewarm water with a small amount of wool wash or gentle detergent for 15 to 20 minutes. Gently squeeze out excess water without wringing, then roll in a clean towel to remove more moisture.

Pin the garment to your blocking board, stretching gently to open up all the lace motifs. Pay special attention to the pointed hem tips and pin each one individually to create those crisp, dramatic points. Allow to dry completely before removing pins. This can take 24 to 48 hours depending on humidity.

For optional bodice lining and extra coverage, cut two triangular pieces of nude or ivory stretch knit fabric to match the bodice cup shapes. Hand sew these to the inside of the bodice front using small whip stitches along all edges.

Tips

For a smaller bust (30 to 32 inches / 76 to 81 cm): work Rows 1 to 8 of the bodice front as written, then work the bust widening section adding one fewer increase row. Work the skirt transition round to 84 sts instead of 96, and use 7 pineapple motifs.

For a larger bust (36 to 38 inches / 91 to 97 cm): work two additional plain dc rows between Rows 14 and 15 of the bodice front before placing the large pineapple fans. Work the skirt transition round to 108 sts, and use 9 pineapple motifs.

For additional length, add a fourth tier of pineapples between the third tier and the hem edging round, following the same bridge and fan sequence.

Care: hand wash in cool water with gentle detergent. Do not wring or twist. Lay flat to dry on a clean towel.