This is a stunning pineapple lace camisole worked from the top down. The Kanata Lacy Sleeveless Top features an allover pineapple stitch pattern, a fitted bodice, and a dramatic handkerchief hem that flows beautifully with movement.
I will be honest with you. This is an advanced pattern. The pineapple motifs require careful attention, and you will need to be comfortable reading lace patterns and managing increases across complex stitch repeats. But if you have made a lace shawl or doily before, you absolutely have the skills for this.
The construction is straightforward once you understand it. You work two identical panels from the neckline down, join them at the sides, and add simple spaghetti straps. The magic happens in the three tiers of pineapple motifs that grow wider as you work toward the hem.
About This Crochet Pattern
The Kanata Lacy Sleeveless Top is designed to be worn over a camisole or bralette since the open lace fabric is semi-sheer. The pineapple motifs are arranged in a fan formation, narrowing at the top of each motif and expanding downward into full pineapple clusters. This creates that classic vintage lace look that never goes out of style.
The scalloped edging follows the natural picot edge of the final pineapple rows. This is what creates those gorgeous pointed handkerchief corners that fall lower at the sides and center than at the side seams.
Working time runs approximately 18 to 26 hours depending on your experience with lace crochet. The bodice section works up quickly. The pineapple skirt panels require more focus and add the most time.
Finished Measurements
This pattern is written for a fitted bust of 34 to 36 inches (86 to 91 cm) with approximately 2 inches (5 cm) of negative ease at the bust.
The finished top measures approximately:
The garment is designed to skim the high hip.
Materials Needed
Yarn: Approximately 600 to 700 yards (550 to 640 meters) of fingering weight (size 1) cotton or cotton blend yarn in pale butter yellow
Hook: US B-1 / 2.25 mm crochet hook, or size needed to obtain gauge
Additional materials:
Yarn Suggestions
Option 1: Paintbox Yarns Simply DK Cotton (100% cotton, 137 yards / 125 meters per 50g ball). Use approximately 5 balls. Note that this is slightly heavier than fingering. If using, swatch carefully and adjust to a 2.5 mm hook.
Option 2: Drops Safran (70% cotton, 30% polyamide, 175 yards / 160 meters per 50g ball). Use approximately 4 balls. This yarn has excellent stitch definition and drape ideal for pineapple lace.
Option 3: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton in fingering weight (100% cotton, approximately 186 yards / 170 meters per 50g ball). Use approximately 4 balls.
Substitution note: Choose a smooth, mercerized cotton or cotton-blend fingering to lace weight yarn with minimal halo. Fuzzy, textured, or stretchy yarns will obscure the pineapple stitch definition. Avoid elastic content above 5%. The yarn must block well and hold its shape after wet blocking.
Gauge
After wet blocking:
Gauge is mandatory for this garment. Even a small deviation will significantly affect the finished bust measurement and the proportions of the lace motifs. Make a 6-inch (15 cm) swatch in the pineapple lace stitch, block it, and measure before beginning.
Abbreviations
Special Stitches for This Crochet Tutorial
Pineapple Cluster (pc-cl)
This is the signature stitch that creates those beautiful pineapple textures.
Step 1: Yarn over, insert hook into specified chain space or stitch.
Step 2: Yarn over, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook).
Step 3: Yarn over, pull through 2 loops (2 loops remain).
Step 4: Repeat Steps 1 through 3 in the SAME space until you have 5 loops on hook (you have worked 4 partial dc).
Step 5: Yarn over, pull through all 5 loops on hook. One pineapple cluster made.
Shell Stitch (shell)
Work 5 dc all into the same stitch or chain space. One shell made.
V-Stitch (V-st)
Work (1 dc, ch 2, 1 dc) all into the same stitch or chain space. One V-stitch made.
Picot
Chain 3, slip stitch into the first chain of the ch-3 just made. One picot made.
dc2tog (double crochet two together)
Step 1: Yarn over, insert hook into first specified stitch, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops (2 loops remain on hook).
Step 2: Yarn over, insert hook into second specified stitch, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops (3 loops remain on hook).
Step 3: Yarn over, pull through all 3 loops. One decrease made.
Base Chain Space Setup (beg-pineapple)
At the beginning of a pineapple row, chain 4 (counts as first dc plus ch 1), then work the remaining dc of the shell or cluster into the same space. This substitutes for the first dc of a group at row beginnings.
Pattern Notes Before You Begin
1. The top is worked flat in two identical panels (front and back). Each panel begins at the top edge (neckline and strap attachment points) and is worked downward.
2. The pineapple motifs increase in number and width as the fabric grows toward the hem. New pineapple repeats are added at the side edges of each panel on designated increase rows to create the flared silhouette.
3. The handkerchief points form naturally because the pineapple motifs taper to a point at their tips. The lowest tip at center and at each side panel edge becomes the hanging point of the handkerchief hem.
4. After completing both panels, they are joined along the side edges with a slip stitch seam worked on the wrong side, leaving the top 4 inches (10 cm) open at each side for armhole ease.
5. Spaghetti straps are attached last and adjusted to fit the wearer.
6. Turning chains: In this pattern, the turning chain at the beginning of a dc row counts as the first dc unless otherwise stated. At the beginning of sc rows, ch 1 does not count as a stitch.
7. Right side is the side facing you on odd-numbered rows unless otherwise noted.
8. Block aggressively. Pineapple lace requires wet blocking pinned to measurements to achieve the full open-lace effect. Unblocked, the piece will look dense and small.
9. The top is designed symmetrically. Both the front and back panels are worked using identical instructions.
10. All stitch counts given at the end of each row are the total working stitches in that row, not including the turning chain.
Step by Step Instructions
FRONT PANEL
The front panel begins at the top edge and is worked downward. The top edge forms the V-neckline and strap attachment points.
Neckline Foundation
Foundation Chain: Chain 89.
Row 1 (WS): Starting in 4th ch from hook (skipped ch counts as dc), dc across. Turn. (87 dc)
Row 2 (RS): Ch 1 (does not count as st), sc in first dc, [ch 3, sk 2 dc, sc in next dc] across, ending with sc in top of t-ch. Turn. (29 ch-3 spaces, 30 sc)
Note: The ch-3 spaces created in Row 2 are the foundation spaces for pineapple motif placement. You should have 29 ch-3 spaces across.
Row 3 (WS): Ch 4 (counts as dc plus ch 1), dc in same sc as ch-4, [ch 1, sk ch-3 sp, shell in next sc, ch 1, sk ch-3 sp, V-st in next sc] rep across, ending with [ch 1, sk ch-3 sp, shell in next sc, ch 1, sk ch-3 sp], (dc, ch 1, dc) in last sc. Turn.
To count this row: the sequence "V-st, ch 1, shell, ch 1" repeats across with a half-V-st at each end. With 29 ch-3 spaces from Row 2, you will work 7 full shell-plus-V-st repeats across the center with partial repeats at edges.
Total stitch groups in Row 3: 2 edge half-V-sts plus 7 shells plus 6 V-sts interior. (Working stitches: 8 V-sts including edges, 7 shells = 15 stitch groups total at this level)
CHECKPOINT: After Row 3, your piece should measure approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the foundation chain edge.
Bodice Section: Pineapple Setup
The following rows establish the pineapple motifs. Each pineapple begins from a shell and narrows upward row by row (remembering we are working top-down, so the pineapple actually EXPANDS as rows progress downward).
Row 4 (RS): Ch 1, sc in first dc, [ch 3, pc-cl in shell sp, ch 3, sc in ch-2 sp of V-st] rep across, ending ch 3, pc-cl in last shell sp, ch 3, sc in 3rd ch of t-ch. Turn. (15 sc, 14 pc-cl, 28 ch-3 spaces)
Note: Each pc-cl sits above a shell. This is the tip row of each pineapple motif. Row 4 defines 7 pineapple tips across the bodice center plus the 2 edge partial pineapples.
Row 5 (WS): Sl st into ch-3 sp, ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in same ch-3 sp, ch 1, [3 dc in next ch-3 sp, ch 1] across, ending 3 dc in last ch-3 sp. Turn.
Count: You have 28 ch-3 spaces filled plus the first space = 29 groups of 3 dc, with ch 1 between each. (87 dc, 28 ch-1 spaces)
Row 6 (RS): Ch 1, sc in first dc, [ch 3, sk (2 dc, ch-1 sp, 2 dc), sc in next dc] across, ending sc in top of t-ch. Turn. (44 sc, 43 ch-3 spaces)
Note: In Row 6 you are expanding the lace by treating each pair of adjacent 3-dc groups as flanking a single sc. The count expands here because you pick up a sc between every 3-dc group and skip across.
Adjusted count for Row 6: Ch 1, sc between first and second dc of first group, [ch 5, sc between second and third dc of same group, ch 3, sc between first and second dc of next group] rep across. (29 ch-5 spaces, 28 ch-3 spaces)
This adjustment creates the wider base for each pineapple to grow downward.
Row 7 (WS): Sl st to center of first ch-5 sp, ch 1, sc in same sp, [ch 3, (pc-cl, ch 3) 5 times in next ch-3 sp, sc in next ch-5 sp] rep across. Turn.
This row places 5 cluster groups into each ch-3 space (the base of each pineapple), with sc in the ch-5 spaces between pineapples. (15 pineapple bases, 14 sc between, plus 2 edge sc = 16 sc, 15 pineapple base groups each containing 5 pc-cl and 4 ch-3 spaces interior)
Bodice Pineapple Rows
The following rows work standard pineapple decrease rows, reducing one cluster per pineapple per pair of rows as each pineapple fans open downward. Standard pineapple decrease sequence: from 5 clusters, reduce to 4, then 3, then 2, then 1, then the single final chain space at the bottom point of each motif.
Row 8 (RS): Ch 5 (counts as dc plus ch 2), sc in first ch-3 sp of first pineapple, [ch 3, sc in next ch-3 sp] 3 times, ch 3, dc in sc between pineapples, [ch 2, sc in first ch-3 sp of next pineapple, (ch 3, sc in next ch-3 sp) 3 times, ch 2, dc in sc between pineapples] rep across, end last pineapple with ch 2, dc in last sc. Turn.
(15 pineapples each showing 4 sc across their ch-3 spaces; dc posts at each pineapple edge)
Row 9 (WS): Sl st into first ch-2 sp, ch 1, sc in same sp, [ch 3, sc in next ch-3 sp] 3 times, [ch 3, sc in next ch-2 sp, ch 3, sc in first ch-3 sp of next pineapple, (ch 3, sc in next ch-3 sp) twice, ch 3, sc in next ch-2 sp] rep across, end ch 3, sc in last ch-2 sp. Turn.
Each pineapple now shows 3 sc across. (15 pineapples each with 3 interior sc)
Row 10 (RS): Ch 5, sc in first ch-3 sp, [ch 3, sc in next ch-3 sp] twice, ch 2, dc in sc between pineapples, [ch 2, sc in first ch-3 sp, (ch 3, sc in next ch-3 sp) twice, ch 2, dc in sc between pineapples] rep across, end with ch 2, dc in last sc. Turn.
(15 pineapples each showing 2 interior sc)
Row 11 (WS): Sl st into ch-2 sp, ch 1, sc in same sp, ch 3, sc in ch-3 sp, ch 3, sc in next ch-3 sp, [ch 3, sc in next ch-2 sp, ch 3, sc in first ch-3 sp of next pineapple, ch 3, sc in next ch-3 sp] rep across, end ch 3, sc in last ch-2 sp. Turn.
(15 pineapples each showing 1 interior sc, marking the final single-cluster row)
Row 12 (RS): Ch 5, sc in ch-3 sp, ch 3, dc in next sc (between pineapples), [ch 3, sc in next ch-3 sp, ch 3, dc in next sc] rep across, end ch 3, sc in last ch-3 sp, ch 2, dc in last sc. Turn.
(15 pineapple tips completed; dc posts between each pineapple)
CHECKPOINT: After Row 12, your piece should measure approximately 5 to 6 inches (13 to 15 cm) from the foundation chain edge. Each pineapple motif should be clearly visible tapering from a single tip at the top to an open base lower down.
Bodice Expansion: New Pineapple Repeat Setup
At this point the bodice transitions into the skirt section. New pineapple motifs are added at each side edge to begin the flare, and an additional shell row sets up the next tier of pineapples, which will be wider and more numerous.
Row 13 (WS): Ch 3 (counts as dc), work shell in first ch-3 sp (4 more dc into same sp = 5 dc total), [ch 1, V-st in next dc-post, ch 1, shell in next ch-3 sp] rep across, end ch 1, V-st in dc-post, ch 1, shell in last ch-3 sp, dc in 3rd ch of t-ch. Turn.
New stitches added: 2 additional shell groups, one at each end, created by working a shell into the turning-chain space at each side edge.
Count: 16 shells, 15 V-sts, 2 additional edge dc (88 working dc across row in shells and V-sts combined, plus edge dc)
Row 14 (RS): Repeat Row 4, treating all 16 shells and 15 interior V-sts plus 2 edge half-V-sts as pineapple tip positions. (16 pineapple tips)
Note: From Row 14 onward, repeat the pineapple progression (Rows 7 through 12) for the second tier. However the second tier pineapples are larger because the chain spaces are worked as ch-5 instead of ch-3 at their base, giving a fuller pineapple fan.
Skirt Pineapple Tier 2
Row 15 (WS): Sl st to center of first ch-3 sp from Row 14, ch 1, sc in same sp, [ch 3, (pc-cl, ch 3) 7 times in sc below (the original sc from Row 14), sc in next ch-3 sp] rep across. Turn.
Each pineapple now has 7 clusters at its base for a larger motif. (16 large pineapple bases)
Row 16 (RS): Ch 5, sc in first ch-3 sp, [ch 3, sc in next ch-3 sp] 5 times, ch 2, dc in sc between pineapples, [ch 2, sc in first ch-3 sp of next pineapple, (ch 3, sc in next ch-3 sp) 5 times, ch 2, dc in sc between pineapples] rep across, end ch 2, dc in last sc. Turn.
(16 pineapples, each showing 6 sc across)
Row 17 (WS): Sl st to ch-2 sp, ch 1, sc in same sp, [ch 3, sc in next ch-3 sp] 5 times, [ch 3, sc in next ch-2 sp, ch 3, sc in first ch-3 sp of next pineapple, (ch 3, sc in next ch-3 sp) 4 times, ch 3, sc in next ch-2 sp] rep across, end ch 3, sc in last ch-2 sp. Turn.
(16 pineapples, each showing 5 sc)
Row 18 (RS): Ch 5, sc in first ch-3 sp, [ch 3, sc in next ch-3 sp] 4 times, ch 2, dc in sc between pineapples, [ch 2, sc in first ch-3 sp, (ch 3, sc in next ch-3 sp) 4 times, ch 2, dc in sc between pineapples] rep across, end ch 2, dc in last sc. Turn.
(16 pineapples, each showing 4 sc)
Row 19 (WS): Sl st to ch-2 sp, ch 1, sc in same sp, [ch 3, sc in next ch-3 sp] 4 times, [ch 3, sc in next ch-2 sp, ch 3, sc in first ch-3 sp, (ch 3, sc in next ch-3 sp) 3 times, ch 3, sc in next ch-2 sp] rep across, end ch 3, sc in last ch-2 sp. Turn.
(16 pineapples, each showing 3 sc)
Row 20 (RS): Ch 5, sc in first ch-3 sp, [ch 3, sc in next ch-3 sp] 3 times, ch 2, dc in sc between pineapples, [ch 2, sc in first ch-3 sp, (ch 3, sc in next ch-3 sp) 3 times, ch 2, dc in sc between pineapples] rep across, end ch 2, dc in last sc. Turn.
(16 pineapples, each showing 3 interior spaces = 2 sc at this stage)
Row 21 (WS): Sl st to ch-2 sp, ch 1, sc in same sp, ch 3, sc in ch-3 sp, ch 3, sc in next ch-3 sp, ch 3, sc in next ch-3 sp, [ch 3, sc in next ch-2 sp, ch 3, sc in first ch-3 sp, ch 3, sc in next ch-3 sp, ch 3, sc in next ch-3 sp] rep across, end ch 3, sc in last ch-2 sp. Turn.
(16 pineapples, each showing 2 interior sc remaining)
Row 22 (RS): Ch 5, sc in ch-3 sp, ch 3, sc in next ch-3 sp, ch 2, dc in sc between pineapples, [ch 2, sc in first ch-3 sp, ch 3, sc in next ch-3 sp, ch 2, dc in sc between pineapples] rep across, end ch 2, dc in last sc. Turn.
(16 pineapples, each showing 1 interior sc)
Row 23 (WS): Ch 5, sc in first ch-3 sp, ch 3, dc in next sc (between pineapples), [ch 3, sc in ch-3 sp, ch 3, dc in sc between pineapples] rep across, end ch 3, sc in last ch-3 sp, ch 2, dc in last sc. Turn.
(16 pineapple tips completed for Tier 2)
CHECKPOINT: After Row 23, your piece should measure approximately 11 to 12 inches (28 to 30 cm) from the foundation chain edge. The two tiers of pineapple motifs should both be visible. The lower tier pineapples should be noticeably wider and more open than the upper tier.
Skirt Expansion: Tier 3 Setup
Row 24 (WS): Ch 3 (counts as dc), shell in first ch-3 sp, [ch 1, V-st in next dc-post, ch 1, shell in next ch-3 sp] rep across, end ch 1, V-st in dc-post, ch 1, shell in last ch-3 sp, adding one shell at each edge as in Row 13. Turn.
(18 shells, 17 V-sts, plus edge dc)
Row 25 (RS): Repeat Row 4 setup, establishing 18 pineapple tip positions.
Skirt Pineapple Tier 3
Row 26 (WS): Sl st to center sc of first ch-3 sp, ch 1, sc, [ch 3, (pc-cl, ch 3) 9 times in sc, sc in next ch-3 sp] rep across. Turn.
(18 pineapple bases, each with 9 clusters for maximum fan width)
Work pineapple decrease rows following the same pattern established in Tier 1 and Tier 2, reducing one cluster per pair of rows:
Row 27 (RS): Work 8 sc across each pineapple’s ch-3 spaces. (18 pineapples each with 8 sc)
Row 28 (WS): Work 7 sc across each pineapple. (18 pineapples each with 7 sc)
Row 29 (RS): Work 6 sc across. (18 pineapples each with 6 sc)
Row 30 (WS): Work 5 sc across. (18 pineapples each with 5 sc)
Row 31 (RS): Work 4 sc across. (18 pineapples each with 4 sc)
Row 32 (WS): Work 3 sc across. (18 pineapples each with 3 sc)
Row 33 (RS): Work 2 sc across. (18 pineapples each with 2 sc)
Row 34 (WS): Work 1 sc across. (18 pineapples each with 1 sc, tips closing)
Row 35 (RS): [Ch 3, sc in ch-3 sp, ch 3, dc in sc between pineapples] rep across. (18 pineapple tips completed for Tier 3)
Note for Rows 27 through 35: Work each row following the exact method established in Rows 16 through 23. Each row works sc into the ch-3 spaces of the previous pineapple row, reducing the sc count by one per row per pineapple. The dc between pineapples maintains the column separation. Maintain ch-2 transitions on RS rows and ch-3 transitions on WS rows as established.
CHECKPOINT: After Row 35, your piece should measure approximately 16 to 18 inches (41 to 46 cm) from the foundation chain edge. The three tiers of pineapple motifs should all be visible. The fabric should be noticeably wider than at the bust.
Hem Scallop and Picot Edging
Row 36 (WS): Sl st across to first ch-3 space after last dc-post, ch 3, [4 dc in same ch-3 sp, ch 1, sc in dc-post, ch 1, 5 dc in next ch-3 sp, ch 1, sc in dc-post, ch 1] rep to last ch-3 sp, 5 dc in last ch-3 sp. Do not turn. (18 scallop shells across lower edge)
Row 37, Picot edge (RS): Working across the bottom edge of Row 36 from left to right (or do not turn and continue), [sc in first dc of shell, (picot, sc in next dc) 4 times, ch 1, sc in sc, ch 1] rep across. Fasten off.
The picot row creates the scalloped lower edge. The pineapple tip points will naturally extend lower than the scallop edge between motifs, creating the handkerchief effect.
Side Edge Handkerchief Points
Each side edge of the front panel ends in a partial pineapple. To form the handkerchief side point, return to the last pineapple motif at each side edge of the Tier 3 section. These edge pineapples were worked with their outer edge facing the side seam. The outermost ch-3 space at the bottom point of each edge pineapple extends to a longer chain and picot point as follows:
With RS facing, join yarn at the outer tip ch-3 space of the bottom-left edge pineapple.
Ch 7, sl st in same sp (forms elongated point loop), sc in same sp, [ch 3, picot, ch 3, sc in same sp] twice. Fasten off. Repeat for right edge pineapple tip.
These elongated chain points become the hanging sides of the handkerchief hem.
FRONT PANEL COMPLETE. Set aside.
BACK PANEL
Work the back panel identically to the front panel from Foundation Chain through to the end of Row 35 and all finishing rows. The back panel is identical to the front panel in all respects including the V-neckline shape, pineapple tiering, and handkerchief hem.
Back panel complete. Set aside.
Joining Panels
Hold front and back panels with wrong sides together (right sides facing outward).
Side Seam (make 2): Align the side edges of front and back panels. With a new length of yarn threaded on a tapestry needle, or using a slip stitch seam with the hook, join the side edges together beginning at the lower hem edge and working upward. Leave the top 3.5 to 4 inches (9 to 10 cm) of each side unsewn to create the armhole opening.
Work sl st seam: With RS of both panels facing (wrong sides together), insert hook through both side edge stitches simultaneously, draw up loop, pull through loop on hook. Continue up the side edge. Fasten off and weave in ends.
The armhole opening should be approximately 3.5 inches (9 cm) from the top shoulder edge down each side.
Spaghetti Straps
Make 2 for front, 2 for back = 4 total, or 2 continuous straps looping from front to back.
Foundation: Chain 110 (approximately 17 to 18 inches / 43 to 46 cm). Adjust for fit.
Row 1: Sl st in second ch from hook and in each ch across. Fasten off. (This creates a firm, rounded strap.)
Strap attachment: Using the tapestry needle and a length of yarn, sew each strap end to the corresponding position on the neckline edge. On the front panel, the straps attach approximately 3.5 inches (9 cm) in from each side edge at the top. On the back panel, the straps attach at matching positions. The straps should cross over the shoulder. Try on (or measure on a dress form) before securing permanently. Adjust strap length by adding or removing chains before the final sl st pass.
Finishing Your Kanata Lacy Sleeveless Top
Weave in all ends using a tapestry needle, working the tail through several stitches in different directions for security.
Wet block the completed garment: Submerge in cool water for 10 to 15 minutes. Gently press out excess water in a towel. Do not wring. Lay flat on blocking mats. Pin the top edge to the correct bust width. Pin each pineapple motif tip open, stretching the ch-3 spaces to their full open width. Pin the handkerchief hem points down to their
