Broomstick Lace Crochet Top
When I first saw broomstick lace, I assumed it must be very complicated. After reading a bit about it, I realized it is super easy! I’m not going to lie, it is a bit cumbersome at first, trying to prop up an extra knitting needle to work around (see pics below). It works up pretty quickly, and at least for this pattern you only need to know how to single crochet and half double crochet. Apparently it is called broomstick lace because they used broomsticks in the past to make it. Now we just use BIG knitting needles, but you can use whatever “stick” you might like! I actually taped two of my needles together to get the size I wanted. I really needed big, open lace for this top, and this was the only way to make that happen. You can see this in my pictures below.
I will describe how to do broomstick lace, but for a full-blown tutorial just head over to YouTube and do a quick search. You will see how easy it really is! This is a great top to practice the stitch as there is no increasing or decreasing. I am really excited to wear it!
*This would probably be a Women’s Small, or Extra Small (it is roomy, so could be a medium) You can adjust the size as the pattern is very forgiving. To increase the size, add stitches to your initial chain. Increase in sets of 3’s. Meaning, my pattern says 52, so you can up it to 55, 58, or 61, for example. The best way would be to make your chain the length of shoulder tip to shoulder tip. You can then follow my pattern, with your new stitch count. It is a VERY easy pattern consisting of two squares seamed together. The pattern does create a neckline detail, but if you want to make this REALLY easy, just chain and do strictly broomstick lace throughout the two squares. Seam, and that’s it!
*This is worked in two pieces, the front and the back. It is then seamed with slip stitches and single crochet.
*The two pieces are worked from the top down, using the same pattern.
*Simple cap sleeves are added at the end
*I blocked my finished top by simply getting it wet and laying it out flat to dry
You will need:
3 skeins of Patons Denim-y in Grey Denim (It is mostly cotton) or another worsted weight yarn (this yarn is on the larger side of worsted weight yarns, so don’t pick an itty-bitty yarn )
Size H Crochet Hook
2 US Size 35 knitting needles, taped together (see picture below)
Scissors
Tapestry Needle
This is what making Broomstick Lace Looks Like:
Pattern:
Front
Chain 52
Row 1 Single Crochet across row (51 stitches), Chain 1, Turn
Row 2 Single Crochet across row (51), Chain 1, Turn
Row 3 Single Crochet across row (51) Do NOT Chain 1
Row 4 Pull up the yarn on your hook (a broomstick lace loop or bL) over your taped knitting needles. Do this through each stitch until the end (51)
Row 5 Working 3 bL at a time, make 3 sc in each group of 3 bL. (See pictures), Chain 1, Turn
Row 6 Single Crochet across row (51) Do NOT Chain, Pull up loop
Row 7 With pulled up loop, bL. Do this for each stitch across row (51 bL total)
Row 8 Working 3 bL at a time, make 3 sc in each group of 3 bL, (51 bL) Chain 1, Turn
Row 9 Single Crochet across (51sc), Do NOT chain 1. Pull up loop
Row 10 *With your loop bL. bL in each stitch across (51).
Row 11 Working 3 bL at a time, make 3 sc in each group of 3 bL *
Row 12 – and until length desired is reached – Repeat from * to *
Finish with a set of three rows of single crochet on the bottom
Back
Use the same pattern that you used to make the front.
Seam:
Lay the two pieces with right sides together ( I used the NON-ribbed side for my right side)
Seam using single crochet, bottom up, on both sides. Seam up until the point where you want the bottom of your sleeve opening. For me, that was eight (bL) rows up. Tie off, weave in ends.
Seam the outsides of each shoulder, 2 inches in on either side with slip stitches. Tie off, weave in ends.
Cap Sleeve – OPTIONAL:
This is a forgiving pattern:
*Essentially, you are making three rows of single crochet (within that, one section of half double crochet) on the outer shoulder of your top.
Row 1 With the shoulder laying flat, insert hook on edge of bL loop (see picture). Single Crochet across to opposite bL loop, and ending at the other edge (I did 4 sc in each bL loop) Chain 1, Turn
Row 2 Single Crochet (4) in the bL loop, then HDC in each of the Single Crochet stitches that are at the top of the shoulder. Single Crochet (4) in final bL loop. Skip one chain, and slip stitch. Chain one, turn. (The slip stitch will give the sleeve a more rounded look)
Row 3 Single crochet across. At end, skip a stitch and slip stitch. Tie off and weave in ends.
I suggest blocking your top as it makes the lace lay flat and look a little prettier 🙂 (I feel embarrassed that I’ve never blocked anything before this project)
That’s all it takes for a pretty lace top!
This is the first time for me explaining how to make a top! Please let me know if there is something I can improve in my pattern and descriptions!
Have you tried broomstick lace before? What have you done with it?
Very pretty can’t wait to get started.
So happy that you like it, Angela! Let me know if you have any questions as you make it 🙂
Jessica: I like to work broomstick lace; I like crochet; I don’t like knitting, so I don”t have the hooks. Instead, my husband prepared the Antique broomstitck. It”s more confortable, easier to crochet because I put it in my knees and only work the project with my hands. When photograph, I will send you the model.
I like it to much; this lace is really beautiful.
Hi Maria. I think it is so neat that you will use an actual antique broomstick (and you must have a great husband to help you prepare it) I would absolutely love to see a picture. Thank you for sharing!
Very pretty top. I look forward to trying this pattern. I have never done Broomstick lace so this will b a new stitch for me to learn.
I had never done it either, Mary! Hope you enjoy trying it out.
Great sweater! I was going to start on a broomstick shawl, but I’m going to start on the sweater this weekend instead.
Awesome!
You may also want to mention that you are wearing the sweater with the broomstick design upside down.
Good to know! I had no idea 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Lol! Yeah, that’s true, I should have realised 😉 I only saw it is so pretty! Anyway, let’s say it’s a new use of an old stitch…
By the way, I’ve found the broomstick ‘thing’ my father
made me 50 years ago!!! Isn’t that incredible?
Hi Angelica, That is so incredible indeed! How neat that you have something so special from your father 🙂
I just one to know what size it fit? How I can do a 2x size?
Hi Rosa,
You can make this to any size. Make your first chain the width from shoulder to shoulder. You need to make sure the stitch number is divisible by three. I did a chain 52, because that created 51 single crochet stitches which is divisible by three. It is this way because the brromstick lace is crocheted together in sets of three. From there, you can make it easy, and just broomstick lace the two pieces, then seam together. Hope that helps!
When I learned Broomstick Lace (early 70s), we did multiples of 5 with a size 50 needle and K hook. That’s actually how I learned to crochet!! I still have the first shawl I made!
You could use the single 35 needle to make the lace a little tighter, too. You’d just need to adjust the number of rows.
I see INFINITE possibilities for this simple top! Longer, it would make a fantastic swimsuit cover or tunic…
I love broomstick lace and have made many blankets using it, but with 5 loops and 5 sc. I never thought of trying in for a top. The 3 loop, 3 sc will make it lighter and work well, can’t wait to make myself one!
Thank you
Karen
Hi Karen, I’d love to try a blanket like you did! Yes, I thought the groups of three would be lighter for a top. Let me know how it goes if you make it! Thanks for your kind words!
Hi! That looks great! Just one question, could you measure the size of your 2 needles taped together? I do not have that size of needles, but I do have some bigger ones, and I was wondering if that would work. Thanks!
Hi! I wrapped the measuring tape around both needles and it measures at 4 inches around. Hope you have something similar!
Thanks very much
No problem at all! Let me know if any other questions come up!
Love your design! It’s a ‘must’, you know! And I’ve got the ideal yarn at home, so I’ll start with it in no time.
I’ve always liked this stitch and used it to make smart things from time to time: the first one was a triangular coral shawl for summer nights when I was at teenager, It matched the flowers on a white dress with roses. I remember myself dancing by a pool and feeling like a princess with my outfit… well, it’s incredible what memories are! (You can imagine by now that that happened a long time ago 😉
I’ll show you my top when it’s finished, (if I’m able to take a photo and put into the PC, of course, always learning new things!!!)
Hi Angelica!
I’m so happy that you like the design! I would LOVE to see a picture once you complete it. You could also post it to my Facebook page if that is easier for you! I bet that coral shawl that you made was beautiful. What a lovely memory you have of wearing it! Thank you so much for sharing 🙂
I made a broomstick lace scarf using 5 loops and 5 sc. It’s a Red Heart Dove color which is subtle gray variegated yarn. For the lace I used a flat ruler to loop onto and off from. I plan to use your pattern soon! It’s just what I was looking for.
I love the idea of using a ruler! The yarn sounds beautiful, I bet it turned out wonderfully. Thanks for sharing.
beautiful. will start making one immediately. thanks
So happy you like it! Enjoy! Thank you for letting me know 🙂
I love broomstick knitting and made baby sleeping bags. My first effort was 38 years ago making a sleeping bag for my 4th child. Made one for no. 5, 34 years ago, my granddaughter 8 years ago, a friends granddaughter 8 years ago, for my great nephew 4 years ago. The sleeping bag was made in one piece up to the arm holes and then double crochet stiches for the front and back bodice. The sleeves were in the broomstick knitting. The hood was also in broomstick. I had a zip down the front. When the little one grew “longer” I then turned it into a dressing gown.
My problem now is that I cannot find my pattern something like the above? or where I could buy one similar. I have turned my home upside down looking for it but to no avail.
My neighbour has now her first grandchild and I would love to make one for the baby.
Have you got a pattern something like that?
Wow, those must have been the most beautiful sleeping bags ever made! How special! I’m sorry, I don’t have a pattern like the one that you are looking for. I sure do hope that you can find one.
I have been looking for a lacy top to crochet and believe I have found it. I am looking forward to getting started on this tonight! Thanks for the pattern.
You’re welcome Chris! Sorry it took me a while to respond. For some reason your comment was sent to my spam folder. Silly internet! I hope you enjoy the pattern!
I have made broomstick lace afghans in both baby and adult sizes, crocheting over 5 loops. I also made a vest once that I really liked, but I lost it and the pattern when my home burned. I have looked everywhere for the pattern again with no success. I like broomstick lace because it is so easy, and I plan to make the top shown.
My goodness, how tragic that your house burned down. I hope you can find joy in making the broomstick lace again with this top. I would like to try the lace with the 5 loops as you have done in the past.
I did not have large enough knitting needles so I repurposed a candy cane that used to be an outside decoration. I cut it in about 15″ sections and taped them together. The top is working up beautifully! Thanks for the pattern.
Ha ha! That’s awesome! Very resourceful to use a holiday decoration – whatever works! So glad it is working out well 🙂
I have done broom stick in the past and really enjoy it. I did 2 afgans with scrap yarn and they turned beáutiful. i gave one to my granddaughter for her new home. She was thrilled. i never tried garment so this is a new challange
Hi Nancy, I bet your afghans were beautiful. Lovely that you used up scrap yarn. I’d like to try broomstick lace for an afghan someday. Hope you enjoy making the top if you do indeed give it a try!
I’ve made fingerless gloves, scarves, skirts, afghans, continuous scarfs, can be used as scarf around neck. pillow tops. Just finished another afghan for my grandson.
Wow, that’s great Charlotte! Such variety.
I like the look of your Top and have practised the stitch, very clumsily with 3 knitting needles taped together.also dont have correct size knitting needle, but am sick of looking at a pair of crutches my husband needed to use recently (and didnt put away!) so may find another use for them! What do you think?
I say go for it! Honestly, whatever works for you. This pattern is very forgiving, and even if your loops are smaller or a different size you can just add stitches to either end so that it will fit you. Let me know if the crutches work!
I went to Lowes plumbing section and bought a 1 inch PVC pipe and cap ($4 spent). An employee cut it into pieces for me so I don’t have to deal with 5 feet of pipe. It measures 4 inches around. A cap at one end keeps stitches from falling off the other end.
Great idea, Dianne. Thank you so much for sharing with us.
I have been making broomstick lace things for 40 yrs. The first was a baby blanket. I love doing this. I am so glad that it didn’t get lost through the years like some things have. This is a very easy top to make and it looks gorgeous. I usually use 5 strands but 3 makes it look really lacey. Thanks.
This top is beautiful! I’ve looked at broomstick lace before, but it’s scared me away because I thought it was too complicated. Now, thanks to you, I’m going to try it. I have a question regarding the pattern though, what was bL stand for?
Hi Gail, I’m so glad that this has motivated you to give it a try. I was intimidated by it as well! bL stands for Broomstick Lace Loop, which are the loops that you will create over the large knitting needles. So each loop is a bL. In this pattern, you crochet sets of 3 bL’s together. It may help you to take a look at youtube and search for how to do broomstick lace. The pattern might make even more sense if you see how it’s done. I am a visual person, so it always helps for me to really see it! Best of luck giving this a try 🙂
I’m going to this top. Looks very nice. I want to try it in a finner string because in Puerto Rico is very hot to use yarn. Should I use a smaller hook?
Hi Lara, How wonderful that you live in Puerto Rico! I’d love to vacation there some day. Yes, you can use whatever size hook that your yarn requires. You will just have to make sure to make your chain longer, or the right length. I’d love to see it – you can always post a picture to my Facebook page. Let me know if you have any other questions.
So beautiful! I haven’t tried this stitch, but I think I will 🙂 I love your blog, everything you do is very lovely!
Hi Bethany! Thanks so much for stopping by and for the sweet comments! I feel the same about your blog, I LOVE it! I’m totally a fan of yours. Those succulents that you posted are amazing! Thanks again for swinging by 🙂
What a beautiful top! I have only ever used broomstick lace to make an afghan and throw pillow cover. I immediately fell in love with the idea of wearing it as soon as I saw the pictures here.
When I made my lace I only used one of the size 35 knitting needles, but I like that it would be much lighter and airy with a larger loop. My hubby also cut the blocky end of the needle off so it would slide through the loops because the work was wider than the needle could accommodate, which also made my work go faster.
Thank you for sharing this unique idea for lace. I’ve been looking high and low for a pattern to work up to replace a beloved top that was damaged. After quite a long search, I’ve finally found it!
Hi Tori! Wow, thanks so much! You are more than welcome. I am so happy that you like it enough to replace a lovely top of yours that was damaged! I like the idea of making a throw pillow cover. Will have to give that a try one of these days 🙂 Post a picture of your top if you’d like to my Facebook page when you are finished! I’d love to see it 🙂
I love all the comments, new to crotch, I’m very excited to make my first bit of clothing! To everyone else, can you send in photos of how each of you have described different articles? They sound beautiful, and if it is easy for someone just starting out, well I need all the inspiration to keep on!
Thanks so much for the pattern! Excited to try it!
Hi Brenda! You are very welcome. 🙂 I’m excited for you to make your first clothing item as well! I’d love to see it, and feel free to post a picture to my facebook page!
Hi just love this pattern. I’m newbie at crochet so am learning all the time. I found your pattern easy until I reached the seaming part and now I’m stuck. Don’t know how to seam the sides, can you help please. Just love your pattern
Thank you
Nicki
Hi Nicki! So, the way I seamed them is by laying the two pieces together. You will take your yarn and pull it up through the two pieces along the side/bottom. Then you will single crochet, putting your hook through both pieces. So you are single crocheting just like you always do, but rather than going through stitches, you are putting the hook through the side of your shirt (both pieces). I think if I were you, I’d go on youtube and search seaming two pieces of crochet together. You could use many different types of seams on this (even what’s called a slip stitch), so whatever works and is easy for you! I am glad you have enjoyed the pattern, and I hope this helps you. Let me know if there is something more I can explain 🙂
Thanks Jessica for getting back so quickly. I understand what you’re saying, I was just a bit stuck on how to sc the loop sides together if you know what I mean.
Gotcha – so, I probably did between three and four single crochet stitches in each broomstick lace loop. I’d have to go look at my shirt, but maybe that gives you some idea. It’s very forgiving, so just put as many stitches as fills the loop and continue on up the seam. Hope maybe that makes sense!
Thanks very much, I know what you mean. Now I can finish it. Thank you again.
Great! You’re welcome! I sure hope you enjoy your new top. Feel free to share a pic on my Facebook page
Love this! Want to make it for myself ASAP. Can you tell me how long it took you to make? I have a problem starting projects that take longer than I realize and I need one that I can work up quickly before my vacation. I’ve done the broomstick lace before and love it. It looks really great as this top.
Hi Melissa,
This works up really fast for a top, I think. I would say if you really work on it, it could be done in 3-4 days maybe? Have a wonderful vacation!
Thank you! I’ll post a pic of the top when it’s finished. Thanks again!
Awesome! And you’re so welcome.
Hi, still have not got around to making the top, and the crutches disappeared- however a nice new wooden Broom Handle has found ist way home, just Needs some modification! But one Thing about the pattern? It says up to ROW 8, “TURN” is Broomstick lace not worked back and forth along the “Broom”, or hav e I read your instruction wrong? Just wanted to clear it up before I start.
A broom handle will do – ha ha! Broomstick lace is worked back and forth, so you will turn at the end of the row. You alternate, from one row of pulling up the loops, and the next row single crocheting across in sets of three. This pattern as some additional rows of single crochet (the rows you might be confused about), but you can certainly just broomstick lace the entire thing without the additional rows of single crochet. These just give it the kind of neck and chest detail you see in the pictures. If this explanation doesn’t cut it, you can check out youtube – just search for how to do broomstick lace and it might help! Let me know if there is something else I can help with. Hope you enjoy it. 🙂
A beautiful top with a beautiful broomstick lace. I’ve been looking for a simple pattern for a top, so I’m pretty sure I will use this pattern. I always have used and will use an actual broomstick. I think it is so much easier to use than knitting needles taped together (but you had a good idea there). I also have always used 5 loops in a set instead of 3. But I think I will see what happens using 3, since it will probably be lighter for warmer weather. Thanks so much for your nice pattern.
You’re welcome Carol! I like the idea of using an actual broomstick. Yes, the three loops makes it a bit lighter for the warm weather. Hope you enjoy it if you make it. 🙂
This is such a beautiful top! I haven’t used this stitch in a long time. I’m always looking for ways to use it again. I will have to try this out! I just need to get some more yarn – such a hardship, right 😉 Thanks for sharing the pattern!!
Wow!!! Beautiful!! Now to add it to my fast growing to crochet list! Thanks for sharing!!!
Wow, what memories this stitch brings back. I did this first when I was about 12 years old and made a cute vest…that was back in the 80s. I think I’ll try this stitch again. Thanks for this! 🙂
You’re welcome Glory!
I just love this top! It really is beautiful. I was wondering about how much yarn should you add for each size increase?
Can you use the “no chain” stitch approach to this pattern?
I still do use a broomstick so I can use the floor and my feet to keep it upright.
I love this top and would like to try making this. I am a beginner and this top has inspired me to learn knitting. I have just learned basic knitting but would like to soon start with this top. As I am a beginner, I am unable to understand crochet language. Do you have vedio for this top so that I can learn from that vedio.
I have made broomstick lace Afghans many years ago, I just adore the pattern & is so beautiful.
I would like to find a pattern for a vest that is open in the front. I am going to try you pattern it is so pretty. Thank you for sharing. Cheryl
Hi I have done Broom stick lace many years ago ..I had made a Bathrobe for my daughter when she was about 6 or 8 she is now just turned 51 but I would like to be able to do the stitch again so I am going to practice with your top pattern..of course over the years i have lost the pattern but i do have the lg knitting needle…