🌟 “Only 1 Row” — Very Stylish & Simple Crochet Blouse

This pattern uses a single memorized row that’s repeated to build an open, lacy fabric — perfect for a lightweight blouse. I wrote it step-by-step (US terms) so you can work from the text without watching the video. The blouse is made from two identical rectangular panels (front + back) that are seamed at shoulders and sides — very beginner friendly.

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Materials

• Yarn: DK / light worsted (or sport for a lighter fabric). Sample uses DK cotton blend.
• Hook: 3.5 mm (adjust to match yarn & gauge)
• Tapestry needle, scissors, stitch markers, tape measure, blocking pins
• Optional: small buttons or tie closure (if you want a front opening)

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Abbreviations (US terms)

• ch = chain
• sc = single crochet
• dc = double crochet
• tr = treble crochet (only if used)
• sl st = slip stitch
• sp = space
• st = stitch
• rep = repeat
• RS = right side

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Overview & design notes

• Repeat: 1 row (the same row repeated) builds the whole fabric — the foundation row may differ only to set up the pattern.
• Multiple: foundation chain multiple of 6 + 3 (this is a common repeat for single-row leafy/arch patterns).
• The blouse is built as two rectangles (front/back). Sew shoulders and sides, leaving armholes. Add a neat single-crochet border.

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Gauge (make a swatch)

Make a 10 cm × 10 cm swatch repeating the single row 12–16 times and blocking:

• Example target gauge (approx, DK + 3.5 mm): 18 sts × 10 rows = 10 cm.
  If your gauge differs, change hook size or recalc chain counts (see sizing below).

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Foundation chain

• Chain in multiples of 6 + 3.
• Example practice chain for sample small panel: ch 63 (6×10 = 60 + 3). Adjust to width you need.

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Stitch pattern — single row repeat (work back and forth, repeating the same row)

I’ll give a clear, single-row formula to memorize. Read the whole row once, then repeat it for the whole fabric.

Foundation (Row 0 — setup)

1. Make foundation chain: multiple of 6 + 3. Example: ch 63.
2. Row 1 (setup): dc in 4th ch from hook (counts as first dc), ch 1, skip 1 ch, dc in next ch — repeat to end. Turn.

You now have a base of double crochets separated by chain-1 spaces. The single repeating row builds the lace from here.

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Single Repeat Row (Row R — the only row you repeat)
(Work this row across, then turn and repeat it again and again — it’s the entire pattern)

1. ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc in next dc (so you have a pair of starting dc).
2. ch 3, skip next dc, into the ch-1 space from the setup row work: (dc, ch 1, dc) — a V-stitch; ch 3, dc in next two dc
3. Repeat Step 2 across the row. End with dc in top of turning ch. Turn.

Pattern wording compact:
(ch3, dc in next dc), *ch3, skip dc, V-st (dc,ch1,dc) in previous ch-1 sp, ch3, dc in next 2 dc* — repeat to end.

What this does:

• The V-st (dc,ch1,dc) is always worked into the chain-1 spaces from the row below.
• The ch-3 arches and pairs of dc between V-sts create the leafy/arched lacy look.
• You only need to memorize this row — repeat it until your panel reaches the desired length.

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Working the sample swatch (short example)

1. ch 39 (6×6 + 3).
2. Row 1 (setup): dc in 4th ch from hook, ch1, skip 1 ch, dc in next ch — repeat across. Turn.
3. Row 2 (repeat row — the only row): ch3 (counts dc), dc in next dc, ch3, skip next dc, work (dc,ch1,dc) into the ch-1 sp below, ch3, dc in next 2 dc — repeat. Turn.
4. Repeat Row 2 for desired height.

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Panel size & blouse construction

You’ll make two panels (front + back) the same size. When joined they form the blouse.

Finished garment measurements (approx) — adjust to fit:

• Small (S): chest circumference 34–36″ (86–92 cm) → half width ≈ 17–18″ (43–46 cm) front panel width
• Medium (M): chest 38–40″ (96–102 cm) → half width ≈ 19–20″ (48–51 cm)
• Large (L): chest 42–44″ (106–112 cm) → half width ≈ 21–22″ (53–56 cm)

How to make panels:

1. Decide finished half-width (half chest + 2 cm ease). Convert to stitches using your gauge: stitches_needed = half_width_in_inches × sts_per_inch (or use rows/cm if metric).
2. Chain the number of stitches (nearest multiple of 6 + 3).
3. Work the setup row then repeat the single row until panel height equals desired blouse length (shoulder to hem), e.g. 22–25″ (56–64 cm) for a tunic/blouse length — or shorter for cropped blouse (measure your desired length).
4. Make two identical panels.

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Assembly — folding & seaming into blouse

1. Block both panels lightly to even edges.
2. Place panels RS together. Decide neck opening: find the center of the top edge and mark neck width (e.g., 7–9″ / 18–23 cm adult). Mark shoulder seam widths from each side of center (example: leave 3–4″ / 8–10 cm shoulder seam each side — adjust by size).
3. Seam shoulders: With RS together, align top edges and sew shoulder seams (mattress stitch or whipstitch) using yarn and tapestry needle. Leave the neck opening in the middle.
4. Seam sides: Starting at bottom hem, sew up each side until you reach the desired armhole height (typically 7–9″ / 18–23 cm from shoulder seam for adult sizes). Leave that upper portion unsewn as the armhole opening.
5. Turn RS out and check fit. Adjust if needed by unpicking small amounts.

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Neckline & armhole finishing

A neat edge stops lace from stretching.

Simple sc edging (recommended)

1. Join yarn at neckline seam with RS facing. Work 1 round sc evenly around neck. Place 3 sc in corners if your neckline has a sharper corner. Join with sl st.
2. Round 2 (optional decorative): ch 3, skip 1 sc, sc in next sc repeat to create tiny arches; or do a shell round: skip 2 sc, 5 dc in next sc, skip 2 sc, sc in next sc for a scalloped look.
3. Do the same around the armholes: join yarn and sc around each armhole (3 sc in corners), add a second round of sc or a small shell row if desired.
4. Hem (optional): add one or two rounds of sc around bottom edge, or a shell scallop as above.

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Variations & styling ideas

• V-neck or front opening: Instead of seaming shoulders, leave center front open and add button loops or tie closures.
• Longer sleeves: Pick up stitches around armhole and work simple rounds of dc or hdc to make short/long sleeves.
• More coverage: add a lining or a camisole underneath (pattern fabric is lacy).
• Short top / crop: stop panels earlier for a shorter top.
• Stripe version: change color every N rows (e.g., every 6 rows) for subtle stripes.

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Troubleshooting & tips

• If edges ripple or pull, check first & last stitches each row — make sure you work the 2 dc at the edges (dc in turning chain top and dc in last real stitch) to stabilize edges. Some crocheters add a starting ch-3 + 1 extra dc at the end to square edges.
• If pattern holes don’t line up, be sure the V-stitches are worked into the ch-1 spaces from the row below (not into dc tops). Use stitch markers for a few repeats until you memorize placement.
• For denser fabric (less see-through): use a smaller hook or substitute hdc for dc in the setup row.
• To lengthen quickly: repeat the row more times until desired length; it’s a single row — very fast to memorize.

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Example quick recipe (to make a simple size S blouse)

• Gauge (example): 18 sts = 10 cm.
• Desired half-width: 44 cm → stitches_needed = 44 × (18 / 10) ≈ 79 sts → nearest multiple 6 + 3 = 81 chains.
• Chain 81, do setup row, then repeat the single row until panel height ≈ 56 cm (rows ≈ 56 × (rows_per_10cm/10)). Make two panels and assemble as above.

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Care & blocking

• When finished, gently block your panels to even stitches and open the lace. Pin to the finished dimensions, let dry.
• Wash per yarn instructions (cotton usually machine washable; block flat to dry). Avoid hot dryers for many fibers.

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