Rosalind Heirloom Crochet Collar: A Vintage-Inspired Statement Piece

Wrap yourself in vintage charm with this delicate crochet collar, designed to evoke the grace of a bygone era. The Rosalind Heirloom Crochet Collar features an intricate fan-and-picot stitch pattern that creates a stunning, lace-like accessory capable of elevating any modern outfit. Whether draped over a simple blouse or adorning a little black dress, this statement necklace brings an heirloom-quality elegance that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Best of all, this free pattern is surprisingly achievable for confident beginners who are ready to expand their skills.

This collar is worked flat from the center back outward in two symmetrical pieces, then joined for a graceful V-shape that drapes beautifully over the collarbone. The ribbed texture of vertical double crochet rows is punctuated by a central open V-stitch channel, while the scalloped shell-and-picot edging adds that unmistakable vintage, lace-like finish.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies to ensure a smooth crochet experience:

• Yarn: Premier Yarns Home Cotton (or any DK weight cotton yarn) in Ivory — approximately 100 yards total. Cotton is ideal for this project because it holds its shape beautifully and provides excellent stitch definition.
• Steel Crochet Hook: Size 7 (1.65 mm) for the main fabric. This smaller hook creates the dense, structured fabric that gives the collar its heirloom quality.
• Standard Crochet Hook: Size E/4 (3.5 mm) for the edging. The larger hook allows the scalloped border to flare slightly, creating a lovely contrast with the main body.
• Yarn needle for weaving in ends and whip stitching the pieces together.
• Scissors for cutting yarn.
• Blocking mats and pins (recommended) to shape and set the final piece.

Gauge: First 4 rows of pattern = 2 inches wide and 1 inch tall (blocked). Gauge is important for achieving the correct drape and size, so take a moment to check your tension before starting.

Special Stitches

This pattern uses three special stitches that are easy to master. Practice them on a small swatch first if needed:

• V-stitch (V-st): (dc, ch 1, dc) worked in the same stitch or space. This creates a delicate open "V" shape.
• Picot (pc): Ch 3, slip st in 3rd ch from hook. This forms a tiny decorative loop.
• Shell (sh): 5 dc worked in the same stitch or space. This creates the scalloped fan shape.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Main Collar (Make 2 Pieces)

The collar is constructed from two identical triangular panels that are joined at the center back. Each piece is worked flat in rows, starting from the center back and working outward toward the front edge.

Row 1: With steel hook, ch 6. Dc in 4th ch from hook (this counts as your first V-st — the skipped chains act as the first dc and the ch-1 space), dc in next ch, dc in last ch. Turn. (2 dc, 1 V-st)

Row 2: Ch 4 (counts as dc + ch 1). Skip first dc, V-st in ch-1 space of V-st from previous row, ch 1, skip next dc, dc in top of turning ch. Turn. (2 dc, 1 V-st, 2 ch-1 spaces)

Row 3: Ch 3 (counts as dc). 2 dc in first ch-1 space, ch 1, V-st in ch-1 space of V-st, ch 1, 3 dc in last ch-1 space (the space before the turning ch). Turn. (6 dc, 1 V-st, 2 ch-1 spaces)

Row 4: Ch 3 (counts as dc). Dc in next 2 dc, ch 1, V-st in ch-1 space of V-st, ch 1, dc in next 3 dc, dc in top of turning ch. Turn. (8 dc, 1 V-st, 2 ch-1 spaces)

Row 5: Ch 3 (counts as dc). 2 dc in next dc, dc in next dc, ch 1, V-st in ch-1 space of V-st, ch 1, dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc, dc in top of turning ch. Turn. (10 dc, 1 V-st, 2 ch-1 spaces)

Row 6: Ch 3 (counts as dc). Dc in next 4 dc, ch 1, V-st in ch-1 space of V-st, ch 1, dc in next 4 dc, dc in top of turning ch. Turn. (12 dc, 1 V-st, 2 ch-1 spaces)

Row 7: Ch 3 (counts as dc). 2 dc in next dc, dc in next 3 dc, ch 1, V-st in ch-1 space of V-st, ch 1, dc in next 3 dc, 2 dc in next dc, dc in top of turning ch. Turn. (14 dc, 1 V-st, 2 ch-1 spaces)

Row 8: Ch 3 (counts as dc). Dc in next 6 dc, ch 1, V-st in ch-1 space of V-st, ch 1, dc in next 6 dc, dc in top of turning ch. Turn. (16 dc, 1 V-st, 2 ch-1 spaces)

Row 9: Ch 3 (counts as dc). 2 dc in next dc, dc in next 5 dc, ch 1, V-st in ch-1 space of V-st, ch 1, dc in next 5 dc, 2 dc in next dc, dc in top of turning ch. Turn. (18 dc, 1 V-st, 2 ch-1 spaces)

Row 10: Ch 3 (counts as dc). Dc in next 8 dc, ch 1, V-st in ch-1 space of V-st, ch 1, dc in next 8 dc, dc in top of turning ch. Turn. (20 dc, 1 V-st, 2 ch-1 spaces)

Row 11: Ch 3 (counts as dc). 2 dc in next dc, dc in next 7 dc, ch 1, V-st in ch-1 space of V-st, ch 1, dc in next 7 dc, 2 dc in next dc, dc in top of turning ch. Turn. (22 dc, 1 V-st, 2 ch-1 spaces)

Row 12: Ch 3 (counts as dc). Dc in next 10 dc, ch 1, V-st in ch-1 space of V-st, ch 1, dc in next 10 dc, dc in top of turning ch. Turn. (24 dc, 1 V-st, 2 ch-1 spaces)

Row 13: Ch 3 (counts as dc). 2 dc in next dc, dc in next 9 dc, ch 1, V-st in ch-1 space of V-st, ch 1, dc in next 9 dc, 2 dc in next dc, dc in top of turning ch. Turn. (26 dc, 1 V-st, 2 ch-1 spaces)

Row 14: Ch 3 (counts as dc). Dc in next 12 dc, ch 1, V-st in ch-1 space of V-st, ch 1, dc in next 12 dc, dc in top of turning ch. Turn. (28 dc, 1 V-st, 2 ch-1 spaces)

Row 15: Ch 3 (counts as dc). 2 dc in next dc, dc in next 11 dc, ch 1, V-st in ch-1 space of V-st, ch 1, dc in next 11 dc, 2 dc in next dc, dc in top of turning ch. Turn. (30 dc, 1 V-st, 2 ch-1 spaces)

Row 16: Ch 3 (counts as dc). Dc in next 14 dc, ch 1, V-st in ch-1 space of V-st, ch 1, dc in next 14 dc, dc in top of turning ch. Turn. (32 dc, 1 V-st, 2 ch-1 spaces)

Row 17: Ch 3 (counts as dc). 2 dc in next dc, dc in next 13 dc, ch 1, V-st in ch-1 space of V-st, ch 1, dc in next 13 dc, 2 dc in next dc, dc in top of turning ch. Turn. (34 dc, 1 V-st, 2 ch-1 spaces)

Row 18: Ch 3 (counts as dc). Dc in next 16 dc, ch 1, V-st in ch-1 space of V-st, ch 1, dc in next 16 dc, dc in top of turning ch. Turn. (36 dc, 1 V-st, 2 ch-1 spaces)

Row 19: Ch 3 (counts as dc). 2 dc in next dc, dc in next 15 dc, ch 1, V-st in ch-1 space of V-st, ch 1, dc in next 15 dc, 2 dc in next dc, dc in top of turning ch. Turn. (38 dc, 1 V-st, 2 ch-1 spaces)

Row 20: Ch 3 (counts as dc). Dc in next 18 dc, ch 1, V-st in ch-1 space of V-st, ch 1, dc in next 18 dc, dc in top of turning ch. Turn. (40 dc, 1 V-st, 2 ch-1 spaces)

Fasten off and weave in the end. Make a second piece identically.

Joining the Pieces

Now it's time to connect your two panels to form the complete collar shape.

With right sides together, whip stitch the straight edges of the two pieces together along the center back (the starting chains from Row 1). Take care to match the stitches evenly. Once joined, turn the collar right side out.

Edging

The edging transforms the collar from simple to stunning. Switch to your E/4 (3.5 mm) hook for this section.

Round 1: Attach yarn at the bottom center back (at the join). Ch 1, work sc evenly around the entire outer edge of the collar, working 3 sc in each corner to help the edging lie flat. Join with sl st to first sc.

Round 2: Ch 1. *Skip 1 sc, sh in next sc, skip 1 sc, sl st in next sc.* Repeat from * to * around the entire edge, adjusting the spacing as needed to end evenly. Join with sl st to first sl st.

Round 3: Ch 1. *In the center dc of the next shell, work (sc, pc, sc). Sl st in the next sl st.* Repeat from * to * around the entire edge. Join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off and weave in all ends.

Ties

To complete your collar, you'll need a way to secure it around your neck.

Cut two 18-inch lengths of yarn. Attach one to each inner corner of the collar (where the V-st begins at the front opening). Braid or twist each tie, then knot the ends to prevent fraying. Alternatively, for a more polished look, sew a small button and loop closure at the back of the collar.

Finishing Touches

Blocking is essential for this project to achieve the beautiful, flat drape shown in the photographs. Soak the finished collar in lukewarm water with a drop of mild soap, gently squeeze out excess water (never wring), and lay it flat on blocking mats. Pin the scalloped edges into perfect points and the center V into a graceful shape. Allow to dry completely before removing pins.

Your Rosalind Heirloom Crochet Collar is now ready to wear! This versatile accessory works beautifully over solid-colored tops, dresses, or even as a unique bridal piece. The ivory cotton has a subtle, elegant sheen that catches the light, and the detailed stitch work creates a truly heirloom-quality silhouette. Enjoy your beautiful creation!