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Crochet Skull Collar Pattern

Crochet Skull Collar Pattern
4.6★ Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
2.6K Made This
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Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic crochet experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

⏱️

Weekend Treat

Takes 5-7 hours, making it an enjoyable project to finish over a couple of days.

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Stylish Touch

An elegant detail to elevate any look, combining traditional techniques with contemporary design sensibilities.

About This Crochet Skull Collar Pattern

This pattern creates a lace skull collar worked in sport weight thread with a 2 mm hook. It features a central skull motif framed by fan and shell stitches and finished with a narrow choker band and corset-style laces. The design is adjustable so you can make the collar narrower or wider to suit your neckline. Photographs and clear row instructions help you follow each step.

Crochet Skull Collar Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Worked from the collar outward, the piece combines shells, chains and clusters to form the skull and scalloped edging. The choker section attaches to the inner edge and laces thread through loops to secure the collar.

Why You'll Love This Crochet Skull Collar Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it combines delicate lacework with bold gothic flair—creating a piece that feels both elegant and dramatic. I enjoy the balance between structured choker rows and airy shell motifs that build up the skull design. The pattern gives you control over sizing so I can customize the collar to fit perfectly. I also appreciate that it uses simple crochet building blocks in creative ways to form a detailed motif.

Crochet Skull Collar Pattern step 1 - construction progress Crochet Skull Collar Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Crochet Skull Collar Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Crochet Skull Collar Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love how easy it is to customize this collar by changing yarn color or weight; try soft pastels for a delicate look or metallic thread for dramatic sparkle.

I sometimes switch to a finer thread and smaller hook to create a mini, more delicate version perfect for a vintage outfit or doll display.

I also experiment with adding tiny beads into the chain spaces for a subtle sparkle—I add them before I work the next stitch so they sit securely in place.

If you want a wider collar I increase the number of chain spaces (ch14/ch7 areas) in Row 2 to expand the motif; conversely, skip some dc in the choker rows to narrow the fit.

I recommend trying ribbon instead of a crocheted lace for a softer tie at the back—just thread the ribbon through the same loops and tie a bow.

For a more dramatic statement, I braid two contrasting colored laces together before inserting them through the eye loops to create an interesting front appearance.

I also sometimes add a soft fabric backing to the choker strip for comfort against the skin, stitching it in place with small even stitches so it doesn't change the outside look.

If you prefer a non-skull motif, replace the central skull rows with a simple fan or flower repeat while keeping the shell borders the same.

To make the piece sturdier I block it after finishing and spray lightly with a fabric stiffener if I want the shells to hold shape more firmly.

I encourage you to experiment with metallic or variegated threads for a unique finish; each small change gives the collar a fresh personality and makes every piece one-of-a-kind.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping the initial chain count or miscounting the starting chain; re-count your foundation chain (76 + 2) before starting Row 1 to ensure proper stitch placement. ✗ Failing to place shells evenly across the row which makes the skull motif misaligned; space shells as evenly as possible and check photo references while working. ✗ Not checking collar width before doing the choker part which can result in an ill-fitting piece; try the collar around your neck and narrow by skipping dc of pr if necessary. ✗ Pulling chains too tight when making long chain spaces causing distorted arches; keep chain tension relaxed so the arches lie flat and match the photos.

Crochet Skull Collar Pattern

Create a dramatic lace skull collar that doubles as a choker and statement accessory. This pattern guides you through a delicate skull motif worked in sport-weight thread and finished with corset-style laces. With clear row-by-row instructions and photos, you can adjust the width to fit your neck and personalize the look. Perfect for gothic fashion, costume accents, or an eye-catching handmade gift.

Intermediate 5-7 Hours

Materials Needed for Crochet Skull Collar Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Sport weight thread suitable for 2 mm crochet hooks (approx. half a ball)
  • 02
    Recommended yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Safran or similar sport-weight thread (see pattern link for reference)
  • 03
    Color used in sample: Black (approx. half a ball)

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 2 mm
  • 02
    Scissors
  • 03
    Yarn/tapestry needle for weaving in ends

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— Collar :

Info :

You will start at the collar part. Start: crochet a chain of 76 + 2 (counts as the 1st dc).

Row 1 :

Dc in the 3rd from the hook and continue crocheting dc until the end of the row. Ch 1, turn.

Row 2 :

Sshell, ch14, sk 7 st, shell, *ch7, sk 8 st, shell, ch14, sk 7 st, shell (from * repeat 3 times more), ch1, turn.

Row 3 :

Sl st to shell sp, sshell, ch5, sk 5 ch, 4sc in each of the following ch, ch5, shell in the shell sp, *ch7, sk ch, shell in the shell sp, ch5, sk 5 ch, 4sc in each of the following ch, ch5, shell in the shell sp (from * repeat 3 times more), ch1, turn.

Row 4 :

Sl st to shell sp, sshell, ch4, sc on ch, 4sc in each of the following ch, sc on ch, (6 sc in total), ch4, shell in the shell sp, *ch5, sk ch, shell in the shell sp, ch4, sc on ch, 4sc in each of the following ch, sc on ch, ch4, shell in the shell sp (from * repeat 3 times more), ch1, turn.

Row 5 :

Sl st to shell sp, sshell, ch3, sc on ch, 6sc in each of the following ch, sc on ch, (8 sc in total), ch3, shell in the shell sp, *ch3, sk ch, shell in the shell sp, ch3, sc on ch, 6sc in each of the following ch, sc on ch, ch3, shell in the shell sp (from * repeat 3 times more), ch1, turn.

Row 6 :

Sl st to shell sp, sshell, ch3, sc on ch, 8sc in each of the following ch, sc on ch, (10 sc in total), ch3, shell in the shell sp, *ch1, sk ch, shell in the shell sp, ch3, sc on ch, 8sc in each of the following ch, sc on ch, ch3, shell in the shell sp (from * repeat 3 times more), ch1, turn.

Row 7 :

Sl st to shell sp, sshell, ch3, sc on ch, 10sc in each of the following ch, sc on ch, (12 sc in total), ch3, shell in the shell sp, *sk ch, shell in the shell sp, ch3, sc on ch, 10sc in each of the following ch, sc on ch, ch3, shell in the shell sp (from * repeat 3 times more), ch1, turn.

Row 8 (here you will be making the eyes and the nose of the skull) :

Sl st to shell sp, sshell, ch5, sk ch, dc2tog in the 1st sc of pr, ch6, sk 4 st, sc, ch6, sk 5 st, dc2tog, ch5, sk ch, shell in the shell sp, *ch3, shell in the shell sp, ch5, sk ch, dc2tog in the 1st sc of pr, ch6, sk 4 st, sc, ch6, sk 5 st, dc2tog, ch5, sk ch, shell in the shell sp (from * repeat 3 times more), ch1, turn.

Row 9 :

Sl st to shell sp, sshell, ch6, sk ch, sc in dc2tog, 3 sc on ch, ch3, 3 sc on ch, sc in dc2tog, ch6, sk ch, shell in the shell sp, *ch5, shell in the shell sp, ch6, sk ch, sc in dc2tog, 3 sc on ch, ch3, 3 sc on ch, sc in dc2tog, ch6, sk ch, shell in the shell sp (from * repeat 3 times more), ch1, turn.

Row 10 :

Sl st to shell sp, sshell, ch7, sk ch and 1 sc, 3 sc in each of the following st, 3 sc on ch, 3 sc in each of the following st (9 sc in total), ch7, sk 1 sc and ch, shell in the shell sp, *ch3, sk 2 ch, shell in the 3rd ch, ch3, shell in the shell sp, ch7, sk ch and 1 sc, 3 sc in each of the following st, 3 sc on ch, 3 sc in each of the following st (9 sc in total), ch7, sk 1 sc and ch, shell in the shell sp (from * repeat 3 times more), ch1, turn.

Row 11 :

Sl st to shell sp, sshell, ch7, sk ch and 1 sc, dc2tog, ch1, sk st, dc, ch1, sk st, dc, ch1, sk st, dc2tog, sk st and ch, ch7, shell in the shell sp, *ch3, 2 dc in the shell sp, ch2, 2 dc in the same shell sp, ch2, 2 dc in the same shell sp, ch3, sk ch, shell in the next shell sp, ch7, sk ch and 1 sc, dc2tog, ch1, sk st, dc, ch1, sk st, dc, ch1, sk st, dc2tog, sk st and ch, ch7, shell in the shell sp (from * repeat 3 times more), ch1, turn.

Row 12 :

Sl st to shell sp, sshell, ch7, sk ch, dc2tog, ch1, sk st, dc, ch1, sk st, dc, ch1, sk st, dc2tog, sk ch, ch7, shell in the shell sp, *ch3, sk ch and 2 dc, shell in the ch sp, ch3, sk 2 dc, shell in the next ch sp, ch3, shell in the shell sp, ch7, sk ch, dc2tog, ch1, sk st, dc, ch1, sk st, dc, ch1, sk st, dc2tog, sk ch, ch7, shell in the shell sp (from * repeat 3 times more).

Info :

Cut thread, fasten off.

— Choker Part :

Info :

Before working at the choker part, please check if the collar is not too wide for you.

Row 1 :

Join thread to the 1st dc of the pr and work a row in sc. If the collar is too wide for your neck, make it narrower by skipping some dc of pr instead of crocheting sc in each dc until you feel comfortable. Turn.

Rows 2-4 :

Ch5 (counts as 1st dc and ch2), sk 2 st, dc, ch4, sk 7 st, shell in the next st, *ch4, sk 7 st, shell in the next st (from * repeat 8 times more), dc, ch2, sk 2 st, dc. Fasten off.

Info :

NOTE: If you had to narrow your collar part, counting of Rows 2-4 may not be accurate for you. The key is to crochet your shells as evenly spaced as possible. In addition, you must not forget to crochet stitches marked at the beginning and at the end of your rows. These stitches mark loops where you will have to insert your laces.

— Laces :

Info :

Ch300 (longer or shorter) and insert it into loops in a corset-like manner.

Assembly Instructions

  • Attach the choker row to the inner edge of the collar by joining the choker’s first dc to the 1st dc of the collar pr and working a row of sc evenly across; adjust spacing if you narrowed the collar.
  • Ensure the stitches at the beginning and end of Rows 2-4 (choker) are left as loops; these mark the openings where you will thread the laces.
  • Thread the chain laces through the loops in a corset-like manner from one side to the other, tightening to fit and tying in a bow or knot at the back of the neck.
  • Weave in all ends and block the finished collar gently to open the lace motif and flatten shells for a neat finished appearance.

Important Notes

  • 💡Check the collar width before making the choker part and try it on to determine if you need to skip dc to narrow the band.
  • 💡Space shells as evenly as possible across rows to maintain the skull motif alignment and visual balance.
  • 💡Leave the marked loops at the beginning and end of choker rows for lacing; these must remain open for threading the laces.

This skull collar pattern blends delicate lacework with bold gothic charm for a truly unique accessory. The adjustable choker and corset-style laces let you customize the fit and look to suit your style. Make one for costume wear, nights out, or as a striking handmade gift. 🖤🧶

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The finished collar size varies with yarn and tension; using sport-weight thread and a 2 mm hook the sample fits an average neckline when laced, but you should try the collar and adjust choker rows if you need it narrower.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can use different yarn weights, but the final size and drape will change; use a larger hook for bulkier yarn or a smaller hook for finer thread and adjust the starting chain length accordingly.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated intermediate, so basic knowledge of stitches like dc, sc, shells, sl st, and working into chain spaces is recommended for best results.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters complete this collar in 5-7 hours, though time may vary based on experience, tension, and any adjustments you make to sizing.