Free Crochet Pattern for a Colorful Vintage Halter Top.
This pattern creates a simple, rectangular bandeau top (a strapless top that covers the bust). It’s worked in rows using a combination of double crochet, chain spaces, and single crochet. The top has a casing along the lower edge for elastic, and a twisted cord is used for ties.
Skill Level: Due to the vintage instructions and the need to understand the stitch pattern, this pattern is probably best suited for an intermediate crocheter. The required skills are:
- Chain (ch)
- Slip stitch (sl st) – Implied, but not explicitly used in the instructions.
- Single crochet (sc) – The pattern does not state the terminology but given its construction, yarn and hook I will assume it is US terms.
- Double crochet (dc) – US terminology.
- Working in rows
- Skipping stitches
- Creating a casing (working single crochet over elastic)
- Making a twisted cord
- Sewing on buttons
- Understanding vintage crochet patterns
Elegant Halter Top Crochet Pattern
Size: To fit 34/36 inch bust
Gauge:
- 9 double crochet stitches (dc) and 14 rows = 4 inches in pattern stitch, using a Size 0 (1.75mm) steel crochet hook. Gauge is important for fit; make a swatch.
Materials:
- 2 x 1oz balls Bucilla Perlette yarn in main color (A) (This is likely a fine, possibly mercerized cotton)
- Small amounts of two contrast colors
- One Size 0 (1.75mm) steel crochet hook
Abbreviations:
St = Stitch
Ch= Chain
Sl st= Slip Stitch
Sc= Single Crochet
Dc= Double Crochet
Rep= Repeat
Sk= Skip
Patt= Pattern
Sp= Space
Beg= Beginning
Inc= Increase
RS= Right Side
Instructions:
Top (Triangle Shape):
- Foundation Circle: Using Size 0 hook and any color, make 6 chains. Join with a slip stitch (sl st) to the first chain to form a circle.
- Row 1: Chain 5 (counts as first dc and a 2-ch space), * 3 dc into the circle, chain 3, 3 dc into the circle, chain 2, 1 dc into the circle. Break off yarn.
- Row 2: Join the next color to the 3rd chain of the beginning chain-5 from the previous row, chain 5, 3 dc into the first 2-ch space, chain 1, (3 dc, chain 3, 3 dc) into the 3-ch space, chain 1, (3 dc, chain 2, 1 dc) into the last 2-ch space. Break off yarn.
- Row 3: Join the next color to the 3rd chain of the beginning chain-5 from the previous row, chain 5, 3 dc into the first 2-ch space, * chain 1, 3 dc into the next 1-ch space, chain 1, (3 dc, chain 3, 3 dc) into the 3-ch space, chain 1, 3 dc into the next 1-ch space, chain 1, (3 dc, chain 2, 1 dc) into the last 2-ch space. Break off yarn.
- Continue Pattern: Continue in this manner, increasing one chain-1 space on either side of the center 3-ch space (the point of the triangle), and working each row in a different color, until 28 rows in all have been worked. Fasten off. The pattern essentially adds a “3dc, ch 1” group on each side before and after the center point in each row.
Finishing:
- Darn in Ends: Weave in all loose yarn ends.
- Left Side Edging and Strap:
- Using Size 0 hook, main color (A), and with the Right Side (RS) of the work facing, work 1 sc into each dc up the left side edge, ending with 1 sc into the first chain of the last 3-ch space (at the top point of the triangle).
- Make 90 chains. Turn.
- Next Row: Into the 4th chain from the hook, work 1 dc, 1 dc into each chain and sc to the end. Turn. (175 stitches)
- Next Row: Chain 3 (counts as first dc), 1 dc into each dc to end. Turn.
- Repeat the last row once more. Fasten off.
- Right Side Edging and Strap:
- Using Size 0 hook and main color (A), make 90 chains.
- Then, with the RS of the work facing, work 1 sc into the first chain of the 2-ch space at the corner of the triangle (the top right point), 1 sc into each dc to the end. Turn.
- Next Row: Chain 3, 1 dc into each sc and chain to the end. Turn. (175 stitches)
- Next Row: Chain 3, 1 dc into each dc to end. Turn.
- Repeat the last row once more. Fasten off.
- Lower Edging and Straps:
- Using Size 0 hook and main color (A), make 90 chains.
- Then, with the RS of the work facing, work 1 sc into each row end along the lower edge of the triangle, then make 90 chains. Turn.
- Next Row: Into the 4th chain from the hook, work 1 dc, 1 dc into each chain and sc to the end. Turn. (306 stitches)
- Next Row: Chain 3, 1 dc into each dc to end. Fasten off.
- Pressing: Press the work lightly under a damp cloth with a warm iron.
- Cross-Over Stitch: Stitch down the cross-over at the center front of the halter strap (where the straps meet at the top of the triangle). This secures the straps and creates the halter shape.
Key Points and Clarifications:
- Color Changes: The pattern calls for frequent color changes, creating a striped effect. You can choose any color combination you like.
- Increasing Triangle: The triangle shape is created by increasing the number of “3dc, ch 1” groups on each side of the center point (3-ch space) in each row.
- Straps: The straps are created by chaining and then working rows of dc. The chain 3 at the beginning of a dc row always counts as a stitch.
- The foundation chain for Row 1 should be 6, to account for the ch 5.