This pattern is STUNNING and I am SO excited to share it with you! If you have been searching for a summer crochet project that looks absolutely impressive but comes together in a weekend, you just found it. The combination of that solid structured bodice with the breezy diamond mesh below creates such a gorgeous silhouette.
I designed this halter top with warm weather in mind. Think beach vacations, poolside afternoons, or throwing it over a swimsuit for a sunset dinner. The plumeria flower at the center front adds that perfect tropical finishing touch that makes people ask where you bought it.
The best part? This works up in about 8 to 14 hours depending on your pace. That means you could realistically start on Friday evening and be wearing it by Sunday brunch. Gift potential is through the roof here too. Can you imagine giving this to your best friend before her beach trip?
About This Crochet Tutorial
This halter top features two distinct sections that create visual interest and wearability. The upper bodice is worked in solid single crochet (sc) for coverage and support. Below that, an open diamond mesh stitch pattern creates the airy, lattice look you see in the photos. A crocheted plumeria flower embellishment and braided halter ties complete the tropical vibe.
The construction is straightforward once you understand the flow. You will make two identical rectangular panels, one for the front and one for the back. Each panel starts with the bodice section worked in rows, then the mesh grows downward from the bodice toward the hem. After both panels are complete, you seam the sides together and add the finishing details.
If you have completed a few beginner projects and feel comfortable with basic stitches, you can absolutely tackle this. The mesh stitch looks intricate but follows a simple repeat once you get into the rhythm.
Skill Level
Intermediate. You should be comfortable working single crochet in rows, following a stitch pattern with chain spaces, seaming pieces together, and creating a dimensional flower. If you are a confident beginner who has made a couple of scarves or dishcloths, this is a great next step to stretch your skills.
Finished Measurements
The pattern includes four sizes. All measurements are listed as Small (Medium, Large, Extra Large).
Bust circumference: 32 (34, 36, 38) inches or 81 (86, 91, 97) cm
Bodice height: 5.5 (6, 6, 6.5) inches or 14 (15, 15, 16.5) cm
Total length from top of bodice to lower hem: 12 (12.5, 13, 13.5) inches or 30.5 (32, 33, 34) cm
Mesh section height: 6.5 (6.5, 7, 7) inches or 16.5 (16.5, 18, 18) cm
Materials Needed for This Crochet Pattern
Yarn: Approximately 350 (400, 450, 500) yards or 320 (365, 410, 455) meters of worsted weight yarn (weight category 4). A smooth, tightly plied cotton or cotton blend works best for stitch definition and breathability in warm weather.
For the flower embellishment, you will need small amounts of white, light pink, and yellow worsted weight yarn in the same fiber content.
Hooks:
Notions:
Yarn Suggestions
I highly recommend cotton yarn for this project. Here are three options that work beautifully:
Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton in Teal. This 100% mercerized cotton has excellent stitch definition and holds its shape after washing. The mercerized finish gives it a subtle sheen perfect for summer wear. It is widely available and machine washable.
Paintbox Yarns Simply DK held double. If you want a budget option, this DK weight yarn held double mimics worsted cotton behavior nicely. Just be sure to swatch and confirm your gauge matches before starting.
WeCrochet Dishie Worsted in Peacock. A 100% cotton worsted with a smooth, round ply that works up cleanly for mesh patterns. The Peacock colorway closely matches the teal shown in the design photos.
Substitution note: Choose a yarn with at least 70% cotton content and low elasticity. Acrylic yarns will produce a stretchier garment that may lose its shape over time. Always swatch, block your swatch, and measure before beginning.
Gauge
With the G-6 / 4.0 mm hook and worsted cotton yarn:
Bodice section: 16 sc x 18 rows = 4 inches or 10 cm in single crochet (blocked)
Mesh section: 2 diamond repeats x 3 rows = approximately 2.5 inches wide x 2 inches tall or 6.5 cm wide x 5 cm tall
Gauge is critical for fit. Take the time to make a proper swatch. If your swatch is too small, go up a hook size. If it is too large, go down a hook size.
Abbreviations
Let me walk you through every abbreviation you will encounter in this pattern:
Special Stitches and Techniques
Shell Edging
This creates the pretty scalloped border at the hem. Work 5 dc into a single stitch or chain space to form one shell. Separate each shell with a slip stitch into the next anchor point.
Step 1: Slip stitch into the first anchor point.
Step 2: Chain 1. Work 5 dc into the same anchor point. This is your first shell.
Step 3: Slip stitch into the next anchor point.
Step 4: Repeat steps 2 and 3 across all anchor points.
Step 5: Fasten off.
Diamond Mesh Stitch
This stitch creates the diagonal lattice of open diamond shapes. It requires a stitch count divisible by 4 plus 1.
Row 1 (RS): Ch 5 (counts as dc plus ch 2), skip first 3 sts, dc in next st, (ch 2, skip 2 sts, dc in next st) across. Turn.
Row 2 (WS): Ch 5 (counts as dc plus ch 2), dc in first ch-2 sp, (ch 2, dc in next ch-2 sp) across, end dc in 3rd ch of t-ch. Turn.
Row 3: Same as Row 2.
Repeat Row 2 for pattern throughout the mesh section.
Plumeria Flower
This is made separately using the smaller E-4 / 3.5 mm hook and sewn on at the end.
Petal (make 5):
With white yarn, ch 8.
Row 1: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sl st 1, sc 1, hdc 1, dc 2, hdc 1, sc 1, sl st 1. (8 sts)
Do not fasten off. Rotate and work 8 sl sts back along the underside of the same chain to form a double-sided petal.
Fasten off leaving a 6-inch tail for assembly.
Flower Center:
With yellow yarn, make a magic ring.
Rnd 1: Ch 1, work 6 sc into ring, sl st to first sc to join. (6 sc)
Fasten off leaving a tail. Weave the tail through the front loops of all 6 sc and pull gently to cup the center slightly.
Assembly: Arrange 5 petals in a fan circle, overlapping bases slightly. Stitch bases together with your yarn needle. Sew the yellow center over the junction. Use pink yarn on a needle to embroider a thin line down the center of each white petal for the pink accent.
Braided Halter Tie
Cut 6 lengths of yarn, each 80 inches or 200 cm long. Hold them in 2 groups of 3 strands each. Fold all 6 strands in half, creating a loop at the fold point. This fold point attaches to the garment. Divide the 12 working ends into 3 groups of 4 strands each. Braid to approximately 24 inches or 61 cm. Knot the end.
Alternative method: With the G-6 hook, work a foundation chain of 100 chains using 2 strands held together. This creates a corded chain tie if you prefer that look.
Step by Step Pattern Instructions
Important Notes Before You Begin
You will make two identical panels. The front and back are constructed exactly the same way through all steps.
The turning chain of ch 1 at the beginning of each sc row does NOT count as a stitch. Always insert your hook into the first stitch at the base of the chain.
The turning chain of ch 5 at the beginning of each mesh row DOES count as dc plus ch 2.
Read all instructions for your size before beginning. Size-specific numbers appear as Small (Medium, Large, Extra Large). When only one number appears, it applies to all sizes.
Bodice Section
Foundation Chain:
Row 1 (RS): Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn.
Rows 2 through 22 (24, 24, 26): Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn.
After the final bodice row:
Do not fasten off. Do not turn after the final bodice row. You will now work the mesh section downward from this lower edge.
Checkpoint: Each panel should measure approximately 16 (17, 18, 19) inches or 40.5 (43, 45.5, 48) cm wide before seaming.
Mesh Section
The mesh is worked directly from the live stitches at the bottom of the bodice, growing downward toward the hem.
Setup Row: With RS facing, ch 1, sc in first st, (ch 2, sk 2 sts, sc in next st) across. Turn.
Mesh Row 1 (WS): Ch 5 (counts as dc plus ch 2), dc in first ch-2 sp, (ch 2, dc in next ch-2 sp) across, ch 2, dc in last sc. Turn.
Mesh Rows 2 through 26 (26, 28, 28): Ch 5 (counts as dc plus ch 2), dc in first ch-2 sp, (ch 2, dc in next ch-2 sp) across, end with dc in 3rd ch of t-ch from previous row. Turn.
Stitch count remains constant throughout all mesh rows.
Do not fasten off. Work hem edging directly from the final mesh row.
Checkpoint: Total panel length should be approximately 12 (12.5, 13, 13.5) inches or 30.5 (32, 33, 34) cm from top edge of bodice to final mesh row.
Hem Edging
With RS facing, work the shell edging along the bottom edge of the last mesh row.
Sl st into first dc of final mesh row, (ch 1, 5 dc in same sp, sl st into next ch-2 sp) across, ending with sl st into final dc.
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Repeat all bodice, mesh, and hem edging steps for the second panel. You now have two identical panels.
Seaming
Hold both panels with RS together, edges aligned. Using your yarn needle and main color yarn, whipstitch or mattress stitch both side seams from the top bodice edge down through the mesh to the hem edging.
Leave the top edge open. This is your strapless bust edge.
After seaming, the garment circumference should measure:
Top Edge Finishing
With RS facing and G-6 hook, join main color yarn at any point along the top edge of the bodice.
Work 1 rnd of sc evenly around the entire top opening. Work approximately 1 sc per row end along the sides and 1 sc per st across any exposed chain edges. Adjust stitch count as needed to keep the edge flat without puckering or ruffling.
Sl st to first sc to join. Fasten off.
Halter Tie Attachment
Create the braided halter tie as described in the Special Stitches section. The completed tie should measure approximately 48 inches or 122 cm total.
Find the center front of the top edge. Fold the braided tie in half. Using your yarn needle and main color yarn, securely sew the folded midpoint of the braid to the center front top edge. Stitch through multiple times for stability. The two ends travel up and over the shoulders to tie at the back of the neck.
For the back closure, create a separate pair of shorter ties, each approximately 12 inches or 30 cm, or a single back tie of approximately 24 inches or 61 cm. Sew to the center back top edge at the same height as the front tie attachment.
Plumeria Flower Attachment
Position the completed flower at the center front of the bodice, approximately 1 inch or 2.5 cm down from the top edge, centered horizontally. The halter tie midpoint should emerge from behind or beside the flower naturally.
Using white yarn threaded on your needle, stitch the flower securely to the bodice through several points around the petal bases and through the center. The flower should lie flat without pulling or bunching.
Weave in all flower ends on the WS of the bodice.
Size Customization Tips
Bust width: The bodice foundation chain controls width. Each additional 4 stitches adds approximately 1 inch or 2.5 cm to the panel width. That adds 2 inches or 5 cm to total circumference since two panels are seamed. Add or subtract in multiples of 4 to maintain mesh repeat divisibility.
Bodice height: Add or subtract 2 rows of sc at a time to maintain even row parity. Each 2 rows adds approximately 0.5 inch or 1.25 cm.
Mesh length: Add or subtract 2 mesh rows at a time to maintain diamond alignment. Each 2 rows adds approximately 0.5 inch or 1.25 cm.
Cups: For more bust shaping, work short rows across the center 20 stitches of the bodice front panel only. Work 2 to 4 additional rows in the center section before resuming full-width rows.
Blocking Instructions
Wet blocking is strongly recommended for cotton yarns.
Step 1: Weave in all remaining ends securely on the WS, knotting at least twice before weaving.
Step 2: Submerge the finished garment in cool water with a small amount of wool wash or gentle detergent. Soak for 20 minutes.
Step 3: Gently press out excess water. Do not wring. Roll in a clean dry towel and press to remove remaining moisture.
Step 4: Lay flat on a blocking mat. Pin the bodice top edge straight and taut. Pin the side seams to correct measurements. Open and pin each mesh diamond to its full size. This step significantly improves the appearance of the mesh section. Pin the hem edging shells so each shell fans open evenly.
Step 5: Allow to dry completely before unpinning. This takes 12 to 24 hours depending on humidity.
Care Instructions
Machine wash on delicate or gentle cycle in cold water using a mesh laundry bag. Lay flat to dry. Do not tumble dry, as heat will shrink cotton and distort the mesh structure. Do not iron directly on the mesh section. If pressing is needed, use a pressing cloth on the bodice section only with a cool iron.
Store flat or rolled rather than hung to prevent stretching at the bodice top edge.
You Made It!
Thank you so much for choosing this tropical plumeria halter top pattern for your next project. I truly hope you love making it as much as I loved designing it. There is something so satisfying about wearing a garment you created with your own hands, especially one this pretty.
If you make this top, I would absolutely love to see it! Tag me on Instagram or share your finished piece in my Facebook group. Seeing your creations genuinely makes my day.
Before you go, save this pattern to your Pinterest boards so you can find it again easily when you are ready to start. And if you have any questions or want to share how yours turned out, drop a comment below. I read every single one and I am always here to help. Happy crocheting!
