The Pattern

Caged crochet halter top in teal with lace-up sides and a scalloped edge
Free Video Pattern by Made by BJax

Caged Halter Top

This is the kind of make that looks far more complicated than it actually is. Brittany Jackson, the maker behind Made by BJax, builds the top from two shaped cups joined by an airy chain space netting, then finishes it with a pretty scalloped fan edge. The caged sides and back lace up like a corset, so you get an adjustable, dressed up fit without any tricky shaping.

It works up in lightweight cotton and is sized from a small on up, with the chain and row counts for each size shown right in the video. Brittany nearly finished a whole top from a single skein, so it's a satisfying low yarn project. Many makers finish it across an afternoon or two.

Ready to start?

This free pattern is a video tutorial by Made by BJax. Brittany walks you through every stitch, including the sizing chart and the lacing, on YouTube.

Watch the Free Tutorial →

What You'll Need

The supply list is short, and you likely have most of it in your bag already.

  • Yarn Lily Sugar n Cream worsted weight (4) cotton in Teal. Brittany nearly finished the whole top from one skein, so a single ball goes a long way for a small. Any smooth worsted cotton will work if you want a different color.
  • Hook 5 mm crochet hook. This pairs nicely with the worsted cotton and keeps the netting open without going holey.
  • Stitch markers At least one, ideally two or three. She leans on a marker to track the center increase on each cup, so this is not the project to skip them on.
  • Tapestry needle For weaving in ends. You weave tails in as you go on the cups and body, which keeps the finishing quick at the end.
  • Scissors A small sharp pair. For cutting and securing your yarn between the cups, straps, and the long corset lace.

Tips Before You Start

A few things worth knowing that make the tutorial go smoothly.

1

Note your size's chain and row counts first

Brittany makes a small on camera, but she posts the recommended chain length and row count for every size on screen. Jot down the numbers for your size before you begin so you are not pausing the video mid round.

2

Make your two cups match exactly

The cups are worked separately, so before you join them, count the stitches down each side. Both should have the same count. It is a quick check that saves you from a lopsided top later on.

3

Keep the stitch marker in the center stitch

Each cup grows from a center increase, and the marker lives in that middle stitch. Every time you work three single crochets there, move the marker right back into the new center so your shaping stays even.

4

Add the edge single crochets for strength

Those rows of single crochet along the sides are not just decorative. They reinforce the edges so the laces do not pull through and stretch the fabric. It is tempting to skip them, but they are what let you cinch the top snugly.

5

Try it in a bold solid color

Brittany has made this top in teal and black and mentions wanting to try multi colored versions. The netting and scalloped edge really pop in a saturated solid, so pick a shade you love before branching into stripes.