Rainbow Crochet Halter Top – Free Crochet Pattern

This is a free version of my Rainbow Crochet Halter Top Pattern. Everyone needs a classic crochet halter top! This easy, beginner-friendly crochet top pattern is so much fun to make, and you can customize the stripes any way you like. Continue reading for the instructions and the story behind this pattern.

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This design is super comfy and it’s a wardrobe staple – just tie it on and wear it under your favorite overalls or pair it with your most-loved denim. I love making these halter tops in bright rainbow colors, but the options are literally endless.

Yarn:

I designed this crochet top pattern using Lily Sugar ‘n Cream cotton yarn. I prefer using 100% cotton yarns with my crochet top patterns because they tend to be more supportive and durable than acrylics. Lily Sugar n’ Cream is one of my favorite options because they have a variety of beautiful colors. It’s always been my go-to yarn for making tops!

Bernat Handicrafter is a perfect substitute. It’s 100% cotton, worsted-weight, and it comes in a variety of pastel and bright rainbow colors.

Dishie from Knit Picks (shown below) is another great alternative. It’s a 100% cotton, worsted-weight yarn, and they have every color you need to make a beautiful crochet rainbow halter top!

This crochet top pattern is great for using up scrap yarn since you will not need a whole ball of each color. I have included a color chart & color guide for creating the Bright Rainbow & Pastel Rainbow versions of this top. You can also mix it up and experiment with the colors using whatever scrap yarn you have on hand.

Sizing:

This pattern is currently available in sizes XS, S, M & L. I’m working on adding more sizes and variations to this crochet top pattern! In the mean time, feel free to reach out if you need help making this pattern in a different size!

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Size-Inclusivity Statement (8/13/23):

This pattern does not align with my size-inclusive standards. I am working to update this design, and other old designs to ensure that all of my garment patterns accommodate bust sizes from 28” to 62” at the least. My goal is to create a space where everyone is included and has the ability to make anything that their heart desires. You can read more about my values here.

I know this update is long overdue and maybe too little, too late. I really dropped the ball by not making all of my patterns size-inclusive from the beginning. I’ve learned so much more about sizing and grading in the past couple of years, and every garment pattern that I’ve published since then has been fully size-inclusive, including made-to-measure styles and pre-sized styles in sizes XS-5X.

I want to apologize to anyone that has ever come across any of my older patterns and felt excluded. There is no excuse for having patterns available in my shop that don’t include EVERYBODY, especially since I always offered a size range from XXS to 5X for my customers when I was making these tops as made-to-order finished products. By failing to accommodate all sizes, I was basically offering incomplete patterns. I’m honestly ashamed of myself for leaving these incomplete patterns up for so long. I know that updating these patterns doesn’t make up for the fact that I left so many people out in the first place.

I am taking these updates seriously, and I am taking the time to make my old patterns fully size-inclusive. That means, I’ll be doing much more than simply adding on a few extra inches and calling it a day. I want to ensure that my patterns fit all sizes properly and offer special features and modifications for larger/smaller sizes when necessary.

Re-release Information: Noelebelle Crochet is my side-business and therefore my family and my main job are my priorities. I will be working on re-publishing this pattern as time permits, but I do not currently have a re-release date scheduled. I will be updating this blog post and posting updates on my social media accounts (Instagram, Facebook, and Threads) when I have more information on the new and improved pattern. 

Side-note: By updating these patterns, I am also hoping to bring awareness to an important issue within the fiber arts community. I am constantly learning and evolving my business. I always strive to improve my designs and patterns. I am open to criticism, I am open to feedback, and I am open to listening to your stories. If you would like to reach out regarding this pattern, or to share your experiences with me, please feel free to contact me.

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Materials:

Crochet Hook: 4.5mm

Yarn: Worsted weight yarn.

Recommended for the rainbow crochet halter top: Lily Sugar ‘n Cream – colors listed on color chart.

Other: Yarn needle, scissors

Gauge:

2” x 2” (5cm x 5cm) DC swatch = 9 sts x 5 rows

Finished Measurements:

Size (XS-L)	Width (Last row, not including straps)	Length (1st to last row)
XS	20.25” (51.5cm)	9.75” (25cm)
S	22.5” (57cm)	10.5” (26.5cm)
M	23” (58.5cm)	10.5” (26.5cm)
L	23.5” (60cm)	10.5” (26.5cm)

Key:

St/sts	Stitch/stitches
Ch	Chain
Sk	Skip
Dc	Double crochet
Sc	Single crochet

Notes:

• This is an easy/beginner level crochet top pattern
• Pattern written in US crochet terms
• The stitch count at the end of each row is shown in parenthesis ( )
• The ch 3 at the beginning of each row counts as a stitch
• Do not skip the 1st stitch when starting your rows. You’ll be using this stitch to increase. (Except on last row)
• When you see a number directly in front of the stitch “3dc” – work 3 double crochet sts into the same stitch
• When a number is written after the stitch “dc 3” – work 1 double crochet into each of the next 3 sts
• This pattern consists of different sections: a section for each size, a section for the straps, and finishing instructions
• Photo guide included at the end of the crochet top pattern & instructions

Color Chart:

This colorful top is made with Lily Sugar ‘n Cream cotton yarn. I’ve created two different color options: Bright Rainbow & Pastel Rainbow. The colors needed for each option using this yarn are listed below.

Color Number	Bright Rainbow	Pastel Rainbow
Color 1	Red	Rose Pink
Color 2	Hot Orange	Tangerine
Color 3	Sunshine	Yellow
Color 4	Hot Green	Hot Green
Color 5	Hot Blue	Robins Egg
Color 6	Black Currant	Hot Purple

*Note: You won’t need to use a full ball of yarn for each color. If you feel like mixing it up, try using this crochet top pattern with some leftover yarn that you have in different colors. The options are endless, so feel free to get creative with the stripes!

Color Guide:

You can use this chart along with the color chart above to help guide your color changes.

Color	XS	S,M,L
Color 1	—	Rows 1-2
Color 2	Rows 1-2	Rows 3-4
Color 3	Rows 3-4	Rows 5-6
Color 4	Rows 5-6	Rows 7-8
Color 5	Rows 7-8	Rows 9-10
Color 6	Rows 9-10	Rows 11-12
Color 1	Rows 11-12	Rows 13-14
Color 2	Rows 13-14	Rows 15-16
Color 3	Rows 15-16	Rows 17-18
Color 4	Rows 17-18	Rows 19-20
Color 5	Rows 19-20	Rows 21-22
Color 6	Rows 21-22	Rows 23-24

XS Pattern:

Ch 15

Row 1: Dc 1 in 4th ch from hook. Ch 1, sk 1, dc 1 [repeat from * to * 4 more times]. Dc 1 in last ch. (13)

Row 2: Ch 3, turn. Dc 1 in 1st st. Ch 1, sk 1, dc 1 into the ch space below [repeat from * to * 4 more times]. Ch 1, sk 1, 2dc in last st. (15)

Row 3: Ch 3, turn. 2dc in 1st st. Ch 1, sk 1, dc 1 into the ch space below [repeat from * to * 5 more times]. Ch 1, sk 1, 3dc in last st. (19)

Row 4: Ch 3, turn. 2dc in 1st st. Ch 2, sk 2, dc 1 in ch space. Dc 1 in next st. Dc 1 in ch space. Ch 1, sk 1, dc 1 in ch space [repeat from * to * 3 more times]. Dc 1 in next st. Dc 1 in ch space. Ch 2, sk 2, 3dc in last st. (23)

Row 5: Ch 3, turn. 2dc in 1st st. Ch 2, sk 2, dc 2 in space below. Dc 3, dc 1 in ch space. Ch 1, sk 1, dc 1 in ch space [repeat from * to * 2 more times]. Dc 3, dc 2 in space below. Ch 2, sk 2, 3dc in last st. (27)

Row 6: Ch 3, turn. 2dc in 1st st. Ch 2, sk 2, dc 2 in space below. Dc 6, dc 1 in ch space. Ch 1, sk 1, dc 1 in ch space [repeat from * to * 1 more time]. Dc 6, dc 2 in space below. Ch 2, sk 2, 3dc in last st. (31)

Row 7: Ch 3, turn. 2dc in 1st st. Ch 2, sk 2, dc 2 in space below. Dc 9, dc 1 in ch space. Ch 1, sk 1, dc 1 in ch space. Dc 9, dc 2 in space below. Ch 2, sk 2, 3dc in last st. (35)

Row 8: Ch 3, turn. 2dc in 1st st. Ch 2, sk 2, dc 2 in space below. Dc 12, dc 1 in ch space. Dc 12, dc 2 in space below. Ch 2, sk 2, 3dc in last st. (39)

Row 9: Ch 3, turn. 2dc in 1st st. Ch 2, sk 2, dc 2 in space below. Dc 1 in each st across until you reach the ch space at the other end. Dc 2 in space below. Ch 2, sk 2, 3dc in last st. (43)

Rows 10-21: Repeat Row 9. (Stitch count at the end of each row will continue to increase by 4.)

Row 22: Ch 3, turn. Sk 1st st. Dc 2, dc 2 in space below. Dc 1 in each st across until you reach the ch space at the other end. Dc 2 in space below, dc 3. (91)

Cut the yarn and fasten off. Continue to the back and neck strap instructions

Small Pattern:

Ch 17

Row 1: Dc 1 in 4th ch from hook. Ch 1, sk 1, dc 1 [repeat from * to * 5 more times]. Dc 1 in last ch. (15)

Row 2: Ch 3, turn. Dc 1 in 1st st. Ch 1, sk 1, dc 1 into the ch space below [repeat from * to * 5 more times]. Ch 1, sk 1, 2dc in last st. (17)

Row 3: Ch 3, turn. 2dc in 1st st. Ch 1, sk 1, dc 1 into the ch space below [repeat from * to * 6 more times]. Ch 1, sk 1, 3dc in last st. (21)

Row 4: Ch 3, turn. 2dc in 1st st. Ch 2, sk 2, dc 1 in ch space. Dc 1 in next st. Dc 1 in ch space. Ch 1, sk 1, dc 1 in ch space [repeat from * to * 4 more times]. Dc 1 in next st. Dc 1 in ch space. Ch 2, sk 2, 3dc in last st. (25)

Row 5: Ch 3, turn. 2dc in 1st st. Ch 2, sk 2, dc 2 in space below. Dc 3, dc 1 in ch space. Ch 1, sk 1, dc 1 in ch space [repeat from * to * 3 more times]. Dc 3, dc 2 in space below. Ch 2, sk 2, 3dc in last st. (29)

Row 6: Ch 3, turn. 2dc in 1st st. Ch 2, sk 2, dc 2 in space below. Dc 6, dc 1 in ch space. Ch 1, sk 1, dc 1 in ch space [repeat from * to * 2 more times]. Dc 6, dc 2 in space below. Ch 2, sk 2, 3dc in last st. (33)

Row 7: Ch 3, turn. 2dc in 1st st. Ch 2, sk 2, dc 2 in space below. Dc 9, dc 1 in ch space. Ch 1, sk 1, dc 1 in ch space [repeat from * to * 1 more time]. Dc 9, dc 2 in space below. Ch 2, sk 2, 3dc in last st. (37)

Row 8: Ch 3, turn. 2dc in 1st st. Ch 2, sk 2, dc 2 in space below. Dc 12, dc 1 in ch space. Ch 1, sk 1, dc 1 in ch space. Dc 12, dc 2 in space below. Ch 2, sk 2, 3dc in last st. (41)

Row 9: Ch 3, turn. 2dc in 1st st. Ch 2, sk 2, dc 2 in space below. Dc 15, dc 1 in ch space. Dc 15, dc 2 in space below. Ch 2, sk 2, 3dc in last st. (45)

Row 10: Ch 3, turn. 2dc in 1st st. Ch 2, sk 2, dc 2 in space below. Dc 1 in each st across until you reach the ch space at the other end. Dc 2 in space below. Ch 2, sk 2, 3dc in last st. (49)

Rows 11-23: Repeat Row 10. (Stitch count at the end of each row will continue to increase by 4.)

Row 24: Ch 3, turn. Sk 1st st. Dc 2, dc 2 in space below. Dc 1 in each st across until you reach the ch
space at the other end. Dc 2 in space below, dc 3. (101)

Cut the yarn and fasten off. Continue to the back and neck strap instructions.

Medium Pattern:

Ch 19

Row 1: Dc 1 in 4th ch from hook. Ch 1, sk 1, dc 1 [repeat from * to * 6 more times]. Dc 1 in last ch. (17)

Row 2: Ch 3, turn. Dc 1 in 1st st. Ch 1, sk 1, dc 1 into the ch space below [repeat from * to * 6 more times]. Ch 1, sk 1, 2dc in last st. (19)

Row 3: Ch 3, turn. 2dc in 1st st. Ch 1, sk 1, dc 1 into the ch space below [repeat from * to * 7 more times]. Ch 1, sk 1, 3dc in last st. (23)

Row 4: Ch 3, turn. 2dc in 1st st. Ch 2, sk 2, dc 1 in ch space. Dc 1 in next st. Dc 1 in ch space. Ch 1, sk 1, dc 1 in ch space [repeat from * to * 5 more times]. Dc 1 in next st. Dc 1 in ch space. Ch 2, sk 2, 3dc in last st. (27)

Row 5: Ch 3, turn. 2dc in 1st st. Ch 2, sk 2, dc 2 in space below. Dc 3, dc 1 in ch space. Ch 1, sk 1, dc 1 in ch space [repeat from * to * 4 more times]. Dc 3, dc 2 in space below. Ch 2, sk 2, 3dc in last st. (31)

Row 6: Ch 3, turn. 2dc in 1st st. Ch 2, sk 2, dc 2 in space below. Dc 6, dc 1 in ch space. Ch 1, sk 1, dc 1 in ch space [repeat from * to * 3 more times]. Dc 6, dc 2 in space below. Ch 2, sk 2, 3dc in last st. (35)

Row 7: Ch 3, turn. 2dc in 1st st. Ch 2, sk 2, dc 2 in space below. Dc 9, dc 1 in ch space. Ch 1, sk 1, dc 1 in ch space [repeat from * to * 2 more times]. Dc 9, dc 2 in space below. Ch 2, sk 2, 3dc in last st. (39)

Row 8: Ch 3, turn. 2dc in 1st st. Ch 2, sk 2, dc 2 in space below. Dc 12, dc 1 in ch space. Ch 1, sk 1, dc 1 in ch space [repeat from * to * 1 more time]. Dc 12, dc 2 in space below. Ch 2, sk 2, 3dc in last st. (43)

Row 9: Ch 3, turn. 2dc in 1st st. Ch 2, sk 2, dc 2 in space below. Dc 15, dc 1 in ch space. Ch 1, sk 1, dc 1 in ch space. Dc 15, dc 2 in space below. Ch 2, sk 2, 3dc in last st. (47)

Row 10: Ch 3, turn. 2dc in 1st st. Ch 2, sk 2, dc 2 in space below. Dc 18, dc 1 in ch space. Dc 18, dc 2 in space below. Ch 2, sk 2, 3dc in last st. (51)

Row 11: Ch 3, turn. 2dc in 1st st. Ch 2, sk 2, dc 2 in space below. Dc 1 in each st across until you reach the ch space at the other end. Dc 2 in space below. Ch 2, sk 2, 3dc in last st. (55)

Rows 12-23: Repeat Row 11. (Stitch count at the end of each row will continue to increase by 4.)

Row 24: Ch 3, turn. Sk 1st st. Dc 2, dc 2 in space below. Dc 1 in each st across until you reach the ch space at the other end. Dc 2 in space below, dc 3. (103)

Cut the yarn and fasten off. Continue to the back and neck strap instructions.

Large Pattern:

Ch 21

Row 1: Dc 1 in 4th ch from hook. Ch 1, sk 1, dc 1 [repeat from * to * 7 more times]. Dc 1 in last ch. (19)

Row 2: Ch 3, turn. Dc 1 in 1st st. Ch 1, sk 1, dc 1 into the ch space below [repeat from * to * 7 more times]. Ch 1, sk 1, 2dc in last st. (21)

Row 3: Ch 3, turn. 2dc in 1st st. Ch 1, sk 1, dc 1 into the ch space below [repeat from * to * 8 more times]. Ch 1, sk 1, 3dc in last st. (25)

Row 4: Ch 3, turn. 2dc in 1st st. Ch 2, sk 2, dc 1 in ch space. Dc 1 in next st. Dc 1 in ch space. Ch 1, sk 1, dc 1 in ch space [repeat from * to * 6 more times]. Dc 1 in next st. Dc 1 in ch space. Ch 2, sk 2, 3dc in last st. (29)

Row 5: Ch 3, turn. 2dc in 1st st. Ch 2, sk 2, dc 2 in space below. Dc 3, dc 1 in ch space. Ch 1, sk 1, dc 1 in ch space [repeat from * to * 5 more times]. Dc 3, dc 2 in space below. Ch 2, sk 2, 3dc in last st. (33)

Row 6: Ch 3, turn. 2dc in 1st st. Ch 2, sk 2, dc 2 in space below. Dc 6, dc 1 in ch space. Ch 1, sk 1, dc 1 in ch space [repeat from * to * 4 more times]. Dc 6, dc 2 in space below. Ch 2, sk 2, 3dc in last st. (37)

Row 7: Ch 3, turn. 2dc in 1st st. Ch 2, sk 2, dc 2 in space below. Dc 9, dc 1 in ch space. Ch 1, sk 1, dc 1 in ch space [repeat from * to * 3 more times]. Dc 9, dc 2 in space below. Ch 2, sk 2, 3dc in last st. (41)

Row 8: Ch 3, turn. 2dc in 1st st. Ch 2, sk 2, dc 2 in space below. Dc 12, dc 1 in ch space. Ch 1, sk 1, dc 1 in ch space [repeat from * to * 2 more times]. Dc 12, dc 2 in space below. Ch 2, sk 2, 3dc in last st. (45)

Row 9: Ch 3, turn. 2dc in 1st st. Ch 2, sk 2, dc 2 in space below. Dc 15, dc 1 in ch space. Ch 1, sk 1, dc 1 in ch space [repeat from * to * 1 more time]. Dc 15, dc 2 in space below. Ch 2, sk 2, 3dc in last st. (49)

Row 10: Ch 3, turn. 2dc in 1st st. Ch 2, sk 2, dc 2 in space below. Dc 18, dc 1 in ch space. Ch 1, sk 1, dc 1 in ch space. Dc 18, dc 2 in space below. Ch 2, sk 2, 3dc in last st. (53)

Row 11: Ch 3, turn. 2dc in 1st st. Ch 2, sk 2, dc 2 in space below. Dc 21, dc 1 in ch space. Dc 21, dc 2 in space below. Ch 2, sk 2, 3dc in last st. (57)

Row 12: Ch 3, turn. 2dc in 1st st. Ch 2, sk 2, dc 2 in space below. Dc 1 in each st across until you reach the ch space at the other end. Dc 2 in space below. Ch 2, sk 2, 3dc in last st. (61)

Rows 13-23: Repeat Row 12. (Stitch count at the end of each row will continue to increase by 4.)

Row 24: Ch 3, turn. Sk 1st st. Dc 2, dc 2 in space below. Dc 1 in each st across until you reach the ch space at the other end. Dc 2 in space below, dc 3. (105)

Cut the yarn and fasten off. Continue to the back and neck strap instructions.

Back & Neck Straps:

Back Strap:

• Using the same color you used on the last row, ch 90
• With the last row of your halter facing wrong-side up, attach the chain to the bottom corner of the halter with an sc
• Continue to sc 1 in each st along the bottom of the halter until you get to the end of the row
• Then, ch 90 to complete the second strap
• Cut the yarn and fasten off

Neck Strap:

• Using the same color you used on the first row, ch 90
• With the first row of your halter facing right-side up, attach the chain to the top corner of the halter with a sc
• Continue to sc 1 in each st & each space along the top of the halter until you get to the end of the row
• Then, ch 90 to complete the second strap
• Cut the yarn and fasten off

Finishing Instructions:

• Weave in yarn ends
• Tie a knot at the end of each strap and cut the tails off
• You’re all done!

Photo Guide:

Here is a photo guide for using the SMALL crochet top pattern. All sizes have the same structure, the only difference is the number of stitches in each row.

Credits:

This rainbow crochet halter top pattern and all photos are the property of Noelebelle by Nina Noel. This pattern is for personal use only and may not be redistributed or altered and sold. If you wish to sell your finished tops please sell small quantities only, and provide credit for my design along with a link to my website: https://noelebellecrochet.com

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