Create a Stunning Caged Halter Top: A DIY Crochet Tutorial for All Sizes

Part 2: Connecting the Cups & Making the Body

Now for the exciting part – we’re going to turn those two cups into a wearable top

Step 1: Position Your Cups

Turn both bra cups upside down (the pointy tip should be at the top)
Make sure both cups are facing the same direction
The little yarn tail should be on the right side of each cup

Step 2: Create the Underarm Sections

Make a slip knot with your yarn
Ch 10 (this is the same for all sizes – it’s the part that goes under your armpit)
Insert your hook into the very last stitch on the side of your first bra cup
Sc into that stitch
Continue sc all the way along the bottom edge of the bra cup (weave in your tail as you go)
When you reach the end, put a sc into that very last stitch on the side of the cup (this creates a smooth edge)

Step 3: Connect the Two Cups

Insert your hook into the very last stitch on the side of the other bra cup
This time, work a slip stitch (not a single crochet) to connect them
Continue sc all the way down the bottom edge of the second cup
Don’t forget to put a sc in that very last stitch on the side

Step 4: Add the Other Underarm Section

Ch 11 (one extra chain for turning)
Turn your work over
Sc into the 2nd chain from the hook
Continue sc all the way down until you reach the middle (where the cups connect)
Skip over the slip stitch you made to connect the cups – go straight into the next cup
Continue sc all the way along the bottom edge

Working into chains: When you reach the chain section, sc into the top stitch of each chain. This can be a little tricky because you’re working “backwards” on the chain, but be patient and you’ll get it

Part 3: Creating the Caged Pattern

Now we’ll work back and forth to create that gorgeous caged look

Row 1 of Caged Pattern (Double Crochet Row)

Ch 3, turn your work
Insert a dc into the 3rd stitch (this creates your first dc-ch space)
Ch 1, skip the next stitch, dc into the stitch after that
Repeat this pattern (ch 1, skip 1, dc) all the way down to the end

Row 2 of Caged Pattern (Single Crochet Row)

Ch 1, turn your work
Sc on top of the last dc you made
Sc into the chain space
Repeat this all the way down: sc on top of each dc, sc into each ch space
When you reach the last chain space, put 2 sc in there to square it off nicely

Repeat for Your Desired Length

Alternate between:

Double crochet row: ch 3, turn, (ch 1, skip 1, dc) across
Single crochet row: ch 1, turn, sc on each dc and in each ch space

For a size small top, the sample does:

DC row → SC row → DC row → SC row → one more DC row (stop here, no final SC row)

This creates a beautiful textured body with just the right amount of coverage.

Part 4: Reinforcing the Side Edge

Before we add the scalloped edging, we need to strengthen the side where the laces will go through.

Ch 1
Put 2 sc into the first chain space
Put 1 sc into the single crochet row
Repeat this all the way down: (2 sc in ch space, 1 sc on SC row)
Ch 1, turn your work
Skip the first stitch and sl st into the second stitch
Continue sl st all the way down to the end

This creates a reinforced edge that won’t stretch or break when you lace it up

Part 5: Scalloped Fan Edging

This is where your top gets that beautiful, delicate finish

Ch 1, sc into your corner
Skip the next chain space
Put 5 dc into the next stitch (this should be on top of a dc from the previous row)
Skip the next chain space
Put a slip stitch into the next stitch (which should be the next dc)
Skip the next chain space
Put 5 dc into the next stitch
Repeat this pattern all the way down: skip ch space, 5 dc on the dc stitch, skip ch space, sl st on next dc stitch