It’s almost the Fourth of July! That means backyard barbecues, fireworks, and donning that red, white, and blue! I love celebrating the independence of my home country and wanted to show some USA pride doing what I do best – crocheting! My plans for the Fourth usually include a 5 mile fun run event in the morning, then watching fireworks in the evening at one of our many local parks hosting Independence Day celebrations. Crocheting something cute to wear to these outdoor events is a must, so why not another halter top?!
Stars and stripes are nice, but I wanted to stray away from the traditional flag print and do something more unique. Ice pops bring me all sorts of nostalgia. I remember chasing down the ice cream truck with my siblings, bare feet and skinned knees, just to get that overpriced but oh-so-delicious ice pop. My fingers feel sticky just thinking about it. Along with nostalgia, this ice pop print also brings those patriotic red, white, and blue colors.
The base color used for this halter top is called Billie Jean (um, adorable) and it is from Wool and the Gang. It knits up like a cotton yarn, but is made from recycled denim. The ice pop portion was made using different yarn scraps of red, white, blue, and beige (for the stick).
This pattern begins with a foundation chain that fits to your own body, then builds from there. You will work the ice pop design using the provided chart. Be sure to refer to the chart notes, especially if you have never knit or crocheted using charts. The completed halter top has an open back, which is tied up corset style. Instructions for lacing up the back of the top are provided below. Alright, now let’s get started before our ice pop melts!
Materials
- Worsted weight yarn in the following colors:
- Base color of your choice – I used Billie Jean in “Washed Out Denim” by Wool and the Gang, about 1.5 skeins
- Red, a small amount
- White, a small amount
- Blue, a small amount
- Beige or brown (for the ice pop stick), a small amount
- Size H (5 mm) crochet hook
- Stitch marker
- Tapestry needle
Abbreviations
- HDC = half double crochet
- Ch = chain
- St = stitch(es)
Instructions
Base of halter
Foundation chain – make chain long enough to reach from one side of your rib cage to the other
Row 1: HDC in second ch from hook. 1 HDC in each ch to end of row. Ch 2 and turn.
Row 2: HDC in second st from hook (ch 2 from previous row counts as first HDC). 1 HDC in each st to end of row. Ch 2 and turn.
Repeat row 2 until piece measures from your waist to just below the breasts. You can do fewer rows if you would rather have a crop top.
Begin Decrease and Ice Pop Design
You will now begin working in the ice pop design and decreasing the sides of the top to make the halter shape. Begin by reading the chart notes, then continue following instructions.
**Chart Notes**
- 1 square = 1 st
- Each row of chart represents one row of stitches on the halter top
- Design should be in the center of the top. Marking the center st with a stitch marker will help you keep track of where to start the design
- Light grey squares represent the base color. Base color is worked up until chart begins (i.e. color change)
- You do not need to cut yarn with every color change. Instead, designate one side of the piece as the “wrong side” and carry yarn up the wrong side when needed (see photo of wrong side below)
Find middle st on base of halter and place stitch marker.
Row 1: HDC in second st from hook. 1 HDC in each st using base color until you reach chart stitches. Work chart. 1 HDC in each st using base color until 2 st remain. HDC last two st together.
Row 2 – 13: Repeat row 1
Finishing Top Edge
Row 1: HDC in second st from hook. 1 HDC in each st until 2 st remain. HDC last 2 st together.
Row 2 – 4: Repeat row 1.
Cut and tie off yarn.
Side Edges and Neck Ties
Cast on base color to bottom left hand side of piece. SC along edge until you reach the top of piece. St should be evenly spaced.
From last SC at top left hand corner of piece, Ch 60. This is one neck tie. Cut and tie off yarn.
Repeat the two steps above on right side of piece.
**At this point, you can weave in all of your ends**
Back Tie
Make chain that is approximately 250-300 ch. It will need to be long enough to lace up the back of the top and tie at the bottom. Once chain is complete, cut and tie off yarn.
You will then lace the long chain through the sides of the top like a shoelace. See photos below.
That’s all folks! Now tie your top on, grab an ice pop, and go enjoy your Fourth of July festivities!
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