Wingspan Halter Crop Top

Skill level: Intermediate
Construction: Worked top down from a narrow centre neck tab as one radiating lace panel (adapted modular construction). No side or shoulder seams. A tapestry colourwork band and pointed scallops finish the lower edge. Four adjustable tie straps are added at the neck and lower corners.

A lightweight bikini-style / halter crop. The upper edge is a short solid neck tab; the body fans into a wide inverted triangle (butterfly-wing silhouette) with stacked V-stitches. Side edges are flared so they curve gently downward. The hem is a dense colourwork band with a thicker pointed-scallop border. Open lace is see-through; a lining is recommended if the top will be worn without a bikini or bralette underneath.

Finished measurements

Sizes are given as XS (S, M, L, XL, XXL). Choose by to-fit bust; the garment has no fixed bust circumference because it ties at the nape and mid-back.

Fit: Tie-to-fit. Lower width is about 60% of the to-fit bust so the wings sit across the bust and wrap toward the sides. Cropped, finishing well above the natural waist.

Materials

Yarn: 2-ply laceweight mercerised cotton (or cotton/silk), approx. 800m / 100g.

• MC (main lace body): 200 (240, 280, 330, 380, 440) metres
• CC1 (colourwork + scallops + edging): 90 (100, 115, 130, 150, 170) metres
• CC2 (colourwork accent): 50 (55, 65, 75, 85, 100) metres

Suggested palette: MC ecru or pale gold; CC1 sage, dusty rose or ink; CC2 terracotta or mustard.

Hook: 2.5mm (size to tension, not to the label). Optional 2mm for firmer straps.

Notions: 4 stitch markers (one removable for the centre spine), tapestry needle, scissors, blocking pins or wires. Optional: lightweight lining fabric, sewing needle and matching thread.

Tension (gauge)

Work tension squares flat. Measure after wet blocking.

• Main lace (V-st): 10 V-sts and 10 rows = 10cm (4in) with 2.5mm hook, blocked.
• Tapestry dc: 28 dc and 32 rows = 10cm (4in) with 2.5mm hook, blocked.

If you have too few V-sts to 10cm, go down a hook size; too many, go up. Lace must be blocked for the fan shape to open. The colourwork band is meant to be denser and slightly thicker than the lace.

Abbreviations (UK terms)

• ch – chain
• sl st – slip stitch
• dc – double crochet (US sc)
• htr – half treble (US hdc)
• tr – treble (US dc)
• dtr – double treble (US tr)
• ttr – triple treble (US dtr)
• dc2tog – double crochet 2 together (insert hook in next st, yrh, pull up a loop, insert hook in following st, yrh, pull up a loop, yrh, draw through all 3 loops)
• yrh – yarn round hook
• st(s) – stitch(es)
• sp(s) – space(s)
• ch-sp – chain space
• RS – right side
• WS – wrong side
• MC – main colour
• CC1 / CC2 – contrast colours
• pm – place marker
• rep – repeat
• miss – skip the next stitch or stitches

Special stitches

V-st: (1 tr, ch 1, 1 tr) in the same st or ch-sp.

Inc V-st row (Phase 1): V-st in the first tr, V-st in the ch-1 sp of every V-st across, V-st in the last tr (3rd ch of turning ch). Adds 1 V-st at each end (+2 V-sts).

Flare row (Phase 2): 2 V-sts in the first tr, V-st in the ch-1 sp of every V-st across, 2 V-sts in the last tr. Adds 2 V-sts at each end (+4 V-sts).

Pointed scallop: Miss 2 dc, (1 tr, 1 dtr, 1 ttr, ch 3, 1 ttr, 1 dtr, 1 tr) in the next dc, miss 2 dc, 1 dc in the next dc.

Tapestry colour change: On the last yrh of the stitch before the change, drop the old colour and draw the new colour through to complete the stitch. Carry the unused colour(s) along the WS. Catch floats every 3 stitches so they cannot snag. Do not pull floats tight or the band will cup.

Notes

• Instructions are for XS (S, M, L, XL, XXL). When only one number is given, it applies to all sizes.
• Turning ch 4 at the start of a V-st row counts as 1 tr + ch 1. The next tr into the first stitch completes the first V-st.
• Place a marker in the centre V-st on Row 1 and move it up every row. Every body row has an odd number of V-sts, so there is always a true centre.
• The lace is open and will not be opaque. Wear over a bikini, sew in a triangular lining, or accept the sheerness.
• Read Charts A and B before starting the colourwork band. Work the charts in tapestry dc.
• Block the finished top before first wear — essential for the wing shape and scallop points.

Charts

Work Chart A across colourwork rows 1–8 and Chart B across colourwork rows 9–12. Each chart is a 12-st repeat. Work 12 (14, 15, 16, 18, 19) repeats across every colourwork row.

How to read the charts

• Each square = 1 dc.
• Row 1 is the bottom row of the chart and is a RS row.
• RS rows (odd numbers): read right to left.
• WS rows (even numbers): read left to right.
• Repeat the 12-st panel across the full stitch count. There are no extra edge stitches.

Colour key

• □ = MC (background)
• ■ = CC1 (main contrast)
• ● = CC2 (accent)

Chart A — Radiating Diamond (12 sts × 8 rows)

Used for colourwork rows 1–8.

 8 (WS): □ □ □ □ ■ ● ● ■ □ □ □ □
 7 (RS): □ □ □ ■ ● □ □ ● ■ □ □ □
 6 (WS): □ □ ■ ● □ □ □ □ ● ■ □ □
 5 (RS): □ ■ ● □ □ □ □ □ □ ● ■ □
 4 (WS): □ ■ ● □ □ □ □ □ □ ● ■ □
 3 (RS): □ □ ■ ● □ □ □ □ ● ■ □ □
 2 (WS): □ □ □ ■ ● □ □ ● ■ □ □ □
 1 (RS): □ □ □ □ ■ ● ● ■ □ □ □ □

Stitch count per repeat: 12. Row 1 (RS, right to left) begins with 4 MC, 1 CC1, 2 CC2, 1 CC1, 4 MC.

Chart B — Wave Points (12 sts × 4 rows)

Used for colourwork rows 9–12.

 4 (WS): □ ■ ● ■ □ □ □ □ ■ ● ■ □
 3 (RS): ■ ● ■ □ □ □ □ □ □ ■ ● ■
 2 (WS): ● ■ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ ■ ●
 1 (RS): ■ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ ■

Stitch count per repeat: 12. Row 1 (RS, right to left) begins with 1 CC1, 10 MC, 1 CC1.

Float note: Chart A rows 4–5 have a 6-st MC run in the centre. Catch the MC float at the midpoint of that run.

Pattern

Neck tab (MC)

With MC and 2.5mm hook, ch 8.

Tab row 1 (RS): 1 dc in 2nd ch from hook, 1 dc in each ch to end. Turn. (7 dc)

Tab rows 2–4: Ch 1 (does not count as a st), 1 dc in each dc. Turn. (7 dc)

The tab is the narrow centre neck connection. Do not fasten off.

Body — Phase 1, upper fan (MC)

Lace row 1 (RS): Ch 4 (counts as 1 tr, ch 1 throughout), 1 tr in first dc (first V-st made), miss 2 dc, V-st in next dc, miss 2 dc, V-st in last dc. Turn. 3 V-sts. Pm in the centre V-st.

Lace row 2 (WS): Ch 4, 1 tr in first tr (edge V-st), V-st in ch-1 sp of each of the 3 V-sts, V-st in 3rd ch of turning ch. Turn. 5 V-sts (3 + 2 = 5 ✓).

Lace row 3: Ch 4, 1 tr in first tr, V-st in ch-1 sp of each V-st across, V-st in 3rd ch of turning ch. Turn. 7 V-sts (5 + 2 = 7 ✓).

Lace rows 4–12 (4–13, 4–14, 4–16, 4–17, 4–18): Rep lace row 3 (Inc V-st row) every row, moving the centre marker up each row.

At the end of Phase 1 you have 12 (13, 14, 16, 17, 18) lace rows and 25 (27, 29, 33, 35, 37) V-sts.

Check: start 3, then +2 on each of the next 11 (12, 13, 15, 16, 17) rows → 3 + 22 (24, 26, 30, 32, 34) = 25 (27, 29, 33, 35, 37) ✓. All counts are odd, so the centre marker still sits on a single centre V-st.

Body — Phase 2, wing flare (MC)

Flare row: Ch 4, 1 tr in first tr, ch 1, V-st in the same first tr (2 V-sts made in the first st), V-st in ch-1 sp of each V-st across, 2 V-sts in 3rd ch of turning ch. Turn. +4 V-sts.

Work the Flare row 6 (7, 8, 8, 9, 10) times.

V-sts at the end of the last Flare row: 49 (55, 61, 65, 71, 77).

Check: 25 + (4 × 6) = 49; 27 + (4 × 7) = 55; 29 + (4 × 8) = 61; 33 + (4 × 8) = 65; 35 + (4 × 9) = 71; 37 + (4 × 10) = 77 ✓.

Total lace rows: 18 (20, 22, 24, 26, 28). Length of lace, at tension, 18 (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) cm. Do not fasten off.

Transition to colourwork (MC)

Transition row: Ch 1, work 3 dc in every V-st (1 dc in first tr, 1 dc in ch-1 sp, 1 dc in second tr) across, working the last dc into the 3rd ch of the turning ch. Do not turn yet.

Raw count: 147 (165, 183, 195, 213, 231) dc (49 × 3 = 147; 55 × 3 = 165; 61 × 3 = 183; 65 × 3 = 195; 71 × 3 = 213; 77 × 3 = 231 ✓).

Now adjust so the next row is a multiple of 12:

• XS: dc2tog 3 times evenly across. 144 dc (147 − 3 = 144; 144 ÷ 12 = 12 repeats ✓).
• S: (2 dc in next st) 3 times evenly across. 168 dc (165 + 3 = 168; 168 ÷ 12 = 14 repeats ✓).
• M: dc2tog 3 times evenly across. 180 dc (183 − 3 = 180; 180 ÷ 12 = 15 repeats ✓).
• L: dc2tog 3 times evenly across. 192 dc (195 − 3 = 192; 192 ÷ 12 = 16 repeats ✓).
• XL: (2 dc in next st) 3 times evenly across. 216 dc (213 + 3 = 216; 216 ÷ 12 = 18 repeats ✓).
• XXL: dc2tog 3 times evenly across. 228 dc (231 − 3 = 228; 228 ÷ 12 = 19 repeats ✓).

Turn. Stitch count is now 144 (168, 180, 192, 216, 228) dc. Join CC1 and CC2, leaving MC attached.

Colourwork band (MC, CC1, CC2)

Work in tapestry dc. Carry unused colours on the WS and catch floats every 3 sts. Ch 1 at the start of every row (does not count as a st). Keep 144 (168, 180, 192, 216, 228) dc on every row.

Colourwork rows 1–8: Work Chart A across, 12 (14, 15, 16, 18, 19) times. Row 1 is RS (chart right to left). Row 2 is WS (chart left to right), and so on. 144 (168, 180, 192, 216, 228) dc.

Colourwork rows 9–12: Work Chart B across, 12 (14, 15, 16, 18, 19) times, in the same RS/WS reading order. 144 (168, 180, 192, 216, 228) dc.

Fasten off MC and CC2. Continue with CC1 only.

Pointed scallop hem (CC1)

Edging row 1 (RS): Ch 1, 1 dc in each dc across. Turn. 144 (168, 180, 192, 216, 228) dc.

Edging row 2 (WS, pointed scallops): Ch 1, 1 dc in first dc, *miss 2 dc, (1 tr, 1 dtr, 1 ttr, ch 3, 1 ttr, 1 dtr, 1 tr) in next dc, miss 2 dc, 1 dc in next dc; rep from * to end.

Scallops: 24 (28, 30, 32, 36, 38) (144 ÷ 6 = 24; 168 ÷ 6 = 28; 180 ÷ 6 = 30; 192 ÷ 6 = 32; 216 ÷ 6 = 36; 228 ÷ 6 = 38 ✓). Each repeat uses 6 stitches and ends with 1 dc on the 6th stitch, matching the row.

Fasten off CC1.

Side edging (CC1)

The side edges are the row-ends of the lace and colourwork. This dc border is slightly thicker than the lace and helps the wings hold their curve.

With RS facing, join CC1 at the left-hand end of the neck tab (the corner where the tab meets the first lace row).

Right diagonal (working down toward the hem): Ch 1, work 2 dc in each tr row-end of the lace and 1 dc in each dc row-end of the colourwork band, ending at the first scallop. Do not work into the scallops. Fasten off.

With RS facing, join CC1 at the outer corner of the last scallop on the other side and work up the left diagonal in the same way, ending at the right-hand end of the neck tab. Fasten off.

Neck-tab top edge: With RS facing, join CC1 at one top corner of the neck tab. Ch 1, 1 dc in each of the 7 foundation chains (or 7 dc along the top edge). Fasten off. (7 dc)

Straps

Use MC (or CC1 if you prefer the ties to match the border). Leave a 20cm tail at the start of every strap — these tails stay visible as a finished tassel. Use 2.5mm, or 2mm for a firmer cord.

Neck ties (make 2)
With RS facing, join yarn to one top corner of the neck tab, around the corner dc.
Ch a length of 45 (45, 48, 48, 52, 52) cm.
1 dc in 2nd ch from hook, 1 dc in each ch back to the tab, sl st to the same corner. Fasten off, leaving a 20cm tail.
Rep at the other top corner of the neck tab.

Lower-corner ties (make 2)
Join yarn to the dc at the junction of the side edging and the first (or last) pointed scallop.
Ch a length of 70 (75, 80, 85, 90, 95) cm.
1 dc in 2nd ch from hook, 1 dc in each ch back to the corner, sl st to the same corner. Fasten off, leaving a 20cm tail.
Rep at the other lower corner.

Knot each tail once, close to the last dc, so the cord cannot unravel. Trim the four starting tails and four ending tails to an even 20cm, or split the plies for a fine tassel. Ties are adjustable: try the top on and retie before wearing.

Finishing

1. Weave in all remaining ends. On the lace, run ends along a solid treble column, never across a ch-sp. On the colourwork, weave into the back of matching stitches.
2. Wet block. Soak in lukewarm water, press out water in a towel (do not wring). Pin to the finished measurements:
   • Neck tab centred at the top, 2.5cm wide.
   • Lower hem 49 (55, 61, 65, 71, 77) cm wide.
   • Length from neck-tab top to scallop tips 26 (28, 30, 32, 34, 36) cm.
   • Pin every ch-3 scallop tip out to a sharp point.
   • Stretch the V-st lace until the columns radiate evenly from the centre marker; do not stretch the colourwork band as aggressively — it should stay slightly thicker than the lace.
3. Leave to dry fully before unpinning.
4. Lining (optional but recommended). Cut a triangle of lining fabric about 1cm smaller than the blocked lace on all sides, stopping at the top of the colourwork band so the scallops stay free. Whipstitch to the WS along the side edgings and the top of the colourwork band.

To wear: Tie the neck straps at the nape. Wrap the wings across the bust and tie the lower straps at the centre back. Cinch to taste — the ties are the only fit adjustment.

Schematic (text)

            neck ties (45–52cm each)
                 \         /
                  [7-dc tab]
                     / \
                    /   \      Phase 1 — +2 V-sts every row
                   /     \
                  /  V-st  \    Phase 2 — +4 V-sts every row (flare)
                 /   lace   \
                /             \
               | colourwork    |  Charts A + B (12 rows)
                \ scallops   /
         lower ties (70–95cm each)

Centre spine is marked throughout. Both wings are mirror images.