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Pura Vida Halter Pattern

Pura Vida Halter Pattern
4.6★ Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
3.0K Made This
✂️

Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic crochet experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

⏱️

Weekend Treat

Takes 5-7 hours, making it an enjoyable project to finish over a couple of days.

👕

Casual Chic

Relaxed style with a modern twist, perfect for everyday wear while maintaining that handcrafted uniqueness.

About This Pura Vida Halter Pattern

This pattern creates a triangular halter top worked flat, using medium worsted cotton yarn in four colors for a striped, textured look. The design uses regular double crochet rows and two spike-double-crochet variations to shape the panel and create the chevron-style center. Included are size-specific instructions for S through 3XL, a finishing trim, and instructions for making neck straps and a tie-back.

Pura Vida Halter Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Perfect for warm-weather wardrobes, this top is adjustable at the back and finished with braided straps and tassels. The pattern includes clear photos and diagrams to guide you through spike stitches and placement of stitch markers.

Why You'll Love This Pura Vida Halter Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it combines simple stitches with a few creative techniques to make a striking wearable. The spike double crochet rows add a beautiful texture that elevates a basic halter into something special. I love how adjustable the back is — it makes the top flattering for many body types and easy to fit. The step-by-step photos and size breakdowns make it enjoyable to follow and rewarding when you see the striped chevron panel come together.

Pura Vida Halter Pattern step 1 - construction progress Pura Vida Halter Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Pura Vida Halter Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Pura Vida Halter Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love how easy it is to change the look of this halter by swapping colors; try pastel shades for a soft, vintage feel or bold brights for a festival-ready top.

To make the top larger or smaller, change your yarn weight and hook size—using a bulky yarn with a larger hook will give you a chunky, oversized top while fingering weight yarn produces a delicate, smaller top.

I sometimes replace the braided straps with thin leather cords or macrame ties for a mixed-texture finish that dresses the top up.

Swap the finishing trim for a scalloped edge or bobble trim to give a playful or more decorative border—just adjust stitch counts to fit the edges.

You can shorten the length by stopping a few rows earlier for a cropped look, or extend rows beyond the recommended counts for more coverage and a tunic effect.

If you want a sportier look, use a cotton-blend yarn with a little stretch so the top hugs the body more; this also helps with active wear usability.

Try working the entire panel in one color and adding contrasting color stripes only in the trim for a minimalist version that still has texture from the spike stitches.

Add small beads on the ends of the tassels for a boho-chic accent that catches the light and personalizes your top.

I often adjust strap placement by using the ch-1 spaces at the top corners differently—move strap placement inwards or outwards to change how open the back is.

For a festival-ready outfit, make two matching panels and stitch them together at the center back to create a double-layered top with interesting color play between layers.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Not placing stitch markers at the recommended stitch before row 21 can make shaping and symmetry difficult; place the marker exactly where instructed (example: st 56 for size S) and move it as directed to maintain alignment. ✗ Changing colors mid-stitch incorrectly will leave loose loops and messy joins; complete the last yarn over and pull through with the new color on the final stitch to make a clean color change. ✗ Forgetting to count stitches after increases or spike rows often creates uneven edges; count your total stitches at the end of each row (the pattern lists totals) and adjust before continuing. ✗ Braiding straps unevenly or cutting lengths incorrectly results in mismatched ties; measure and cut all strap pieces to the specified length for your size, separate into even strands, and braid consistently before trimming. ✗ Skipping the finishing trim or working it loosely will make the edge look unfinished; work the trim exactly as written (hdc sequence and corner stitches) and join with a slip stitch, then weave in all loose ends carefully.

Pura Vida Halter Pattern

Make a breezy, boho-inspired halter top with this detailed crochet pattern. The Pura Vida Halter uses medium worsted cotton yarn in four colors to create a triangular panel with spike stitch accents and a neat finishing trim. You will get clear row-by-row instructions, size breakdowns S-3XL, and step-by-step finishing and strap details to complete a wearable summer top.

Intermediate 5-7 Hours

Materials Needed for Pura Vida Halter Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Medium worsted weight (#4) cotton yarn
  • 02
    4 different colors (referred to as Color A, Color B, Color C, Color D)
  • 03
    Approximate yardage per color by size: S - 100 yds each, M - 120 yds each, L - 140 yds each, XL - 160 yds each, 2XL - 180 yds each, 3XL - 200 yds each

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 3.75 mm
  • 02
    Tapestry needle
  • 03
    Tape (for taping down knots while braiding)
  • 04
    Tape measure
  • 05
    Stitch markers
  • 06
    Scissors
  • 07
    Yarn needle for weaving in ends

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— Body :

Infos :

Row Types Key. Regular dc row increases row by 6 st. ch 3, dc in very 1st st, dc in each st until midpoint, 5 dc in midpoint, dc in each st until you reach the last st, 2 dc in the last st, turn. Spike dc row increases row by 6 st. ch 3, dc into the 1st st, spike dc into 1st st in the row below, [dc into next st, spike dc into next st in the row below] repeat until you reach the midpoint, 5 dc in midpoint, spike dc into next st in the row below, [dc into next st, spike dc into next st in the row below] repeat until you reach the last st, 2 dc in the last st, turn. Spike dc row #2 increases row by 6 st. ch 3, dc into 1st st, dc into next st, spike dc into 2nd st in the row below, [dc into next st, spike dc into next st in the row below], repeat until you reach the midpoint, 5 dc in midpoint, [spike dc into next st in the row below, dc into next st] repeat until you reach the last st, 2 dc in the last st, turn.

Info :

Changing Colors. Since this top is made of 4 different colors, we change colors often. Method: 1. In the last dc of the row before the color change, pause before the last yarn over and pull through. 2. Tie the new color on the current color as close to the dc as possible. 3. Complete the dc (yarn over and pull through) using the new color. Now you can begin the next row with the new color!

Info :

Body (Start Here). Note: after row 20, sizes will break off into their own sections.

Row 1 :

Color A - ch 4 (1st ch is the foundation ch, next 3 chs will count as a dc), next 6 dc into the 4th ch from the hook, turn. 7 dc.

Row 2 :

Color A - ch 3 (counts as a dc throughout pattern), dc in very 1st st, dc into the next 2 st, 5 dc in the next st, dc in the next 2 st, 2 dc in the last st, turn. 13 dc.

Row 3 :

Color B - regular dc row - total: 19 dc.

Row 4 :

Color B - regular dc row - total: 25 dc.

Row 5 :

Color C - spike dc row - total: 31 dc.

Row 6 :

Color C - regular dc row - total: 37 dc.

Row 7 :

Color A - regular dc row - total: 43 dc.

Row 8 :

Color A - regular dc row - total: 49 dc.

Row 9 :

Color B - spike dc row - total: 55 dc.

Row 10 :

Color B - regular dc row - total: 61 dc.

Row 11 :

Color D - regular dc row - total: 67 dc.

Row 12 :

Color C - regular dc row - total: 73 dc.

Row 13 :

Color C - regular dc row - total: 79 dc.

Row 14 :

Color A - spike dc row #2 - total: 85 dc.

Row 15 :

Color A - regular dc row - total: 91 dc.

Row 16 :

Color B - regular dc row - total: 97 dc.

Row 17 :

Color B - regular dc row - total: 103 dc.

Row 18 :

Color C - spike dc row #2 - total: 109 dc.

Row 19 :

Color C - regular dc row - total: 115 dc.

Row 20 :

Color A - regular dc row - total: 121 dc.

— Size S :

Info :

Before starting Row 21, place a stitch marker on st 56.

Row 21 :

Color A - ch 3, dc in 1st st, dc in each st to the stitch marker, move the marker up to current row, dc in the next 2 st, sc in the next st, sl st in the next 3 st, sc in the next st, dc in the next 2 st, dc in the next st and place a stitch marker, dc in each st until the last st, 2 dc in the last st - total: 118 dc, 2 sc, 3 sl st.

Row 22 :

Color B - ch 3, [spike dc into 1st st in the row below, dc into next st] repeat to the marker, sl st in the next st, turn - total: 58 dc, 1 sl st. This will leave you off on the top of the piece.

Row 23 :

Color B - sl st into the next st, dc in the next 2 st and place a stitch marker, dc in each st until you reach the last st, 2 dc in the last st, fasten off - total: 58 dc, 1 sl st.

Info :

The stitch marker will be used when completing the trim in step 2. Repeat Row 22 and 23 on the opposite side of the piece for symmetry, connect color B with a sl st to begin. Weave in the loose ends.

— Size M :

Row 21 :

Color A - regular dc row - total: 127 dc.

Row 22 :

Color B - spike dc row #2 - total: 133 dc.

Info :

Before starting Row 23, place a stitch marker on st 62.

Row 23 :

Color B - ch 3, dc in 1st st, dc in each st to the stitch marker, move the marker up to current row, dc in the next 2 st, sc in the next st, sl st in the next 3 st, sc in the next st, dc in the next 2 st, dc in the next st and place a stitch marker, dc in each st until the last st, 2 dc in the last st - total: 130 dc, 2 sc, 3 sl st.

Row 24 :

Color C - ch 3, dc into the 1st st, dc in each st to the stitch marker, sl st in the next st, turn - total: 64 dc, 1 sl st. This will leave you off on the top of the piece.

Row 25 :

Color C - sl st into the next st, dc in the next 2 st and place a stitch marker, dc in each st until you reach the last st, 2 dc in the last st, fasten off - total: 64 dc, 1 sl st.

Info :

Repeat Row 24 and 25 on the opposite side of the piece for symmetry, connect color C with a sl st to begin. Weave in the loose ends.

— Size L :

Row 21 :

Color A - regular dc row - total: 127 dc.

Row 22 :

Color D - regular dc row - total: 133 dc.

Row 23 :

Color B - regular dc row - total: 139 dc.

Info :

Before starting Row 24, place a stitch marker on st 65.

Row 24 :

Color B - ch 3, dc in 1st st, dc in each st to the stitch marker, move the marker up to current row, dc in the next 2 st, sc in the next st, sl st in the next 3 st, sc in the next st, dc in the next 2 st, dc in the next st and place a stitch marker, dc in each st until the last st, 2 dc in the last st - total: 136 dc, 2 sc, 3 sl st.

Row 25 :

Color C - ch 3, [spike dc into 1st st in the row below, dc into next st] repeat to the marker, sl st in the next st, turn - total: 67 dc, sl st. This will leave you off on the top of the piece.

Row 26 :

Color C - sl st into the next st, dc in the next 2 st and place a stitch marker, dc in each st until you reach the last st, 2 dc in the last st, fasten off - total: 67 dc, 1 sl st.

Info :

Repeat Row 25 and 26 on the opposite side of the piece for symmetry, connect color C with a sl st to begin. Weave in the loose ends.

— Size XL :

Row 21 :

Color A - regular dc row - total: 127 dc.

Row 22 :

Color D - regular dc row - total: 133 dc.

Row 23 :

Color B - regular dc row - total: 139 dc.

Info :

Before starting Row 24, place a stitch marker on st 65.

Row 24 :

Color B - ch 3, dc in 1st st, dc in each st to the stitch marker, move the marker up to current row, dc in the next 2 st, sc in the next st, sl st in the next 3 st, sc in the next st, dc in the next 2 st, dc in the next st and place a stitch marker, dc in each st until the last st, 2 dc in the last st - total: 136 dc, 2 sc, 3 sl st.

Row 25 :

Color C - ch 3, [spike dc into 1st st in the row below, dc into next st] repeat to the marker, sl st in the next st, turn - total: 67 dc, sl st. This will leave you off on the top of the piece.

Row 26 :

Color C - sl st into the next st, dc in the next st, dc in the next st and place a marker here, dc in each st until you reach the last st, 2 dc in the last st - total: 67 dc, 1 sl st.

Row 27 :

Color A - ch 3, dc into the 1st st, dc in each st until you reach the marker, sl st in the next st, turn - total: 67 dc, 1 sl st. This will leave you off on the top of the piece.

Row 28 :

Color A - sl st into the next st, dc in the next 2 st and place a stitch marker, dc in each st until you reach the last st, 2 dc in the last st, fasten off - total: 67 dc, 1 sl st.

Info :

Repeat Row 25, 26, 27 and 28 on the opposite side of the piece for symmetry, connect color C with a sl st to begin. Weave in the loose ends.

— Size 2XL :

Row 21 :

Color A - regular dc row - total: 127 dc.

Row 22 :

Color D - regular dc row - total: 133 dc.

Row 23 :

Color B - regular dc row - total: 139 dc.

Row 24 :

Color B - regular dc row - total: 145 dc.

Row 25 :

Color C - spike dc row - total: 151 dc.

Info :

Before starting Row 26, place a stitch marker on st 71.

Row 26 :

Color C - ch 3, dc in 1st st, dc in each st to the stitch marker, move the marker up to current row, dc in the next 2 st, sc in the next st, sl st in the next 3 st, sc in the next st, dc in the next 2 st, dc in the next st and place a stitch marker, dc in each st until the last st, 2 dc in the last st - total: 148 dc, 2 sc, 3 sl st.

Row 27 :

Color A - ch 3, dc into the 1st st, dc in each st to the marker, sl st in the next st, turn - total: 73 dc, 1 sl st.

Row 28 :

Color A - sl st into the next st, dc in the next st, dc in the next st and place a marker here, dc in each st until you reach the last st, 2 dc in the last st - total: 73 dc, 1 sl st.

Row 29 :

Color B - ch 3, [spike dc into 1st st in the row below, dc into next st] repeat to the marker, sl st in the next st, turn - total: 73 dc, sl st. This will leave you off on the top of the piece.

Row 30 :

Color B - sl st into the next st, dc in the next 2 st and place a stitch marker, dc in each st until you reach the last st, 2 dc in the last st, fasten off - total: 73 dc, 1 sl st.

Info :

Repeat Row 27, 28, 29 and 30 on the opposite side of the piece for symmetry.

— Size 3XL :

Row 21 :

Color A - regular dc row - total: 127 dc.

Row 22 :

Color D - regular dc row - total: 133 dc.

Row 23 :

Color B - regular dc row - total: 139 dc.

Row 24 :

Color B - regular dc row - total: 145 dc.

Row 25 :

Color C - spike dc row - total: 151 dc.

Row 26 :

Color C - regular dc row - total: 157 dc.

Row 27 :

Color A - regular dc row - total: 163 dc.

Info :

Before starting Row 28, place a stitch marker on st 77.

Row 28 :

Color A - ch 3, dc in 1st st, dc in each st to the stitch marker, move the marker up to current row, dc in the next 2 st, sc in the next st, sl st in the next 3 st, sc in the next st, dc in the next 2 st, dc in the next st and place a stitch marker, dc in each st until the last st, 2 dc in the last st - total: 160 dc, 2 sc, 3 sl st.

Row 29 :

Color B - ch 3, [spike dc into 1st st in the row below, dc into next st] repeat to the marker, sl st in the next st, turn - total: 79 dc, sl st. This will leave you off on the top of the piece.

Row 30 :

Color B - sl st into the next st, dc in the next st, dc in the next st and place a marker here, dc in each st until you reach the last st, 2 dc in the last st - total: 79 dc, 1 sl st.

Row 31 :

Color C - ch 3, dc into the 1st st, dc in each st to the marker, sl st in the next st, turn - total: 79 dc, 1 sl st. This will leave you off on the top of the piece.

Row 32 :

Color C - sl st into the next st, dc in each st, dc in the next st and place a stitch marker, dc in each st until you reach the last st, 2 dc in the last st - total: 79 dc, 1 sl st.

Row 33 :

Color A - ch 3, [spike dc into 1st st in the row below, dc into next st] repeat to the marker, sl st in the next st, turn - total: 79 dc, sl st. This will leave you off on the top of the piece.

Row 34 :

Color A - sl st into the next st, dc in the next 2 st and place a stitch marker, dc in each st until you reach the last st, 2 dc in the last st - total: 79 dc, 1 sl st.

Info :

Repeat Row 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 and 34 on the opposite side of the piece for symmetry, connect color B with a sl st to begin. Weave in all loose ends.

— Trim :

Info :

Finishing Trim. We'll start the trim along the bottom of the panel, so connect color D with a sl st at the bottom left corner to begin.

Rnd 1 (Size S) :

ch 2, hdc into the 1st st, hdc across the bottom of the panel, 4 hdc in the corner to make the first turn, hdc across the side of the panel until you reach the marker, [hdc, ch-1 sp, hdc] in the top right corner (for strap placement in the next step), hdc across the top of the panel until you reach the next marker, [hdc, ch-1 sp, hdc] in the top left corner, hdc across the side of the panel until you reach the bottom left corner, 2 hdc in the same st where you began the trim, join with a sl st, fasten off. Weave in all loose ends.

Rnd 1 (Sizes M,L,XL,2XL,3XL) :

ch 2, hdc into the 1st st, hdc across the bottom of the panel, 4 hdc in the corner to make the first turn, [hdc2tog, hdc in the next st] repeat across the side of the panel, [hdc, ch-1 sp, hdc] in the top right corner of the panel (for strap placement in the next step), hdc across the top of the panel, [hdc, ch-1 sp, hdc] in the top left corner, [hdc2tog, hdc in the next st] repeat across the side of the panel until you reach the bottom left corner, 2 hdc in the same st where you began the trim, join with a sl st, fasten off. Weave in all loose ends.

— Neck Straps + Tie Back :

Neck Straps (Info) :

Cut 5 yarn pieces of color D at 70" (72", 76", 80", 84", 86") each. Insert them into the ch-1 sp at one of the top corners of the halter top, pull the yarn through until the ends meet and it's folded in half. You will have 10 pieces. Separate the pieces of yarn into 3 strands with 3-4 pieces in each strand. Braid the yarn until there is 2" remaining. Make a large knot and trim ends to 1" to create a simple and clean tassel. Repeat this process to make a 2nd strap on the opposite side.

Tie Back Strap (Info) :

Cut 9 yarn pieces of color D at 110" (112", 116", 120", 124", 128") each. Make a large knot with 2" of ends. Separate the pieces of yarn into 3 strands with 3 pieces in each strand. Braid the yarn until there is 2" remaining. Be sure to pull on a strand as you go to keep the strands untangled. Make a large knot and trim both ends to 1" to create 2 simple and clean tassels. Tape down your knot in the beginning to make the braiding easier.

Assembly Info :

Lacing up the back: Insert the strap on both sides into the last dc row, about 12 dc from the end of the row. You can use a hook to help get the strap through. I cross it once from top to bottom and then insert the straps into the opposite sides before the last dc. You can easily change and customize the way you lace it according to the fit you are going for.

— Sizing :

Info :

Sizing Info. Remember that instructions are written in sizes S (M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL). Numbers for each size are shown in the same color throughout the pattern. After row 20 in step 1, sizes break off into their own sections. Keep in mind that since the back is adjustable, you can always make the top have a larger fit by tying the straps looser in the back.

Info :

Finished Dimensions (taken while garment is lying flat, unstretched): Width S 23" M 25" L 26" XL 28" 2XL 30" 3XL 34". Length S 11" M 12" L 12.5" XL 13.5" 2XL 14.5" 3XL 15.5".

Assembly Instructions

  • Connect color D to the bottom left corner with a slip stitch and work the finishing trim around the entire panel as instructed; join and fasten off, then weave in all loose ends.
  • Create neck straps by folding and inserting 5 cut strands of color D into each top corner ch-1 sp, separate into braid groups, braid and knot to create tassels, and attach on both top corners.
  • Make the tie-back by braiding 9 strands of color D into a long strap, knotting and trimming ends, then insert the strap into the last dc row approximately 12 dc from each end and lace across to secure.
  • Place stitch markers as indicated for your size (examples: st 56 for S, st 62 for M, st 65 for L/XL, st 71 for 2XL, st 77 for 3XL) and move markers as you work the designated shaping rows to ensure symmetry and correct strap placement.

Important Notes

  • 💡Work with consistent tension throughout to keep the triangular panel even and the chevron centered.
  • 💡Place and move stitch markers exactly where instructed; they are used for shaping and trim placement.
  • 💡Weave in loose ends after completing both sides and before attaching straps to keep the back neat and reduce bulk.

This Pura Vida Halter is a breezy summer essential you'll reach for all season long. Make one in neutrals for effortless layering or bright contrasting colors for a bold beach look. Adjustable back straps and clear size breakdowns make fitting easy, and finished edges give a polished result. 🌞🧶

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

Finished dimensions are provided in the pattern: Width S 23", M 25", L 26", XL 28", 2XL 30", 3XL 34"; Length S 11", M 12", L 12.5", XL 13.5", 2XL 14.5", 3XL 15.5" measured lying flat and unstretched.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

You can, but this will affect the finished size and drape; if you choose a different yarn weight, adjust the hook size and check gauge (pattern gauge: 15 st x 10 rows = 4" x 4").

Do I need to know how to work spike double crochet?

Yes, the pattern uses spike dc and spike dc #2 variations; photos and the row types key explain how to work spike stitches—practice on a swatch first if you're unsure.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

This pattern is estimated to take 5-7 hours for someone comfortable with double crochet and basic shaping, though time will vary by size and experience.