Go grab that gorgeous terracotta yarn you have been saving for something special. This is the project it has been waiting for.
This two-piece festival set combines a flattering halter crop top with high-waist shorts that feature the coolest corset-style lace-up panels on the sides. The construction is actually pretty straightforward once you break it down. You are working flat pieces and seaming them together, so no tricky in-the-round shaping to worry about. The golden yellow trim and sweet little sun appliqué add personality without adding complexity.
I will be honest with you. This is an intermediate level crochet pattern that requires patience and accurate gauge. But if you have made a few garments before and feel comfortable with increases, decreases, and basic seaming, you can absolutely do this. Let me walk you through every single step.
What Makes This Crochet Set Special
This coordinating set hits all the right notes for summer festivals, beach days, or just feeling cute in your backyard. The halter top features two triangle panels that create a flattering V-neckline at the bottom hem. The shorts sit at a comfortable high waist with that eye-catching lace-up detail on both sides.
The whole thing comes together in warm terracotta orange with pops of golden yellow. That little crocheted sun sitting on the right cup? It is worked separately as an appliqué and stitched on at the end. Easy to customize if you want to place it differently or skip it entirely.
Total project time runs between 22 and 33 hours depending on your experience level. The halter top takes roughly 8 to 12 hours, the shorts need 12 to 18 hours, and finishing touches add another 2 to 3 hours.
Materials You Will Need
Yarn Requirements:
Yarn Suggestions:
Lion Brand Pound of Love in Terracotta and Mustard works beautifully here. It has excellent stitch definition and holds its shape well in garments. Paintbox Yarns Simply DK worked doubled is another great option if you want a softer drape. Cascade 220 Superwash in Ginger and Sunflower gives you that lovely wool stitch definition with easy machine washing.
Whatever you choose, pick a worsted weight yarn that achieves gauge. For festival or beachwear, an acrylic or cotton-acrylic blend is practical because it handles moisture and washes easily.
Hooks:
Additional Materials:
Gauge Information
18 single crochet (sc) by 22 rows equals 4 inches by 4 inches (10 cm by 10 cm)
Measured in single crochet worked flat, blocked.
I cannot stress this enough. Gauge is mandatory for this pattern. These are close-fitting garments. Even a half-stitch difference per inch will significantly alter your finished measurements. Work a swatch of at least 20 stitches by 24 rows, block it, and measure from the center of the swatch, not the edges.
Finished Measurements
This pattern is written for size Small/Medium (US size 4/6) with customization notes at the end.
Halter Top:
Shorts:
Abbreviations and Stitch Definitions
Let me break down every abbreviation you will encounter. If you are newer to garment crochet, bookmark this section.
Special Stitches
Surface Slip Stitch (used for creating lace-up channels on shorts sides):
With RS facing, insert hook from front to back through the fabric at the marked position. Pull up a loop of yarn from behind the fabric to the front. Insert hook into the next stitch or row end to the right. Pull up another loop and draw it through the loop on your hook. Continue working along the surface to create a raised chain-like line. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Shell Edging (used at hem of top and waist/leg edges of shorts):
Skip 1 stitch, work 5 dc in next stitch, skip 1 stitch, slip stitch in next stitch. This 4-stitch repeat requires stitch counts divisible by 4.
Important Pattern Notes
Before you start, read through these notes. They will save you confusion later.
1. The halter top is worked in two mirrored triangle panels. Each is worked flat from the bottom point upward with increases. The two panels join at the center front seam.
2. The shorts are worked in two identical panels from waistband to hem. Side edges are partially left open for corset lacing. Only the inseam and crotch curve are seamed.
3. Work with MC (terracotta orange) unless the pattern specifies CC (golden yellow).
4. Turning chains: At the beginning of every row, chain 1 and turn. This chain 1 does NOT count as a stitch. Work the first stitch of every row in the first stitch at the base of the turning chain.
5. Mark the right side with a stitch marker from the first row. Always work trim rows with the right side facing outward.
6. The side lace-up panels are created by leaving a 3-inch opening on each side edge rather than seaming those sections closed.
7. Block all pieces before final seaming. Crochet fabric can grow or shrink up to 10 percent during blocking.
Part One: Halter Top Instructions
The halter top consists of two mirror-image triangle panels called the Right Cup and Left Cup. You will work them separately, then seam them together at the center front.
Right Cup Panel
This panel is worked flat from the bottom point upward. Increases happen along the outer side edge only. The inner edge stays straight and becomes your center front seam.
Foundation: With MC and size J hook, ch 3.
Row 1 (RS): Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next ch, turn. (2 sc)
Row 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in first sc, sc to end, turn. (3 sc)
Row 3: Ch 1, sc to last st, 2 sc in last st, turn. (4 sc)
Row 4: Ch 1, 2 sc in first sc, sc to end, turn. (5 sc)
Row 5: Ch 1, sc to last st, 2 sc in last st, turn. (6 sc)
Row 6: Ch 1, 2 sc in first sc, sc to end, turn. (7 sc)
Row 7: Ch 1, sc to last st, 2 sc in last st, turn. (8 sc)
Row 8: Ch 1, 2 sc in first sc, sc to end, turn. (9 sc)
Row 9: Ch 1, sc to last st, 2 sc in last st, turn. (10 sc)
Row 10: Ch 1, 2 sc in first sc, sc to end, turn. (11 sc)
Row 11: Ch 1, sc to last st, 2 sc in last st, turn. (12 sc)
Row 12: Ch 1, 2 sc in first sc, sc to end, turn. (13 sc)
Row 13: Ch 1, sc to last st, 2 sc in last st, turn. (14 sc)
Row 14: Ch 1, 2 sc in first sc, sc to end, turn. (15 sc)
Row 15: Ch 1, sc to last st, 2 sc in last st, turn. (16 sc)
Row 16: Ch 1, 2 sc in first sc, sc to end, turn. (17 sc)
Row 17: Ch 1, sc to last st, 2 sc in last st, turn. (18 sc)
Row 18: Ch 1, 2 sc in first sc, sc to end, turn. (19 sc)
Row 19: Ch 1, sc to last st, 2 sc in last st, turn. (20 sc)
Row 20: Ch 1, 2 sc in first sc, sc to end, turn. (21 sc)
Row 21: Ch 1, sc to last st, 2 sc in last st, turn. (22 sc)
Row 22: Ch 1, 2 sc in first sc, sc to end, turn. (23 sc)
Row 23: Ch 1, sc to last st, 2 sc in last st, turn. (24 sc)
Row 24: Ch 1, 2 sc in first sc, sc to end, turn. (25 sc)
Row 25: Ch 1, sc to last st, 2 sc in last st, turn. (26 sc)
Row 26: Ch 1, 2 sc in first sc, sc to end, turn. (27 sc)
Row 27: Ch 1, sc to last st, 2 sc in last st, turn. (28 sc)
Row 28: Ch 1, 2 sc in first sc, sc to end, turn. (29 sc)
Row 29: Ch 1, sc to last st, 2 sc in last st, turn. (30 sc)
Row 30: Ch 1, 2 sc in first sc, sc to end, turn. (31 sc)
Row 31: Ch 1, sc to last st, 2 sc in last st, turn. (32 sc)
Row 32: Ch 1, 2 sc in first sc, sc to end, turn. (33 sc)
Row 33: Ch 1, sc to last st, 2 sc in last st, turn. (34 sc)
Row 34: Ch 1, 2 sc in first sc, sc to end, turn. (35 sc)
Row 35: Ch 1, sc to last st, 2 sc in last st, turn. (36 sc)
Checkpoint: After Row 35, your Right Cup panel should measure approximately 6.5 inches (16.5 cm) wide and 6.5 inches (16.5 cm) tall along the outer angled edge.
Now work straight with no more increases for the top band section:
Rows 36 through 40: Ch 1, sc across all 36 sts, turn. (36 sc each row)
Top Shaping with decreases on the outer edge only:
Row 41: Ch 1, sc to last 2 sts, sc2tog, turn. (35 sc)
Row 42: Ch 1, sc across, turn. (35 sc)
Row 43: Ch 1, sc to last 2 sts, sc2tog, turn. (34 sc)
Row 44: Ch 1, sc across, turn. (34 sc)
Row 45: Ch 1, sc to last 2 sts, sc2tog, turn. (33 sc)
Row 46: Ch 1, sc across, turn. (33 sc)
Row 47: Ch 1, sc to last 2 sts, sc2tog, turn. (32 sc)
Row 48: Ch 1, sc across, turn. (32 sc)
Fasten off MC, leaving a 20-inch (51 cm) tail for seaming.
Left Cup Panel
Work exactly as the Right Cup Panel through all 48 rows, but mirror the increases and decreases.
For the Left Cup, increases happen at the END of odd rows and BEGINNING of even rows:
Row 1 (RS): Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next ch, turn. (2 sc)
Row 2: Ch 1, sc to last st, 2 sc in last st, turn. (3 sc)
Row 3: Ch 1, 2 sc in first sc, sc to end, turn. (4 sc)
Continue this mirrored increase pattern through Row 35 (ending with 36 sc), then work Rows 36 through 40 straight.
For Rows 41 through 48, work decreases at the BEGINNING of odd rows:
Row 41: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc to end, turn. (35 sc)
Row 42: Ch 1, sc across, turn. (35 sc)
Row 43: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc to end, turn. (34 sc)
Row 44: Ch 1, sc across, turn. (34 sc)
Row 45: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc to end, turn. (33 sc)
Row 46: Ch 1, sc across, turn. (33 sc)
Row 47: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc to end, turn. (32 sc)
Row 48: Ch 1, sc across, turn. (32 sc)
Fasten off MC, leaving a 20-inch (51 cm) tail for seaming.
Joining the Cup Panels
Lay the Right Cup and Left Cup with right sides together. The straight inner edges are your seam edges. Using the long tail from the Right Cup, whipstitch through both inner edges from the bottom point upward to the top. The seam runs approximately 6.5 inches (16.5 cm).
Turn right side out. The two triangle points meet at the center bottom hem.
Top Trim and Neckline Edge
With RS facing and CC, join yarn at the right side top outer corner.
Trim Row 1: Ch 1, sc evenly across the top edge of both cups, working approximately 1 sc per row end, for a total of 64 sc across. Turn. (64 sc)
Trim Row 2: Ch 1, sc across all 64 sts. Turn. (64 sc)
Fasten off CC.
Neckline Ties
Right Tie: With CC, ch 70 (approximately 13 inches), sl st to the right outer top corner. Fasten off.
Left Tie: With CC, ch 70, sl st to the left outer top corner. Fasten off.
Back Ties
With CC, ch 120 (approximately 22 inches). Join one end with a sl st to the right side edge at the midpoint of the angled edge (approximately at Row 22). Attach the other end to the left side edge at the same level. The excess chain on each side becomes the bow tie ends.
Bottom Hem Trim
With RS facing and CC, join yarn at the bottom left edge of the completed top.
Work 1 sc trim row along the entire bottom hem, approximately 32 sts along the V-shaped edge. Adjust to nearest multiple of 4.
Shell Edging Row: Ch 3, (sk 1 st, 5 dc in next st, sk 1 st, sl st in next st) 8 times. Fasten off CC.
Part Two: Sun Appliqué
Round 1: With CC, make a magic ring, ch 1, work 6 sc into the ring, sl st to first sc to join. (6 sc)
Round 2: Ch 1, work 2 sc in each sc around, sl st to first sc to join. (12 sc)
Round 3: Ch 1, (sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc) 6 times, sl st to first sc to join. (18 sc)
Round 4 (rays): Ch 1, (sc in next sc, ch 3, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sl st in next ch, sl st in same sc at base) 18 times, sl st to first sc to join. Fasten off, leaving a 12-inch (30 cm) tail.
Block the appliqué flat. Position it on the Right Cup, approximately 3 inches (7.5 cm) up from the bottom hem tip. Whipstitch around the outer edge of the center circle. Leave the rays free for dimension.
Part Three: Shorts Instructions
Shorts Front Panel (make 1)
With MC and size J hook, ch 79.
Foundation Row: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn. (78 sc)
Rows 1 through 8: Ch 1, sc in each sc across, turn. (78 sc each row)
This establishes your waistband section.
Rows 9 through 30: Ch 1, sc in each sc across, turn. (78 sc each row)
Checkpoint: After Row 30, your panel should measure approximately 5.5 inches (14 cm) from the foundation edge.
Crotch Shaping:
Row 31: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc to last 2 sts, sc2tog, turn. (76 sc)
Row 32: Ch 1, sc across, turn. (76 sc)
Row 33: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc to last 2 sts, sc2tog, turn. (74 sc)
Row 34: Ch 1, sc across, turn. (74 sc)
Row 35: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc to last 2 sts, sc2tog, turn. (72 sc)
Row 36: Ch 1, sc across, turn. (72 sc)
Row 37: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc to last 2 sts, sc2tog, turn. (70 sc)
Row 38: Ch 1, sc across, turn. (70 sc)
Row 39: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc to last 2 sts, sc2tog, turn. (68 sc)
Row 40: Ch 1, sc across, turn. (68 sc)
Row 41: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc to last 2 sts, sc2tog, turn. (66 sc)
Row 42: Ch 1, sc across, turn. (66 sc)
Row 43: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc to last 2 sts, sc2tog, turn. (64 sc)
Row 44: Ch 1, sc across, turn. (64 sc)
Inseam/Leg Section:
Rows 45 through 50: Ch 1, sc across, turn. (64 sc each row)
Fasten off MC, leaving a 24-inch (61 cm) tail for seaming.
Shorts Back Panel (make 1)
Work exactly the same as the Shorts Front Panel, all 50 rows.
Seaming the Shorts
Step 1: Crotch Seam. Place Front and Back Panels with right sides together. Whipstitch along the crotch curve, starting at center bottom and seaming across 20 stitches toward the left inseam. Mirror on the other side.
Step 2: Inseam. Join the front panel leg edge to the back panel leg edge for the 6-row inseam section (Rows 45 through 50). This creates approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) of inner leg seam at each leg.
Step 3: Side Seams with Lacing Opening. On each side, seam from the waistband downward for 5 inches (12.5 cm), then leave a 3-inch (7.5 cm) opening for lacing, then resume seaming for the remaining length to the leg hem.
Reinforce the edges at the top and bottom of each opening with a sl st using CC.
Corset Lacing
Along both vertical edges of each side opening, work a row of Surface Slip Stitches in CC approximately 0.5 inch (1.25 cm) from each edge.
Cut 4 lengths of CC yarn, each 36 inches (91 cm) long. Lace through the surface stitch columns in a criss-cross pattern from top to bottom. Tie off at the bottom and add a gold bead to each yarn tail if desired.
Waistband Trim
With RS facing and CC, join yarn at the right back waistband edge.
Trim Row 1: Ch 1, sc evenly around the entire waistband opening. Total should be approximately 156 sc around. Sl st to first sc to join. (156 sc)
Trim Row 2: Ch 1, sc in each sc around, sl st to first sc to join. (156 sc)
Shell Edging Rnd: Ch 3, (sk 1 st, 5 dc in next st, sk 1 st, sl st in next st) 39 times, sl st to base of starting ch 3. Fasten off CC.
Leg Hem Trim
With RS facing and CC, join yarn at the inseam of the right leg opening.
Work 1 sc per stitch around the leg hem, approximately 64 sc around.
Shell Edging Rnd: Ch 3, (sk 1 st, 5 dc in next st, sk 1 st, sl st in next st) 16 times, sl st to base of starting ch 3. Fasten off CC.
Repeat for the left leg opening.
Part Four: Finishing and Blocking
Wet blocking is strongly recommended for both pieces.
1. Weave in all remaining ends securely, working in at least two directions.
2. Fill a basin with lukewarm water. Submerge both pieces completely. Gently press to saturate. Do not wring or twist.
3. Press out excess water between clean towels.
4. Lay flat on a blocking surface. Pin the halter top to 16 inches (40.5 cm) wide and 10 inches (25.5 cm) long. Pin the shorts to 13 inches (33 cm) long and 17 to 18 inches (43 to 46 cm) wide at hips.
5. Allow to dry completely (24 to 48 hours).
6. Attach the sun appliqué and add the corset lacing.
Size Customization Tips
To size down to XS (US 0/2): Chain 77 instead of 79 for shorts (76 sc). Work top cup panels through Row 32 instead of Row 35 before straight rows. Reduce ties by 10 chains each.
To size up to Large (US 12/14): Chain 83 instead of 79 for shorts (82 sc). Work top cup panels through Row 39 instead of Row 35. Add 10 chains to ties.
To size up to XL (US 16/18): Chain 87 for shorts (86 sc). Work top cup panels through Row 43 instead of Row 35. Add 20 chains to ties.
General Rule: Every 4 stitches added to the shorts waist adds approximately 0.9 inch (2.25 cm) to circumference. Every 2 extra rows on top cup panels increases cup width by approximately 0.5 inch (1.25 cm).
For longer shorts inseam: Add rows at the inseam section before leg hem trim. Every 4 rows adds approximately 0.75 inch (2 cm).
Care Instructions
For acrylic or acrylic-blend yarn, machine wash on gentle cycle in cold water and lay flat to dry. Do not tumble dry, iron, or dry clean.
For superwash wool, hand wash in cool water with gentle wool wash. Press out excess water in a towel and lay flat to dry.
Store folded flat rather than hung. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight to prevent color fading.
Thank you so much for choosing this pattern. I truly hope you love making and wearing your Sunset Orange Festival Crochet Set as much as I loved designing it. If you want to share your finished piece, tag me on Instagram or post it to my Facebook group. I always love seeing what you create.
If this pattern caught your eye, go ahead and save it to your Pinterest boards so you can find it when you are ready to start. And please drop a comment below once you finish yours. I would love to hear how it turned out for you.
