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Crochet Bucket Hat Patterns

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Bucket hats are trending hard this summer. They're cute. They're easy to make. And they keep the sun off of your face. So, no wonder people are enjoying this trend. If you want to get in on the fun, we decided to round up some of the best crochet bucket hat patterns for you.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I can offer you free content partly because of the commission I make from these links. Buying from these links doesn't change your price. THANK YOU.

crochet bucket hat patterns

What Is a Bucket Hat?

If you aren't someone who stays up on the trends, which is absolutely okay, then you might not be quite sure what a bucket hat is. You've surely seen them, though. If you can picture a “fisherman's hat,” then you have a good sense of what a bucket hat usually looks like. They're basically a hat with a wide brim that slopes downward, protecting you from the sun. And since the brim is such a key design component, you can do fun things with it to enhance your personal style.

Bucket hats are usually, but not always, made of cotton. They're a little bit floppy but they also have a little bit of structure, which makes crochet a perfect technique to craft them. Making small projects like hats during the warmer summer is always great fun, and cotton crochet projects are even better.

The Best Yarn For Crochet Bucket Hats

Although you can make bucket hats from various materials, they're often crocheted with cotton yarn. Each of the crochet patterns below comes with its own yarn recommendations. Several of them are featured in our recent roundup of the best cotton yarns in every yarn weight. Be sure to check that out!

Best Crochet Bucket Hat Patterns

The bucket hat trend, much like the trend for bodiless knit and crochet sweaters, is a bit controversial. People seem to either love them or hate them! If you're in the camp that's all for them; here are some of the best crochet bucket hat patterns to try.

Lily Sun Swirl Bucket Hat Crochet Pattern

swirl bucket hat

This is one of the most classic crochet bucket hat patterns in terms of the shale of the hat itself. It's got that sort of beanie-but-squared-off-a-little top combined with the wide downward-sloping brim. And yet, it's got a really original, eye-catching look because it uses color changes to create the swirling, curving design. The fact that the long swirls come from the top of the hat down to the brim in a vertical fashion emphasizes the elongated style of the bucket hat.

You might also want to check out the Lily Summer Stripes crochet bucket hat pattern. It's got horizontal stripes rather than vertical swirls. It also has a slightly shorter brim, which you may or may not prefer in these hats.

Lily Flower Power Bucket Hat Crochet Pattern

floral crochet granny bucket hat pattern

Crochet bucket hat patterns lend themselves really well to incorporating motifs, particularly granny squares and variations, therefore. You essentially create a row of motifs that you stitch into a circle to create the main body of the hat. You add the crown of the hat and the brim, which makes for a bucket hat style. In the case of this pattern, we have a floral granny square at the center of the design.

If you like this style, you might also want to check out the Red Heart Crochet Granny Bucket Hat. The brim on this one is shorter than most bucket hats, but the style is similar.

Gabby Bucket Hat Crochet Pattern

Gaby hat pattern

This is one of several crochet bucket hat patterns available through WeCrochet. It has a super chic design. They point out that bucket hats were trending in the 1960's and the 1990's. Of course, they're also trending again now. In a sense, they have a timeless design. And with the neutral colors but detailed texture, this one (which you can also wear with the brim rolled up) is a great choice.

Pollinator Bucket Hat Crochet Pattern

Pollinator hat pattern

This is one of the easiest crochet bucket hat patterns. You use simple stitches worked seamlessly in a circle from the top down. You'll end with a slip stitch round to make the brim look nice and polished. This one has a slightly less dramatic brim than many other bucket hats. However, you could always elongate it if you wanted to do so. Add appliques of your choosing.

The Line Up Bucket Hat Customizable Crochet Patterns

Line Up crochet bucket hat with fringe

If you're interested in learning how to make bucket hats that you can customize to different lengths, head sizes, and style preferences, then it's worth checking out The Line Up Bucket Hats. Make one for you, then make a matching one for your child. Make a simple one, or make one like that pictured here, decorated with fancy fringe. You can have a lot of fun with these hats, and this pattern gives you ideas for how.

Cat Ears Bucket Hat Crochet Pattern

cat ears hat crochet pattern

Just because they're trendy doesn't mean we must take bucket hats too seriously. They actually make a great hat base for animal hats and other costumes. Add ears and a face, and you've got something really fun. For example, here's a cat ears bucket hat.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly IS a bucket hat?

So here's the thing… a bucket hat is basically a hat with a wide brim that slopes downward. It's like a fisherman's hat, you know? It's perfect for keeping the sun off your face, and you can totally play with the brim to make it your own!

What's the best yarn to use for these hats?

Honestly… cotton yarn is usually the way to go for bucket hats! The patterns will give you specific recommendations, of course, but cotton just works so well for them. Plus, it makes for great summer projects!

Are bucket hats still a thing?

Yes! They're super trendy right now, kind of like they were back in the 60s and 90s. They have this timeless vibe, and crocheting them is a fun way to jump on the trend. Plus, they're surprisingly easy to make!

Can I make a bucket hat that's customized?

You bet! The Line Up Bucket Hats pattern is perfect for that. It shows you how to make them in different lengths and sizes, so you can make one for yourself and even a matching one for your little one. So fun!

I'm a beginner… are bucket hats too hard?

Don't you worry! The Pollinator Bucket Hat pattern is actually one of the easiest. It uses simple stitches worked in a circle from the top down. You can even make the brim a little longer if you want to!

The Best Cotton Yarn in Every Yarn Weight

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Cotton yarn is one of the best yarn options for summer crafting. It's lightweight and much cooler to work with than wool. It's a breathable fiber that also feels comfortable to wear in the summer. Cotton is a great choice for making washcloths and dishcloths. It's a good choice, one that most of us have somewhere in our stashes, yet sometimes we overlook how great it can be. So today, we wanted to give you some options for the best cotton yarn in each weight category.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I receive a commission from sales made via those links. Your price doesn't increase. Thanks for supporting my work this way if you're ready to buy some yarn!

best cotton yarn in every weight

Have You Seen Our Yarn Weight Chart?

yarn weight chart

We have a yarn weight chart outlining all the different yarn weights, what crochet hooks and knitting needle sizes you'd typically use with each, and some of the best yarn options for each weight. The post with that chart gives you options for yarn weights for different fibers. Today, we'll look at the cotton options for each weight we like most.

#0 Lace Weight Cotton Thread/Yarn

Lace weight yarn is really also crochet thread. Of course, there are many different thread weights as well. Some are much finer than the #0 lace weight yarn. But, generally speaking, if you're buying a common cotton thread off the shelf at your local yarn store, it will fall into this category. #10 Weight is the most common.

For example, one of the most popular choices would be Aunt Lydia's #10 Classic Crochet Thread. That's a great choice. However, we'd like to recommend that you check out Curio #10. This is 100% mercerized cotton in #0 lace weight. It takes dye really well, so you get truly beautiful, vibrant colors. Use this 2-ply thread to knit or crochet lace details, ornate tablecloths, simple coasters, super lightweight accessories, and more.

Curio #10 for lace weight thread projects

#1 Super Fine Cotton Yarn

While most cotton thread would fall into the #0 lace weight category, the thickest cotton thread is actually a #1 super fine weight.

Crochet Thread Weights vs. Knit and Crochet Yarn Weights

Fun fact: the higher the number on the crochet thread, the thinner the thread. In contrast, the higher the number of yarn, the thicker the yarn.

So, a #3 thread is thicker than a #10 thread. However, a #1 yarn is thicker than a #0 yarn.

A #3 cotton crochet thread like Aunt Lydia's Fashion 3 thread is a #1 super fine weight yarn.

Cotton Yarns for #1 Super Fine Weight

Although #3 cotton thread falls into this category, so does sock yarn and fingering weight yarn. Instead of a 100% cotton yarn in this weight, we think the best options are cotton blends. For example, Red Heart It's a Wrap is a really popular acrylic-cotton blend in this yarn weight. Our favorite, instead, is a cotton-linen blend called Lindy Chain. It offers the perfect drape for this lightweight yarn class.

Lindy Chain cotton linen blend

However, if you prefer a cotton-acrylic blend to a cotton-linen blend, check out Comfy Fingering Yarn.

#2 Fine Weight Cotton Yarn

This is also called baby weight yarn or sport weight yarn. Some variations on the classic It's a Wrap yarn are in this weight category. For example, It's a Wrap Rainbow is the #2 weight yarn. And again, that's a great choice for a cotton-acrylic blend.

However, we have a really special blend to recommend to you in this weight category. We think the best cotton yarn for sport weight is Shine Sport. It's 60% Pima Cotton yarn, which is always a great cotton choice. And the other 40% is something you might not ever have heard of: “Modal natural beech wood fiber.” What does that feel like? A lot like silk! Silk cotton blends in this weight are luxurious and beautiful, so check it out!

Shine Sport cotton blend yarn with modal (beech wood fiber)

#3 DK or Lightweight Cotton Yarn

Many beautiful cotton accessories are knit or crocheted with #3 DK weight yarn. It's not as slow going as a thread or sport weight yarn. And yet, it's a little thinner than the classic worsted weight, so you get lightness, breeziness, and great drape.

If you were part of BiCrafty Bootcamp, you wouldn't be surprised to learn that our favorite cotton yarn in this weight is a cotton-linen blend called CotLin. We used it to make Marly's Colorful Crochet Market Bag.

Cotlin cotton/linen blend DK weight

If you're looking for a 100% mercerized cotton yarn in DK weight, we recommend Patons Grace. And if you want a cotton-acrylic blend, look at Bernat Softee Cotton.

Cotton Yarn for #4 Worsted Weight

Worsted weight is by far the most popular yarn weight, regardless of what fiber we're talking about. So, of course, you do have a lot of options here. For example, one of the most popular cotton yarns ever is Lily Sugar ‘n Cream. It's a 100% cotton yarn made with US-grown cotton. There are lots of knit and crochet patterns designed using this yarn. Plus, it has many variations like ombre colors or the changing textures in Lily Sugar ‘n Cream Scrub Off. All good solid choices.

But we want to give you more unique choices for the best cotton yarn in the worsted weight category. If you head to KnitPicks, you'll see that Dishie, Comfy, and Shine are good #4 cotton or cotton blend options. We love Dishie, which is 100% cotton. At BiCrafty Bootcamp, we used it for our Beginner Crochet Facecloth Pattern. We also enjoy Comfy Color Mist's unique colorways, a cotton-acrylic blend.

But for something really unique, try Snuggle Puff. This is cotton that's been blown into mesh tubing. You get some stretch and tons of soft lightness. It's really an original yarn. Note that it's considered “heavy worsted,” so it's a #4, but with the thickness and yet lightness, it may feel different to you than another worsted weight cotton.

Snuggle Puff nylon blend

#5 Bulky Weight Cotton Yarn

Did you join the Classic Cable Collection CAL I did in collaboration with HanJan Crochet, MJ's Off The Hook, and Briana K Designs? If so, you've already worked with our favorite bulky weight cotton yarn: Billow. I used it in the design of my Bonny Billow Crochet Pillow pattern as well. It's a great cotton yarn with a terrific stitch definition that works up quickly for home decor projects like this.

Billow bulky yarn

Bernat Maker Home Dec Yarn is a cotton-acrylic blend that also falls into the bulky weight category, although note that it's a tubular yarn, so it looks different in terms of stitch definition.

#6 Super Bulky #7 Jumbo Weight Cotton Yarn

The two thickest yarn weights aren't very conducive to the cotton yarn design, so you won't find many options for super bulky and jumbo yarns in these fibers. Mostly these are going to be wool and some acrylics. However, we found what looks to be a good source: Hoooked Yarn. They offer recycled and plant-based yarn and even have recycled cotton yarn. Their Spesso Chunky is 100% recycled cotton in super bulky weight. Their Ribbon XL and Zpagetti are also bulky weight cotton yarns.

Spesso Chunky recycled super bulky

Note that if you're looking for super bulky and jumbo weight cotton, you might want to search instead for Macrame Cord. You can find this in cotton, and it has the thickness you would be looking for.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is cotton yarn good for beginners?

It can be! 100% cotton doesn't have the stretch and forgiveness of wool, so your tension needs to be pretty consistent. That said, cotton is wonderful for dishcloths, washcloths, and home goods where beginners often start. It's also machine washable, affordable, and widely available at any craft store. If you're just starting out, a smooth cotton in worsted weight is very manageable. Just know that dropped stitches and tension variations will show more than they would in wool.

What are the best uses for cotton yarn?

Cotton is THE choice for anything that needs to be washable and breathable. Dishcloths and washcloths are the classic cotton project. Kitchen towels, pot holders, and market bags all love cotton. Summer tops, tanks, and lightweight shawls are gorgeous in cotton or cotton blends. Baby items are popular in cotton because it's gentle on skin and stands up to washing. And placemats, coasters, and other home goods look crisp and tidy in cotton. Basically… if it's going near food or water, cotton is usually your answer.

What's the difference between 100% cotton and a cotton blend?

100% cotton is durable and holds its shape well, but it has zero stretch… what you make is what you get. Cotton blends (cotton with acrylic, bamboo, linen, or nylon) add stretch, softness, or drape depending on what it's blended with. Cotton-acrylic blends are the most common… they're easier to work with, more forgiving, and still machine washable. Cotton-bamboo blends are incredibly soft with a lovely sheen. Try a few different blends and see what you like working with.

Does cotton yarn stretch out over time?

A little, especially in heavier projects. 100% cotton bags can stretch and sag under weight because cotton doesn't have any memory to spring back. For bags, choose a tight gauge to give the fabric more structure. For wearables, a cotton blend with some elastane or nylon helps maintain shape. Blocking cotton projects wet can actually help set the size… it relaxes and slightly evens out the fibers. Just know that cotton behaves differently than wool and plan accordingly.

How do I choose the right cotton yarn weight for my project?

Match the weight to the project's needs. Lace or fingering weight cotton works beautifully for delicate summer tops and washcloths. DK weight is great for baby items and light garments. Worsted weight cotton is ideal for market bags, dishcloths, and placemats where you want a sturdy fabric. Bulky cotton (less common) makes great chunky storage baskets. Always check the pattern's yarn weight recommendation and look for a cotton or cotton blend that matches. Then swatch… cotton gauge can vary more than you'd expect.

20 Free Canada Day Patterns

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If you didn't know, Yarnspirations is based in Canada, so they have many Canadian-themed patterns! Canada has a special day of celebration annually on July 1st. So, if you're a native, an ex-pat, or just love the north, check out the Canada Day patterns below.

Decorate with a banner or show your patriotic spirit with hats and gloves in winter. Or check out our many other pattern selections in honor of our northern neighbor.

20 Free Canada Day Patterns

Canadian Decorations

Some well-known symbols of Canada include maple leaves, moose, and the super popular, crazy fast, icy game of hockey! Stay warm under a Canada Goose blanket, or scrub your dishes with a maple leaf dishcloth. Show your Canadian love year-round with scrubbers, banners, pillows, and even a maple leaf cup cozy!

Croch-eh Throw Pillow Free Crochet Pattern

Canada Day Patterns For Clothing & Accessories

Heading north at the Canadian border, you know you'll need something to keep you cozy and warm! Here we have a selection of hats (with or without earflaps), mittens, scarves, jackets, and sweaters. Wear your Canada gear with pride.

True North Jacket Free Crochet Pattern

Once you're done with your Canada Day patterns, check out the other links below for more novel ideas.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of Canada Day crochet and knit patterns are available?

A lovely collection celebrating Canada's national holiday on July 1st! Red and white accessories (Canada's flag colors). Maple leaf motifs and appliques. Items featuring Canadian imagery like moose, beavers, and other national symbols. Red and white striped or colorblock pieces. Gifts appropriate for Canadian friends or family. With 20 free patterns, the collection covers accessories, home goods, and decorative items in both knitting and crochet.

What are the official Canada Day colors?

Red and white… the colors of the Canadian flag! Unlike the US flag which adds navy blue, Canada's flag is purely red and white, which actually makes color-matching for yarn projects very straightforward. A true bright red and crisp white creates the most distinctly Canadian aesthetic. The maple leaf is Canada's central national symbol and appears prominently in the flag's design… red maple leaf motifs on white, or white on red, are immediately recognizable as Canadian-themed.

Are there patterns appropriate for gifting to Canadian friends?

Yes! A handmade red-and-white item for a Canadian friend or family member for Canada Day is a very thoughtful gesture. Red and white scarves or cowls work in any climate. Maple leaf dishcloths or kitchen items. A small stuffed maple leaf or Canadian animal amigurumi. Red and white accessories. The key is getting the colors right (true red and white) and incorporating Canada-specific motifs (maple leaves in particular) that make the Canadian connection clear and celebratory.

When is Canada Day and when should I start making projects?

Canada Day is July 1st! Start in May or early June for larger projects, or a week or two before for quick accessories. Canada Day coincides with the summer holiday season for many Canadians… it's a warm-weather celebration often spent outdoors. Red and white accessories suitable for outdoor summer use (lightweight scarves, sun hats, small totes) are particularly appropriate for the holiday. Canada Day falls just a few days before American Independence Day, so many crafters make projects for both holidays with similar red/white color palettes.

Are maple leaf crochet patterns available?

Yes! Maple leaves are one of the most popular Canadian-themed crochet motifs. A crocheted maple leaf applique is a quick project (30-60 minutes) that can be attached to almost any other item to make it Canadian-themed. Maple leaf dishcloths and pot holders work great in the kitchen. Maple leaf decorations for a Canada Day celebration are charming. And individual crocheted maple leaves in brilliant autumn colors (orange, red, gold) are beautiful fall home decor that celebrates Canadian national identity while also capturing the season.

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Pro Tips for Your Canada Day Makes

Before you dive into these gorgeous patterns, here are a few things I always do to make sure my Canada Day projects turn out beautifully…

Yarn Selection Matters

For those hats and mittens, I always reach for worsted weight yarn like Patons Classic Wool or Bernat Blanket. They're durable, hold their shape perfectly through winter, and the stitch definition on colorwork really pops. If you're making decorative pieces like the banners or pillows, you have more flexibility… think about what vibe you want! Chunky yarn makes everything feel cozy and statement-worthy.

Master Your Colorwork First

Lots of these patterns feature the maple leaf or stripes, which means working with multiple colors. If you're newer to colorwork, I recommend checking out our guide to colorwork techniques before starting. Stranding and carrying yarn correctly prevents tight stitches and keeps your finished pieces lying flat.

Think Beyond July 1st

Here's my favorite part… these pieces work year-round! A maple leaf dishcloth or cozy mug warmer is perfect for fall. The Canada Knit sweaters are timeless winter staples. Don't feel pressured to finish everything before Canada Day… these patterns are keepers.

Ready to cast on? Grab your favorite yarn and celebrate the north!

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20 Free Bias Knit Projects Made Corner-to-Corner

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You work bias-knit projects corner-to-corner on the diagonal instead of bottom-up or side-to-side! Working corner to corner is commonly called ‘knitting on the bias.' Your projects drape more this way than regular knitting and stretch more. Knitting in stripes really accentuates the direction of work, as you'll see in this pattern selection.

Now, check out these beautiful projects from Yarnspirations – they're all knit on the bias!

And don't miss the crochet corner-to-corner blog post!

20 Free Bias Knit Projects Made Corner-to-Corner

You'll notice most of these patterns are for blankets and throws. Why is that?

When you cut, knit, or crochet garments on the bias, they stretch very differently from being worked bottom up or side to side. This makes it really hard to get a comfortable fit. Rather, they fit really snugly because they're worked diagonally. And not so many people love that with knit garments.

But with blankets or throws, it doesn't matter so much which way they stretch. So can you imagine the wonderful hug you'll get from these bias-knit blankets? Snuggle under these to your heart's content!

Book-Match Bias Knit Blanket Free Knitting Pattern

If you love working corner to corner, check out the links below for more fabulous diagonal patterns.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “knitting on the bias” mean?

Knitting on the bias means working diagonally rather than in straight horizontal rows. You increase at one corner of each row and decrease at the other, so the fabric grows on an angle. The result is a square or rectangular piece of fabric where the knit stitches run diagonally rather than horizontally… it gives the finished piece a beautiful dynamic quality and different stretch characteristics than regular horizontal knitting. The garter tab shawl is the most famous bias-knit construction, but blankets, scarves, and other items can all use this technique.

Is bias knitting harder than regular knitting?

Not really! The actual stitches used are the same (usually knit and purl). The main difference is remembering to increase at the start of each row and decrease at the end (or vice versa). Once you're a few rows in and can see the diagonal growing, the increases and decreases become intuitive. The slight extra thought required is outweighed by the beautiful visual result… that dynamic diagonal line through the fabric makes even simple stitch patterns look sophisticated.

What projects work well knitted on the bias?

Scarves and cowls are beautiful knitted on the bias… the diagonal direction adds visual interest to even plain stockinette or garter stitch. Blankets and throws have a lovely texture when knit on the bias, especially with color striping where the color bands run diagonally across the piece. Shawls often use bias or partial-bias construction. Dishcloths are a classic beginner bias-knit project. Even garment panels can be worked on the bias for a fashion-forward effect.

How do I manage color stripes in bias-knit projects?

Color changes in bias knitting create angled stripes rather than horizontal ones… and they look incredible. The stripe runs at the same angle as your increases and decreases, creating diagonal color bands that make any striped project look modern and intentional. To keep stripes clean, change colors at the beginning of rows. If you're using self-striping yarn, the bias construction will create natural diagonal color pooling effects. Experiment with different color combinations… the diagonal framing elevates almost any palette.

Can crocheters also make bias/corner-to-corner projects?

Absolutely! The crochet equivalent is C2C (corner-to-corner) crochet which was covered earlier on the blog. Both knit and crochet versions create diagonal fabric through similar principles (increasing on one corner, decreasing on the other), but the stitch structures and resulting fabrics are different. Crochet C2C tends to create a denser, more structured fabric. Knit bias fabric is stretchier and more drapey. Both are beautiful and the technique translates across both crafts for BiCrafty crafters!

Study of Ombre Summer CAL with The Crochet Crowd

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Have you seen the upcoming new Yarnspirations Summer CAL hosted by The Crochet Crowd? It's called The study of Ombre, which tells you how much fun you're going to have playing with color gradients. It's an afghan CAL. It all starts June 23, 2022. After seven weeks of crafting in community, you'll have a beautiful ombre crochet blanket. Sign up to join in the fun.

Study of Ombre Summer CAL Intro Video

Watch the five minute video above to get all of the information and inspiration that you need in order to sign up for The Crochet Crowd's summer stitch-along.

As you'll learn from this video, this new CAL blanket was originally inspired by last year's “study of geometry” blanket CAL. This version takes the rich texture of that design, combines it with a snowflake pattern that was never finished previously, and gives you the opportunity to play with a wide variety of different stitches as you work with ombre color.

Make sure that you watch all the way to the end of the video above. Towards the end, you'll get the chance to see the different stitch patterns that you'll work with in each week of the seven weeks of this summer CAL. It's delightful to see all of that texture. It will be a lot of fun.

The Yarn

This summer CAL is designed for you to use Red Heart Super Saver Ombre. Working with this yarn, you'll see that you have denser color in the center of the blanket, where we begin. Then as time goes on, you get more color changes on the external rounds, by nature of their length.

The CAL has two different yarn color designs. The first is a sunny summer design that combines yellow, green, and blue ombre yarn. It's a perfect sunshine blanket for the summer.

However, if you want a darker tone, you can do that as well, and it works really well. You'll use pink, purple, and grey ombre yarns to create this one.

Although, of course you could always go rogue and choose your own colors. If you do, you'll want to get two balls each of three colors of the Red Heart Super Saver yarn. This design is fun because it uses the ombre yarn to create that gradient of color within each color hue but the blanket uses three different colors so there's different sections of ombre as you go.

yarnspirations summer afghan cal

What You Get When You Join This Free Summer CAL

The Yarnspirations CAL, hosted by The Crochet Crowd, is free to join. Just click this link and then enter your name and email information to sign up for the CAL. The CAL begins on June 23rd. Each week, you'll receive:

  • The crochet pattern instructions for that week
  • A crochet diagram to assist you in better understanding the written instructions
  • Video tutorials to make sure that you're able to complete the CAL.

This is a great summer project. It's always fun to craft in community, so why not sign up and make this blanket at the same time as so many other crocheters?

study of ombre crochet blanket CAL

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the “Study of Ombre Summer CAL”?

Oh, it's such a fun project from Yarnspirations hosted by The Crochet Crowd! It's a stitch-along where we'll be making a beautiful ombre crochet blanket over seven weeks, starting June 23, 2022. We get to play with color gradients and it sounds like a blast!

What yarn do I need for this CAL?

Honestly, the CAL is designed specifically for Red Heart Super Saver Ombre yarn. If you want to make your own color choices though, you'll want to grab two balls each of three different colors. It uses the ombre yarn to create a beautiful gradient within each color, plus different sections of ombre as you go through the blanket!

How do I join the CAL?

It's totally free to join! Just click the link on the page and pop in your name and email. Then, each week you'll get the pattern instructions, a crochet diagram to help you out, and video tutorials. It's a great way to craft with friends!

What kind of colors can I use for the blanket?

Well, Yarnspirations has two suggested color designs… one is a sunny mix of yellow, green, and blue ombre yarn, perfect for summer! Or, if you prefer something darker, you can use pink, purple, and grey ombre yarns. But honestly, you can totally go rogue and pick your own favorite colors too!

What else will I learn in this CAL?

So here's the thing… the video mentions that this blanket is inspired by a previous “study of geometry” blanket, but it has a new snowflake pattern and lets you try out a variety of different stitches. You'll get to see all the stitch patterns for each week towards the end of the intro video, and it looks like there's so much fun texture!

15 Best Vintage Knit Swimsuit Patterns 1940s – 1980s

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Crochet swimsuit patterns are always trending. However, you'll find that the same doesn't hold true for knit swimwear. Do a search for knit swimsuit patterns, and you're not likely to come up with much. What you will find in that search, however, is a lot of vintage patterns. If you enjoy working from vintage patterns, know how to substitute with modern yarn choices, and want to make knit swimwear, these vintage knit swimsuit patterns are your best choice.

Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links. I receive a portion of sales made from those links. This helps me to continue to provide you with free blog content. This doesn't change your price in any way. Thank you for your support.

retro knit swimsuit pattern

Tips for Working With Vintage Knit Patterns

If you're only used to modern knit designs, you might face a few challenges when adjusting to vintage knit patterns. There are slight differences. These are easier to account for if you're a skilled knitter. However, any knitter can learn. The basics are the same; you just need to make some adjustments.

CraftFoxes offers some great tips for working with vintage knitting patterns:

Double-check the knitting needle size.

Many older patterns were written in UK, not US terms. English knitting needle sizes differ from those we use in America today. Therefore, make sure you're using the right US size needles.

knitting tips for vintage patterns

Become familiar with the terminology in vintage knitting patterns.

You might have noticed that even in standard knitting patterns, designers sometimes use different names for the same stitch or technique. This becomes even more true when looking at vintage patterns, written before there even was a more standard terminology. So, you might find different stitch names. Or you might see “turn over” instead of “yarn over.” It takes some thought, but it's definitely doable.

Learn how to choose the right yarn.

Yarn options were limited when vintage patterns were written. We have many more options today. Using the right yarn with vintage knit swimwear patterns is especially important, so learn about yarn substitution. After all, you want a good fit. You also want a swimsuit that doesn't get waterlogged when you wear it in the pool! Therefore, you don't want to use wool; instead, you want to use cotton blends and acrylics.

Adapt sizing.

Finally, it's easiest to work with these patterns if you can adapt the sizing instructions to your own fit. Unfortunately, not all designs were written with size inclusivity, particularly older patterns. But for some useful tips, By Gum, By Golly has a great blog series on resizing vintage knitting patterns.

Best Vintage Knit Swimsuit Patterns

So, here are some of the best vintage knit swimsuit patterns for sale through Etsy:

Asymmetrical 1980s Knit Swimsuit

asymmetrical 1980s retro knit swimsuit pattern

MyStitchAndKitsch on Etsy sells terrific retro 1980s knit and crochet patterns. We found a couple of great vintage knit one-piece bathing suit patterns in this Etsy shop. It”s almost like a strapless swimsuit. However, a single strap creates an asymmetrical design. Stripes and color blocking create the retro design.

1980s Retro Knit One-Piece Swimsuit Pattern

1980s retro knit swimsuit pattern

Here we have the second of the two MyStitchandKitsch patterns. It's another one-piece swimsuit, this time in a more classic swimsuit shape. Summery stripes create the illusion of a high waist, while the top has abstract floral patterns. This also comes with a beach wrap pattern.

More Vintage 1980s Knit Swimsuit Patterns

Here are some 1980s knit swimsuit patterns from other Etsy sellers:

retro 1980's vintage knit swimsuits

PatternsALaCarte has a set of two knit one-piece swimsuit patterns from the 1980s. You can see that the asymmetrical look was trending. The second suit here ties behind the neck. The bold splashes of color are classic 80s.

MoonSunArtandCraft sells this ombre color-blocked knit one-piece design.

MoonSunArtandCraft sells this ombre color-blocked knit one-piece design.

vintage 1980's knit chevron swimsuit pattern

VintageXpressAU sells this knit chevron backless one-piece swimsuit with crocheted straps.

1940s Boat Motif Knit Bikini Shorts Pattern

vintage 1940's knit bikini shorts pattern with boat motif

More 1940s Vintage Knit Swimsuit Patterns

PrettyOldPatterns also has three other vintage knit swimwear patterns for sale on Etsy. Two are high-waisted bikini swim shorts designs:

vintage 1940s knit bikini pattern

This one (above) also includes a zipper cover-up beach skirt pattern.

1940's bikini & bolero

And this one comes with a matching bolero jacket knit pattern. Both are great because you can go from the beach to a cafe without changing.

vintage 1940's halter top swimsuit pattern

The third is a one-piece knit swimsuit with a halter top and cheeky bottoms.

Toddler's Vintage Knit Swimsuit Pattern

Toddler's Vintage Knit Swimsuit Pattern

Are you looking for a young children's knit swimsuit pattern? Look no further. This adorable one-piece shorts swimsuit for toddlers is perfect. That boat motif on swimwear must have been popular in the 1940s. Even if you don't want to create this for your child to wear in the water, it makes a cute daily romper.

Vintage 1970s Knit Swimsuit Patterns

You can find knit swimsuit patterns from almost any era. Here are some great fun designs from the 1970's:

1970 Ribbed bikini pattern

PastPatternsPalooza sells this 1970s knit contrast-trim bikini pattern. Knit ribbing makes the top look a bit like seashells.

ThePatternist sells this 1970's scoop-neck knit bikini pattern.

ThePatternist sells this 1970s scoop-neck knit bikini pattern. The bottoms have a lace knit design.

vintage knit boy shorts bikini pattern

PatternGrove sells this 1970s knit boy shorts bikini pattern.

deep v plunging neckline knit vintage swimsuit pattern

This Deep V plunging neckline isn't right for everyone but if you love it then you can find the pattern over at Etsy's TheGoodWitchPatterns.

1970s knit and crochet maillots

Especially good for the bicrafty among you, HoneyCombPatterns sells a set of four different knit and crochet maillot-style swimsuit patterns.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes vintage knit swimsuit patterns special?

Vintage swimwear from the 1940s through 1980s has such incredible style! The designs celebrate craftsmanship and often feature beautiful texture, interesting construction details, and silhouettes that were designed to be genuinely flattering. Before synthetic performance fabrics took over, knitted wool and cotton swimwear was standard and the patterns that survive reflect real skill and artistry. Recreating these vintage styles gives you something truly unique… nobody else at the pool will be wearing a hand-knitted 1950s-inspired swimsuit!

Can you actually swim in a vintage-style knit swimsuit?

Historical knitted swimwear was genuinely used for swimming! However, modern recreation is a bit different. Wool gets very heavy when wet and some vintage construction methods weren't designed for chlorinated water or intense activity. Most modern knitters who recreate vintage swimsuit patterns use them for photoshoots, beach lounging, or pool-side wear rather than active swimming. For actual water activity, a supportive lining is strongly recommended. Think of it as fashionable swimwear-inspired knitwear rather than performance athletic wear.

What yarn is best for a vintage-inspired knit swimsuit?

If you're going for historical accuracy, a smooth wool or cotton was traditional. For modern wear, cotton or cotton blends handle water better than wool and dry faster. If you're not planning to swim in it, the yarn choice opens up considerably… a beautiful vintage-look acrylic or cotton blend can recreate the aesthetic perfectly. For any swimwear adjacent project, machine washable is strongly recommended. And for the most authentic vintage look, choose a smooth, plied yarn with a classic matte finish rather than anything shiny or modern-looking.

Are these vintage patterns difficult to follow?

Vintage patterns can be challenging because they're often written in an older style with different abbreviations, assumed knowledge, and sometimes imprecise measurements. Many vintage patterns don't include complete size grading or detailed instructions that modern knitters expect. That said, most vintage swimsuit patterns use fairly basic construction… garter stitch, stockinette, ribbing, and shaping. The main challenge is translating vintage notation into modern understanding. Resources like the Vintage Knits Demystified approach (looking up common vintage abbreviations) help enormously with older patterns.

Can I find these vintage patterns for free?

Many vintage patterns are in the public domain and have been digitized! Ravelry has an extensive archive of vintage patterns, many free. The Priscilla Publishing Company, Bernat, and various yarn companies from the mid-20th century had free pattern booklets that are now freely shareable. Old copies of knitting magazines from the 1940s-1970s can sometimes be found scanned online. This collection links to sources for the 15 patterns featured… check each pattern's source for availability and access. Vintage patterns are a treasure to preserve and share!