Every summer, crochet swimsuits appear again for controversy. Some people love them. Others just can't see how those designs can possibly work in the water. Some are better than others in terms of construction. For many people, it's less about getting in the water and more about having a terrific swimsuit for sunbathing. If you want to make a crochet bikini or a one-piece, here are some of the best crochet swimsuit patterns.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I receive a percentage of sales from those links. Your price doesn't change. Thank you for your support.
Choosing Crochet Swimsuit Patterns
Choose your crochet swimsuit patterns carefully. Ideally, you want a design that's easy to adapt to your own specific measurements. After all, a swimsuit is something that requires the right fit. There's not a lot of coverage, so there's not a lot of room for error.
You also want to ensure the designer has selected the right yarn. Most designers use cotton yarn for swimsuits but you have to choose those cotton blends carefully or they can become too waterlogged and heavy.
Finally, read the details of the crochet pattern carefully. Some designers specifically state the design is for sunbathing, not swimming. If you need a swim-friendly suit, then make sure you've chosen a suitable design.
Top Crochet Swimsuit Patterns
Here are some of the crochet swimsuit patterns you might want to try.
Paton's Crochet Bikini Pattern
We'll kick things off with this one because it has pros and cons as far as crochet swimsuit patterns go. It's a free crochet bikini pattern, which is obviously a plus. It's also a very simple pattern, meaning it's great for beginners to practice.
However, sizing is limited. Instructions offer cup sizes A, B, and C options, but the bottoms are only one size. It's no problem if you can adapt instructions to fit your body (or you happen to be this one size). But it wouldn't be a good choice if you're relatively new to crochet and this isn't your size.
If you want to learn how to crochet a basic bikini so you can understand the formula, start here.
Starfish Boho Bikini
This crochet bikini pattern is a little more detailed in design. A starfish inspired it. You work it in cotton, designed so you can insert bra pads into the top for full coverage. The pattern designer says it's customizable.
Customizable Crochet Bikini Pattern
Here's another great crochet bikini pattern. It's beginner-friendly, water-adaptable, and customizable. The Etsy designer says, “The pattern provides the size from XS to XXL and the instructions to make the bikini set according to your unique body shapes.” The pattern also comes with video instructions.
Crochet Halter Top and Shorts
Looking for crochet swimsuit patterns with a little more coverage? How about a halter and shorts set? This is a great option for the beach, and you can comfortably hit up a beachside cafe without changing.
Granny Crochet Swimsuit Pattern
If you like the shorts option, consider these vintage granny swimsuit patterns. There are a lot of great vintage crochet swimsuit patterns, many of which you can find for resale through Etsy.
Fringe Crochet Bikini
This is one of the most unique crochet swimsuit patterns in this roundup. It's covered in fringe! This would probably be lots of fun to wear, and the top is asymmetrical.
Crochet Monokini
Crochet monokinis were trending hard a few years ago. We seem to see less of them these days. Nevertheless, they remain a solid design for crochet swimsuit patterns. This one has a classic crochet pineapple shape at the center and a keyhole peekaboo at the top. Designed in three sizes.
Crochet One Piece Bikini Pattern
One-piece bikini is another name for the monokini. It looks like a one-piece from the front and a bikini from the back, so the name does make sense. This one has great texture and full coverage over the entire front, with a low-slung tie at the waist. Written for 6 top sizes and 5 bottom sizes.
Crochet One Piece Swimsuit Pattern
Like these swimsuits that have fuller coverage? This one from MayaLunaCorazon is a great choice. She, like many of the other Etsy designers linked here, offers other crochet swimsuit patterns. Written for seven sizes.
Strapless Tie-Front Crochet Swimsuit
This is a strapless one-piece crochet swimsuit. It ties closed across the front. The designer has provided instructions for two styles of bottoms – Brazilian or cheeky.
High-Waisted Crochet Swim Shorts
See the high-waisted crochet bikini shorts seen in the photo? You can easily alter the fit for your specific sizing. The designer, Shylercrochetsug, offers many other great crochet swimsuit patterns and summer crochet designs. For example, check out the Crochet Modest Kini.
You Might Also Like:
- Ultimate Guide to Summer Knitting Patterns
- Crochet Beach Bag Patterns
- Crochet Skirt Patterns for Summer
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you actually wear a crocheted swimsuit in water?
Yes, though they work best as cover-ups or for casual splashing around rather than serious swimming. Crochet fabric does absorb water and can get heavy when wet, and open stitch patterns can become see-through when wet depending on the yarn. Most crocheters line their swimsuit tops with a stretchy fabric liner for coverage and support. For pool lounging, beach strolling, and casual wade-in-the-water situations… crocheted swimwear is beautiful and perfectly functional. For competitive swimming or surfing… probably stick with a regular swimsuit underneath.
What yarn is best for crocheted swimwear?
You want yarn that handles water well and dries quickly. Nylon-based yarns and yarns specifically designed for swimwear are ideal… they resist chlorine, UV rays, and salt water better than regular yarn. Many swimwear patterns recommend specific performance yarns. Cotton holds too much water and takes forever to dry. Regular acrylic degrades with chlorine exposure over time. Look for yarn labeled “swimwear,” “activewear,” or “performance”… these are specifically engineered for water wear and maintain their shape when wet.
Do crocheted swimsuits require special care?
Yes! Rinse after every use in cool fresh water to remove chlorine, salt, or sunscreen (all of which break down yarn fibers over time). Hand wash with gentle soap and lay flat to dry… never put in the dryer. Keep the suit away from rough surfaces that could snag the yarn. Store flat or rolled rather than hung… hanging a wet swimsuit can stretch the fabric out of shape. Proper care extends the life significantly. Even with care, handmade swimwear is more delicate than manufactured suits, so treat it accordingly.
What's a good beginner crochet swimwear project?
A simple crochet cover-up or sarong is the easiest entry point… it's essentially a rectangle with simple edge treatment and no shaping. From there, a halter-style top with simple construction is approachable. Save more complex structured tops and one-pieces for after you understand how crochet swimwear construction works. The most important thing for swimwear is gauge and yarn choice… a swimsuit that fits wrong is frustrating, so swatching in your actual swimwear yarn is really worth the time before committing to a full project.
Can I line a crocheted swimsuit top to make it more modest?
Yes and it's highly recommended! A simple stretch fabric liner (the same fabric used in store-bought swimwear) sewn inside gives you coverage, support, and modesty regardless of whether the crochet gets wet. You can buy swimwear lining fabric at most fabric stores. Cut it to shape based on the pattern's finished measurements and hand stitch it to the wrong side of the crochet top. It doesn't need to be perfect sewing… it just needs to stay in place. The liner transforms a decorative piece into actual functional swimwear.
