Effortless Style: Your Go-To Crochet Swim Cover Up Pattern

Effortless Style: Your Go-To Crochet Swim Cover Up

Welcome to the ultimate summer crochet project! This stylish and airy crochet swim cover up is designed for effortless elegance. Its simple mesh construction works up surprisingly fast, making it a perfect project for a weekend. The lightweight fabric created by the double crochet mesh stitch provides the perfect amount of coverage while still being breathable and comfortable for those hot days by the pool or on the beach.

This pattern is designed to be beginner-friendly, using basic stitches to create a modern and chic garment. It’s constructed from two simple rectangles, making it an ideal first-time garment project. You can easily customize the length and width to create your perfect fit. Grab your favorite cotton yarn and let’s create a beautiful, handmade piece for your summer wardrobe!

Materials

• Yarn: Worsted Weight (4) Cotton or Cotton-Blend Yarn.
  Recommended: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, Lily Sugar’n Cream, or Dishie Cotton.
  • XS/S: Approx. 850 yards / 780 meters
  • M/L: Approx. 1050 yards / 960 meters
  • XL/2XL: Approx. 1300 yards / 1190 meters
  • 3XL/4XL: Approx. 1600 yards / 1460 meters
• Crochet Hook: 5.0 mm (H-8) or size needed to obtain gauge.
• Other Supplies:
  • Tapestry Needle
  • Scissors
  • Measuring Tape

Abbreviations (US Terms)

• ch: chain
• st(s): stitch(es)
• sk: skip
• dc: double crochet
• sc: single crochet
• sl st: slip stitch
• rep: repeat
• *…*: repeat instructions between asterisks

Gauge

4 mesh repeats and 8 rows = 4 x 4 inches (10 x 10 cm)

A mesh repeat consists of (dc, ch 1). To check gauge, create a swatch approximately 6×6 inches.

Sizing Guide

The pattern is written for size XS/S with sizes M/L, XL/2XL, and 3XL/4XL in parentheses ( ). The cover-up is designed with a positive ease of 6-8 inches for a relaxed, comfortable fit.

Length: The length for all sizes is approximately 32 inches (81 cm), but you can easily customize this by adding or subtracting rows

Pattern Instructions

Panels (Make 2)

Chain the number of stitches for your desired size:
XS/S: ch 85
M/L: ch 97
XL/2XL: ch 109
3XL/4XL: ch 121

Row 1: dc in the 4th ch from the hook (the 3 skipped chs count as your first dc). *ch 1, sk the next ch, dc in the next ch*. Rep from * to * across the entire row. You should end with a dc in the last ch.

Row 2: ch 4 (this counts as a dc + ch 1), turn. Sk the first dc, and dc into the next dc from the row below. *ch 1, sk the ch-1 space, dc into the next dc*. Rep from * to * across. Your last dc should be in the top of the turning ch from the previous row.

Row 3 and beyond: Repeat Row 2 until the panel reaches your desired length. A standard length is approximately 32 inches (81 cm), or about 64 rows. Feel free to make it shorter or longer to suit your style!

Once your first panel is complete, fasten off and weave in the ends. Repeat the entire process to make a second identical panel.

Assembly

Lay your two panels on a flat surface, with the “right sides” facing each other (so the wrong sides are facing out). You will be seaming the garment inside-out.

1. Seam the Shoulders:

• Decide on a head opening. A standard opening is 10-12 inches (25-30 cm).
• Center the opening. For example, on the XS/S panel (21″ wide), you could leave a 11″ opening in the center. This means you will seam 5″ on each side for the shoulders.
• Using a tapestry needle and a length of yarn (or by slip stitching with your hook), seam the shoulders together on both sides.

2. Seam the Sides:

• Decide on an armhole opening. A standard opening is 8-9 inches (20-23 cm).
• Starting from the top of the shoulder seam, measure down your desired armhole length and place a stitch marker.
• Seam the sides together from the stitch marker all the way down to the bottom hem.
• Optional Side Slits: For extra movement, you can stop seaming 5-10 inches from the bottom hem to create side slits.
• Repeat for the other side.

Finishing Touches

Turn your cover up right-side out. The main construction is done!

1. Neckline Edging (Optional but Recommended):

Join yarn with a sl st at any point along the neckline. Ch 1, and work a round of sc evenly around the entire neckline. This creates a clean, finished edge. Sl st to the first sc to join, then fasten off and weave in all ends.

2. Fringe (Optional):

For a bohemian look, add fringe to the bottom hem.

• Cut several strands of yarn, each about 12 inches (30 cm) long.
• Take 2-3 strands together, fold them in half to create a loop.
• Insert your crochet hook into a space at the bottom hem of the cover up, from front to back.
• Grab the loop of your fringe strands and pull it through the space.
• Pull the tails of the fringe through the loop and tighten to create a knot.
• Repeat this process, spacing the fringe evenly across the bottom hem of both the front and back panels.
• Trim the fringe to be even once you’re done.

Your Effortless Style Swim Cover Up is now complete! Weave in any remaining ends and enjoy your beautiful, handmade creation. Wear it with confidence to the beach, pool, or lounging on a sunny day.