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Crocheting garments for summer is fast becoming my favourite thing to do. They are fast, fun and easy to wear. So as someone who doesn’t get to sunbathe all that much living in the UK I wanted to design a crochet bikini cover up pattern that could also function as a top to throw on over a summer outfit or even dress up for dinner!
The pattern comes in sizes S to 5XL and the beauty of the seaming means that you can make the neckline as daring or modest as you like and similarly you can give yourself more or less room in the armholes as you prefer.
The simple i-cord tie finishes it off and helps add some depth to the drape of the piece.
In this post you’ll find everything you need to know how to crochet a summer cover up top like this including materials, stitches and free written pattern for blog subscribers.
About the Peachy Bikini Top
The Easy Peachy Bikini Cover Up crochet pattern uses a mixture of filet crochet technique (not tricky I promise!), slip stitch details and long stitches for the neckline which are really easy to master. If you can work a US double crochet then long stitches are no problem at all, I’ll talk you through it too.
It’s a super easy make (love that for garments) that consists of two matching long rectangles that you seam along the middle for the neckline and up the sides for the armholes.
The past week I’ve been wearing my Peachy Bikini Cover Top out in the garden and have realised that although I designed it as a bikini dress, it works perfectly over a simple strap top and shorts too!
I’ve only ever worn bikini covers when I’ve been on holiday but now I’m determined to find other ways to style them, I think it could work with jeans and heels too?
Things you’ll love about this trendy crochet cover up pattern
Getting Started: Materials Needed for Your Bikini Cover Up
I used Rico Design Essentials Cotton DK to make my top which is 100% cotton 50g/130m per ball.
Yarn
To make this cover up I used Rico Design Essential Cotton DK weight 3, 100% cotton 50g/130m per ball.
I chose to use Nude and White.
You’ll need the following amounts for each size:
S/M (L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL) require:
6 (8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16) balls of White (main colour)
Each size requires 1 ball of Nude (accent colour)
Gauge and Sizing
Pattern Gauge
15sts and 8 rows = 10cm by 10cm/ 4” by 4” over main set pattern.
Work a gauge swatch of double crochet stitches in rows. Then block it lightly before measuring to make sure you meet the gauge.
Read all about how to make a crochet gauge swatch and why it matters.
The cover up is in sizes S/M (L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL) with the following measurements:
To fit bust: (cm) 81-96.5 (106.5, 117, 127, 137, 147, 158)
Finished garment bust (cm): 108 (116, 124, 132, 140, 148, 164)
Length (cm): 74 (74, 74, 81, 81, 81, 81)
Other Materials
Along with your yarn, you will need the following:
- A 4.5mm/G+ crochet hook or hook size that meets the pattern gauge
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle
- Stitch markers
Don’t forget to join HanJan Crochet to receive regular discount codes (and more free patterns!) and Pin this trendy crochet bikini cover up pattern to your Pinterest board!
Crochet Terms You’ll Need to Know
ch(s) – chain(s)
ss – slip stitch
sk – skip
st(s) – stitch (es)
RS – right side
rep – repeat
sp – space
beg – beginning
FL – front loop only
BL – back loop only
Crochet Stitches
The pattern is written in standard US terms and uses the following crochet stitches:
sc – single crochet (UK dc – double crochet)
hdc – half double crochet (UK htr – half treble crochet)
dc – double crochet (UK tr – treble crochet)
tr – treble crochet (UK dtr – double treble crochet)
dtr – double treble crochet (UK ttr – triple treble crochet)
Special Stitch – US Double Treble Crochet
The dtr is a really long stitch that is added at the neckline of the top and is really easy once you get the hang of it. It’s basically just a longer version of the traditional US double crochet and this is how to do it:
Wrap the yarn around the hook (yrh) 3 times, insert the hook into the stitch (or chain space), yrh and pull through the stitch (or chain space). You will have 5 loops on the hook.
Yrh and pull through the first 2 of the 5 loops already on the hook.
Yrh and pull through the first 2 of the 4 loops already on the hook.
Yrh and pull through the first 2 of the 3 loops already on the hook.
Yrh one more time and pull through the remaining 2 loops already on the hook to complete the stitch.
Before you dive into crocheting your beach cover up, take a moment to read through the pattern notes—it’s a game-changer!
These handy insights will not only simplify your pattern-reading journey but also ensure a smoother crochet experience. You’ll find helpful tips on deciphering the sizing, transitioning yarn colours, and tips on turning your work.
Trust me, a quick peek at these notes will set you up for crochet success!
Pattern Notes
- A ch1 at the beginning of a row does not count as st.
- A ch3 or ch5 at the beginning of a row always counts as a stitch.
- Turn at the end of each row.
- Read through the entire pattern before beginning.
- Before you start, go through the pattern and highlight/mark the stitch and row counts that correspond to the size you are making (this will make your life much easier!).
- Make sure that you are familiar with all of the stitches in the abbreviations list before you begin.
- Stitch counts are given in [ ] at the end of each row. If no stitch count is given, then the count is the same as the previous row.
- The count number referring to each size is laid out as follows: S/M (L, XL, 2XL) (3XL, 4XL, 5XL).
- The pattern uses standard US crochet terms.
Construction
Make two matching rectangles as written. Theses will form each side of your cover up.
The panels are made from the side across so will be very long rectangles when finished.
Once complete, block each panel before seaming.
Seam at the centre front and centre back to create the neckline.
Seam under the arms and side to create the final shape.
Learning to Crochet Garments
If you’re new to crochet garments and worried about all the sizing, seaming, gauge and other things that might seem really daunting, please don’t worry. I used to feel exactly the same! If you can make a blanket, then you can make this garment. I promise!
I’ve written all about my experience with learning to both make and design garments and you can learn about crochet garment making and make sure you explore all of these fabulous easy crochet cardigan patterns too. There are so many options out there for every skill level and style!
We also have an article all about how to make perfect crochet garments which is a great read packed full of experience and tips!
If you’re ready to dive and get all of the garment making info in one place then you will LOVE our Crochet Garments with Confidence Course! You get lifetime access to world class crochet garment designers teaching you everything they know!
Easy Peachy Bikini Cover Up Crochet Pattern
There are a few options for you to access and enjoy this crochet pattern:
- View the free pattern on the blog – all blog subscribers will be able to view the patterns supported by ads by logging into their Grow account.
- Purchase the individual pattern on Etsy or Ravelry as a beautifully formatted PDF with extra stitch charts, schematic and colour information page and more!
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Perfect to print out or use on any device, with added schematic and charts, colour inspiration and stitch tutorials
Copyright Notice
The Easy Peachy Bikini Cover Up Crochet Pattern and its contents are fully owned and copyrighted by HanJan Crochet Ltd., and all rights are reserved.
This pattern is protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws and may not be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the author (Hannah Cross of HanJan Crochet Ltd).
Unauthorised distribution or reproduction of this pattern or elements of the instructions is strictly prohibited. The free to view crochet pattern is intended for personal viewing only. By accessing this pattern, you acknowledge and agree to comply with these copyright terms and conditions.
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Crochet Pattern Free for Blog Subscribers to View
US Terminology
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Easy Peachy Cover Up Crochet Pattern
Standard US Crochet Terms
Foundation chain: Using White (or your main colour) ch235, (235, 235, 245) (245, 245, 245)
If you would like to increase or decrease the length of your top then here is the place to do it – you just need to make sure that your foundation chain is a multiple of 10+5 and it will work out fine.
Row 1: RS: dc in 4th ch from hook, dc in 1, (ch1, skip 1, dc) three times, ch1, skip 1, *dc in 3, (ch1, skip 1, dc) three times, ch1, skip 1, rep from * to last 3, dc in last 3 [233, (233, 233, 243) (243, 243, 243)]
Row 2: ch3, dc in 2, (ch1, skip 1, dc) three times, ch1, skip 1, *dc in 3, (ch1, skip 1, dc) three times, ch1, skip 1, rep from * to last 3, dc in last 3
Row 3: Repeat Row 2
Row 4: ch3, dc in 2, *ch1, skip 1, dc, repeat from * to last 4, ch1, skip 1, dc in 3
Row 5: ch3, dc in 2, ch1, skip 1, dc in 5, ch1, skip 1, *(dc, ch1, skip 1) twice, dc in 5, ch1, skip 1, rep from * to last 3, dc in last 3
Row 6: Repeat Row 5
Row 7: Repeat Row 5
Row 8: Repeat Row 4
Row 9: Repeat Row 2
Rows 10-16: Repeat Rows 2-8
Repeat Row 4: 0 (2, 3, 5) (6, 8, 11) more times.
Continue in White for centre detail now:
Row 1: ch5, dtr in each [233, 233, 243, 243]
Row 2: ch1, ss in FL of each, change to Nude (or contrast colour of your choice)
Row 3: Repeat Row 1 of centre detail, change to White (or your main colour)
Row 4: Repeat Row 2
How to join the panels and create the neckline:
With RS facing, lay the two panels so that the centre details are lined up. Work a ss seam along 80 stitches at either end of the centre detail to create the neck hole. You should have 73, 73, 83, 83 stitches unworked for the neck hole.
Before weaving in your ends try the top on to see if the neck hole looks how you’d like it to on you.
If you’d like to adjust it to be more modest and a higher neckline then just add more slip stitches at the front and/or the back.
If you’re feeling braver then undo some of the slip stitches at the front/and or back to suit! I’d love to make my next one with a really plunging back I think!
To create the armholes: with the WS facing, sew the side seams from stitch 31 to stitch 79 on each side.
Again, like the neckline, you can customise the armholes to fit just how you’d like them to. Have fun experimenting with making them bigger or smaller and see what you prefer.
Make a simple i-cord:
To complete the bikini cover up crochet pattern I made a really simple i-cord to tie just under the bust and create a lovely empire line.
Using White, make a 190cm, 210cm, 230cm, 250cm i-cord (or however long you’d like it to be).
Slot the i-cord through the top, just under where the neckline starts and tie to secure.
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Purchase and Print
Get the ad-free, printable PDF with added stitch chart and schematic in my pattern stores:
Join HanJan and Share Your Crochet!
It’s an honour to be able to create and share my free crochet patterns with you. I’d love to stay connected and send you regular discount codes and free patterns! Please sign up for my subscriber list to get a free gift right now!
I look forward to seeing your finished crochet projects, especially this easy crochet pattern, so please share them with me in the HanJan Crochet Facebook group or on Instagram and tag #hanjancrochet.
Looking for pattern support?
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It is a fun, supportive and educational group where we all support each other to be the best we can be. Everyone is always happy to share their knowledge and experience so do come and join us!
Congratulations on completing your crochet top! 🌟 Now that you’ve crafted this stunning piece I hope you’re ready for more! Dive into my other fun adult crochet garment patterns, each waiting to be transformed into your next crochet masterpiece.
Here are a few other easy summer crochet garment patterns you might like to try out next:
- Crochet Crop Top Pattern – using fun granny squares
- Sleeveless Crochet Top Pattern – a fitted and flattering summer top
- Lace Crochet Dress – leave it as a top or turn it into a dress!
- V Neck Lace Top – a short sleeved summer top
Don’t forget to share your creations with me on social media—I love seeing your unique twists and colourful creations! Join our community of crochet enthusiasts, where we share tips, tricks, and plenty of crafting inspiration. So, grab your hooks, explore more
