Summer is calling and you are looking for a new summer piece, easy to make and ready in no time? Then this pattern might just be what you are looking for: a crochet bikini!
It’s stylish, can be easily combined with a maxi skirt for a stylish evening outfit on hot days, and you can be sure that it’s a true one-of-a-kind crochet piece. Introducing the Sunset Waves Bikini Set – a versatile crochet pattern that lets you mix-and-match for a custom beach-ready look.
With just one pattern, you can create four unique bikini sets.
This easy-to-follow pattern includes:
- two cup styles – a classic triangle for timeless flair, and a shell option for a modern twist,
- two edging finishes – choose between a subtle trim or a shell border,
- instructions for crocheting a low-rise Brazilian bikini bottom,
- a size guide for sizes S to L resp. EU cup sizes A to C with tips for adjusting the pattern to your individual size,
- recommended yarn composition and tips for swim-ready crochet bikinis (see excerpt below),
- many more tips, e.g. for customization, for creating stretchy bikini tops, etc.
Grab your hook and dive in! 🌊
Pattern Download:
The crochet pattern is available in my Etsy store (in English and German). Follow this link for the crochet pattern:
Tips for Choosing the Right Yarn:
For a crocheted bikini, choosing the right yarn is crucial to ensure that the piece:
- fits well,
- doesn’t stretch out,
- doesn’t become too heavy in water,
- dries quickly, and
- feels comfortable against the skin.
In the following table I listed the recommended yarn composition to create a bikini that is, both comfortable and suitable for swimming:
Recommended Yarn Composition for Swim-Ready Crochet Bikinis:
| Fiber | Content | Purpose |
| Polyamide (Nylon), Acrylic | 60–80% | Provides shape retention and durability, repels water for short swims, dries quickly. |
| Elastane / Spandex / Lycra | 5–10% | Adds stretch and elasticity for a snug, body-hugging fit. |
| Cotton (mercerized only) | 0–30% | Feels pleasant on the skin and adds stability, but absorbs water. Best avoided if the bikini is intended for swimming, not just beachwear use. |
Not Recommended Yarn Composition:
- 100% Cotton: Absorbs water, becomes heavy and stretches out of shape.
- 100% Acrylic Yarn: Dries quickly but is not breathable and may feel uncomfortable on the skin.
- 100% Wool: Retains warmth, too hot for summer, not resistant to chlorine or saltwater, and becomes heavy when it’s wet.
Recommended Yarns (Examples):
- Alize Diva Stretch (92% microfiber acrylic, 8% elastane)
- Cascade Fixation (98% cotton, 2% elastane)
- Drops Cotton Viscose (suitable for tops only, as it’s rather soft)
- Schöller + Stahl Elastic Yarn (blend with elastane)
- Katia Elastic or Katia Summer Comfort (blend designed specifically for swimwear)
- Valeria Valeria di Roma Verano Elastic (80% viscose, 20% polyamide)
- Hilaturas LM Stretchy (100 % Tactel-polyamide)
- Mondial Brazil (100 % polyamide-microfiber)
Conclusion:
If your crochet bikini is intended not only for sunbathing or as beachwear but also for actual swimming, use a microfiber yarn with elastane—Alize Diva Stretch is currently one of the most popular yarn choices for swimwear-ready crochet fashion.
Tips for an elastic Crochet Bikini
My crochet bikini is a lyocell-viscose-mix yarn and, thus, only suitable as a beach wear (for sunbathing or combined with a maxi-skirt for an evening outfit) and less so for swimming.
I wear a cup size 75B or cross-size 80A (in EU size), and my crochet bikini sits comfortable. However, as crochet is typically less stretchy than a bikini fabric or even knitted, it can be more difficult to create a comfortable crochet bikini for higher cup sizes (C and above). Here are some tips with which you can create a crochet bikini that allows for a bit of stretch (specifically recommended for higher cups sizes, C+):
- You can create a more stretchy fit if you use a pattern with more elastic crochet stitches, like (half-)double crochet stitches or a weaving pattern (single crochet and chain stitches), with the risk that the crochet bikini is more see-through than it would be using single crochets that are non-elastic stitches.
- You can increase elasticity in your crochet when you use a nylon-mix yarn or yarn with Lycra (Elasthane)-content. Such yarn is often found in crochet socks or yarn specifically made for swim wear. .
- If you do want to use a simple soft and light-weight cotton yarn (non-elastic) and a non-see-through stitch pattern with single crochet stitches, I recommend that you crochet a larger bikini cup, so it won’t fit too tightly (a size guide is provided in the pattern – you’d choose a cup larger than your usual cup). Additionally, use elastic straps from a fabric bikini (or any elastic fabric straps) instead of crochet straps for your crochet bikini. For some bikinis the straps can be removed, so you can use them on your crochet bikini without permanently damaging your fabric bikini.
I hope these tips help you create the perfect crochet bikini and that you enjoy wearing it!
