Handmade Beachwear: Crochet Bikini Top for Beginners

Ready to embrace the sunshine in style? This summer, ditch the store-bought swimwear and create your own handmade crochet bikini! This easy crochet bikini top pattern is perfect for beginners, and you’ll be surprised by how quickly you can craft your own crochet swimsuit top. The best part? It’s a free crochet pattern! So grab your yarn, hook, and let’s dive in!

Why Crochet a Bikini Top?

Besides being a fun and rewarding craft, crocheting a bikini top has many advantages:

• Unique Style: Stand out from the crowd with a handmade crochet bikini designed by you.
• Customization: Choose your favorite colors, yarn textures, and embellishments to create a truly personalized piece.
• Sustainable Fashion: Crochet is a great way to reduce textile waste and create eco-friendly garments.
• Affordable: You can create a beautiful crochet bikini top for a fraction of the cost of buying one.
• Fun and Relaxing: Crocheting is a relaxing hobby that can be enjoyed anywhere.

Materials You’ll Need for Your Crochet Bikini Top

Before we dive into the crochet pattern free, let’s gather our supplies:

• Yarn: Choose a cotton blend yarn, like the one used in the video, for durability and comfort. The video uses two strands of yarn together, so consider using a lightweight yarn for this project.
• Crochet Hook: A size 3 crochet hook is recommended, but you can adjust based on your yarn choice.
• Scissors: For cutting your yarn.
• Tapestry Needle: For weaving in the ends of your yarn.
• Fabric (optional): If you want to add a lining, choose a lightweight fabric that’s comfortable against the skin.
• Felt-tip Pen (optional): For marking your stitches.

The Crochet Bikini Top Stitch Guide: A Step-by-Step Breakdown

This crochet bikini top tutorial uses a combination of basic stitches and a beautiful fan stitch to create an eye-catching design. Here’s a quick overview of the stitches you’ll need to know:

• Chain Stitch (ch): The foundation stitch, used to start your work.
• Double Crochet (dc): Creates the main fabric of the top.
• Slip Stitch (sl st): Used for joining rounds or finishing off.
• Single Crochet (sc): Creates the edging and used for joining the two pieces of the bikini top.
• Treble Crochet (tr): Used for the “leque” (fan) stitch, adding texture.
• Point Relief (or Raised Stitch): Creates the primary pattern and texture of the bikini top. This stitch is a fun one to learn! You insert your hook through the back loop of the stitch, creating a raised bump.
• Picot: A decorative element made with a chain stitch (3 ch) and a single crochet in the second chain stitch from the hook.

Mastering the “Leque” (Fan) Stitch for Your Crochet Bikini Top

The “leque” (fan) stitch adds a beautiful and unique touch to the crochet bikini top design. It’s actually quite simple to create, especially once you’ve learned the basic stitches. Here’s a simplified breakdown:

• Step 1: Create two double crochets (dc) in the same stitch.
• Step 2: Chain one (ch 1).
• Step 3: Create two more double crochets (dc) in the same stitch.

Crochet Bikini Top Pattern: Free and Easy for Beginners

Here’s the pattern for the “leque” stitch, inspired by the tutorial by @jopontoaponto. You can watch the video here: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ly3IkN7fzE).  It’s a fantastic crochet tutorial for beginners and will guide you step-by-step through the process.

Let’s Get Started:

Here’s a written pattern for the crochet bikini top, based on the video tutorial. Keep in mind that you’ll be crocheting two identical pieces.

First Piece (Repeat for Second Piece):

Foundation Chain:

1. 18 chain stitches (ch 18).

First Row:

(Start with 2 ch to count as a dc), 1 dc in the second ch from the hook, 1 dc in each remaining ch across. Turn.

Second Row:

2 ch, 1 dc in the first dc, 1 dc in each dc across. Turn.

Third Row:

2 ch, 1 dc in the first dc, 1 dc in each dc across, 2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc (this is the “leque” stitch) in the next stitch. Turn.

Fourth Row:  

2 ch, 1 dc in the first dc, 1 dc in each dc across, 2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc in the next stitch. Turn.

Fifth Row:

2 ch, 1 dc in the first dc, 1 dc in each dc across, 2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc in the next stitch. Turn.

Sixth Row:

2 ch, 1 dc in the first dc, 1 dc in each dc across, 2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc in the next stitch. Turn.

Seventh Row:

2 ch, 1 dc in the first dc, 1 dc in each dc across, 2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc in the next stitch. Turn.

Eighth Row:

2 ch, 1 dc in the first dc, 1 dc in each dc across. Turn.

Point Relief Stitch:

The point relief stitch is the main design element. Start by crocheting a double crochet (dc) in the first stitch of the next row. Then, create a point relief stitch in the next stitch by inserting the hook through the back loop only of the stitch, and pulling the yarn through. Continue working double crochets (dc) across the row.

Point Relief Stitch – Descending Row:

Start by working a point relief stitch in the first stitch. Work a double crochet (dc) in the next stitch, and continue working double crochets (dc) across the row.

Repeat Row 9 and Point Relief Stitches: Continue this pattern of point relief stitches and double crochets until your crochet bikini top reaches the desired length.

Final Row:

• Work 1 sc in each stitch across.
• Sl st to the first sc.
• Fasten off.

Joining the Pieces:

• Place the two pieces together, with the right sides facing each other.
• Work 1 sc in each stitch around the edges, joining the two pieces together.
• Fasten off.

Straps:

• Attach yarn in the center of the top edge of the bikini top.
• Ch 3 (counts as dc)
• 1 dc in the second ch from hook
• 1 dc in each remaining ch across
• Turn
• Repeat Row 2 until the strap reaches the desired length.
• Fasten off.

Repeat for the other strap.

Note: You can adjust the initial chain stitch count for the strap if you want wider or narrower straps.

Picot Edging (Optional):

• Attach yarn to the edge of the bikini top.
• Ch 3 (counts as picot).
• Sl st into the second ch from the hook to create a picot.
• Work 1 sc in the next stitch.
• Repeat steps 2-4 until the entire edge is finished.

Remember: This is a basic pattern and can be modified for different styles and shapes! You can experiment with different stitch patterns, colors, and embellishments to create a unique bikini top that reflects your style.

Tips & Tricks for a Perfect Crochet Bikini Top Fit

• Gauge: Check your gauge before starting to ensure your top fits correctly. You can do this by crocheting a small swatch and measuring it against the pattern instructions.
• Sizing: Adjust the chain count at the beginning to achieve your desired size.
• Straps: Use a separate chain of stitches to create straps and attach them to the top using a slip stitch.
• Picot Edge: Finish off your top with a picot edge to add a touch of elegance. To create a picot, chain 3 stitches and then work 1 single crochet (sc) into the first stitch of the chain.
• Underwire (Optional): If you’d like extra support, you can insert an underwire into the top. Be sure to choose an underwire that is the right size for your bust.
• Lining: You can also add a fabric lining to the top for extra coverage.

Show Off Your New Crochet Bikini Top: Styling and Care

You’ve created something beautiful! Now let’s style it!

• Accessorize: Pair your crochet bikini top with a matching crochet skirt or sarong for a complete beachy look.
• Festival Fashion: Your crochet bikini top is also a perfect piece for festival outfits, layered over a t-shirt or shorts.
• Beach Chic: Keep your crochet bikini top looking its best! Hand wash it in mild detergent and lay it flat to dry.

Other Crochet Projects You’ll Love

Once you’ve mastered your crochet bikini top, you’ll be hooked! Check out these other crochet beachwear ideas:

• Crochet Beach Bag: Perfect for carrying all your essentials.
• Crochet Beach Cover-up: A stylish and practical addition to your beach wardrobe.
• Crochet Sun Hat: Keep the sun out of your eyes in style.

In Conclusion, Crocheting a crochet bikini top is a delightful way to create a custom piece of handmade crochet beachwear. With the right materials and a little patience, you’ll be amazed at what you can create!

For more inspiration and to see the full video tutorial, visit @jopontoaponto on YouTube: (https://www.youtube.com/@jopontoaponto). Don’t forget to check out the video: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ly3IkN7fzE.

Let’s keep the creativity flowing! Share your crochet bikini top creations with the community using the hashtag #tubacrochet on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tubacrochet_) and TikTok (tiktok.com/@tubacrochet).We’d love to see your unique designs and hear about your crochet journey! Happy crafting!