How to Crochet Bikinis

Show off your crochet skills this summer in a crochet bikini.

A crochet bikini is great for lying out in the sun to tan or catching some waves at the beach. This pattern is appropriate for the experienced crocheter. You want the bikini to fit snugly and may need to experiment with adjusting the pattern slightly to fit your particular body size. Before beginning your crochet bikini, make sure you are familiar with the basic crochet stitches and terms such as chain, half double crochet, decrease and fasten off.

Things You'll Need

• 2 or 3 skeins medium weight cotton yarn
• US Size C crochet hook

Instructions

Bikini Bottom

1. Chain 48. The bottoms of your bikini will be worked in one piece. Half double crochet stitch beginning in the third stitch from the hook and continue across. For each subsequent row, decrease by one stitch two times every row.

2. Continue stitching in half double crochets for about 4 inches. Then decrease 13 times every other row, still with half double crochet stitches, until your bikini bottom measures 7 7/8 inches. Continue for 2 3/8 inch crocheting evenly.

3. Increase by one stitch on each side, four times in every row for 4 inches. Then increase 14 times every other row 3 3/8 inches more. Fasten off. Crochet a chain stitch cord about 51 1/8 inches long. Thread the cord through the first row of stitches on the front, and the last row of stitches on the back. Tie it at one side to complete your bikini bottom.

Bikini Top

1. Chain 43. Turn and half double crochet across the first row, beginning in the third chain from the hook. Begin the second row with three half double crochet stitches in the center stitch. Begin decreasing one stitch on each side, twice every other row for 4 inches, then 18 times every row for 4 inches. Fasten off. This makes one triangle of the bikini top. Repeat this step a second time.

2. Chain stitch a cord approximately 47 1/4 inches long. Thread the cord through the first rows of stitches of both top sections, along the bottoms of the triangles. This cord will be tied behind your back when you wear the bikini.

3. Chain stitch two more cords, each approximately 27 5/8 inches long. Thread each cord from the top of one of the triangle sections. These will be tied behind your neck, forming a halter top style.

References

• Drops Design: Crocheted Bikini in Safran

Resources

• Crochet Pattern Central: Beach