20 Crochet Bikini & Swimsuit Patterns You’ll Love Making
There is something deeply satisfying about wearing a swimsuit you made yourself. The fit is exactly right because you adjusted it to your own measurements. The colors are exactly what you wanted because you chose the yarn yourself. And when someone at the beach asks where you got that gorgeous two-piece, you get to say the best four words in the crafting world: I made it myself.
Crochet swimwear has been having a serious moment in the fashion world, and it’s not hard to see why. Designers on runways and boutique shelves alike have been reaching for that handmade, artisan aesthetic that only crochet delivers. But here’s the thing — you don’t need to pay boutique prices. With the right pattern and a weekend or two of stitching, you can have a swimsuit that looks like it came straight from a high-end resort collection.
Whether you’re a seasoned crocheter looking for your next ambitious project or an intermediate stitcher ready to try something new, this collection of 20 crochet bikini and swimsuit patterns has something for every skill level, every body type, and every beach aesthetic. From delicate lacy triangles to bold retro one-pieces, from minimalist string styles to modest full-coverage designs, this list is packed with patterns that are genuinely fun to make and even more fun to wear.
Let’s dive in.
What to Know Before You Start Crocheting a Swimsuit
Before we get into the patterns themselves, it’s worth talking about a few things that make crocheting swimwear a little different from other projects.
Yarn choice matters enormously. Regular cotton yarn will work in a pinch, but it tends to sag and lose its shape when wet. For swimwear, you really want to look for yarns that are specifically blended for swimwear — nylon-cotton blends, mercerized cotton, or yarns with a small percentage of elastic content. Brands like Lion Brand Comfy Cotton Blend, Paintbox Simply DK, and various Scheepjes cotton blends are popular choices in the crochet community. Some crafters also love using fine-weight nylon cord for that sleek, professional finish.
Gauge is more important here than almost anywhere else. A swimsuit that’s too loose will fall off when it gets wet. One that’s too tight will be uncomfortable and unflattering. Always, always make a gauge swatch before starting — and wet that swatch before measuring it, because some yarns behave very differently once they’ve absorbed water.
Lining is worth considering. Many crochet swimsuit makers sew a lining into their finished pieces using swimwear-weight spandex fabric. This serves multiple purposes: it adds coverage and opacity, helps the suit keep its shape when wet, and protects the crochet from stretching out over time. You can find swimwear lining fabric at most fabric stores or online. It’s a bit of extra work but makes a huge difference in the final result.
Take your measurements carefully. Swimsuit patterns are sized differently from garment patterns, and fit really matters. Measure your bust, underbust, waist, and hips, and compare those measurements to the finished dimensions in the pattern before you begin. Don’t hesitate to size up or down in different parts of the pattern if your measurements call for it.
Now, with all of that in mind, let’s look at some incredible patterns.
Classic Triangle Bikini Tops
1. The Simple Triangle Top
This is the pattern that has introduced thousands of crafters to the world of crochet swimwear, and for good reason. The simple triangle top uses basic single crochets and chains to create a clean, classic bikini top that looks polished and works for a wide range of cup sizes. Most versions include instructions for adjusting the size of the triangles and the placement of the straps, making this one of the most versatile starter patterns around. If you’ve never crocheted a swimsuit before, this is the place to start.
2. The Shell Stitch Triangle Top
If you want to add a little texture and visual interest to the classic triangle silhouette, the shell stitch version is a beautiful step up. Shell stitches create a fan-like, scalloped texture that lies beautifully flat and catches the light in a really pretty way. This pattern is still accessible to intermediate crocheters, and the finished result looks far more complicated than it actually is. Pair it with a matching shell stitch bottom and you have a set that looks completely boutique-worthy.
3. The Lace Triangle Bikini
This pattern uses fine-weight thread and a small steel hook to create an absolutely ethereal lacy triangle top. The open lacework gives it that romantic, vintage-inspired look that’s been trending across swimwear collections for several seasons. It works best over a simple nude or white bandeau for added coverage, or worn alone for a more daring look at the beach. This one takes patience and a steady hand, but the result is genuinely stunning.
4. The Boho Fringe Triangle Top
Add some personality to your beach look with a triangle top that incorporates fringe along the bottom edges. The fringe is typically created using a simple loop and cut technique after the main crocheting is finished, and it swings beautifully when you move. This pattern lends itself perfectly to earthy, bohemian color palettes — think warm terracotta, faded sage, creamy off-white, and deep indigo. It’s the perfect top for festival season or a casual day at the beach.
Bandeau and Bralette Styles
5. The Crochet Bandeau Top
Bandeaus are endlessly practical, and a crocheted version adds a handmade touch that sets it apart from anything you’d find at the store. This style typically works up in rows of half double crochet or moss stitch, creating a stretchy, textured band that sits flat against the body. Many patterns include optional detachable straps, which makes this top genuinely versatile — wear it as a strapless bandeau or add straps for more security and support.
6. The Bralette-Style Bikini Top
Inspired by the lingerie-style bralette trend, this bikini top features cups that are shaped and structured rather than flat triangles. The shaping is usually achieved through strategic increases and decreases, and the result is a top that offers real support while still looking beautifully handmade. This is a favorite pattern among crafters who want a bikini top that actually fits and flatters without sacrificing style. Instructions typically include multiple cup size options.
7. The Crochet Halter Bralette
The halter silhouette is universally flattering and genuinely timeless. This version uses a combination of crochet fabric and long halter ties that wrap around the neck and back, creating a look that’s both secure and elegant. The bralette-style cups make it more supportive than a standard triangle, and the halter ties can be adjusted to get the exact fit you want. This one works beautifully in a single solid color or in two complementary shades.
Bikini Bottoms
8. The Classic Cheeky Bottom
Every crocheter who ventures into swimwear eventually needs a solid go-to bikini bottom pattern, and this is it. The cheeky bottom uses a combination of single crochet and slip stitches to create a smooth, fitted shape that sits at the hips and offers just the right amount of coverage. The key to a great fit here is working carefully through the gusset shaping and being precise with your gauge. This pattern is also a great candidate for lining, which keeps everything secure when you’re in the water.
9. The High-Waisted Retro Bottom
High-waisted bikini bottoms are a style that never really goes out of fashion, and the crochet version has a particular charm that’s hard to resist. The extra coverage makes this a comfortable choice for many body types, and the structured, retro silhouette pairs beautifully with both a classic triangle top and a bralette-style top. Look for patterns that include tummy panel shaping for the most flattering result.
10. The Brazilian-Cut Bottom
For those who prefer minimal coverage, the Brazilian-cut bottom is worked with less fabric at the back for that sun-all-over look. Despite having less yarn involved, this one is actually a tricky pattern to get right because fit and tension are so critical. The best versions of this pattern include detailed sizing charts and tips for adjusting the rise and cut to suit your personal preference.
11. The Boy Short Bottom
On the opposite end of the spectrum, the boy short bottom offers fuller coverage and a sporty, relaxed look. This style is particularly popular among surfers, active beachgoers, and anyone who wants to spend their day playing in the water without constantly adjusting their suit. The extra fabric also means more opportunity to experiment with stitch textures — waffle stitch, seed stitch, and basketweave all look gorgeous worked up in this style.
Full Swimsuit and One-Piece Patterns
12. The Retro One-Piece Swimsuit
Few crochet projects are as impressive to finish as a full one-piece swimsuit, and this retro-inspired pattern is one of the most rewarding. Featuring a classic scoop neck, built-in cups, and a cut that nods to the elegant swimwear silhouettes of the 1950s and 60s, this pattern is a labor of love that produces genuinely wearable, gorgeous results. It’s worked in pieces and seamed together, which gives you control over the fit at each section. Definitely add a lining to this one.
13. The Crochet Monokini
The monokini sits somewhere between a bikini and a one-piece — it typically features bikini-style top and bottom pieces connected by a central panel or decorative straps rather than a full front panel. The result is a striking, architecturally interesting silhouette that shows off plenty of skin while still reading as a unified garment. There are countless variations on this concept, but the ones that use geometric stitch patterns or bold colorwork tend to be the most eye-catching.
14. The Sporty One-Piece
Not every swimsuit needs to be glamorous. Sometimes you want something practical, supportive, and built to withstand a full day of swimming and playing. The sporty one-piece uses tight stitch patterns and minimal openwork to create a suit that stays put and holds its shape even after hours in the water. This pattern typically includes instructions for creating a lined version, which makes it the most functional of all the styles on this list.
15. The Crochet Swimsuit with Cut-Outs
Side cut-outs and front cut-outs have been a major trend in swimwear for years, and the crochet version of this style is particularly lovely because the open nature of crochet fabric makes the cut-outs feel organic and intentional rather than arbitrary. These patterns typically work the suit in sections, leaving deliberate gaps at the sides or midriff and finishing those edges cleanly. The result is a one-piece that manages to be both modest and undeniably sexy at the same time.
Cover-Ups and Coordinating Pieces
16. The Crochet Beach Cover-Up Dress
No swimwear collection is complete without a matching cover-up, and a crocheted beach dress is one of the most versatile pieces you can make. This style typically uses a simple mesh or openwork pattern worked in the round, creating a flowy, semi-sheer dress that looks gorgeous thrown over a bikini. Many patterns can be adjusted in length from a short tunic to a full maxi length. Open-weave patterns in lightweight cotton or linen-blend yarn are the most comfortable for warm weather.
17. The Crochet Sarong Skirt
A crocheted sarong offers the same coverage as a wrap skirt but with that handmade artisan quality. Most sarong patterns are worked flat in a simple lace or shell stitch pattern, then finished with long ties at one end. The final piece wraps around the waist and ties at the hip, creating a beautiful layered look over a bikini bottom. This is one of the quickest projects in a beach wardrobe — many experienced crocheters finish a sarong in a single evening.
18. The Matching Tote Bag
While not technically a swimsuit pattern, no beach day outfit is truly complete without a matching bag, and a simple crocheted tote works up quickly and coordinates beautifully with any of the suit patterns on this list. Work it in the same yarn and color as your swimsuit for a put-together, coordinated look. Bonus: the open weave of most crochet tote patterns actually makes them perfect for the beach because sand falls right through.
Advanced and Statement Patterns
19. The Color-Block Bikini Set
For crocheters who want to level up their skills and create something truly eye-catching, a color-block bikini set is one of the most rewarding projects you can tackle. These patterns typically involve working different sections of the top and bottom in contrasting colors, requiring careful attention to color changes and clean finishing at every join. The payoff is incredible — a finished set that looks like it was designed by a professional and cost far more than the yarn and time you put into it. Bold color combinations like cobalt and white, black and coral, or olive and cream tend to photograph especially well.
20. The Granny Square Patchwork Bikini
Granny squares have had a massive comeback in recent years, and using them to construct a bikini is one of the most creative applications of this classic motif. Each square is worked individually and then sewn together to create the cups of a bikini top and the panels of the bottoms. The result is a patchwork, maximalist piece that’s completely unlike anything you’d find in a store. You can use as many colors as you like for the individual squares, making this a perfect stash-busting project that produces a genuinely unique, wearable piece of wearable art.
Tips for Getting the Best Results
Once you’ve chosen your pattern, a few general tips will help ensure you end up with a swimsuit you’ll actually want to wear.
Finishing matters just as much as the main construction. Take the time to weave in your ends securely and double-knot them before trimming, because the last thing you want is a tail coming loose while you’re in the water. Blocking your finished pieces before assembling them will also help everything lay flat and fit correctly.
When it comes to ties and straps, err on the side of making them longer than the pattern specifies. You can always trim or tie off excess length, but you can’t add it back if you cut too short. This is especially true for halter ties, which need enough length to tie comfortably behind the neck without pulling.
Don’t be afraid to make modifications. Crochet patterns are wonderfully forgiving when it comes to customization. If a pattern calls for a style of tie that you don’t love, substitute your preferred tie style. If the neckline feels too high or too low, adjust it before you start rather than forcing yourself to finish something you won’t be happy with.
Finally, always hand wash your crocheted swimwear in cool water with a gentle detergent, and lay it flat to dry rather than hanging it. Hanging a wet crochet piece stretches the fibers and distorts the shape over time. Treat your handmade swimwear with a little extra care and it will last for many seasons.
Final Thoughts
Crocheting your own swimwear is one of those projects that seems intimidating right up until the moment you finish your first piece and hold it up. Then all you can think is: why didn’t I try this sooner? The combination of learning new techniques, choosing beautiful yarns, and ending up with something genuinely wearable makes this one of the most satisfying categories in all of crochet.
Whether you start with a simple triangle top and work your way up to a full one-piece, or you dive straight into an ambitious color-block set, the patterns on this list give you plenty to explore. There’s a whole season of beachwear waiting to be made, and every stitch is one step closer to that perfect summer look — entirely by hand, entirely by you.
Happy crocheting.
