Basic Crochet Bralette Free Pattern + Video | Jenny and Teddy

If you’ve been wanting to try your hand at crocheting your own lingerie or summer tops, a basic crochet bralette is one of the most satisfying projects you can start with. It’s beginner-friendly enough to feel approachable, but the finished result looks beautiful, wearable, and completely handmade in the best way possible. This free pattern from Jenny and Teddy will walk you through everything you need to know to create your own crochet bralette from start to finish, and there’s a video tutorial included so you can follow along stitch by stitch if reading patterns feels a little overwhelming.

Whether you’re making this for yourself, as a gift, or simply as a fun creative project to add to your growing crochet repertoire, this bralette is one of those pieces you’ll want to make over and over in every color you can find.

Why Crochet Your Own Bralette?

There’s something genuinely special about wearing something you made yourself, and bralettes are one of the most practical and stylish things you can crochet. Unlike bulky sweaters or large blanket projects that take weeks to finish, a bralette is compact. Most people can finish one in a weekend, sometimes even in a single afternoon if they get into a good rhythm.

Handmade crochet bralettes have exploded in popularity on social media over the past few years, and for good reason. They’re incredibly versatile. You can wear them as a swimsuit top, as a cute layering piece under a cardigan or blazer, over a tank top at a festival, or simply as loungewear at home. The options are endless, and because you’re making it yourself, you get to choose exactly the colors, yarn weight, and sizing that works best for your body.

Buying handmade bralettes from artisan shops can cost anywhere from thirty to eighty dollars or more. Making your own costs a fraction of that, especially since this pattern is completely free.

Materials You’ll Need

Before you start crocheting, it helps to have everything laid out in front of you. Here’s what you’ll need for this basic crochet bralette pattern:

Yarn: A lightweight cotton yarn works beautifully for this project. Look for a yarn labeled as fingering weight or sport weight (also called 2-weight or 3-weight). Cotton is ideal because it has a natural drape, it’s breathable against the skin, and it holds its shape well after washing. You’ll need approximately 200 to 400 yards depending on your size. Some great options include Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, Paintbox Simply DK Cotton, or any basic mercerized cotton yarn you have on hand.

Hook: A 3.5mm or 4mm crochet hook works well with most lightweight cotton yarns for this project. Always check your yarn label for the recommended hook size and swatch before beginning.

Measuring tape: You’ll need this to take your bust measurements and check your gauge.

Stitch markers: These help you keep track of your rows and any increases or decreases.

Scissors and a tapestry needle: For finishing and weaving in ends.

Optional: Small bra rings and sliders, or D-rings, if you want adjustable straps. These can be found at fabric stores or ordered online very inexpensively.

Understanding Gauge

Gauge is one of those things that beginner crocheters sometimes skip over, but it really does matter when you’re making a wearable item that needs to fit your body. If your gauge is too loose, your bralette will end up larger than intended. If it’s too tight, it may be smaller.

For this pattern, the target gauge is approximately 20 stitches and 24 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) in single crochet using a 3.5mm hook and fingering weight cotton yarn. To check your gauge, crochet a small swatch of about 25 stitches and 30 rows, then measure the center portion of it. Adjust your hook size up or down as needed until your gauge matches.

It might feel tedious to do this before you start the actual project, but it’s worth it. A well-fitting bralette feels completely different to wear than one that’s even slightly off in size.

Sizing Guide

This pattern is designed to be adaptable across a range of sizes. Because everyone’s body is different, the best approach is to work from your actual measurements rather than relying solely on small, medium, and large labels.

Measure around the fullest part of your bust and around your ribcage just under your bust. The difference between these two measurements will help you determine the depth and coverage you want from the cups.

As a general guide:

A 32–34 inch bust typically works well with a starting chain of around 60–70 stitches for the band. A 36–38 inch bust tends to work with 75–85 stitches. A 40–42 inch bust works with 90–100 stitches.

These are starting points. As you work through the pattern and check your progress against your measurements, you can easily add or subtract stitches to get a perfect fit. Crochet is wonderfully forgiving in this way.

Abbreviations Used in This Pattern

If you’re newer to reading crochet patterns, here’s a quick reference for the abbreviations used:

ch — chain
sl st — slip stitch
sc — single crochet
hdc — half double crochet
dc — double crochet
sp — space
rep — repeat
sk — skip
st(s) — stitch(es)
YO — yarn over
beg — beginning
RS — right side
WS — wrong side

The Pattern: Basic Crochet Bralette

Part One: The Band

The band is worked first. It forms the foundation of the bralette and sits along the bottom of your ribcage.

Chain a multiple of 4 stitches plus 2, based on your measurement from the sizing guide above. For a 34-inch bust, begin with chain 68.

Row 1 (RS): Sc in second chain from hook and in each ch across. Turn.

Row 2 (WS): Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn.

Rows 3–6: Repeat Row 2 four more times.

You should now have 6 rows of single crochet. This creates a firm, comfortable band that won’t roll or stretch out of shape. If you want a deeper band, simply continue working in single crochet until it reaches your desired depth, typically anywhere from 1.5 inches to 2.5 inches.

Do not fasten off. You’ll continue building up from the band into the cup section.

Part Two: The Cups

The cups are worked in two separate halves, then joined. This is where the bralette really starts to take shape.

Setting up the cup placement:

Fold your band in half to find the center point. Place a stitch marker at the center. Each cup will begin roughly one-quarter of the total stitch count from either edge. For a 68-stitch band, place your cup markers at approximately the 17th stitch from the left and the 17th stitch from the right, leaving a center space of about 34 stitches. Adjust this placement based on your cup size and preference.

Left cup:

Join your yarn at the left cup marker.

Row 1: Ch 2, hdc across the next 17 sts. Turn. (17 hdc)

Row 2: Ch 2, hdc in each st across. Turn.

Row 3: Ch 1, sc2tog (decrease) at the beginning of the row, hdc across until 2 sts remain, sc2tog. Turn.

Rows 4–6: Continue in hdc, decreasing 1 stitch at each end every other row until your cup is shaped to roughly a triangle or slight curve, depending on your preference.

Row 7: Ch 1, sc evenly around the outer edge of the cup to create a clean finished border.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Right cup:

Rejoin yarn at the right cup marker and repeat the same process for the right cup, mirroring the shaping. Work from right to left so the decreases fall on the correct edges.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Part Three: The Center Panel

The small section between the two cups can be finished in a couple of ways. For a simple look, you can work a few rows of single crochet to create a flat center bridge. For a more decorative look, try a simple mesh or shell stitch in this section.

Simple center bridge:

Join yarn at the edge of the left cup where it meets the center space.

Row 1: Ch 1, sc evenly across the top edge of the band between the two cups. Turn.

Row 2: Ch 1, sc in each st. Turn.

Row 3: Ch 1, sc in each st. Fasten off.

This creates a neat, structured center that holds the cups apart and gives the bralette its shape.

Part Four: The Straps and Ties

The straps are what give this bralette its adjustability and that signature strappy look. There are several ways to create straps in crochet, and all of them work beautifully here.

Crocheted chain strap (simplest option):

At the top corner of each cup, join your yarn and chain until your strap reaches the desired length. For a halter-neck style, make one long strap from each cup that ties at the back of the neck. For a more traditional bralette look, make two shorter straps that cross over the shoulder and attach at the back.

A chain of 70 to 90 stitches is usually enough for most styles, but try it against your body as you go.

Slip stitch reinforced strap:

For a sturdier strap, work a slip stitch back along the chain you just made. This creates a solid, rope-like cord that holds its shape beautifully and doesn’t stretch out as much during wear.

Back ties:

For the back closure, work two long crocheted ties on each end of the band. Chain 60 to 80 stitches from each back corner and reinforce with a row of slip stitches. These tie at the back for a bow or simply knot securely.

If you prefer a more polished look, thread your crocheted ties through small metal D-rings or bra sliders, which allows you to adjust the fit without retying every time.

Part Five: Finishing Touches

The difference between a bralette that looks handmade and one that looks professionally crafted often comes down to finishing.

Work a final round of single crochet around the entire outer edge of the bralette, including along the top edge of each cup, around the band, and along the straps if they’re wide enough. This tightens up any loose edges, evens out the tension, and gives the whole piece a polished, cohesive look.

Weave in all your ends carefully using a tapestry needle. For a garment that will be washed and worn regularly, it helps to weave in ends in multiple directions and even add a tiny dab of fabric glue or fray check to extra-secure areas.

Block your bralette by lightly dampening it with cool water, shaping it to your measurements on a flat surface, and allowing it to dry completely. This step dramatically improves the drape and overall appearance of cotton yarn projects.

Tips for Getting the Best Fit

Getting a crochet bralette to fit well is honestly more about the measuring process than anything else. A few tips that make a real difference:

Measure yourself while wearing a well-fitting bra or bralette so your measurements are accurate. Measure loosely for the band and snugly but not tightly for the cups.

Crochet tends to have more horizontal stretch than vertical, so err on the side of making cups slightly longer than you think you need them. They’ll settle into shape after blocking.

If you’re between sizes, go up. It’s much easier to add a tie or tighten a strap than it is to rework a cup that’s too small.

Work up a full tension swatch and actually wash and dry it before you begin the project. Cotton can shrink slightly on the first wash, and it’s better to know that before you’re halfway through your bralette.

Watch the Video Tutorial

Reading a crochet pattern and watching someone crochet it in real time are two very different experiences, and the video tutorial that accompanies this pattern fills in all the gaps that text alone can’t cover. In the video, you’ll see exactly how to hold your hook and yarn for clean tension on lightweight cotton, how the cup shaping actually looks as it comes together, how to create the crocheted ties and attach them neatly, and how to do the final finishing round without puckering the edges.

The video is especially helpful for anyone who is newer to crocheting garments. Watching stitch placement and how to transition between sections makes the whole project feel much less intimidating. Even experienced crocheters often find video tutorials useful when learning a new construction method.

You can find the full video tutorial on the Jenny and Teddy YouTube channel, where it walks through the entire pattern in real time with close-up shots of each section.

Care Instructions

Cotton crochet garments are surprisingly easy to care for. Machine wash on a gentle cycle in cool water with a mild detergent. Lay flat to dry to preserve the shape and prevent any stretching. Avoid high heat in the dryer, as this can shrink or distort the stitches.

With proper care, a well-made crochet bralette can last for years and only gets softer and more comfortable with washing.

Pattern Variations to Try

Once you’ve made your first basic bralette and gotten comfortable with the construction, there are so many fun ways to put your own spin on future versions.

Try a lace mesh stitch for the cups instead of solid hdc for a delicate, airy look. Use variegated or gradient yarn for a naturally colorful effect without any color changes. Add a row of shell stitches or picots along the top edge of the cups for a pretty scalloped finish. Experiment with open-work patterns in the center bridge for a more decorative detail. Add beads or small crochet flowers to the strap or cup edges for a boho touch.

The basic construction stays the same no matter what stitch pattern you choose for the cups, so this free pattern is really just a starting point for unlimited creative possibilities.

Final Thoughts

A basic crochet bralette is one of those projects that strikes the perfect balance between skill-building and reward. You learn real garment construction techniques — shaping, measuring, finishing — while creating something you’ll actually want to wear. It’s the kind of project that makes new crocheters feel like they’ve leveled up, and experienced crocheters will love how quickly it works up.

This free pattern from Jenny and Teddy is designed to be accessible, adaptable, and genuinely useful, with the video tutorial there whenever you need a little extra guidance. Grab your cotton yarn, pick your favorite color, and get started. Your handmade bralette is only a few hours away.

Happy crocheting!