Free Crochet Bralette Pattern: Sunday Morning Bralette

There is something quietly magical about Sunday mornings. The light comes in soft and golden, the world outside is still unhurried, and you have nowhere to be. That feeling — unhurried, warm, a little dreamy — is exactly what inspired the Sunday Morning Bralette. This free crochet bralette pattern is designed to feel like that moment: comfortable, pretty, and effortlessly handmade.

Whether you are new to crocheting garments or you have been making wearables for years, this pattern is written to guide you through every step. The construction is straightforward, the stitch count is manageable, and the finished piece is something you will genuinely want to wear. Best of all, it costs nothing to access this pattern. Just grab your yarn, your hook, and a lazy morning, and let’s get started.

Why Crochet a Bralette?

Crochet bralettes have become one of the most popular wearable crochet projects for very good reason. They are lightweight, breathable, endlessly customizable, and they give you the satisfaction of wearing something you built from scratch with your own hands. A store-bought lace bralette can cost anywhere from twenty to sixty dollars. A handmade one costs you the price of yarn and a few hours of your time — and it fits your body specifically, not a standardized size chart.

The Sunday Morning Bralette is also a wonderful project if you want to practice working with smaller hook sizes or if you are trying to level up from scarves and dishcloths into actual garments. Because it is a relatively compact piece, you get the full experience of shaping a garment — increases, decreases, adjustable straps — without committing to a full sweater project.

Materials You Will Need

Before casting on any project, it helps to gather everything in one place so you are not pausing mid-row to search for a stitch marker.

Yarn: You will need approximately 200–350 yards of DK weight yarn (size 3), depending on your finished size. Cotton or a cotton blend is strongly recommended for this pattern. Cotton is breathable against the skin, holds its shape well, and washes easily. Look for 100% cotton or a cotton-nylon blend for a bit of extra stretch and recovery. Suggested colors include cream, sage, dusty rose, terracotta, or soft white — though truly any color that makes you feel like a Sunday morning is the right choice.

Hook: A 3.5mm or 4.0mm crochet hook. Start with 3.5mm if you tend to crochet loosely, or 4.0mm if your tension runs tight. Always work a gauge swatch before beginning.

Notions: You will need a yarn needle for weaving in ends, stitch markers to track shaping sections, scissors, and a measuring tape. Optionally, you can add a small clasp or hook-and-eye closure at the back if you prefer a fastened band rather than a tie closure.

Gauge: 18 stitches and 20 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in half double crochet (hdc) using a 3.5mm hook. Gauge matters significantly in garment-making, so please do not skip this step. A small difference in gauge across your entire bralette can result in a piece that is several inches off from your intended size.

Sizing and Measurements

The Sunday Morning Bralette is written for the following band sizes, with adjustments for cup depth included within the pattern notes.

Band Sizes (underbust measurement):

• XS: 26–28 inches
• S: 28–30 inches
• M: 30–32 inches
• L: 32–34 inches
• XL: 34–36 inches
• 2XL: 36–38 inches

Cup depth adjustments are made by working additional rows in the cup section before beginning the decrease shaping. Instructions for this are included within the cup construction steps below.

When in doubt about sizing, measure your underbust snugly (not tightly) and your bust at the fullest point. The difference between these two measurements will tell you your approximate cup size and help you determine how many additional rows to add to the cups.

Stitches and Abbreviations Used

This pattern uses U.S. crochet terminology throughout.

ch — chain
sl st — slip stitch
sc — single crochet
hdc — half double crochet
dc — double crochet
hdc2tog — half double crochet two together (decrease)
sk — skip
sp — space
st(s) — stitch(es)
RS — right side
WS — wrong side
rep — repeat

Special Stitch — Shell Stitch: (dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc) all worked into the same stitch or space. This creates the decorative shell detail along the top edge of the cups.

Pattern Notes

Read through the entire pattern before beginning. This will help you understand how the pieces connect and where you will need to make decisions based on your personal measurements.

The bralette is worked in three main sections: the band, the left cup, and the right cup. The cups are worked directly from the band rather than seamed on separately, which creates a cleaner finish and reduces the amount of seaming required. Straps are worked last as attached chains or crocheted ties.

The band begins with a foundation chain and is worked flat in rows to create a rectangular strip. It is then joined at the back with either a slip stitch seam, a flat join, or a tie closure depending on your preference.

The Pattern: Sunday Morning Bralette

Part One: The Band

The band forms the structural base of the bralette and sits at your underbust. It should be snug but comfortable — you want it to stay in place without digging in.

Foundation: Begin by chaining a number of stitches that equals your underbust measurement minus approximately two inches (the band is designed to have slight negative ease). For a size Small (28–30 inch underbust), chain 116.

Row 1 (RS): Starting in the second chain from hook, work 1 hdc in each ch across. Turn. (115 hdc)

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

Rows 3–6: Repeat Row 2. (For a wider band, you can work additional rows here — up to Row 8 or 10 for a fuller band style.)

Row 7 (Top Edge — Decorative): Ch 3 (counts as first dc), sk 1 st, shell st in next st, sk 2 sts, sc in next st, sk 2 sts; rep from across, ending with dc in last st. Fasten off and set band aside.

Size Adjustments for the Band:

• XS: Chain 100
• S: Chain 116
• M: Chain 130
• L: Chain 144
• XL: Chain 158
• 2XL: Chain 172

Part Two: The Cups

The cups are worked directly into the top decorative edge of the band. You will work one cup at a time, and they are not symmetrical from the band — they are centered within the band width, with space left at each side for the back closure.

Locating the Cup Starting Point: Fold your band in half to find the center. From the center, count 10 stitches (or shells, depending on your size) to the left. This is where your left cup begins. The right cup will mirror this position on the other side.

Left Cup Construction

Setup Row: Join yarn with a sl st into the appropriate shell space at the top edge of the band. Ch 2 (counts as first hdc).

Row 1: Work 1 hdc in each of the next 20 (24, 26, 28, 30, 32) sts across the top of the band. Turn.

Row 2: Ch 2, hdc across. Turn.

Rows 3–6: Ch 2, hdc across. Turn. (You are now building the body of the cup. For a fuller cup, continue working even rows until the cup measures approximately 2 (2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5) inches from the band top edge before beginning the decrease shaping below.)

Begin Cup Shaping — Decrease Rows:

Row 7: Ch 2, hdc2tog over first 2 sts, hdc across to last 2 sts, hdc2tog. Turn. (2 sts decreased)

Row 8: Ch 2, hdc across. Turn.

Row 9: Ch 2, hdc2tog, hdc across to last 2 sts, hdc2tog. Turn.

Row 10: Ch 2, hdc across. Turn.

Row 11: Ch 2, hdc2tog, hdc across to last 2 sts, hdc2tog. Turn.

Row 12: Ch 2, hdc across. Turn.

Continue in this pattern (decrease every other row) until 8–10 stitches remain, or until the cup measures your desired height from the band. End with a right side row facing you.

Top Cup Edge (Decorative Shell Row): Ch 3, shell st in next st, sk 2 sts, sc in next st, sk 2 sts; rep from across top of cup. Fasten off.

Right Cup Construction

Join yarn at the corresponding position on the right side of the band, mirroring the left cup exactly. Work all rows and shaping as given for the left cup.

Part Three: The Center Panel (Optional but Recommended)

The center panel is a small triangular or rectangular crochet piece that sits between the two cups and gives the bralette a more polished, structured look. It also helps keep the cups from gaping open at the center front.

Foundation: Chain 8.

Row 1: 1 hdc in second ch from hook and in each ch across. (7 hdc) Turn.

Row 2: Ch 2, hdc2tog, hdc across to last 2 sts, hdc2tog. Turn. (5 hdc)

Row 3: Ch 2, hdc across. Turn.

Row 4: Ch 2, hdc2tog, hdc to last 2 sts, hdc2tog. Turn. (3 hdc)

Row 5: Sl st across. Fasten off, leaving a long tail.

Use the long tail to whipstitch the center panel into place between the two cups. The wider end sits at the band and the narrow end points upward.

Part Four: Straps and Ties

The Sunday Morning Bralette uses two types of straps: adjustable shoulder straps that attach at the top of the cups, and back ties that close the band.

Shoulder Straps

For each strap, join yarn at the top outer corner of one cup.

Strap: Ch 2, hdc in second ch from hook and in each ch until strap measures approximately 10–14 inches (or your preferred length). Try the bralette on and measure from the top of the cup over your shoulder to where you want the strap to end at the back. Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Thread the tail through a small ring or adjustable slide if you want an adjustable strap, or simply join with a sl st to the band at the desired position for a fixed strap.

For a more decorative strap, you can work the strap as follows: sc, ch 3, skip 1; repeat across the length of the strap for an open chain lace effect.

Back Ties

If you are not using a clasp or hook-and-eye closure, the back of the bralette closes with crocheted ties. These are simply long crocheted chains worked at each end of the band.

Ties: Join yarn at one end of the band. Ch approximately 60–80 stitches (or until the tie is long enough to wrap around and tie comfortably at your back). Sl st in second ch from hook and in each ch back to the band. Fasten off. Repeat on the other end.

Part Five: Finishing and Edging

Once all pieces are assembled, work a single crochet edging around the entire perimeter of the bralette for a clean, polished finish.

Starting at the center back of the band (or at one of the tie join points), join yarn and work 1 sc in every stitch and row end around the entire outer edge of the piece, including around the cups and straps. When you reach a corner, work 3 sc into the corner stitch to help the edging lie flat. When you reach a curved section, you may need to skip a stitch occasionally to prevent ruching. Work until you return to the starting point, sl st to join, and fasten off.

Weave in all remaining ends thoroughly using your yarn needle. Give the bralette a gentle hand wash in cool water with a little delicate soap, reshape it, and lay flat to dry.

Customization Ideas

One of the great joys of making your own crochet bralette is that you are never locked into any one version. Here are a few ways to make the Sunday Morning Bralette uniquely yours.

Add a picot edging along the top of the cups and along the straps by working (sc, ch 3, sl st back into first ch, sc) in every third stitch. This gives a delicate, vintage-inspired finish that photographs beautifully.

Incorporate a contrasting color for the decorative shell rows along the top edge and cup tops. A cream band with a dusty rose shell edging, for example, feels both bohemian and elegant.

Add beads or small crocheted flower appliqués to the center panel for a whimsical, boho look. Small pearl beads threaded onto the yarn before beginning the center panel will work themselves into the stitches as you go.

Lined cups are a great option if you want more coverage or structure. Cut two cup-shaped pieces from a soft knit fabric (like jersey or bamboo), and hand-sew them to the inside of the crocheted cups using a simple whipstitch around the edges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a beginner make this bralette? Yes, with some patience. If you are comfortable with the basic stitches (chain, sc, hdc, dc) and have worked in rows before, you have the foundational skills to complete this project. The shaping involves simple increase and decrease techniques that are well within reach for newer crocheters.

What yarn do you recommend? Paintbox Yarns Simply DK Cotton, Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, and Drops Safran are all excellent, affordable choices. For a more luxurious feel, Paintbox Simply DK in a cotton-acrylic blend adds softness and slight stretch.

How do I wash the finished bralette? Hand wash in cool water with a delicate or wool wash detergent. Do not wring or twist. Press gently between two clean towels to remove excess water and lay flat to dry. Avoid the dryer, which can distort the shape and shrink cotton significantly.

Can I sell items made from this pattern? Yes. Items made from this free pattern may be sold in small quantities. Please credit “Sunday Morning Bralette — Free Pattern” as the pattern source. The written pattern itself may not be reproduced, sold, or distributed.

Final Thoughts

The Sunday Morning Bralette is more than a crochet project — it is a little act of self-care. There is something genuinely satisfying about wearing something made with your own hands, something designed around your own body and your own taste. Whether you wear it as a swimsuit coverup layered over a bikini top, under overalls on a summer afternoon, or simply around the house on a slow weekend morning, this piece is meant to feel effortless and loved.

If you make the Sunday Morning Bralette, share it online and tag your project so others can find this free pattern too. Seeing your finished pieces — in all the colors and variations you choose — is one of the most rewarding parts of sharing a free crochet pattern with the world.

Happy hooking, and happy Sunday.