Easy Crochet High Waisted Skirt Cover Up: Free Pattern for All Skill Levels

If you’ve been searching for the perfect beach cover up that you can make yourself, this free crochet pattern is exactly what you need. A high waisted crochet skirt cover up is one of those versatile wardrobe pieces that works as a swimsuit cover at the beach, a boho-style summer skirt over a swimsuit or bodysuit, or even a layering piece over shorts. The best part? You don’t need to be an experienced crocheter to make this. This pattern is beginner-friendly, uses simple stitches you can learn in a single afternoon, and comes together faster than you’d expect.

This post walks you through everything: the materials you’ll need, sizing guidance, stitch instructions, and the full free pattern from waistband to hem. Bookmark it, pin it, and let’s get started.

Why You’ll Love This Pattern

High waisted silhouettes are endlessly flattering because they cinch at the narrowest part of the torso and create long, flowing lines from the waist down. When made in crochet, the open lacework lets the air move through, which makes this skirt perfect for warm weather. You can wear it over a bikini at the pool, over a one-piece at the beach, or dress it up with a fitted tank top for a summer brunch.

The pattern uses a combination of chain spaces and double crochet stitches to create a light, airy fabric with a beautiful drape. The elastic waistband keeps everything in place without digging in, and the length is fully customizable depending on how long or short you want your finished skirt to be.

Materials You Will Need

Before you start, gather everything on this list so you can work through the pattern without interruption.

Yarn: Approximately 400–700 yards of worsted weight cotton yarn, depending on your size. Cotton yarn is ideal for this project because it has excellent stitch definition, holds its shape when wet, and dries quickly. Some great options include Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, Paintbox Yarns Simply DK Cotton, or any similar smooth cotton yarn you love. You can also use a cotton-acrylic blend for a bit more stretch.

Hook: A 5.0 mm (US size H/8) crochet hook. If you crochet tightly, go up to a 5.5 mm. If you crochet loosely, try a 4.5 mm. Always swatch first.

Notions: A yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors, a tape measure, and 1–1.5 inches of elastic cut to your waist measurement plus about one inch for overlap. You’ll also need a safety pin to thread the elastic through the waistband casing.

Optional: Stitch markers to mark the beginning of rounds, especially helpful for beginners.

Yarn Quantity Guide by Size

These are approximate yardage estimates for each size. If you’re between sizes or want a longer skirt, add extra yarn to be safe.

Extra Small (24–26 inch waist): approximately 400 yards
Small (28–30 inch waist): approximately 475 yards
Medium (32–34 inch waist): approximately 550 yards
Large (36–38 inch waist): approximately 600 yards
Extra Large (40–42 inch waist): approximately 650 yards
2X (44–46 inch waist): approximately 700 yards

Gauge

Before jumping into the pattern, take the time to make a gauge swatch. Gauge matters even for a skirt because it determines the finished width and length of your piece.

Using your chosen hook and yarn, crochet a swatch that is at least 4 inches by 4 inches in the main stitch pattern (described below). You should have approximately 14 stitches and 8 rows per 4 inches in double crochet. If your swatch is larger, go down a hook size. If it’s smaller, go up a hook size.

Finished Measurements

This pattern is written for a mini to midi length skirt, approximately 18–22 inches long from waistband to hem. You can easily adjust this by adding or removing pattern rows.

Waist circumference after elastic is inserted: fits 24–46 inches depending on size worked (see instructions below for sizing).

Abbreviations

ch — chain
sl st — slip stitch
sc — single crochet
dc — double crochet
sp — space
rep — repeat
st — stitch
RS — right side

Stitch Pattern Overview

The main body of this skirt uses a simple V-stitch lace pattern, which creates a beautiful open mesh that looks much more complicated than it actually is. A V-stitch is simply two double crochets worked into the same stitch or space, separated by a chain. Repeated across a row or round, V-stitches create a stretchy, airy fabric with an elegant look.

The waistband is worked as a solid double crochet channel, leaving a gap at the top so you can thread elastic through it.

The Free Pattern

Sizing Note

To determine how many foundation chains you need, measure your hip circumference (the fullest part of your hips, not your waist — the elastic will gather the waist). Multiply your hip measurement in inches by 3.5. This gives you your starting chain number. Round this number up or down to the nearest even number. For example, if your hips measure 40 inches, you’d start with approximately 140 chains.

The reason you use hip measurement instead of waist measurement is that the skirt needs to slip on over your hips. The elastic will gather the waist to your desired fit.

Waistband

Foundation: Chain your calculated number (see sizing note above). Join with a slip stitch to form a ring, being careful not to twist the chain.

Round 1: Chain 3 (counts as first dc), work one dc in each chain around. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the beginning chain 3.

Rounds 2–5: Chain 3, dc in each stitch around. Join with a slip stitch at the end of each round. These four rounds form your waistband casing.

After completing round 5, do not close the top of the waistband. This open channel is where your elastic will be threaded later.

Main Body — V-Stitch Lace Section

Round 6: Chain 4 (counts as dc + ch 1), skip next st, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next st, ch 1, skip next st; rep from around, end with dc in same stitch as beginning chain 4, ch 1. Join with a slip stitch to third chain of beginning ch 4.

Round 7: Chain 4, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next ch-1 sp (the center of the V-stitch), ch 1; rep from around, ending with dc in same sp as beginning chain, ch 1. Join with a slip stitch to third chain of beginning ch 4.

Repeat Round 7 for the entire body of the skirt. This is your main pattern round. Continue repeating this round until the skirt measures your desired length from the bottom of the waistband, minus about half an inch for the hem border.

For a mini skirt, work approximately 12–14 rounds of the V-stitch pattern.
For a midi skirt, work approximately 18–22 rounds.

Hem Border

Final Round: Join yarn to any stitch. Chain 1, single crochet evenly around the hem. Join with a slip stitch. Fasten off.

Optional Hem Detail: For a more decorative finish, work a shell stitch border or a simple picot edging. To do a picot edge, single crochet 2, chain 3, slip stitch into first chain (this forms the picot), then single crochet 2 and repeat all the way around. This adds a lovely scalloped finish to the hem.

Finishing and Adding the Elastic

Weave in all your ends securely using your yarn needle.

Cut your elastic to your actual waist measurement, then add about one inch for the overlap. Attach a safety pin to one end of the elastic and use it to thread the elastic all the way through the double crochet waistband casing. When the elastic comes back out the other side, overlap the two ends by about an inch and sew them together securely with needle and thread. Tuck the joined ends back into the casing. The waistband will naturally gather to your waist measurement.

Tips for Customizing Your Skirt

One of the greatest things about crochet patterns is how easy they are to modify. Here are some ways to make this skirt uniquely yours.

Length: The V-stitch section is completely modular. Add as many rows as you like to get the length you want. For a full maxi skirt, plan on using significantly more yarn — closer to 1,000 yards for larger sizes.

Color: This skirt looks stunning in solid colors, but a gradient or color-blocked version is equally beautiful. You can change yarn colors at the beginning of any round. Simply fasten off your current color, join the new color, and continue.

Yarn weight: If you use a lighter weight yarn, such as a DK or fingering weight, your finished skirt will be more delicate and sheer, which is gorgeous as a cover up. Just adjust your hook size accordingly and note that your yardage requirements will increase significantly.

Waistband variations: Instead of a full elastic casing, you can crochet a shorter waistband and add a drawstring made from a long chain or a ribbon threaded through the eyelets of the first V-stitch round. This creates a cute tie-front or tie-back detail.

Adding fringe: After finishing your hem border, cut strands of yarn approximately twice the length you want your fringe. Fold each strand in half, insert the folded loop through a stitch at the hem using your hook, and pull the tails through the loop. Repeat evenly around the hem for a boho fringe effect.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even simple patterns can trip you up if you’re new to crocheting in the round. Here are the most common issues people run into with this pattern and how to handle them.

Twisted foundation chain: When you join your foundation chain into a ring, make sure all the chains are facing the same direction before you join. Once you’ve worked a few rounds, a twist is nearly impossible to fix without starting over.

Stitch count drifting: Because you’re working in the round in a V-stitch pattern, it can be easy to work into the wrong space and gradually gain or lose stitches. Place a stitch marker at the beginning of each round and count your V-stitches at the end of every few rounds to make sure the count stays consistent.

Tension inconsistency: Uneven tension is very common for beginners. Try to keep a relaxed, consistent grip on your yarn. If you notice your tension tightening when you’re tired or distracted, take a break and come back to it.

Yarn splitting: Some cotton yarns have a tendency to split when you insert your hook. If this is happening, try a hook with a slightly more pointed tip or adjust the angle at which you’re inserting the hook.

Choosing the Right Yarn for a Cover Up

The yarn you choose has a huge impact on how the finished skirt looks, feels, and behaves. For a beach or pool cover up specifically, there are a few things worth prioritizing.

Cotton and cotton blends are the top choice for swimwear cover ups because they don’t absorb water the way wool does, they dry relatively quickly, and they hold their shape even when damp. Mercerized cotton is especially beautiful for this type of project because the mercerization process gives the yarn a subtle sheen that photographs beautifully.

Avoid wool or wool blends for this project. Wool absorbs water, gets heavy when wet, and may felt or distort if it comes into contact with water and agitation (like waves or splashing).

If you want a more budget-friendly option, a cotton-polyester blend works well too. Some people find that acrylic yarn works in a pinch, though it won’t breathe quite as well in hot weather.

Caring for Your Crochet Cover Up

To keep your skirt looking its best, hand washing is the safest option. Fill a basin with cool water and a small amount of gentle detergent, swish the skirt gently, rinse thoroughly, and press out excess water without wringing. Lay the skirt flat on a clean towel to dry. Avoid hanging it to dry while wet, as gravity can stretch the stitches.

If you want to machine wash, put the skirt in a mesh laundry bag and wash on a gentle, cold cycle. Most cotton yarns can handle this, but always check your specific yarn’s care label first.

How to Wear Your Crochet Cover Up Skirt

The beauty of a high waisted crochet skirt is that it works in so many different contexts. At the beach or pool, pull it on over your swimsuit with a pair of sandals and you’re ready to walk from the water to the restaurant without stopping to change. The open lace work means it won’t cling uncomfortably to a damp swimsuit.

For a summer festival or outdoor event, pair it with a fitted crop top or bikini top and platform sandals for a complete boho look. Tucking the top in emphasizes the high waist and gives the outfit a polished finish.

If you make your skirt in a neutral color like white, cream, sand, or black, it becomes even more versatile because it pairs with virtually any top.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does this project take? Most intermediate crocheters finish this skirt in two to four evenings of work. Beginners might take a week or two, especially while learning the V-stitch pattern.

Can I use a different yarn weight? Yes. Just make a gauge swatch and adjust your starting chain accordingly. Keep in mind that a heavier yarn (like bulky) will give you a denser, less drapey fabric, which may not be ideal for a cover up.

What if I don’t know how to crochet in the round? Crocheting in the round is actually easier than working in rows for many people because there’s no turning and no seam. Your foundation chain is joined into a ring and you simply spiral or join-round upward from there. There are many excellent video tutorials for beginning crocheters on YouTube that show exactly how to work foundation chains in the round.

Can I make this as a flat skirt with a seam instead? Yes. Work the waistband and V-stitch section in rows instead of rounds, then seam the sides together with a slip stitch or whip stitch before threading the elastic.

Final Thoughts

This easy crochet high waisted skirt cover up pattern proves that you don’t need complicated techniques or expensive materials to create something you’ll wear all summer long. With a simple V-stitch repeat, a customizable length, and a comfortable elastic waistband, this is a project that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to wear.

Whether you’re an absolute beginner tackling one of your first garment projects or an experienced crocheter looking for a quick, satisfying make, this pattern delivers. Customize the color, length, and hem details to reflect your personal style, and don’t forget to share your finished skirt. Tag your photos and let others see what you made.

Happy crocheting — and even happier beachgoing.