A handmade crochet bikini is one of those summer projects that looks simple but gives you plenty of room to customize the color, fit, and finishing.

This Classic Crochet Bikini Pattern features two triangle-style cups, long adjustable ties, and matching low-rise bottoms with side ties.

The construction is straightforward and uses mostly single crochet, making it approachable for crocheters who are comfortable working even rows, decreases, increases, and simple finishing.

This is an original crochet pattern inspired by the general look of a classic string bikini. It is not a reconstruction of another designer’s instructions.

Project Details

• Skill level: Confident beginner
• Crochet terminology: US terms
• Construction: Flat pieces with crocheted ties
• Suggested yarn: Lightweight cotton blend
• Hook size: 3.5 mm
• Finished cup width: approximately 6.75 in (17 cm)
• Finished cup height: approximately 5.75–6 in (14.5–15 cm)
• Bottom front width: approximately 9 in (23 cm)
• Bottom back width: approximately 10.75–11 in (27–28 cm)
• Approximate total rise through crotch: 11 in (28 cm)

Important Fit Note

This pattern gives one set of finished measurements rather than promising a standard clothing size.

Bodies and cup shapes vary, so compare the finished measurements with a bikini that already fits you well before starting.

The written stitch counts have been checked, but this pattern has not been physically sample-tested. Final fit, stretch, yarn quantity, and coverage should be confirmed with a real crocheted sample before publication or sale.

Materials

• Lightweight Category 2 or light Category 3 cotton or cotton-blend yarn
• Approximately 350–450 yd total
• 3.5 mm crochet hook
• Yarn needle
• Scissors
• Stitch markers
• Measuring tape

Optional:

• Swimwear lining fabric
• Matching sewing thread

Hook Size

Use a 3.5 mm crochet hook as a starting point.

If your fabric feels too stiff, try a 4.0 mm hook.

If the stitches are too loose or gaps appear when the fabric stretches, try a 3.0 mm hook.

For swimwear, a firm, dense fabric is usually preferable to an open or lacy texture.

Yarn

Choose a smooth lightweight yarn with good stitch definition.

Cotton blends are useful because they feel comfortable against the skin while still providing structure.

For actual swimming, remember that many ordinary cotton yarns absorb water and become heavier when wet.

If the bikini will be worn in water rather than used mainly as beachwear, test your chosen yarn thoroughly for:

• Stretch
• Recovery
• Colorfastness
• Weight when wet

Approximate yarn quantity:

• Bikini top: 180–220 yd
• Bikini bottoms: 170–230 yd

The sample look works especially well in:

• Lime green
• Black
• Cream
• Coral
• Turquoise
• Chocolate brown

Abbreviations

• ch — chain
• sc — single crochet
• sl st — slip stitch
• st / sts — stitch / stitches
• sc2tog — single crochet two stitches together
• BLO — back loop only

Before You Start

Gauge

Approximately:

18 sc x 20 rows = 4 in (10 cm)

Gauge is important because it controls both coverage and fit.

Stitch Texture

The cups use back-loop-only single crochet for subtle vertical-style ribbing and texture.

The bottoms use regular single crochet for a slightly smoother and more stable fabric.

Turning Chain

The beginning ch 1 does not count as a stitch.

Sizing

Before starting, measure a bikini top and bottoms that already fit comfortably.

Compare those measurements with:

• Cup base width
• Cup height
• Front width
• Back width
• Rise

Adjustments are easiest before adding the ties.

Step-by-Step Crochet Instructions

Part 1: Triangle Bikini Cups

Make 2.

Using your main color:

Ch 32.

Row 1

Sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across.

31 sc.

Row 2

Ch 1, turn.

Sc2tog, sc BLO across until 2 sts remain, sc2tog.

29 sts.

Row 3

Ch 1, turn.

Sc BLO across.

29 sts.

Row 4

Ch 1, turn.

Sc2tog, sc BLO across until 2 sts remain, sc2tog.

27 sts.

Row 5

Sc BLO across.

27 sts.

Continue repeating the decrease-row / even-row sequence.

Your stitch counts after each decrease row will be:

• 25
• 23
• 21
• 19
• 17
• 15
• 13
• 11
• 9
• 7
• 5
• 3

After each decrease row, work one even BLO row with the same stitch count.

When 3 stitches remain:

Final Row

Ch 1, turn.

Sc2tog over first 2 sts, sc in final st.

2 sts.

Fasten off.

The finished cup should measure approximately 6.75 in across the base and about 5.75–6 in tall.

Make a second matching cup.

Part 2: Cup Edging

Join yarn to one lower corner of the first cup.

Work sc evenly around the two angled sides.

Do not work across the bottom edge yet.

Fasten off.

Repeat for the second cup.

Part 3: Bottom Bikini Tie

Ch approximately 250.

This should create a cord around 50–55 in long depending on your tension.

Sl st back through each chain for a stronger cord.

Fasten off.

Lay the cord flat.

Position the two cups along the center section of the cord with approximately 1–2 in between them.

Using matching yarn, sew the bottom edge of each cup securely to the cord.

Make sure both cups are centered and symmetrical.

Part 4: Neck Ties

Join yarn to the top point of one cup.

Ch approximately 85.

Sl st back through the chain.

Fasten off.

Repeat on the second cup.

Each neck tie should measure roughly 18–20 in depending on tension.

Adjust the number of chains if you prefer longer ties.

Bikini Top Finishing

Weave in all ends carefully.

Try the top over another garment first to check:

• Cup placement
• Cup height
• Distance between cups
• Neck tie length
• Back tie length

If extra coverage is needed, add one or two rounds of sc around each cup before finishing.

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Crochet Bikini Bottoms

The bottoms are worked as one continuous flat piece from the front waistband, through the crotch, and up to the back.

Part 5: Front Section

Ch 42.

Row 1

Sc in second ch from hook and across.

41 sc.

Row 2

Ch 1, turn.

Sc2tog, sc across until 2 sts remain, sc2tog.

39 sts.

Row 3

Sc across.

39 sts.

Row 4

Sc2tog, sc across until 2 sts remain, sc2tog.

37 sts.

Row 5

Sc across.

37 sts.

Continue decreasing on every other row.

The stitch counts after each decrease row are:

• 35
• 33
• 31
• 29
• 27
• 25
• 23
• 21

Work one even row after each decrease row.

You will finish the front shaping with 21 stitches.

Part 6: Crotch

Work 8 rows even.

Ch 1, turn.

Sc across.

21 sts each row.

This creates a crotch section approximately 1.5–1.75 in long.

Part 7: Back Shaping

Now increase outward.

Increase Row

Ch 1, turn.

2 sc in first st.

Sc across until final st.

2 sc in final st.

23 sts.

Next Row

Sc across.

23 sts.

Repeat these two rows, increasing by 2 stitches every other row.

Continue until you reach:

49 sts.

Your increase-row totals will be:

• 23
• 25
• 27
• 29
• 31
• 33
• 35
• 37
• 39
• 41
• 43
• 45
• 47
• 49

After reaching 49 sts, work one final even row.

Fasten off.

At the suggested gauge, the back should measure approximately 10.75–11 in wide.

Part 8: Bottom Edging

Join yarn at one upper front corner.

Work sc evenly around one leg opening.

Sl st neatly at the crotch edge if needed.

Repeat around the second leg opening.

Keep your edging relaxed so it does not pull the fabric inward.

Part 9: Side Ties

Make 4.

Join yarn to one upper corner.

Ch approximately 80.

Sl st back through each chain.

Fasten off.

Repeat on:

• Front left corner
• Front right corner
• Back left corner
• Back right corner

Each side tie should measure approximately 16–18 in depending on your tension.

Finishing

Weave in all ends securely.

Gently hand wash or wet block the pieces according to your yarn care instructions.

Lay everything flat and allow it to dry completely.

Check that:

• Both cups are the same size
• Ties are securely attached
• Bottom shaping is symmetrical
• Leg openings lie flat
• No yarn ends are loose

Optional Lining

For more coverage, add swimsuit lining fabric inside the bikini.

Cut lining slightly smaller than the crochet pieces so it does not show around the edges.

Hand sew the lining carefully to the inside without pulling the crochet fabric out of shape.

Do not sew through the outermost visible edge if you want the crochet border to remain clean.

Finished Measurements

Approximate finished measurements at the suggested gauge:

Bikini Top

Each cup:

• Width: 6.75 in (17 cm)
• Height: 5.75–6 in (14.5–15 cm)

Bikini Bottoms

• Front width: about 9 in (23 cm)
• Back width: about 10.75–11 in (27–28 cm)
• Total front-to-back length through crotch: about 11 in (28 cm)

Measurements can change depending on yarn and tension.

Tips & Customization

Make the Cups Larger

Add 2–6 stitches to the starting chain.

Keep the starting stitch count odd so the decreases remain symmetrical.

Continue alternating decrease rows and even rows until you reach the final narrow point.

Add More Coverage to the Bottoms

Start with a wider front chain and increase the final back width by the same amount.

Make a gauge swatch before changing stitch counts.

Try Contrast Edging

Use one color for the bikini and a contrasting color for:

• Cup edging
• Waist ties
• Leg borders

Add Lining

Lining is especially useful with lighter yarn colors.

It can improve coverage and help the bikini hold its shape.

Care

Hand washing is usually the safest choice for handmade crochet swimwear.

Use cool water and gentle detergent.

Do not wring.

Reshape and lay flat to dry.

Avoid high heat.

If the bikini is exposed to chlorine or salt water, rinse it with clean water soon after use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I actually swim in a crochet bikini?

That depends heavily on the yarn.

Standard cotton can absorb a lot of water and stretch when wet.

For swimming, test your yarn and finished bikini in water before relying on the final fit.

Can I make the cups larger?

Yes.

Increase the starting chain by an even number of chains while keeping the working stitch count odd.

Then continue the same symmetrical decrease sequence.

Should I line the bikini?

Lining is optional, but it can provide extra coverage, comfort, and structure.

Can I use thicker yarn?

You can, but the bikini will become larger and heavier.

Make a new gauge swatch and adjust the stitch counts rather than simply changing yarn weight.

Save This Crochet Project for Later

Save this Classic Crochet Bikini Pattern to your Pinterest summer crochet board so you can come back to it when you’re ready to make your own handmade bikini.

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Happy crocheting!