WHAT YOU'LL NEED
Phentex (a "no-stretch" type yarn/thread):For each bikini
1 4-oz skein main color (MC) and 1 skein contrasting color (CC)
(I used Straw Into Gold's Deco Ribbon - 2 1/2 balls - approximately 200 yds plus contrast color. I recommend a yarn without elasticity, holes, or nubs. A synthetic yarn will absorb less water if you want to get it wet).
Crochet hook size "I" or 8
BIKINI PATTERN
Directions are for size 8. Changes for sizes 10 and 12 are in parentheses. (these sizes are more like extra small, small/medium, and medium/large)
Body Bust Size: 31-1/2" (32-1/2" - 34").
Finished Bust Size: Bra (closed): 31-1/2" (32-1/2" - 34")
GAUGE: 7 sc = 2"; 3 rows = 1"
Note: Always work in back lp of each st.
Directions are for size 8. Changes for sizes 10 and 12 are in parentheses. (these sizes are more like extra small, small/medium, and medium/large)
Body Bust Size: 31-1/2" (32-1/2" - 34").
Finished Bust Size: Bra (closed): 31-1/2" (32-1/2" - 34")
GAUGE: 7 sc = 2"; 3 rows = 1"
Note: Always work in back lp of each st.
FRUGALITY & LIVING
FIBRE & FABRIC
TECH & MECHANICS
HOME & HEARTH
THEORY & PRACTICE
LOST & FOUND
WEARABLES
ALT GUIDES
DON'T DO IT YOURSELF
READING IS FUN
VIEW ALL
LINKS
FIBRE & FABRIC
TECH & MECHANICS
HOME & HEARTH
THEORY & PRACTICE
LOST & FOUND
WEARABLES
ALT GUIDES
DON'T DO IT YOURSELF
READING IS FUN
VIEW ALL
LINKS
Crochet Bikini
By: CallieThis no-nonsense crochet bikini pattern should get you to the beach or pool in no time. This is an intermediate level pattern so crochet at your own risk.
Since all bodies are different, I recommend you use the pattern as a guide while checking the size and shape against a favorite pair of underwear/bra or other bikini that fits or your own body. The initial panty shape should be about an inch smaller than your ideal finished dimension all the way around. I found that for some parts I was a "small" for some a "large."
Don't be afraid to rip out what doesn't fit just right, the guage is so large that it will be quick to re-do! Elastic can also be added in the waistband if desired by crocheting a length under the last row of CC. When finished try on and adjust elastic, then sew in place. Another option is to line your 'kini with a light cotton or synthetic knit jersey. Lay out panties and bra flat and cut out fabric about 3/8" smaller than finished shapes (don't bother with the straps and ties). Hand stitch raw edge with a whipstitch to inside of panties and bra cups 3/8" from edge. This pattern makes a very low-rider panty that will just barely cover both your front and back privates.
BRA
First Cup: Beg at lower edge, with MC, ch 21 (23-25). Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across--20 (22-24) sc. Ch 1, turn each row.Rows 2-6 (next 4 rows): Sc in each sc across.
Row 7: Sk first sc, sc in next sc and in each sc to within last 2 sc, sk next sc, sc in last sc-2 sc dec. Repeat last row 8 (9-10) times--2 sc remain. Do not turn; continue to work sc down one side of. cup to lower edge. Ch 1, turn.
Next Row: Sc in each sc to upper edge, make ch 12" long for strap . Turn.
Next Row: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch, sc down other side of cup to lower edge. End off.
Make 2nd cup same as first cup, until 2 sc remain. Sl st in 2 sc and continue as for first cup.
Join Cups and Ties: With MC, make 13" ch , sc along lower edge of first cup, pulling in slightly, ch 2 , sc across 2nd cup, pulling in slightly, make ch 13" long. Turn.
Next Row: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch and sc across. End off. With CC, work 1 row sc around outer edge. End off. Sew shoulder straps to side straps.
PANTIES
Beg at front waistline with MC, ch 35 (37-39).Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across--34 (36-38) sc. Ch 1, turn each row. Check gauge; row should measure 9-3/4" (10-1/4" - 10-3/4") wide.
Row 2: Working in back lp (see Note), sk first sc, sc in next sc and in each sc to within last 2 sc, sk next sc, sc in last sc--2 sc dec. Repeat row 2, until 6 sc remain. Work even for 8 (9-10) rows.
Next Row: Work in sc, working 2 sc in first and last sc--2 sc inc. Repeat last row until row contains-54 (57-60) sc. End off.
With MC, work 2 rows sc around each leg.
Waistband and Ties: With MC, ch 20, sc in back lp of each st on last row on back of panties pulling in slightly, ch 21. Turn.
Next Row: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch, pulling in slightly, and sc across. End off. Work in same way across front starting ch without pulling in. With CC, work 1 row sc around entire outer edge of panties. End off.
CROCHET BIKINI SKILLS
ch - chain stitch, as for starting chainsc - single crochet
work in back lp - instead of inserting hook under both loops at the top of a stitch, insert hook only under the back loop of stitch. This will give a raised look to every other row.
sk - skip as to skip a stitch to decrease the number of stitches in a row.
inc - increase as to make two stitches into one loop of the previous row.
pulling in - decrease by a few stitches across the length of the edge to create a slightly gathered effect - more or less stitches as necessary to fit your shape.
end off - break yarn with at least 3 inches and pull loop on hook free. Tighten to fasten.
weave in ends - ends can be crocheted over as you go to eliminate most weaving in. Hold loose end over last row as you crochet over end and into back loops. Final weaving in can be accomplished with a tapestry needle or hook and should follow a strand as invisibly as possible.
gauge - always crochet a sample swatch and check your gauge, if you crochet loosely you may need to use a smaller hook - tightly, use a larger hook.
From Needlework & Crafts, Spring-Summer, 1970
Adapted by Callie Janoff
The Very Esteemed Callie Janoff is a founding Minister of the Church of Craft. She runs the New York City Chapter. She makes everything she can get her mitts on.
