If you were like me when I first started crocheting bikinis, I wanted to know everything I needed to know to make the perfect bikini. So here I have put together all the tips and tools you need to start your first crochet bikini project.
These are the 4 simple steps you need to know to get going in making your very own (or first) crochet bikini.
- Material & tools
- Type and style of bikini
- Getting the correct measurements
- Reading patterns
- Frequently Asked Questions about Crochet Bikinis and Swimsuits
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Crochet Material & Tools
What do we need to make a crochet bikini. A hook and yarn! The type of yarn is essentially important because being a bikini, its structure has to be stretchy and light.
So if we intend to get it wet, my recommendation would be to use a yarn that has elastane and is lightweight like a DK weighted yarn.
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Cascade Fixation Yarns
These clover hooks are great for beginners and seasoned crocheters alike. I like them because of the soft silicone grip and the bright colors that tell them apart. For cascade yarns, I would usually use hooks between the size of 2mm and 2.5mm. These 2 sizes work really well with DK weighted yarns.
For most of my crochet bikinis, I use this aluminum 2.25mm hook most frequently up to this day. However, because of its narrowness plus many hours of crochet, I added these soft grips to protect my fingers and they work amazing!
So now that we have the main ingredients, we would also need the “hidden” essentials such as elastic rubber bands, stitch markers, bra pads, and a measuring tape.
A pair of sharp scissors and a tapestry needle is always good to have as well. As a crocheter, these are your ready-to-go essentials you should already have in your kit! (links attached for easy reference).
Check out some of these amazing crochet essentials here which you’ve probably never heard of.
Type And Style Of Crochet Bikini
Before we dive in, you should already have your eyes set on something. Pinterest and Google is a great place to start looking. Or if you’d prefer, you can also browse some of our own bikini collections here.
Once we have the style, we would have to figure out if that style fits our body’s shape and type. Here are some quick tips on what bikini style would flatter your body type:
Large chest: ✅Triangle Bikini Top. ❌ Bandeau
Small chest: ✅Halter crop top. ❌ Triangle Bikini Top
Wide hips: ✅Triangle bikini bottoms . ❌High Waist Bottoms
Narrow hips: ✅ALL (except). ❌ Brazilian style bottoms
Check out some other great free crochet bikini patterns here. Once we have the style, we would have to figure out if that style fits our body’s shape and type.
Betty Bralette & Nella Boyshorts
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Getting The Correct Body Measurements
Sometimes comparing our current bra and underwear size to making a bikini is not 100% ideal. The best way to get the most accurate measurement would be to measure the Height x Width of our bust (see diagram below).
This is the chart we use for The Knotty Lace designs. You will never go wrong if you follow these measurements against our patterns. Note that sizes may differ from other designers’ patterns and websites. More details on how to measure correctly here.
Start measuring under your bust all the way up to the top flat part of your chest. Then again across the whole full cup from left to right.
This will give you your “triangle” cup size when making your bikini top.
And for the bottom measurements, you would need the circumference of the widest part of your hip aka around the bum area.
Most people make the mistake of measuring around the hip bone which will eventually give you a much smaller opening.
You can also refer to this free Swatch Gauge Calculator to calculate any custom size.
Reading Crochet Patterns
If you are still an apprentice and trying to learn symbols and abbreviations, then here is a copy of our abbreviations list. This will be able to guide you with what “the heck” those shortcodes stand for! I am only using the American format as the UK format may differ slightly.
We’re so lucky to also be able to find crochet tutorials in the form of video formats (Knotty Lace YouTube tutorials) as well as picture tutorials. So it has become extremely easy for everyone to learn how to crochet. Yay!
Check out this video tutorial on How to Crochet a Basic String Bikini Set for absolute beginners:
If you like this video you might also like my other video tutorials on YouTube or here on the blog. And don’t forget to Subscribe to get the latest videos in your inbox.
- Do Crochet bikinis/swimsuit Sag. Can I Swim in it?
- Are crochet bikinis/ Swimsuit see-Through?
- Are Crochet swimsuits uncomfortable?
- Do crochet bikinis/ swimsuits shrink?
- Are crochet bikinis/ swimsuits stretchable?
- My crochet bikini/ Swimsuit did not turn out correctly. What did I do wrong?
Check out the full Q&A list here. There you have it! The 101 and all the things you need to know to start making a crochet bikini. If you are looking for some great free patterns and tutorials, do go and check them out here.
- FAQ about crochet swimsuits & bikinis
I hope this article was helpful! Let me know if you have any other ideas you would like for me to share.
Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram and Facebook @theknottylace, I would love to see your work!
Happy Hooking
Shaz 🌺
