How to Crochet a Bikini Top in Any Size

A how to crochet a bikini top tutorial is the perfect starting point if you want to make your own stylish and adjustable swimwear. This step-by-step guide shows you exactly how to crochet a bikini top from scratch using simple stitches and easy shaping techniques. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to improve your crochet skills, this tutorial will walk you through creating triangle cups, joining them, and adding straps for a comfortable fit. Once you understand the basics, you can customize your crochet bikini top with different sizes, yarns, and styles.

This easy crochet bikini top pattern is perfect for beginners and works up quickly using simple stitches. The triangle cups are made from the bottom up, so you can easily adjust the size as you go for the perfect fit. Whether you’re new to crocheting garments or just want a fast and satisfying project, this is a great pattern to try.

Crochet bikini tops are ideal for summer, beach days, and layering under your favorite outfits. The adjustable neck and back ties make it easy to customize the fit, while the soft cotton yarn keeps it comfortable to wear. As you work, try the top on and make small adjustments to suit your shape—this is one of the best things about handmade clothing. You’ll end up with a cute and practical piece that’s perfect for warm weather.

Supplies

In order to crochet your bikini top, you will need:

• Worsted weight yarn (10ply) #4.
• 3.5 mm hook
• Tapestry needle – to weave ends.

Size	Yards
XS	90y/82m
S	100y/91m
M	115y/105m
L	135y/123m
XL	155y/142m
2XL	180y/165m
3XL	200y/183m
4XL	230y/210m
5XL	275y/251m

Yardage is approximate and may vary depending on tension and strap length.

The best yarn for a crochet bikini top is cotton or a cotton blend because it provides structure and minimal stretch. This helps the top maintain its shape over time, especially when worn in water. Avoid yarns that stretch too much, such as acrylic, as they may lose shape after use. Soft, breathable yarns will also make the top more comfortable against the skin. I used Paintbox Yarns Cotton Aran, but any worsted-weight cotton yarn will work (e.g., Dishie, Bernat Handicrafter, Lily Sugar’n Cream).

How to Crochet a Bikini Top (Step by Step)

Pattern Notes

• Terms of Use – Pattern for personal use only. Do NOT distribute or share the PDF pattern. See full terms of use.
• Skill Level – Easy, Confident beginner
• Gauge – Due to differences in tension, your finished size may vary. If between sizes, adjust hook size or number of rows.

Abbreviations

Pattern written in US terms.

• sc =single crochet
• hdc = half double crochet stitch
• ch = chain stitch

Crochet Bikini Top Sizing

Here’s a measurement chart for the triangle-shaped crochet bra cup. This includes the cup’s width and height. These dimensions are for a snug fit.

Notes for Adjustments:

• Width: The widest part of each triangle, measured along the base of the cup.
• Height: Measured from the base to the tip of the triangle.

Adjusting the size up or down can be done by adding or reducing rows to the cup’s height and width while maintaining the triangle shape. Here’s the table with sizes up to 5XL:

Size	Cup Sizes	Starting Chain Length	Triangle Width	Triangle Height
XS	32AA, 34AA	3″ (7.5 cm)	4″ (10 cm)	4″ (10 cm)
S	32B, 34A, 36AA	4″ (10 cm)	5″ (12.5 cm)	5″ (12.5 cm)
M	32C, 34B, 36A	5″ (12.5 cm)	6″ (15 cm)	6″ (15 cm)
L	32D, 34C, 36B, 38A	6″ (15 cm)	7″ (17.5 cm)	7″ (17.5 cm)
XL	32DD, 34D, 36C, 38B	7″ (17.5 cm)	8″ (20 cm)	8″ (20 cm)
2XL	34DD, 36D, 38C, 40B	8″ (20 cm)	9″ (22.5 cm)	9″ (22.5 cm)
3XL	36DD, 38D, 40C, 42B	9″ (22.5 cm)	10″ (25 cm)	10″ (25 cm)
4XL	38DD, 40D, 42C, 44B	10″ (25 cm)	11″ (27.5 cm)	11″ (27.5 cm)
5XL	40DD, 42D, 44C, 46B	11″ (27.5 cm)	12″ (30 cm)	12″ (30 cm)

This chart provides an approximate guide to the crochet bikini top sizes, as crochet fabric has some flexibility, allowing for minor adjustments based on personal fit preferences.

Cups Row 1

1. Chain to match your cup height measurement (see sizing chart page 3). Measure the starting chain when lightly stretched.
2. Add 2 extra chains.
3. Hdc into 3^rd chain from hook. Hdc across row to last stitch. (2 hdc, ch 1, 2 hdc) in last stitch (this is the start of the point)
4. Hdc in each remaining chain across. (Work evenly along the opposite side of the foundation chain, placing 1 hdc in each stitch)

Cups Row 2

1. Turn, chain 1 (does not count as stitch).
2. Hdc to the ch-1 space at the tip of the triangle.
3. (2 hdc, ch 1, 2 hdc) in the chain-1 space. Hdc down other side.
   

Rows 3 and Onward:

1. Repeat Row 2, working (2 hdc, ch 1, 2 hdc) in the ch-1 space each row to continue shaping the triangle.
2. Continue until the cup reaches your desired size (see table on page 3).
3. Cut yarn and finish off the cup. Weave in loose ends.
4. Try the cup on for fit. For a closer fit, you may work 1 hdc instead of 2 hdc at the inner edge on the final row. Make note of your row count.

Second Crochet Bikini Cup

1. Repeat for the second cup. After completing the second cup, do not fasten off.
2. Chain 3 (or desired spacing), then slip stitch to the inner edge of the first cup.
3. Fasten off and weave end.

Straps

Here is a table with the chains and approximate lengths of the straps.

Size	Neck Strap	Approx Length	Back Tie	Approx Length
XS	70	~18.5″ (47 cm)	75	~19.5″ (50 cm)
S	75	~19.5″ (50 cm)	80	~21″ (53 cm)
M	80	~21″ (53 cm)	90	~23.5″ (60 cm)
L	85	~22.5″ (57 cm)	100	~26″ (66 cm)
XL	90	~23.5″ (60 cm)	110	~29″ (74 cm)
2XL	95	~25″ (63.5 cm)	120	~31.5″ (80 cm)
3XL	100	~26″ (66 cm)	130	~34″ (86 cm)
4XL	105	~27.5″ (70 cm)	140	~36.5″ (93 cm)
5XL	110	~29″ (74 cm)	150	~39″ (99 cm)

1. Rejoin yarn at the bottom outer corner of one crochet bikini top cup. Ch 1 (does not count), sc evenly across the bottom of both cups with 3 sc into the chain-3 space between the cups.
2. At the outer corner, work 3 sc in the same stitch.
3. Sc up the side of the cup to the top ch-1 space.
4. Chain desired length for neck strap (see strap table above or adjust for fit).
5. Check length against your neck (don’t forget it needs to tie).
6. Slip stitch in the 2nd chain from hook and in each chain back to the cup. (For a softer or wider strap, substitute single crochet along the chain.)
7. Sc into the ch-1 space to secure.
8. Continue sc to the bottom of the cup
9. 3sc into the chains joining the cups.
10. Repeat steps 3–8 for the second cup.
11. At the bottom corner, a chain for the back tie (see table). Slip stitch back along the chain. Sc along the bottom edge to the other side.
12. Repeat for final back tie. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Pin for Later

Common Mistakes When Crocheting a Bikini Top

One common mistake is incorrectly sized cups, which can lead to a poor fit. Adjusting the number of rows and checking fit as you go will help ensure the correct size.

Another issue is uneven tension, which can cause the cups to curl or become distorted. Keeping your stitches consistent and adjusting hook size if needed will improve the final shape.

Using the wrong yarn can also affect comfort and durability. Cotton yarn is generally best for bikini tops because it holds its shape and is more comfortable against the skin.

Tips for a Perfect Crochet Bikini Top

Choosing a soft, breathable yarn will make your bikini top more comfortable, especially for warm weather. Cotton or cotton blends are ideal for this type of project.

Trying the cups on as you crochet allows you to adjust sizing early, preventing the need to redo large sections later.

If you want more support, consider adding a lining or using tighter stitches along the edges to give extra structure.

How to Crochet a Bikini Top FAQs

How to Crochet a Bikini Top – In Conclusion

Now you know exactly how to crochet a bikini top, from shaping the triangle cups to adding straps and adjusting the fit. This simple step-by-step method makes it easy to create a comfortable, custom-fit top using basic crochet stitches. Once you’ve mastered the technique, you can experiment with different yarns, colors, and sizes to create your own unique designs. Whether you’re making a bikini top for summer, layering, or practice, this is a versatile project you can return to again and again.

Once you’ve learned how to crochet a bikini top, you can try these bikini crochet patterns to experiment with different shapes and styles.