Swim Cover Up Pattern Roundup!
If you didn’t know it about me, I am a big bikini and swimsuit fan.
Fun in the Florida sun in my Shell Yea Tankini
As a Florida girl, I spend a lot of my days lounging on the beach, kayaking through springs, and laying out by the pool or in my backyard in my favorite bikinis and one pieces. And while I’m not shy about strutting my stuff in just my swimsuit, bikini cover ups are SO FUN and maybe a little necessary for beach bars and yarn shops post sunbathing ;) With the weather warming up and spring in the air, I’ve been thinking about my spring selfish/self care cast-ons and I think a new swim cover up (or two) is exactly what I need! I’ve done some sleuthing on Ravelry and Pinterest to find beautiful and size inclusive knit and crochet cover ups and I’m so excited to share some of my favorites with y’all!!!
Some of these designs I’ve already made and love to wear in my own handmade wardrobe (I’ve included photos of my own samples of those designs) while others are patterns that I haven’t made but found beautiful and unique. I’m including the pattern links to Ravelry and also an outside website/purchasing site if available because I know not everyone can/wants to use Ravelry. I’ve also included designers IG links if they have them (click on the photos to access the link) so you can check out more of their work and show them some support.
Ok, Y’all!
Let’s start with Knitting Patterns:
The Pebble Beach Dress by White Owl Crochet Co
The Pebble Beach Dress is a knit dress design from White Owl Crochet Co.
From the pattern description: “Knit with a fingering weight yarn, Pebble works into a thin, breathable fabric. This beach dress is knit in four separate panels, seamed at the sides, front and back with the Mattress stitch, and seamed at the shoulders with Kitchener stitch.”
The Pebble Beach Dress is sized for busts 32”-72”.
I love the beautiful bobble and point edging to this dress and the corded tie at the bust. The stitch pattern is so airy and light and looks like it would be SO relaxing, making this a great Knitflix project!
Barcarolle Dress by Leah Prestamo
The Barcarolle Dress is a knit dress design from Leah Prestamo.
From the pattern description: “Barcarolle is a floor-length dress with a deep v-neck and I-cord edging along the neckline. The dress is worked in two pieces and seamed in from the sides, leaving side lace ruffles. Both charted and written instructions are included for the lace pattern.”
Finished garment measurements for the body (from seam to seam) are 32”-68.5” and the dress can be worn with positive or negative ease.
I think this dress is SO unique with how/where it is seamed and I love the vneck and lace elements. While it’s definitely an undertaking, I think this dress is an absolute showstopper and I could totally envision it for a beach wedding weekend or tropical honeymoon.
The Therese Dress by Elizabeth Margaret Knits of One Wild Designs
The Therese Dress is a knit dress design by Elizabeth Margaret Knits of One Wild Designs.
From the pattern description: “The Therese Dress is reversible, with the same number of stitches in the front and back. She can be shortened into a tunic or tee length by working fewer rows between increases along the side seam, and/or by working fewer straight rows before and after the shaping. Therese is knit with garter stitch saddle shoulders first, and then worked from the top down in the round for seamless construction.”
This dress is sized for busts 30”-62”.
I love how sexy the low back of this dress is and the beautiful garter stitch details on the shoulders and sides. I’ve had this design in my queue for a while now and even have the yarn picked out. I can’t wait to make my Therese dress in silver Truboo yarn and wear it on the beach during Full Moons :)
The Jet Set Pants by Park N Knit
The Jet Set Pants are a knit pants design from Park N Knit.
From the pattern description: “The Jet Set Pants are a classic silhouette made for easy pairing with all your various vacation tops or my other Jet Set designs. Knit from the top down, with the option of inserting an elastic waistband or an i-cord tie, the simple details, wide leg, and mindless stockinette stitch make these pants the first step towards a relaxed, yet still elegant summer uniform.”
The pants are meant to be worn with -2” to 4” of ease and finished pant measurements are 36.5” - 65.5” in the hips so they will suit a wide range of fabulous booties.
I love the high waist and slightly sheer look of these pants. I think they would be PERFECT for tossing on after the beach in order to head to the shops or a delicious seaside brunch. And I gotta say, Park has stolen my heart with her styling of these pants with that stunning blue suit!
The Thick Tanline Shorts by The Little Wolf Knits
The Thick Tanline Shorts are a knit shorts design by The Little Wolf Knits.
From the pattern description: “This beginner-friendly, top-down shorts pattern includes a loose fit and adorable fold-over waistband with simple details throughout and was based on the original fingering weight pattern but remade for all of my DK weight lovers. The fit of these shorts will have you making a full collection, perfect for a variety of settings – flirty at the beach, sexy at happy hour, and comfy to hop into bed. This pattern is perfect for anybody, any yarn, and any skill level, and is the best pattern year round.”
These shorts are sized for waists 26”-59.5” and there are a lot of suggestions/recommendations for finding your perfect fit in the sizing guide of the pattern.
I made these shorts last year as part of the Hot Stitch Summer MAL and I LOVE them!!! They look cute dressed up for coffee/brunch dates or tossed over a bikini. I definitely recommend giving this pattern a go if you’re looking for a beautiful and comfy pair of lounge shorts.
The Deltoid Leaf Vest by One Of A Kate
The Deltoid Leaf Vest is a knit vest design by One Of A Kate.
From the pattern description: “The Deltoid Leaf Vest is a fun play with lacework, using a mixture of basic knit stitches to create a vine of leaves. This is a garment almost used as an accessory to elevate an outfit for any season. Constructed seamlessly with 3 strings of lacework leaves. Once body is built to desired length, you split into panels for armholes and three-needle bind-off to seam at shoulders.”
This vest is sized for busts 30” - 62”.
I absolutely love the tropical leaves in this vest!!! With its airy and sleeveless design, I think it would look awesome paired with a bikini poolside. I’m envisioning a palm tree green or hot pink version for my own closet.
Born on the Beach Dress by Knit For Sweet
The Born on the Beach Dress is a knit linen dress by Knit For Sweet.
From the pattern description: “The Born on the Beach dress is worked from the bottom up in one piece in the round. At armhole level, work is divided into Front and Back, which are finished separately, shoulder seams are joined using the three-needle bind-off method.”
This dress is sized for busts 32” - 62”.
I LOVE linen clothing and working with linen yarn. When I saw the stitch definition in this dress and how light and breezy it was, it was an immediate “add to queue” for me. Higher necklines aren’t my preferred style (they are gorgeous! Just not for me), but I know there are lots of other makers out there who love them. If I were to make this I would mod the neckline, but it’s definitely a stunning design as is.
The Mimosa Coverup by One Dog Woof
The Mimosa Cover Up is a knit dress design by One Dog Woof.
From the pattern description: “Light and airy, the Mimosa Cover Up is a perfect complement to hot summer days. Large loose stitches allow plenty of stretch for all body shapes.”
The dress is meant to be worn with positive ease and finished garment measurements are from 51”to 83” so it is suitable for a wide range of glorious body types.
I think the mesh/drop stitch is perfectly beachy and sexy and I love the vneck and high slits of this dress. I also think this dress would look rad with linen slacks or even jeans for a beachy bonfire look.
The Boatside Hooded Muscle Tee by Lovely By Lee
The Boatside Hooded Muscle Tee is a knit tee design by Lovely By Lee.
From the pattern description: “Perfect for a day at the lake, poolside or at the beach, this cropped hooded tee adds some warmth yet remains breezy! The Boatside Hooded Tee is a boxy “muscle tee” with long and airy armholes. The shoulders have shaping and compliment the boxy fit. A floppy hood featured over a rustic v-neck and a split hem top off this sporty design!”
This tee is sized for busts 28” - 63”.
This top is so stinkin’ cute!!! I think paired with a bikini, this muscle tee screams surfer girl vibes!!! And just imagine how comfy and cute it would be with leggings and a bright bralette underneath. I love cute lounge wear!
The Cali Cover Up by Meghan Makes Do
The Cali Cover Up is a knit cover up design by Meghan Makes Do.
From the pattern description: “The Cali Cover-Up is a must have for the Summer. This gorgeous piece is made of two extra long panels and uses stunning lace stitches as well as intentional dropped stitches. It’s perfect for throwing on over your suit and hitting the beach or pool.”
The Cali Cover Up is sized for busts 28”-62”.
Oh the stitch patterns in this cover up!!!! I love the gorgeous lacey arrows and drop stitches together. This design looks so breezy and beautiful and it will absolutely be going in my summer projects queue.
The Lakeside Beach Wrap by Knitatude
The Lakeside Beach Wrap is a knit wrap design by Knitatude.
From the pattern description: “I can’t believe it’s not crochet! The Lakeside Beach Wrap is drapey, has some heavenly flow, and is perfect to wear to the beach or to a backyard BBQ (whenever we can have those again!). Made with larger needles and a beautifully springy acrylic worsted yarn, this lacy number works up quickly with an easy 2-row repeat. Know how to YO, K2tog, knit, and purl? Then you, my friend can do this pattern!”
The wrap is intended to be worn with 18-20” of positive ease and is sized for busts 28” - 58” but has instructions on how to add more sizes (up or down).
As is written in the pattern description, it’s not crochet!!! I love crochet netted garments but have found there aren’t as many knitted versions. This beautiful wrap/cardi would be fabulous for when you need something sexy to toss on to walk to the pool/beach bar.
Some pretty awesome knit designs, right??
And now we move on to Crochet Patterns:
The Caladium Hexagon Cover Up by Briana K Designs
The Caladium Hexagon Cover Up is a crochet dress design by Briana K Designs.
From the pattern description: “The Caladium Hexagon Cover is a lightweight, drapey cover that is beautiful to use over a bathing suit, or even as a tunic with a tank and leggings. You will find so many reasons to make this Cover a go-to piece in your summer wardrobe.”
The cover up is sized for busts 32”-60”.
When I saw this cover up pop up during my search, my jaw dropped! I love the hexagon stitch design, the deep vneck, and the draw string to cinch in at the waist. I can almost guarantee you’ll see me working on and rocking this design on the beaches this summer.
The Lotus Skirt by Namaste and Crochet
The Lotus Skirt is a crochet skirt design by Namaste and Crochet.
From the pattern description: “This skirt is worked from the top down. A draw string is added last. The pointed motifs are referred to as “petals”, as they are emulating the petals of a lotus flower. This is a recipe pattern and can be customized to have 0-3 inches of ease, depending on design desires. Feel free to play with the gauge of the skirt and use a smaller hook toward the top to create more coverage and then use a larger hook size toward the bottom to create more movement in the lace.”
As mentioned in the pattern, this is a recipe style pattern so it can be custom made for any size body.
Namaste and Crochet makes the dreamiest boho crochet designs and honestly, so many of her patterns make for amazing beach apparel and coverups. I tested the Lotus skirt and top and often wear my skirt over my swim suits to the beach and pool. It’s so dramatic and beautiful and I always get compliments when I wear it! Try styling it over a one piece suit in a matching color for an outfit that transitions from beach to bar with ease.
The Nomad Ruana by Baahumble
The Nomad Ruana is a crochet ruana design by Baahumble.
From the pattern description: “A lightweight flowy ruana/cover up made of dk yarn that creates a breathable material. Constructed from side to side with minimal seaming, this pattern is perfect for advanced beginners.”
The ruana is sized for busts 34” -63”. It comes in 2 lengths - cropped (pictured above) and regular.
I love ruana designs. They can be worn as cardigans, tops (tie it at your bust!), coverups, and dresses (cross it over and belt!). And I love that even if you’re new to crochet, you could absolutely tackle this beginner friendly project for summer time!
The Very Vero Skirt by Knitting Tipsy
The Very Vero Skirt is a crochet skirt design by moi, Knitting Tipsy.
From the pattern description: “Ready to see how sexy the granny stitch can be?? Then you gotta check out the Very Vero Skirt! Named after one of my favorite Florida beaches, the Very Vero Skirt is a fun and flirty granny stitch skirt with so many customizable options. Make yours maxi length with high slits so you can stay cool at the pool or beach. Create a seamed mini length version with bobbles for girls night out. Or go for a one slit, sexy date night look. The possibilities are endless!”
This skirt is sized for beautiful booties 30”-62”.
Well, obviously I had to plug one of my own pattern designs ;) This is easily one of my most worn cover ups and one of the easiest and sexiest!!! The skirt is constructed with 2 panels and side seaming so you can add sexy slits (or not) and choose your length. I’ve made 3 samples so far and they have taken me to the beach, pool, boat, date night bars, and concerts. If you want a mindless/meditative crochet project that you can feel good in this summer, I highly suggest this design.
The Split Tank by Detroit Knots
The Split Tank is a crochet tank/cover up design by Detroit Knots.
From the pattern description: “The Split Tank is worked in sectioned panels and seamed at the shoulders and under the arms. The front and back yokes are bottom up after the front and back curved panels, which are made top down. It is a fitted tank that falls away from the body naturally with the split sides. The Split Tank is perfect as a swim cover-up or wear it on its own. The styling options are endless.”
This tank is sized for busts 28”-62”.
I love me some sky high slits!!!! And with this tank/cover up, that’s exactly what you get. I love how it’s styled in the photo above with jeans, but imagine it with a high cut one piece or even bikini with the ties peaking out the sides. SO HOT!!!
The Ladder Lace Cover Up by The Frosted Stitch
The Ladder Lace Cover Up is a crochet cover up dress design by The Frosted Stitch.
From the pattern description: “The time has come for the Ladder Lace Cover-up to enter the world! She is a gorgeous lace crochet coverup made using a simple single row repeat! Mindless crochet that LOOKS AMAZING, what could be better? This pattern is a create-your-own-adventure of sorts. You start with a “standard” width panel measurement and work from there. The possibilities are ENDLESS - you get to choose your length, waistband options, cleavage coverage, straps and seaming. Want a tie with tassels? HECK YES. Fringe for the bottom? ABSOLUTELY!”
The dress is sized XS-5X.
If you have the time, I highly encourage you to click on the Ravelry link or go to the Instagram hashtag for the #LadderLaceCoverUp because there are SO many incredible testers (with a variety of fabulous body sizes and types) that made just INCREDIBLE versions of this cover up. I have fallen in love with so many different samples and I can’t wait to make my own!
The Sage Summer Dream by Tzigns
The Sage Summer Dream is a crochet cardigan design by Tzigns.
From the pattern description: “Lacy and flowy, this lightweight design will quickly become your favorite summer cardigan! This design can be made to fit sizes XS to 5X and comes in 3 length options - Cropped, Tunic or Duster length. It is totally customizable and can easily be made to fit a child also!”
The cardigan is sized for busts 28”-62”.
Ohhh the flower child boho vibes are strong with this cardi!! I tested the cropped version of the Sage Summer Dream and absolutely fell in love with it. That macrame fringe?! Superb! I would love to make a duster version in black one day soon (talk about Sea Witch energy!).
The Peekaboo Dress Cover Up by Journey Chanel Designs
The Peekaboo Dress Cover Up is a crochet dress design by Journey Chanel Designs.
From the pattern description: “Pattern is so fun & easy to make. Pattern is worked up in 1 piece. This design is worked top down so you can determine your body length. NO SEWING! This pattern includes photo tutorials to help you ease right through this fun design! This design is meant to be somewhat loosely fitted so it isn’t too snug, but will still keep you covered on those on the beach! This pattern just screams TEXTURE!! The possibilities with this design are endless.”
The dress sizing is based on the widest part of your body and will fit 28”-62” body types.
This is such a unique and awesomely textured design!!!! It’s a show stopper for sure and I love how it really hugs every curve. I could totally see this in a bright color on a cruise ship OR in pure white for one’s honeymoon wardrobe.
The Aruba Tunic by TLYarnCrafts
The Aruba Tunic is a Tunisian crochet tunic/cover design up by TL Yarn Crafts.
From the pattern description: “Sporty meets chic in the Aruba Tunic, an easy, everyday poncho that you won’t want to take off. The joy of this breezy Tunisian crochet top is in its simplicity – a meditative mesh pattern meets clean stripes and intentional finishing for a look that screams “Vacation Time!”. From the beach to the boardwalk, you’ll be on trend and comfy cool all summer long.”
The tunic is sized for busts 32”-62” and is intended to be worn with 2”-6”.
Ok, so I have yet to learn Tunisian crochet, but projects like this totally inspire me. Especially with the mesh and multicolor striping?! OH YES!!! Toni is an excellent designer and teacher and the Aruba Tunic also has a video tutorial component to go along with it. Maaaaaybe it’s time for me to learn?? Can we picture it on me in hot pink/lime green? Yup, consider this moved up in the queue!
The Aspiration Shawl by Montana Crochet
The Aspiration Shawl is a crochet shawl design by Montana Crochet.
From the pattern description: “The most meditative make of the season is here! The Aspiration Shawl was designed as a project meant to calm and allow those shoulders to relax while making, so grab a warm drink - settle in to your favorite spot and begin what will for sure be the first of many Aspiration Shawls to come!”
This shawl is one size and finished dimensions are 74” W x 26” D.
I think y’all are learning by now that “meditative makes” are some of my favorites and this stunning shawl design has a stitch pattern that you’ll be able to memorize with ease. I know a lot of makers may be thinking that shawls are only for fall/winter/spring chilly temps, but if you’ve never tied your shawl on your hips, you are missing out my friend!! Shawls are for all seasons! My shawl in the photo above is actually the same shawl that Ashley, the designer, is holding. She gifted it to me and it’s a handmade I treasure with all my heart.
The Cove View Cover Up by The Crafty MD
The Cove View Cover Up is a crochet cover up design by The Crafty MD.
From the pattern description: “A light and lacy beach cover-up worked from the top down with unique hem shaping. Plenty of positive ease makes this a breeze to slip on and off when going for a swim. Whether going to the beach on vacation or lounging at home on a hot day, you deserve to feel beautiful and stay cool in cotton. Because every body is a beach body.”
The cover up is sized for busts 28”-66”.
If you’ve followed me for any period of time, you probably know that designs which show off the décolletage are my absolute bread and butter. I came across this design in my search and immediately hit that “add to queue” button. The v shaping and stitches of this tunic are gorgeous and with the slits and vneck and fringe? I’m in love!! I may have already picked out my yarn.
The North Cap Cardiana by Murphy Made Crochet
The North Cap Cardiana is a crochet ruana/cardigan by Murphy Made Crochet
From the pattern description: “As part of the Captiva Collection, the North Cap Cardiana (Cardigan + Ruana) uses stitch work inspired by the gentle gulf waves lapping the shell-speckled shores of Captiva Island and is the perfect breezy layering piece that your wardrobe has been calling for. The pattern includes instructions for both a cardigan and ruana version. Constructed flat in seamed panels with the sleeves worked in rounds, the North Cap Cardiana uses a combination of eyelet stitches for an airy drape and a delicate braided texture sure to catch all the compliments. The bottom edge and sleeves have a textured wave border for the perfect finishing touch.”
The cardiana is sized for busts 30”-62”.
I have had this cardiana on my “to make” list for almost three years!!! It’s so beautiful and drapey and the tester versions are incredible. Again, check out the hashtag or pop over to Ravelry to see, but there are so many beautiful bodies styling their cardianas in so many cool ways!!! Definitely a must make for the summer season.
Are you feeling inspired?!? I know I am! I can’t wait to cast on some new cover ups for the summertime season. The only problem now will be deciding which to create first!
Feel free to let me know via email or IG which designs tickled your creative energies and if you’ll be casting on with me.
Thanks so much for reading y’all!!!!
Don't forget to practice safe yarning!!!
Always use a lifeline and stitch markers and remember to #KnitDrunkFrogSober and #CrochetDrunkFrogSober
XOXOXO
