A classic triangle top is one of those makes that punches above its yarn budget a little red cotton, an afternoon, and you’ve got a swimsuit piece that looks bought, not homemade. This crochet bathing suit top keeps everything adjustable, so the cups and ties settle where you want them. If you’re piecing together a full set, it sits well beside this bikini top with shaped cups and lace-up straps.
Crochet Bathing Suit Top
The build is refreshingly plain: each cup is just single crochet worked in tight rows and decreased to a triangle, then edged and strung with long chain ties. That density is the point sc gives a firm, opaque fabric that actually holds up as swimwear instead of gapping. Because the ties are adjustable, sizing forgives itself, which makes this a friendly first foray into wearable swim pieces.
Materials
- Cotton yarn suitable for swimwear
- 2.5 mm crochet hook for cups and edges
- 3 mm or 4 mm crochet hook for straps
- Stitch marker
- Scissors
Learn This Stitch Before You Begin
Create the Foundation
- Make a slip knot
- Chain the length needed to cover from the bottom of the chest to the top of the bust
- Chain 15 for a larger cup size as a reference
- Skip the first chain from the hook
- Single crochet into the next stitches across the chain
- In the final stitch work two single crochets chain one two single crochets
- Place a stitch marker in the chain one space at the top
- Single crochet evenly down the opposite side of the foundation chain
Building the Cup
- Chain one and turn at the end of the row
- Single crochet in each stitch up to the marked chain one space
- In the chain one space work two single crochets chain one two single crochets
- Move the stitch marker to the new chain one space
- Single crochet down the other side of the cup
- Repeat these rows until the cup reaches your desired width and height
- Count stitches regularly to keep both sides even
- Make a second identical cup following the same steps
- Never read a crochet pattern before? No problem! The video tutorial below is perfect for beginners, or give the written pattern below a try!
Neck Straps
- Single crochet up to the top point of the cup
- Switch to a larger hook and chain the desired length for the neck tie
- Skip one chain and single crochet back along the chain using the back bumps
- Switch back to the smaller hook
- Single crochet down the remaining side edge of the cup
Connecting the Cups and Back Strap
- Using a larger hook chain a long cord for the first back tie
- Slip stitch into the bottom corner of the first cup
- Single crochet evenly across the bottom edge of the cup
- Chain a small number of stitches to form the center gap between cups
- Slip stitch into the bottom corner of the second cup
- Single crochet across the bottom edge of the second cup
- Chain the same length as the first back tie
- Single crochet back across the entire length including both cups and the center gap
Finishing
- Fasten off the yarn
- Weave in all loose ends securely
- Adjust ties and spacing for a comfortable fit
Detailed Guidance and Clarity
Understanding the Cup Construction
- The shaping of this crochet swimsuit top happens at one single point: the chain one space at the top of the cup.
- Each row increases only in that center space: two single crochets, chain one, two single crochets.
- That consistent increase creates a triangular cup that expands evenly on both sides. Because the increases stay centered, the cup forms a natural contour instead of flaring unpredictably.
- Moving the stitch marker each row is essential. It ensures your increase stays aligned vertically. If that marker shifts or is missed, the cup will lean to one side.
Fit and Sizing Guidance
Choosing the Foundation Chain Length
- The starting chain determines cup height.
- Measure from the underbust to the fullest part of the bust.
- That measurement becomes your chain length.
- The example of 15 chains works as a reference for a larger cup, but the key is measurement, not stitch count.
- If the foundation is too short: The cup will feel shallow.
- If it is too long: The cup may extend too high toward the neckline.
Adjusting Cup Width
- Cup width develops naturally as you repeat the increase rows.
- To check width: Hold the cup against your bust and ensure it covers from center to outer edge comfortably without stretching.
- Stop increasing once the coverage feels right.
- The triangle should sit smoothly without curling at the sides.
Stitch and Shaping Clarity
Working Along Both Sides of the Foundation
- After placing the increase in the final stitch of the foundation row, you work down the opposite side of the chain.
- This creates a symmetrical base and eliminates the need to join pieces later.
- If your edge feels tight, it usually means the foundation chain was too tight.
- Consider chaining more loosely next time.
Keeping Both Sides Even
- Count stitches at the end of every row.
- Because increases only happen in the center, both sides should mirror each other.
- If one side has more stitches, a stitch was likely added or skipped along the edge.
- Even edges make the straps sit straight later.
Why Use a Larger Hook for Straps
- Switching to a 3 mm or 4 mm hook creates a softer, more flexible tie.
- If you used the smaller hook: The strap would feel firm and less comfortable around the neck.
- Working into the back bumps when single crocheting along the chain gives the strap a cleaner, rounded look. It also prevents twisting.
Center Gap Between Cups
The small chain between cups determines how close or separated the cups sit.
- Fewer chains: Creates a closer, more modest neckline.
- More chains: Creates more spacing and a deeper center.
Encourage readers to try the cups on and adjust this number before continuing.
Back Strap Construction
- The long cord built with the larger hook provides adjustability.
- When you single crochet back across the entire length including both cups and the center gap, you are reinforcing the bottom band.
- This gives structure and prevents stretching during wear.
- Make sure the back ties are equal in length for balance.
Beginner Notes
- This pattern uses only single crochet and basic increases, which makes it approachable even though it is a garment.
- However, tension matters more in swimwear than in regular tops.
- Cotton yarn should feel firm but not stiff. If stitches look loose or gappy, try tightening your tension slightly or using a slightly smaller hook.
Troubleshooting
Cup Curling
Usually caused by:
- Not enough rows
- Uneven tension
- Missing the center increase
Check your stitch marker placement first.
Cup Leaning to One Side
Likely caused by:
- Forgetting to move the stitch marker
- Increasing in the wrong space
The increase must always go into the chain one space.
Strap Twisting
Make sure you worked into the back bumps of the chain and kept the tension consistent when crocheting back.
Finishing Notes for Swimwear
Weaving in ends securely is especially important for a crochet swimsuit. Cotton can loosen when wet, so reinforce tails by weaving in multiple directions.
Before wearing:
- Try the top on and adjust all ties.
- Check that the center gap lies flat.
- Ensure both cups sit evenly.
A well-fitted crochet swimsuit top should feel supportive, smooth along the edges, and adjustable without digging into the skin.
