Open, airy mesh is what makes a swim cover up feel comfortable instead of heavy, especially when it is worn over damp swimwear in warm weather. A Crochet Swim Cover Up Top works best when the stitches create space for airflow while still holding their shape, and when the construction allows the fabric to drape rather than cling. This style focuses on simple mesh rows worked evenly, so the finished piece feels light on the body, dries quickly, and layers easily over a swimsuit without losing structure.
Crochet Swim Cover Up Top
This piece is built from one continuous mesh tube that can be styled two ways. By starting with a large joined foundation chain and working upward in simple, evenly spaced mesh rows, you create a flexible fabric that drapes instead of clinging. The fringe is added afterward in planned intervals, which gives movement without adding weight. Because the structure stays consistent from top to bottom, the same base can function as a skirt or transform into a halter-style dress just by changing how the tie is used.
Materials
- Yarn suitable for lightweight garments
- Crochet hook appropriate for your yarn weight
- Darning needle
- Scissors
Foundation
- Make a slip knot
- Chain 130 for a small to medium size
- Use any even number of chains to adjust the size
- Ensure the chain is not twisted
- Slip stitch into the first chain to form a large circle
Foundation clarity
- The foundation chain determines the full circumference of the garment, not the width of a flat panel.
- Before joining, it helps to stretch the chain gently and lay it flat on a table to check that it is not twisted.
- Once joined, the chain becomes the top edge of the skirt or dress, so this is the moment to confirm that it feels comfortable around the waist or bust, depending on how you plan to wear it.
- Using an even number of chains keeps the mesh pattern lining up cleanly as you work around the circle.
Mesh Pattern Row One
- Chain 5 to count as one double crochet and chain two
- Skip one stitch
- Work one double crochet into the next stitch
- Chain two
- Skip one stitch
- Work one double crochet into the next stitch
- Repeat this sequence around the entire circle
- Skip the last chain
- Slip stitch into the third chain of the starting chain five
Stitch explanation
- This row establishes the mesh pattern that will continue throughout the piece.
- Each double crochet is anchored into the foundation chain, and the chain two spaces create openness and drape.
- Skipping the final chain before joining helps the pattern stay aligned so the seam remains subtle.
Mesh Pattern Row Two and Beyond
- Chain five and turn your work
- Work one double crochet directly on top of the double crochet from the previous row
- Chain two
- Work one double crochet on top of the next double crochet
- Repeat this pattern across the row
- Slip stitch into the third chain of the starting chain five
- Repeat these rows until the skirt reaches your desired length
- Continue for approximately seventy two rows for a long version
- Chain one, cut the yarn, and pull tight to fasten off
Shaping and construction notes
- Although this piece is worked in the round, turning your work at the start of each row keeps the mesh even and prevents a visible spiral.
- Placing each double crochet directly on top of the double crochet below creates clean vertical lines, which helps the fringe hang straight later.
- Row count controls length only.
- The width does not change as you work, so you can stop at any point once the length feels right for your body or styling goal.
Adding the Fringe
- Cut yarn strands approximately seven inches long
- Use three strands at a time for each fringe attachment
- Loop the strands through the chain two spaces of the mesh
- Attach the first row of fringe near the top section
- Skip sixteen rows after the first fringe row
- Attach the next fringe row on the seventeenth row
- Continue spacing the fringe evenly down the skirt
- Add a total of six rows of fringe or adjust as desired
Fringe placement guidance
- Attaching fringe through the chain two spaces keeps the fabric from stretching or distorting.
- Skipping a consistent number of rows between fringe sections creates visual balance and prevents the skirt from becoming too heavy in one area.
- If you change the total length of the piece, you can adjust the spacing slightly, but keeping it even is more important than following an exact row number.
Waistband or Neck Tie
- Crochet a long chain that comfortably wraps around your waist or neck
- Thread the chain through the mesh stitches of the first row using a darning needle
- Pull the chain to tighten and tie at the waist for a skirt
- Tie behind the neck to wear the piece as a dress
Wearing options
- When worn as a skirt, the chain functions as a drawstring waistband that can be adjusted for comfort.
- For the dress version, the same chain becomes a neck tie, allowing the mesh to fall freely over the body.
- Because the fabric is open and flexible, it adapts well to layering over swimwear or fitted undergarments.
Fit and Sizing Guidance
- The starting chain controls the circumference. Add or remove chains in even numbers for a looser or tighter fit.
- Length is entirely customizable by row count.
- For a skirt, the top should sit comfortably at the waist or hips without pulling.
- For a dress, make sure the chain length allows the top edge to gather securely when tied behind the neck.
Beginner Notes
- Use a hook size that creates a soft, flexible fabric rather than a stiff mesh.
- Count stitches occasionally in early rows to ensure the pattern stays aligned.
- Mark the start of the round if it helps you keep track of joins.
Troubleshooting
- Twisting at the foundation: Always check the chain before joining. A twisted foundation cannot be fixed later.
- Uneven mesh: Make sure each double crochet is worked directly on top of the one below.
- Fringe pulling the fabric: Avoid tightening the fringe loops too much when attaching.
Finishing Notes
After fastening off, weave in all ends securely, especially near the top edge where tension changes during wear. Light blocking can help the mesh relax and allow the fringe to fall evenly.
