Crochet Bikinis Free Patterns Flower – Flower Cup Top

Patons Grace cotton keeps the finished top light and structured a good call for a top that needs to hold its shape through the flower rounds. If you like the front-tie closure style, the free crochet bikini patterns top bralette with shaped cups and lace-up straps gives you a lace-up variation to try next.

Materials and Skill Notes

This pattern uses 100% mercerized cotton yarn with a 3 mm crochet hook.

Mercerized cotton is important here because:

• It gives crisp stitch definition, which makes popcorn stitches look clean and dimensional
• It holds structure better than soft cotton, helping the cups keep their shape
• It stretches less, which improves support once worn

The pattern assumes you are comfortable with:

• Magic rings
• Double crochet
• Single crochet
• Popcorn stitches

If popcorn stitches feel bulky or awkward at first, that is normal. They become easier once you understand where the loop is dropped and how the top of the stitch is closed.

How the Flower Cups Are Constructed

Each cup is worked in the round, starting from the center and expanding outward.

The shaping comes from:

• Increasing the number of popcorn stitches each round
• Using chain 1 spaces to control spacing and flexibility
• Switching from increase rounds to an even round to stabilize the final size

The cups are symmetrical, so both are made exactly the same.

Flower Cups Pattern (Make 2)

• Use 100% mercerized cotton yarn and a 3 mm crochet hook
• Work the flower using the popcorn stitch made from five double crochets joined at the top
• Round 1 start with a magic ring and work 8 single crochets into the ring then slip stitch to join
• Round 2 chain 3 as the first double crochet then work 4 double crochets in the same stitch drop the loop insert the hook into the third chain pull the loop through to form a popcorn stitch chain 1 repeat in each stitch around for a total of 8 popcorn stitches
• Round 3 work 2 popcorn stitches separated by chain 1 into each chain 1 space for a total of 16 popcorn stitches
• Round 4 repeat the same process by working 2 popcorn stitches in each chain 1 space for a total of 32 popcorn stitches
• Round 5 work 1 popcorn stitch in each chain 1 space around to finish the cup

Fasten off and repeat to make the second flower cup

Popcorn Stitch Clarity

Each popcorn stitch is formed by:

• Working five double crochets in the same stitch
• Dropping the loop from the hook
• Inserting the hook into the top chain of the first double crochet
• Pulling the dropped loop through to close the stitch

The chain 1 after each popcorn is not decorative. It creates spacing so the popcorns can sit upright instead of folding inward.

Cup Size and Fit Guidance

• Round 4 is the main growth round where cup depth increases quickly
• Round 5 stabilizes the size rather than increasing volume

If the cup feels:

• Too shallow: tighter tension or stiff yarn may be the cause
• Too loose: check that popcorn stitches are fully closed and not stretched

Because this is a flower-style cup, it naturally molds rather than lying flat.

Shoulder Straps Construction

The straps are worked flat in rows, directly attached to the flower cup. This avoids bulky joins and keeps the strap aligned with the cup center.

Shoulder Straps Pattern

• Attach yarn to the top edge of the flower cup
• Work 8 single crochets across four adjacent spaces of the flower
• Continue working rows of single crochet with 8 stitches per row
• Crochet until the strap reaches approximately 33 cm or about 66 rows
• Fasten off and repeat for the second strap

Strap Notes

• The four adjacent spaces anchor the strap securely
• Single crochet creates a firm, non-stretchy strap
• Row count matters more than length if your tension is consistent

Back Band Shaping Explained

Because the flower cup has a curved edge, the back band begins with stitches of varying heights.

1. If you’re a beginner and crochet patterns feel confusing, start with the video tutorial below, it’s the easiest way to learn as you go!

This step is crucial.

Using:

• Double crochet
• Half double crochet
• Single crochet

allows the edge to straighten gradually without puckering or pulling.

Back Band Pattern

• Attach yarn along the side edge of the flower cup
• Work stitches of varying heights using double crochet half double crochet and single crochet to straighten the curved edge of the flower
• Once the edge is straight work rows of single crochet across the band
• Continue until the band reaches your desired back width approximately 34 cm or 69 rows
• Mirror the same shaping stitches on the opposite side of the band
• Sew the finished band securely to the second flower cup

Fit Tip

Measure across your back while wearing the cups to confirm comfort before finishing the second side.

Front Ties and Edging Details

The front ties are decorative but also functional, allowing minor fit adjustment.

Front Ties and Edging Pattern

• Attach yarn at the center front of each flower cup
• Chain 35 to form the tie
• At the end of the chain work a small popcorn stitch to create a decorative bud
• Slip stitch back along the chain and attach it to the flower
• Repeat this process to create four front ties in total
• Finish the top by working a single crochet edging evenly around the armholes and all outer edges
• Fasten off and weave in all ends securely

Edging Notes

• Single crochet edging smooths transitions between sections
• Work evenly to avoid flaring or tight corners

Beginner Notes and Common Issues

• If popcorns twist, check that the loop is pulled through the correct chain
• If the cup curls, your tension may be tight or the chain spaces skipped
• Always count popcorn stitches at the end of each round

Finishing and Wear Notes

• Block lightly if needed, shaping the cups while damp
• Weave ends securely at popcorn joins, as these areas experience more movement
• Mercerized cotton softens slightly with wear but keeps structure