Here are some of my favorite bikini pattern and inspiring photo links for bikinis and cover-ups for the beach.
Babyblog This is a Russian site and if you translate the page you won't, unfortunately, find a pattern for this suit but it's one the best I've seen and could be great inspiration to make a bikini similar or just like it.
Crochet Vs Ethnic: The call of the jungle Not a pattern either but I really like the use of a lacy poncho over a crocheted suit for the beach or desert. Only thing is, I wonder what my tan would look like if I wore a poncho like this all day.
Kool Bikini Dot Com This item, the "Hand Crochet Bikini Cover-up" sells on KOOL Bikini site for $28. Looking at it I am pretty sure anyone who knows how to crochet could probably make this look the same (or darn close to) the one you see below. If anyone requests, I can try to come up with a very similar pattern (I don't want to infringe on anyone's copyright). I chose this as a great site because it has tons of inspirational photos for an experienced crocheter to get ideas from.
I chose this photo in particular because this skirt has lacing up the sides that are not just a fashion statement but they are functional and can be adjusted for nearly any body type.
( I also chose it selfishly for myself because it's the perfect cover-up to hide my old age sagging skin when I wear a swim suit, heh heh)
( I also chose it selfishly for myself because it's the perfect cover-up to hide my old age sagging skin when I wear a swim suit, heh heh)
Revolve Clothing lists the unikini (uni-kini) they call "The Throwback Crochet Swimsuit" for $175 and they are currently out of stock for this item. Does that motivate you to pick up a hook?? Does me! In fact I'm modifying a previously posted bikini top to something like the one pictured below but I'm "winging it" and didn't write a pattern for it. It would be fairly easy for someone with crochet experience to use one of my bikini top patterns (find them by using the search box for this blog at the top right of any post) and then to add the bodice (between panties and top) and attach it to a bottom.
You could even attach the top-bodice ensemble to a pair of swim suit or bikini bottoms you already own (fabric!) by embroidering a blanket stitch (click here to view tutorial on wikiHow) around the top edge of the bikini bottoms (this makes a loop for you to insert crochet stitches into). Then you are able to attach your crocheting to your fabric bikini bottoms (or a skirted bottom if you prefer) by using any of the smaller common crochet stitches such as a slip stitch or single crochet depending on the look you want to achieve. A half double crochet might be a bit chunky depending on the size of your yarn or thread but would prove to be more sturdy than the other two stitches I mentioned.
Ok, that's it for now I realize there aren't that many on this list but I'll continue to post similar photos with links and I'll find some great sites or blogs that actually have patterns for you as well.
I hope you've been charmed or inspired or motivated to begin a bikini or swim suit of your own.
Bye for now, God bless you and yours.
~ Cynthia
