Crochet Beach Cover Up: Tutorials, Yarns and Easy Patterns for Summer

A handmade crochet beach cover up is the ultimate summer piece: lightweight, breathable and one of a kind. Unlike store-bought ones, a DIY cover up lets you pick the exact yarn, colour and pattern — and with the right yarns the result belongs on the beach, not in a drawer.

In this guide you'll find everything you need: how to choose the right yarn, 4 patterns with step-by-step video tutorials by Tessiland creators, and an easy pattern for absolute beginners.

Which one to pick? For your first crochet beach cover up, start with Drake: it's cheap and forgiving. If you want a more refined, luminous finish, ViscoIggy is the one Tessiland creators use for cover ups. For a natural, sophisticated look, Lynyrd with linen has an unmistakable hand feel. For a yarn that can also handle swimming, check out Splash (swimwear microfibre, resistant to chlorine and UV).

All summer yarns in the Cotton and Blends → section.

If this is your first crochet beach cover up, the mesh pattern is the ideal starting point. It uses only chains and double crochets (US terms) — two basic stitches every beginner knows — and the result is an openwork, lightweight cover up that works up fast.

The principle is simple: crochet a rectangle in mesh stitch (chain 3, skip 2, dc), as wide as your shoulders and long enough to reach mid-thigh. Then join the short sides leaving openings for the arms. Done in a weekend.

The "SUMMER MESH" tutorial by La Fata Tuttofare on Tessiland Studio follows exactly this pattern — search for it in the app for the full video using Alicia yarn (€2.90).

Tip: a crochet cover up tends to stretch under the weight of wet yarn. Make your swatch, wet it and measure again — work to the wet measurement, not the dry one.

• Sarong LOTO by La Fata Tuttofare — shawl/scarf with Diana yarn, simple yet striking
• Sarong stole BAHAMA by La Fata Tuttofare — wide stole with Amanda yarn, perfect for the beach
• Shawl SERE D'ESTATE by Cristiana Rossi — more refined, with DrakeLux yarn
• Shawl CARAMEL by La Fata Tuttofare — in Lynyrd Mix linen blend for a natural look

Find the Perfect Tutorial on Tessiland Studio

Over 2,400 video tutorials with Tessiland yarns: cover ups, sarongs, tops, bags and much more.
Search by name, creator or yarn — find the perfect project in one click.

How much yarn do I need for a cover up?

It depends on the pattern and size. For a mesh cover up in size M you'll need about 250-300 grams (5-6 balls of 50g). For a kaftan or a more opaque design, allow 400-500 grams. Tutorials on Tessiland Studio always state the exact amount.

Can I wash a crochet cover up?

Yes. With cotton or cotton-blend yarns (ViscoIggy, Donny, Drake) you can machine wash at 30°C in a mesh laundry bag. Splash yarn is made specifically for swimwear: it resists chlorine, salt water and UV rays.

How long does it take?

A simple mesh cover up can be finished in a long weekend (10-15 hours of work). A kaftan or a design with textured stitches takes 20-30 hours. Patterns using bulky yarn (n.5) are the fastest.

What hook size should I use?

With n.3 yarn (Drake, ViscoIggy, Jovy): hook 3-4 mm. With n.5 yarn (Lynyrd, Alicia): hook 4-5 mm. For a more open, lacy effect, go one hook size up from the yarn label recommendation. All crochet hooks in the dedicated section.

Can I wear the cover up as a sarong too?

It depends on the design. Shawl-style cover ups like FIORDALISO by Egle Breme or LOTO by La Fata Tuttofare are designed to work both ways. Kaftans and kimonos are specifically cover ups.