MY FIRST BIKINI
I was not sure
if I’d ever get a challenge like this .. a bikini .. yaay. 😁
And aren’t we
lucky that we have this huge stash of freebies just floating around the net??
So as I work my project, here are my notes.
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Materials used : Today I’ve used
the superb Indian Laura knitting cotton yarn with a 4.5 mm crochet hook.
This yarn is not specific for this pattern. Use any yarn with a suitable hook to make this to any size you want.
This yarn is not specific for this pattern. Use any yarn with a suitable hook to make this to any size you want.
International yarns : Among the international yarns I have used in this thickness, I’d suggest Aunt Lydia Cotton 10, Aunt Lydia Bamboo-Viscose 10, DMC Petra, Sullivans knitting cotton (Australia), Milford Soft, Hilaza Rustica Eclat , Alize cotton yarn and Alize bamboo yarn.
Skill level : Easy - Intermediate
Abbreviations used : (Using U.S terminology)
ch : chain ch-sp
: chain space
sp : space rep
: Repeat
sk : Skip sl-st : Slip stitch
St(s) : Stitch(es)
hk : Hook yo : yarn over
fsc : Foundation single crochet
dc : Double crochet
sk : Skip sl-st : Slip stitch
St(s) : Stitch(es)
hk : Hook yo : yarn over
fsc : Foundation single crochet
dc : Double crochet
Stitches used :
Starting slip knot : https://youtu.be/lJcqsVcs8cw
Starting slip knot 1 or the Sloppy Slip knot : https://youtu.be/YfC7KmGpifs
What is a slip stitch : https://youtu.be/weB3QNbA8Iw
What is a chain stitch ? https://youtu.be/pXx5ukBjKkY
Instructions :
Please note that I start all my rows with a ch 1, turning chain for ease.
Please check the top of this blog for easy video tutorials on all stitches used in today's pattern.
Please read through all my notes before you pick up your hook, so you know just where we're heading in our pattern.
In my patterns I work with the principle of stitch count and body measurement. This means that you need to work the stitch count in pattern, till you get the measurement (length and/or width) that you need for your project.
For my first bikini top, I’ve used a
free pattern from Garn Studio / Drops Design http://www.garnstudio.com/lang/en/pattern.php?id=3305&lang=en#pattern_content
Using our Laura knitting cotton yarn,
some of the ch-sps seemed a bit too large, so I changed those, but otherwise
there is no major change.
And for the bikini bottom, there is a
pattern from Patons
but I also found a chart on a
Pinterest link, which is what I used.
Bikini Bottom :
The chart that
accompanies this write up was one found free on the net.
This worked perfectly for the person I’m making this bikini set for.
So, I am writing it out as is – with an idea of what to do in case you need to tweak it a bit.
This worked perfectly for the person I’m making this bikini set for.
So, I am writing it out as is – with an idea of what to do in case you need to tweak it a bit.
Foundation double crochet (fdc) : https://youtu.be/hjNUYVvyU9k
Start : with 58 fdc
(or as many fdc as you need to cover the width or half round hip.
(or as many fdc as you need to cover the width or half round hip.
Read note at the end of
instructions). Turn.
Double Crochet : dc : yo, insert hk into st ; yo (3 lps on hk);
[yo, draw through 2 lps] twice. One dc made.
Check out the video at https://youtu.be/xdnjB27zpYo
Chainless start for Double Crochet : I dislike the ch-2 / ch – 3 start, and this is what I do to start my row of dc.
Check out the video at https://youtu.be/wskv3iTjRx0
Row 1 : dc in the 1st fdc, and each fdc till the last 2
fdc.
Skip the last 2 fdc. Turn.
Skip the last 2 fdc. Turn.
Row 2 : dc in the 1st dc, and each dc till the last 2 dc.
Skip the last 2 dc. Turn.
Skip the last 2 dc. Turn.
Rows 3 - 24 : Rep Row 2.
We are now at the
crotch of your bikini bottom, so we will work without decrease for a few rows
now.
Rows 25 – 31 : dc in the 1st dc ; dc in each dc till end. Turn.
We will now work
the other half of the bikini bottom, so we need to increase every row at one
end, to get the shape to mirror the first half.
Rows 32 : dc in the 1st dc ;
dc in each dc till end. Turn.
dc in each dc till end. Turn.
The first half
till the crotch of the bikini bottom was 24 rows; so once again, we need to
have a total of 24 rows starting with Row 32.
Rows 33 – 55 : Rep Row 32
Fasten off and
weave in ends.
Note : Now, there are varying body sizes, this general pattern may not
suit each body type. However, using this
as a template, and working with the number of stitches you’ve started with for
your round waist / hip, and the distance from that starting point to the crotch,
work the second half of your bikini to mirror the first half.
Finishing :
We need to work
in a tie-cord for the top sides of the bikini bottoms (oh, that sounds
confusing, but I know you know what I mean).
So I’ve worked an
fdc chain off all four sides of my bikini bottoms.
However, you could
opt to use a satin ribbon or any other tying instrument (for want of a better
word).
I loved creating
my first bikini.
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