When it comes to crochet bikinis, choosing the right yarn can make or break your project.
Whether you’re planning to make a stunning swimwear set for the beach or a unique festival look, the yarn you select plays a critical role in the durability, comfort, and overall style of the bikini. In this guide, we’ll take a look at the 5 best yarn for crochet bikini projects—all designed to withstand sun, sea, and surf!
1. Cotton Yarn: The Classic Choice
When you think of breathable, lightweight, and durable yarn for crochet bikinis, cotton yarn always tops the list. Its natural fibres make it absorbent, making your bikini comfortable even after a dip in the water. This is my first choice because you can find it anywhere. Best Yarn for Crochet Bikini.
Benefits of Cotton Yarn for Bikinis:
- Breathable and soft against the skin
- Holds its shape well
- Absorbs moisture without sagging too much
- Eco-friendly and easy to find
For some projects where I don’t need much elasticity, I use 100% cotton, and that would be tops and bottoms with tie strings, they don’t need all the elasticity of closed waist bottoms and tops.
Here in Indonesia where I live at the moment, cotton yarn is really cheap and it’s available in every colour you can imagine, so sometimes I use this yarn to get more colour combinations and more earthy grades of yarn. I use Medium-sized yarn for hooks from 2.5 mm to 3 mm on my patterns.
This yarn is also 100% mercerized cotton and it comes in beautiful shiny colors, this cotton is so soft you wouldn’t even feel it against your skin.
It has the perfect weight to make bikinis, summer clothes and one-pieces. For this yarn I recommend 2.1 to 2.5 mm crochet hooks this way your bikini won’t be see through.
With one skein of this yarn (150gr – 500m) you can make 2 tops and 1 bottom.
2. Bamboo Yarn: Silky Soft with a Natural Touch
Bamboo yarn is another excellent choice for crochet bikinis, especially if you’re looking for something eco-friendly and sustainable. Bamboo is naturally antibacterial and has a smooth, silky texture, giving your swimwear a luxurious feel.
Why Choose Bamboo Yarn for Swimwear:
Super soft and silky on the skin
Eco-friendly and biodegradable
Naturally moisture-wicking, making it great for water exposure
Another option of yarn is the Alise yarn made in Russia, I never tried this yarn, but I know there’s a lot of people that use it. It’s available on Amazon and here is the link to the shop.
3. Acrylic Yarn: Budget-Friendly and Colorful perfect for Bathing Suits
If you want vibrant colors without breaking the bank, acrylic yarn is the way to go. Acrylic yarns are available in almost every shade imaginable, making it easy to find the perfect hue for your bikini. While not as breathable as natural fibers, it’s great for non-swim, stylish bikinis that stand out at festivals or poolside parties.
Pros of Acrylic Yarn for Crochet Bikinis:
Affordable and widely available
Comes in a variety of bold colors
Machine washable and easy to care for
Another option of yarn is the Alise yarn made in Russia, I never tried this yarn, but I know there’s a lot of people that use it. It’s available on Amazon and here is the link to the shop.
My choice of yarn for crochet bikinis
Last time that I went to Brazil 1 year ago to see my family I got to try the Verano yarn which is 100% polyamide (the same material as lycra) and I thought it was great, I know that there’s a company from Turkey that sell this same yarn and it’s called Bikini. I’ll put all the links underneath so you can buy them on Amazon. So the polyamide yarn Verano ou Bikini it’s great for small bikini sets, like triangle tops and Brazilian bottoms and that is because the yarn it’s really sensitive to rough ground or velcro, it’s sort of like a stocking, so the minimal designs work good, I wouldn’t make a cover-up or a one-piece with this material, because even having your bag next to it would ruin the material. But if it wasn’t for this little issue it would be my favorite for sure, the touch on the skin is the best, it’s like wearing a normal lycra bikini, and it dries really fast too!
Only Available in Brazil
Final Tips for Crochet Bikini Success
When picking yarn for crochet bikinis, always consider:
Durability: Your bikini should hold up well in water and sun.
Stretch: Swimwear needs a little give, so stretchy fibers are key.
Comfort: Opt for soft, breathable yarns that feel good against the skin.
Colorfastness: Look for yarns that won’t fade quickly after sun exposure or repeated washing.
By choosing the right yarn, you can ensure your crochet bikini not only looks stunning but is also practical for all your summer adventures.
Ready to start your crochet bikini project?
Explore these yarn options and let your creativity flow! Whether you’re making a stylish beachwear set or a festival favorite, the right yarn makes all the difference.
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Click here to see all my patterns, they are all made with these yarns!
I hope you enjoyed this reading!
FABI CORREA