1970s Crochet Beach Shirt & Bikini Set Pattern PDF – Bust 31.5–36 Inches
1970s Crochet Beach Shirt Bikini Pattern PDF – Three-Piece Set
This 1970s crochet beach shirt bikini pattern features three coordinated pieces. Make an openwork, long-sleeved beach shirt with a tied neckline and contrasting plaid trim. The set also includes a matching bikini top and bottoms.
The original vintage image shows the beach shirt and two examples of the same bikini design. The bikinis are identical, not separate patterns. Together, the beach shirt and coordinated bikini capture the playful spirit of 1970s resort fashion.
Pattern Details
- Craft: Crochet, with finishing and sewing
- Era: 1970s
- Pieces: Beach cover-up shirt, bikini bra, and bikini panties
- Sizes: Small 8–10 and Medium 12–14
- Body bust: 31½–32½ inches (Small); 34–36 inches (Medium)
- Finished shirt bust: 34 inches (Small); 37 inches (Medium)
Original Materials
Yarn: Unger’s Cruise in ⅖-ounce balls.
- Beach shirt: 8 (9) balls of white/main color and 2 (3) balls of pink/contrast color.
- Bikini: 3 (4) balls of main color and 2 balls of contrast color.
Tools and notions: Crochet hooks in sizes E and F, plus two yards of round elastic for the bikini.
Original Gauge
- Beach shirt, pattern 1: 11 stitches equal two inches with a size F hook.
- Beach shirt, pattern 2: Six stitches equal one inch with a size F hook.
- Bikini, pattern 1: Six stitches equal one inch with a size E hook.
Make a separate gauge swatch for each stitch pattern before replacing the original yarn.
Modern Maker’s Note
The contrasting plaid is not merely a printed effect. The original instructions form horizontal stripes during crochet and add vertical contrast-color lines afterward.
Swatch both the openwork shirt fabric and the denser bikini fabric separately, matching the specified gauges before selecting a substitute for vintage Unger’s Cruise.
Choose a yarn with stable stitch definition and consider how it behaves when wet. A crocheted bikini made with substitute yarn is not automatically suitable for swimming: assess coverage, stretch, wet weight, opacity and secure elastic finishing.
The vintage design may require modern lining or reinforcement depending on intended use. Keep the contrasting color strands tidy and avoid pulling them too tightly.
How to Wear It Today
Recreate the original white-and-pink palette for a bright vintage look. Alternatively, try ivory with coral, navy with cream, or sea-glass green with white.
Wear the crochet shirt over suitable modern swimwear as a beach cover-up. You can also pair it with shorts and sandals for a relaxed resort outfit.
Complete Digital Crochet Pattern PDF
Receive the original historical crochet instructions for a long-sleeved beach shirt and one coordinated two-piece bikini (top and bottoms). Although two identical bikinis appear in the imagery, both represent the same design—not two different bikini patterns.
The PDF has been checked and contains the complete instructions. This is an instant digital download; no finished clothing, yarn, or supplies are included. Print at 100% scale and confirm gauge before beginning.
Explore more vintage beach and resort-style patterns in Vintage Resort & Summer Style Pattern Collection.
