Guest Author - Kate Pullen

Lovely items of beachwear can be made from crochet and are sure to turn heads on the beach. We have our own pattern for a crochet bikini top. Take a look at the free patterns at Crochet Pattern Central for inspiration. Here you will find patterns for bikinis and swimming costumes, as well as 'vintage' patterns. There is plenty here to keep you in beachwear throughout the summer! The free beachwear patterns can be found here.

Summer and beach wear is easy to adapt, a lightweight crochet top, can be worn over a bikini during the day, and teamed with a crocheted lace shawl in the evening. The very same shawl can also double as a sarong during the day!

Crochet patterns can be adapted too. A crocheted afghan made from cotton would make a hard wearing rug for beach picnics, and market bags made from thicker yarns would make a great beach bag, in to which you can pack your crocheted accessories and of course work in progress!

A crochet afghan pattern can also be adapted to make a sarong - a great item for taking to the beach. If crocheted in lightweight yarns, using a thin hook a nice drapey fabric can be made which will hang well and look very attractive.

Crocheted hats are also an essential beach accessory. Not only can hats be practical - shading face and eyes from the sun, but also they can help cover beach-hair disasters! Pull on crocheted caps can hide any horrible surprises whilst adding a touch of class to your beach attire. Take a look at the free hat patterns at Crochet Pattern Central here.

Don't forget to accessorize! Any beach outfit is going to look great with the long bold beaded necklaces which are so popular. These are easy to make from lengths of beaded crochet chain. Work some crochet chain using thin cotton which has been pre-strung with some beads, and drop the beads into place as you go. Why not add some small crocheted flowers too. Make this as long as you want. It is bound to make a dramatic statement!

Have fun preparing your crocheted outfit for the beach. Do let us know what you are working on and if you have any favorite beach designs.