Solana Circle Cover Up Crochet Pattern (Free Crochet Pattern)

The Solana Circle Cover Up is the easiest beach cover-up you’ll crochet this summer!

There is just something so satisfying about turning two simple crochet circles into a beautiful garment.

When I started designing the Solana Circle Cover Up, I wanted to create something that felt effortless. A project you could crochet while relaxing outside, take on vacation, and actually wear all summer long.

I also wanted it to be beginner-friendly.

The result is a lightweight crochet beach cover-up pattern that works up surprisingly quickly using basic stitches. Two oversized circular motifs are joined by simple shoulder straps and finished with long bohemian fringe for a relaxed, beachy look.

Whether you’re heading to the beach, relaxing by the pool, packing for vacation, or simply love modern crochet garments, I think you’re going to love making this one.

Why You’ll Love the Solana Circle Cover Up

• Beginner-friendly crochet pattern
• Includes sizes XS to 5X
• Step-by-step YouTube video tutorial
• Lightweight cotton fabric perfect for warm weather
• Beautiful oversized boho style
• Made from two simple crochet circles
• Easy customization with optional lace-up sides
• Great first crochet garment project
• Uses basic crochet stitches
• Designed using affordable Bernat Handicrafter Cotton

Prefer learning by watching?

I’ve included a complete step-by-step YouTube video tutorial that walks you through every part of the project, making this a fantastic first crochet garment.

Whether you’re new to garment making or simply enjoy visual instructions, I’ll guide you through the entire cover-up, from the magic ring to adding the fringe.

Salt + Sol Collection

The Solana Circle Cover Up is one of nine coordinating designs in my Salt + Sol Collection.

This collection was inspired by everything I love about summer:

• beach days
• lightweight cotton yarn
• effortless layering
• relaxed silhouettes
• timeless crochet textures

If you love creating a handmade summer wardrobe, be sure to check out the rest of the collection, including:

• Solstice Vest
• Solea Cardigan
• Solara Sun Hat
• Selene Top
• Solana Circle Cover Up
• Sienna Shell Stitch Poncho
• Salt + Sand Beach Bag
• Saltwater Beach Dress
• Serena Top

Each design mixes beautifully together to create an entire handmade summer wardrobe.

Yarn

Bernat Handicrafter Cotton (CDN)

Worsted Weight #4, 100% Cotton

84 yds/50 g ball or 674 yds/400 g

Sizes and Yarn Requirments

XS/S
Upper Bust: 31 to 34″
Motif Diameter: 15″
Side Panel Rows: N/A
Approx. Yarn: 200 g / 337 yds

M/L/XL
Upper Bust: 35 to 42″
Motif Diameter: 18″
Side Panel Rows: N/A
Approx. Yarn: 285 g / 481 yds

2X
Upper Bust: 43 to 45″
Motif Diameter: 21″
Side Panel Rows: N/A
Approx. Yarn: 350 g / 590 yds

3X
Upper Bust: 46 to 48″
Motif Diameter: 21″
Side Panel Rows: 3 rows per side
Approx. Yarn: 362 g / 610 yds

4X
Upper Bust: 49 to 52″
Motif Diameter: 21″
Side Panel Rows: 6 rows per side
Approx. Yarn: 374 g / 631 yds

5X
Upper Bust: 53 to 56″
Motif Diameter: 21″
Side Panel Rows: 9 rows per side
Approx. Yarn: 386 g / 651 yds

Hooks

US J/10 (6 mm)

or the size needed to obtain the gauge

Hook Tray

Supplies

Yarn Needle

Scissors

Measuring Tape

Stitch Markers

Personalized Tags (Rivets)

Gauge

The circular motif serves as your gauge swatch, so you can begin the project right away.

Using a 6 mm (J/10) crochet hook and Bernat Handicrafter Cotton, work the motif through Round 5.

After completing Round 5, the motif should measure approximately 7 to 7¼ inches (18 to 18.5 cm) in diameter.

Continue measuring the motif as you work to ensure you are on track for your selected size.

Finished Motif Diameters

• Round 11 (XS to S): Approximately 15 inches (38 cm)
• Round 13 (M to XL): Approximately 18 inches (46 cm)
• Round 15 (2X to 5X): Approximately 21 inches (53 cm)

If your motif measures smaller than the stated diameter, try a larger hook. If it measures larger, try a smaller hook.

Round 5 = approximately 7 to 7¼ inches in diameter.

Finished motif measures approximately:

• Round 11 = 15 inches
• Round 13 = 18 inches
• Round 15 = 21 inches

Construction

The Solana Circle Cover Up is made by crocheting two identical circles from the centre outward. Once complete, the circles are seamed together along the sides to create the body of the cover-up.

Shoulder straps are then added to join the front and back, followed by a fringe border along the lower edge for a relaxed bohemian finish. The pattern uses basic crochet stitches throughout, making it an enjoyable project for beginners and experienced crocheters alike.

Abbrevations

Ch – Chain

Dc – Double Crochet

Rep – Repeat

RS – Right Side

Rev – Reverse

Sk – Skip

Sl st – Slip Stitch

Sp(s) – Space(s)

St(s) – Stitch(es)

( ) – Work instructions in parentheses in the indicated stitch.

Reverse Slip Stitch (Rev sl st): Insert the hook through the first dc of the round from back to front, keeping the working yarn in front of your work. Yarn under and pull the loop through the stitch and the loop on your hook to complete the join. This creates a nearly invisible seam.

Project Tips

• Watching the video tutorial is recommended, especially if this is your first time working a circular motif.
• Use stitch markers to help identify the shoulder straps and side seam placement before assembly.
• Try on the cover up before weaving in the shoulder strap tails. Add or remove rows from the straps if needed for a more comfortable fit.
• If making the optional side panels, complete both panels on one motif before beginning assembly.
• Steam or wet block the finished cover up to help smooth the motifs and fringe for the best finished appearance.
• Cut the fringe in small batches as you work to keep the strands organized and allow for adjustments before cutting the remaining fringe.

Yarn Substitutes

Recommended Yarn

This cover-up was designed using Bernat Handicrafter Cotton.

84 yds/50 g = 1.68 yds per gram

When substituting yarn, look for a worsted-weight cotton with a similar yards-per-gram ratio to achieve comparable results.

Suggested Substitutions

Dishie Yarn: 190 yds/100 g = 1.9 yds per gram

Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton (CDN): 186 yds/100 g = 1.86 yds per gram

Village Yarn Craft Cotton: 115 yds/71 g = 1.62 yds per gram

Pattern

Pattern Notes

• The cover-up is made from two identical circular motifs.
• Sizes are created by working each motif to a different number of rounds. Follow the instructions for each round until you reach the final round for your size, then proceed to straps.

Sizes:

• XS to S: Work through Round 11.
• M to XL: Work through Round 13.
• 2X to 5X: Work through Round 15.
• Repeat to make a second identical motif.

Motif – Make 2

Round 1:

Magic Ring, ch 2 (not included as a st here and throughout), work 12 dc in the ring, pull ring tight, rev sl st in the first dc to join—12 sts.

Round 2:

Ch 2, work 2 dc in each st around, rev sl st in the first dc to join—24 sts.

Round 3:

Ch 2, work 1 dc in first st, 2 dc in next st, * 1 dc in next st, 2 dc in next st; rep from * around, rev sl st in the first dc to join—36 sts.

Round 4:

Ch 4 (counts as 1 dc and ch 1), * work 1 dc, ch 1 in next st; rep from * around, sl st in the third ch of ch-4 to join—36 sts and 36 ch-1 sps.

Round 5:

Ch 2, work 2 dc in each ch-1 sp around, rev sl st in the first dc to join—72 sts. The diameter should measure approx 7.25″.

Optional Side Panels (3X to 5X)

For additional width, work a side panel on each side of one motif before assembly.

First Side Panel

With RS facing, join yarn in the stitch immediately following the stitch marker.

Row 1:

Ch 1, dc in each of the next 20 sts, turn—20 sts.

Rows 2 to 6 (3X), Rows 2 to 9 (4X), Rows 2 to 12 (5X):

Ch 1, dc in each st across, turn.

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for seaming.

Second Side Panel

With RS facing, join yarn in the stitch 20 sts below the remaining stitch marker.

Row 1:

Ch 1, dc in each of the next 20 sts, ending in the stitch immediately before the stitch marker, turn—20 sts.

Rows 2 to 6 (3X), Rows 2 to 9 (4X), Rows 2 to 12 (5X):

Ch 1, dc in each st across, turn.

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for seaming.

Design Option: For a more open, bohemian look, skip the optional side panels and lace the sides together instead. Use a strand of yarn, a long chain or a crocheted i-cord to weave through the side stitches of both motifs, similar to lacing a shoe. This creates an adjustable side opening while still securing the front and back together.

Side Seams

With RS facing together, align the front and back motifs.

Sew each side seam together using the long tails and your preferred seaming method.

• XS to S: Sew 16 sts.
• M to 2X: Sew 20 sts.
• 3X to 5X: Sew each side panel to the corresponding 20 sts on the opposite motif.

Fringe

Pattern Tip: Cut the fringe in small batches as you work rather than all at once. This keeps the strands organized and allows you to adjust the finished length before cutting the remaining fringe.

Cut strands of yarn measuring 16 inches each.

Beginning in the first unseamed stitch along the lower edge of the motif, attach 2 strands of fringe in every other stitch across the bottom edge.

To attach the fringe, fold 2 strands in half. Insert your crochet hook through the indicated stitch from front to back. Place the folded loop over the hook and pull it through the stitch, forming a loop. Pull the loose ends of the fringe through the loop and tighten gently to secure. Repeat across the lower edge of the first motif, then repeat for the second motif.

Number of strands required:

• XS: Cut 128 strands.
• S to XL: Cut 164 strands.
• 2X to 5X: Cut 184 strands.

Finishing & Care

• Weave in all ends securely before wearing your cover up.
• Lightly steam or wet block the motifs to smooth the stitches and enhance the drape of the finished cover up.
• After attaching the fringe, gently steam the strands and comb through them with your fingers to help them hang evenly. Trim the fringe as needed after steaming.
• Hand wash or machine wash on a gentle cycle in cool water using a mild detergent.
• Lay flat to dry, reshaping the cover up while damp. Do not tumble dry.
• After washing, lightly steam the fringe and reshape the motifs as needed to restore their finished appearance.
• Storage Tip
• Fold your cover up for storage rather than hanging it, as cotton can naturally stretch over time. Before wearing again, lightly steam the fringe and reshape the motifs if needed to refresh the finished look.

Good to Know

Cotton yarn naturally softens and relaxes with wear and after the first wash, giving your cover up an even softer drape. This is a normal characteristic of cotton and helps create the relaxed, bohemian look of the finished garment.