Whether you want to add extra coverage or flair to your swimwear, or maybe a bit of both, these DIY swimsuit cover-ups are just what you need! No matter what type of crafting you do, you can find a tutorial to make for your next trip to the beach or pool.
Some of these styles take a little planning, but others come together in minutes. Love the look of one of these cover-ups, but don't know the technique? This could be the perfect time to learn something new for the summer!
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Crochet a Beachy Dress
Perfect for a pool party, the Del Mar Beach Dress slips on over a swimsuit while still looking dressed up. This intermediate pattern features a racer back and a touch of sparkle in the suggested yarn. Plus, it's written in both US and UK crochet terms.
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Sew a Custom Rash Guard
Protect yourself from the sun with this DIY rash guard! This tutorial is a great way to add some coverage to your favorite two-piece swimsuit. Choose a UPF sun protectant fabric that matches your suit and stay safe and fashion-conscious!
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Sew a Simple Caftan
Caftans are having a moment again, and why not? They're breezy for hot summer days and so easy to throw on over your swimwear when it's time to leave the pool. This gorgeous no-pattern, 4-seam design from Troy at Thriftanista in the City includes some almost-hidden sewing that adds a bit of fit and prevents it from looking like a tent.
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Knit a Hooded Cardigan Cover-Up
Make this adorable cover-up cardigan vest with a simple lace pattern that's easy to learn and knit mindlessly. The free pattern features a tie front and loose hood that is a nice detail. Plus, the design comes in seven sizes, so almost everyone can make an Opportune Cardigan!
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Sew a Gauzy Gathered Cover-Up
Shwin & Shwin shows you how to make this simple cover-up in any size, from kids to grown ups. All you need to do is take a few measurements, cut simple shapes, and sew. A casing at the waist lets you gather and tie the front closed, and lightweight fabric keeps you cool and dry!
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Sew a Poolside Dress
For when you want a cover-up that's also a dress you can wear all summer, check out this tutorial from Polka Dot Chair. She starts with a T-shirt dress design that's self-drafted (and easy to make in any size), skips the sleeves, and adds a drawstring. Simple and cute!
French Terry Simple Swimsuit Cover-Up Tutorial from Polka Dot Chair
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Cut and Tie a T-Shirt Cover-Up
If sewing isn't your thing, Tulip shows you how to transform a tie-dyed T-shirt into a cute cover-up. With a few cuts and a bit of fusible tape, you have a cute project that would even be fun to wear as a top or festival dress!
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Sew a Circle Swim Poncho
Cute fabric is on display when you make this circular, poncho-like cover-up. Laura at A Beautiful Mess shows you how to draft the large circle pattern and add fringe for a playful poolside style.
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Crochet a Summer Swim Wrap
Wear this crocheted wrap to the beach, then add it to your favorite dress for an evening out. The lacy pattern and fringed edge are easy details that make this a fun and special piece. And with chunky T-shirt yarn, it's a quick project that you'll love!
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Crochet a Breezy Cover-Up
Grab your hook and crochet this easy and stylish swim cover. As designer Megan Shaimes says, it's basically a giant rectangle with a hole in the middle. But with a combination of basic crochet stitches and a few puff stitches, there's nothing simple about the look!
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Sew a Fun Trimmed Cover-Up
Tiny pom poms make anything better, and that's certainly true of this sweet elastic-waist cover-up. Ashely from Make It & Love It made the gauze tunic for her daughter, but she tells you how to measure it for any size. That means you can have a pom pom cover-up too!
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Knit a Beachy Tunic
Knit and purl a cozy cover-up with this free pattern from Patons yarn. The suggested yarn, which varies in weight through the skein, is no longer available, but it's worth making a few gauge swatches to work out a substitute yarn. If you don't plan on getting this too wet, you could even swap in some 100% cotton!
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Sew an Easy Swimsuit Cover
Mood Fabrics, known for their frequent appearance on Project Runway, has more than just a store filled with amazing fabrics. They also have a blog that's filled with sewing projects for you to try! This easy swim cover-up doesn't require a pattern, and you can even wear it as a poncho with a pair of jeans and sandals.
Sewing a Swimsuit Cover-Up Without a Pattern from Mood Fabrics
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Sew a Simple Beach Dress
With just a bit of easy sewing, you can make this cover-up that still shows off some skin. Designer Gina Michelle has more beach-friendly tutorials too, including her no-sew knotted T-shirt dress.
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Sew and Paint a Donut Caftan
Want to wear your favorite treat but can't find the right fabric? Studio DIY shows you how to make your own drapey caftan and paint it with a fun donut print! While you're there, be sure to look for the matching donut hat. Now all you need is a donut pool float!
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Craft an Easy Wrap Cover-Up
Stay comfortably covered in this nearly no-sew cover-up. While it technically has a tiny bit of sewing, it's only a couple simple hand stitches to attach the straps. And if you aren't quite ready for that, a few drops of fabric glue will do the trick. You'll be headed to the water in no time!
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Crochet a Duster Style Cover-Up
All the rest of the cover-ups in this list have free patterns and tutorials, but this last one is too good to leave off, even though it does have a small cost. The Sandbar Cardi is a long, crocheted duster with elbow-length sleeves. With minimal pieces and seaming, it isn't difficult to make but looks fantastic. Plus, you can wear it over a swimsuit or with your favorite jeans!