17 DIY Swimsuit Coverups

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Updated 07/29/19

DIY PomPom-Trimmed Swim Cover Up — Make It, Love It

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

Love Crafts

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.

Del Mar Beach Dress Crochet Pattern from Love Crafts
02 of 17

Sew a Custom Rash Guard

Vanessa Traylor

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!

Women's Rash Guard Swim Shirt Tutorial from Sewing Rabbit
03 of 17

Sew a Simple Caftan

Thriftanista in the City

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.

Easy Four-Seam Summer Caftan from Thriftanista in the City
04 of 17

Knit a Hooded Cardigan Cover-Up

Emily Ringelman

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!

Opportune Cardigan Knitting Pattern from Knitty

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Sew a Gauzy Gathered Cover-Up

Shwin and Shwin

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!

DIY Swim Cover Tutorial from Shwin & Shwin
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Sew a Poolside Dress

Polkadot Chair

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

Tulip

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!

No-Sew T-Shirt Swim Cover-Up from Tulip Tie Dye Your Summer
08 of 17

Sew a Circle Swim Poncho

A Beautiful Mess

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.

Circle Swimsuit Cover-Up DIY from A Beautiful Mess

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Crochet a Summer Swim Wrap

Just Be Crafty

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!

Sunset Beach Wrap Crochet Pattern from Just Be Crafty
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Crochet a Breezy Cover-Up

Megmade With Love

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!

Easy Breezy Swim Cover Pattern from Meg Made With Love
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Sew a Fun Trimmed Cover-Up

Make It & Love It

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!

DIY PomPom Swim Cover-Up from Make It & Love It
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Knit a Beachy Tunic

Patons

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!

Beach Cover-Up Knitting Pattern from Patons Yarn

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Sew an Easy Swimsuit Cover

Mood Fabrics

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

Gina Michele

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.

Easy Beach Dress from Gina Michelle
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Sew and Paint a Donut Caftan

Studio DIY

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!

DIY Donut Caftan from Studio DIY
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Craft an Easy Wrap Cover-Up

Anya McInroy

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!

Easy Beach Cover-Up from Zest It Up

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Crochet a Duster Style Cover-Up

TL Yarn Crafts

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!

Sandbar Cardi Crochet Pattern, $8, TL Yarn Crafts

Crochet a Beachy Dress