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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.
Here are 16 options for DIY swimsuit cover-ups.
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01 of 16
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 racerback and a touch of sparkle in the suggested yarn. Plus, it's written in both U.S. and U.K. crochet terms.
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02 of 16
Sew a Custom Rash Guard
![DIY Women's Rash Guard Sewing Tutorial]()
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 to stay safe and fashion-conscious.
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03 of 16
Sew a Simple Caftan
![4-Seam Summer Caftan Sewing Tutorial]()
Caftans are breezy for hot summer days. And they're easy to throw on over your swimwear when it's time to leave the pool. This gorgeous no-pattern, four-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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04 of 16
Knit a Hooded Cardigan Cover-Up
![Opportune Hooded Knit Cardigan Swim Cover-Up]()
Make this adorable cover-up cardigan vest with a simple lace pattern that's easy to learn. The free pattern features a tie front and loose hood that is a nice detail. Plus, the design comes in seven sizes to fit many body types.
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05 of 16
Sew a Gauzy Gathered Cover-Up
![Gauzy Swim Cover-Up]()
Shwin & Shwin shows you how to make this simple cover-up in any size, from kids to adults. 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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06 of 16
Sew a Poolside Dress
![Super Simple Swimsuit Cover-Up]()
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. It 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!
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07 of 16
Cut and Tie a T-Shirt Cover-Up
![No-Sew Tie-Dye T-shirt Swim Cover-Up]()
If sewing isn't your thing, this tutorial shows you how to transform a tie-dye T-shirt into a cute cover-up. With a few cuts and a bit of fusible tape, you'll create a cover-up that would even be fun to wear as a top or festival dress.
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08 of 16
Sew a Circle Swim Poncho
![DIY Sewn Circle Swimsuit Cover-up With Fringe]()
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 playful poolside style. The whole project takes only about an hour or two.
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09 of 16
Crochet a Summer Swim Wrap
![Crocheted Sunset Beach Wrap With Fringe]()
Wear this crocheted wrap to the beach, and 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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10 of 16
Crochet a Breezy Cover-Up
![Crocheted Easy Breezy Swim Cover With High-Low Hem]()
Grab your hook, and crochet this easy and stylish swim cover. As designer Meg 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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11 of 16
Sew a Fun Trimmed Cover-Up
![DIY Pom Pom-Trimmed Swim Cover-Up]()
Tiny pompoms can be an incredibly fun detail, and that's certainly true of this sweet elastic-waist cover-up. Ashley from Make It & Love It made the gauze tunic for her daughter. But she tells you how to measure it for any size. It's quick to sew and comfy to wear.
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12 of 16
Knit a Beachy Tunic
![Knitted Beach Cover-Up]()
Knit and purl a cozy cover-up with this free pattern from Patons. 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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13 of 16
Sew an Easy Swimsuit Cover
![No-Pattern Easy Sew Striped Beach Cover-Up]()
Mood Fabrics, known for its frequent appearances on Project Runway, has more than just a store filled with amazing fabrics. It also has 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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14 of 16
Sew a Simple Beach Dress
![Easy-Sew Beach Cover With Gathered Back]()
With just a bit of easy sewing, you can make this cover-up that still shows off some skin. The design doesn't even require a pattern to make. Designer Gina Michele has more beach-friendly tutorials too, including her no-sew knotted T-shirt dress.
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15 of 16
Sew and Paint a Doughnut Caftan
![DIY Sewn and Painted Donut Caftan]()
Want to wear your favorite treat but can't find the right fabric? Studio DIY shows you how to make your own caftan and paint it with a fun doughnut print. While you're there, be sure to look for the matching doughnut hat. Now all you need is a doughnut pool float!
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16 of 16
Crochet a Duster Style Cover-Up
![Sandbar Cardi Crochet Pattern]()
The rest of the cover-ups on this list have free patterns and tutorials, but this one is too good to leave off, even though it does have a small cost ($7.50). 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.
