Ariel cover up.

Ariel Cover Up by ThePoshCrochet

Project Overview

The Ariel cover up is a made-to-measure beach tunic designed as an adjustable crochet garment. This intermediate-level crochet project combines a fitted bra section with a flowing skirt, creating a versatile beach cover-up that can be customized to individual measurements. The design is downloadable as a PDF pattern and suitable for crocheters with foundational skills looking to expand their technique repertoire.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a two-piece beach tunic consisting of a fitted bra top and a coordinating skirt section. The garment is constructed as a made-to-measure piece, allowing crafters to adjust dimensions based on personal body measurements. The adjustable sizing system ensures a custom fit without requiring multiple pattern sizes.

Construction Techniques

The Ariel cover up employs a structured construction method that begins with calculating a custom foundation chain based on under-bust measurements. The pattern uses a measurement-based approach where crafters measure their under-bust circumference, divide by 2, and add 3 cm (1.2 inches) to determine the exact foundation chain length. This personalized starting point ensures proper fit before beginning the main stitch work.

The garment is worked in two distinct sections using different hook sizes, which allows for varied fabric density and drape. The bra section is constructed with a smaller hook to create a more structured, supportive fabric, while the skirt section uses a larger hook to achieve a more fluid, flowing appearance suitable for beach wear.

Stitches Used

• Double crochet (dc) – The primary stitch used throughout the foundation and main construction
• Single crochet (sc) – Used for shaping and detail work
• Chain stitch (ch) – Forms the foundation and creates chain spaces for openwork details
• Slip stitch (sl st) – Used to join rounds and create seamless transitions
• Cluster (cl) – Decorative stitch element for textural variation
• Chain spaces (ch-sp) – Creates openwork sections and lacy details

The pattern includes turning chains at the beginning of rows and rounds, essential for maintaining proper stitch height and creating even edges throughout the garment.

Materials and Yarn

The Ariel cover up is designed to be worked in Alize Bella, a 100% cotton yarn in fingering weight (14 wraps per inch). This yarn choice is ideal for a beach cover-up, as cotton provides breathability, durability, and a natural drape suitable for warm-weather wear. The project requires approximately 3 to 4 balls of yarn, with each ball containing 50 grams and 180 meters of yardage.

Tools and Gauge

Two different crochet hook sizes are used in this project to achieve varied fabric characteristics. A 2.5 mm hook is used for the bra section, creating a tighter gauge suitable for a supportive fit. A 3.5 mm hook is used for the skirt section, allowing for a more open, flowing fabric.

The gauge for the bra section, worked with the 2.5 mm hook, is 22 double crochet stitches by 12 rows over a 10 cm by 10 cm (4 inches by 4 inches) swatch. Achieving proper gauge is essential for ensuring the garment fits correctly, particularly in the fitted bra section where measurements are critical.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for crocheters who have mastered basic stitches and are comfortable reading stitch diagrams and following multi-section patterns. The custom measurement system and use of multiple hook sizes require attention to detail and understanding of how gauge affects fit.

Pattern Features

The pattern includes comprehensive abbreviations and uses stitch diagrams to guide construction. Stitch markers are recommended to track progress, particularly when working in rounds. The pattern employs repeat notations (indicated by asterisks) to simplify instructions for pattern sections that recur across rows or rounds.