Bikini-Tops in Schachenmayr Catania - 5472B

Crochet Bikini Tops in Schachenmayr Catania – Pattern 5472B

This downloadable PDF pattern from Schachenmayr presents crochet bikini tops designed to be worked in Schachenmayr original Catania, a popular sport-weight cotton yarn well suited to warm-weather accessories and swimwear cover-ups. The pattern covers two models (referred to in the original as Modell 5472 B and a companion design), both sharing the same construction method for the bust section. The pattern is sized to fit sizes 36–40, making it a versatile choice for a range of figures.

What Is Being Made

The pattern produces bikini tops with a bustier-style construction, featuring shaped bust panels, decorative scalloped or arched edging (Bogenkante), and crocheted straps. Both models are accessories-category projects ideal for summer, beach, or poolside wear. The finished tops combine structure with delicate detailing, making them a rewarding intermediate crochet project.

Construction Method

Both models share an identical approach to constructing the bust panels (Bustierteil). Key construction details include:

• Directional crocheting: Each bust panel is worked from the side edge inward, following the direction indicated by arrows in the schematic (Schnittschema). This sideways construction creates a naturally shaped, fitted panel.
• Foundation chain: A chain of 41 foundation chains plus 3 turning chains is used to begin each panel. Before starting the chain, a tail of approximately 80 cm is left hanging for finishing purposes.
• Shaping: Decreases are worked on both sides in every row as indicated in the crochet chart, creating the tapered bustier shape. The final two stitches of the panel are worked off together to close the point neatly.
• Edging the first row: The long starting tail is used to crochet a row of slip stitches (Kettmaschen) around the stitches of the first row, gently drawing in the edge for a clean, structured finish.
• Two panels: Both the left and right bust panels are worked in the same manner and then finished separately before assembly.

Finishing – Model 5472B

The finishing process for Modell 5472 B involves constructing the straps and the decorative arched edging (Bogenkante) directly onto the bust panels:

• On the neckline diagonal (Ausschnittschrägung) of the left bust panel, half double crochet stitches (halbe Stäbchen / hStb) are worked across every 2 rows, with 3 half double crochets per 2-row section — resulting in 30 half double crochets across 20 rows. This technique gently draws in the neckline edge.
• Following this, a strap is formed by chaining 70–80 chains, after which a full row of half double crochets is worked across all stitches.
• On the return row, the arched or scalloped edging (Bogenkante) is worked up to approximately shoulder height, adding decorative detail to the strap and neckline area.

Stitches Used

• Luftmaschen (Lm) – chain stitches, used for the foundation chain and strap formation
• Kettmaschen (Kettm) – slip stitches, used for edging the first row of each bust panel
• Stäbchen (Stb) – double crochet stitches, used as the primary stitch throughout the bust panels
• Halbe Stäbchen (hStb) – half double crochet stitches, used for neckline edging and strap construction
• Bogenkante – a decorative arched or scalloped edging worked along the strap and neckline
• Decreases (Masche abnehmen) – worked on both sides of each row to shape the bustier panels