How-to Make a Crocheted Sarong

Are you in need of a unique wrap-around covering for the beach? How about one that matches your bathing suit perfectly? What about the right length for your height? Well, you can design your own sarong with these easy how-to for beginning crocheters. So grab your hook and get started!

Measurements

The first thing you’ll need to do is take exact measurements. Get a measuring tape and measure around where you would like the crocheted sarong to sit. Generally you wouldn’t want it to be at your natural waist, but rather around your lower waist a few inches below your navel. You can even measure while wearing your bathing suit for a more accurate measurement. Next, you should measure how long you would like the sarong by holding the measuring tape from your lower waist (where the sarong will sit) to the appropriate point on your leg. This measurement is just for reference. You will need to try on the sarong as you go because your hips will take up some of the length measurement.

Materials

To match your bathing suit you should look at a variety of different yarns. Try to find a worsted weight cotton yarn that will be more absorbent; acrylics can also be used if you would like a lighter sarong. It is also better to find a yarn without a dye lot, which means it will be easy to buy more yarn of the same color if your estimation was wrong for the project. Start with at least 14 ounces of yarn in your chosen color. For those that are beyond a woman’s size 16, you might need to start with 6 more ounces.

You should also consider what type of closure you would like. The easiest is to sew a button on the completed crocheted sarong. But you can also use frog closures for a more stylized look, or ties. Purchase accordingly.

Pattern stitch and Hook size

Using a smaller hook will give you a more intricate pattern than larger hooks, but it all depends on your preference. Start with an H or G hook size and work your way up if necessary.

To figure out your starting chain you should chain enough to your hip measurement. The pattern stitch is up to you. Look around at different pattern stitches from projects you’ve completed or would like to try. You can usually find a simple shell pattern that will look great or even an open-weave netting. If you opt for a shell pattern than try be sure that you calculate how many chain stitches it takes to complete a shell. For example, if the shell takes six stitches to make, than you need to make your beginning chain in a multiple of six. If your hip measurement is 36, than you will want to add another twelve chains for an overlap of two shells to button it. If your hip measurement is not a multiple of six already than you will simply need to add a few chains to make it a multiple of six and then the extra twelve on top of that. An open-weave stitch, of say fish net loops, should be made just slightly smaller than the shell stitch patterned one. The open-weave will cause it to be very stretchy compared to the shell stitch.

Design Basics

Because a crocheted sarong can be made in a simple rectangle, you only need to work even and repeat your pattern rows till completion. Be sure to add a few rows of half double crochet stitches after the beginning chain since this will give your waistband more stability. It is very important to try it on as you go. After the first few rows, fit it around yourself and be sure it fits; the fit of the sarong will not get better as you go if it doesn’t work in the beginning. This way you can avoid doing too much work before correcting the problem. Once the correct length is achieved, you will need to either work a row of single crochet stitches up the sides so they don’t curl or just a row of half double crochet stitches at the bottom. Finish off with your closure method, and show it off!