How to crochet bikini top for Barbie doll - tutorial for beginners

This simple how-to tutorial will show You how to crochet great looking bikini top
for Barbie doll. My model is contemporary Barbie (made in 2009) so
this top will fit this type of dolls. If You have different doll model
measurements might differ.

Pattern is very simple and consists only of 4 rows. You will
use these stitches:
ch - chain
sc - single crochet
dc - double crochet
tr - triple (treble) crochet
sl - slip stitch
All these are basic stitches and if You are not sure how to do
them, You can click on them to find out great instructions for
beginners.
 
I cannot say I'm good in writing patterns therefore I took pictures of each step not only to tell, but also show how to crochet this bikini top.
If You don't understand anything or have noticed mistake or have any questions - feel free to add comment  or contact me.


For bikini top You will need:
Thin crochet thread (nr.20 cotton thread)
1,25 mm crochet hook
1 snap for closure






So, lets start!

Chain 51









Row 1
Make all row in single crochet










Row 2
17 single crochet, skip 2, 9 treble crochet in same ch, skip 2, 3
sc, skip 2, 9 treble crochet in same ch, skip 2, 20 sc.







Row 3
19 single crochet, skip 1, 9 dc, skip 1, 1sc, skip 1, 9 dc, skip 1,
16 sc.






 
Row 4
15 sc, skip 1, 8 dc, 1 sc, 1 sl, 1 sc, 8 dc, skip 1, 18 sc.
Fasten off and weave in ends.






Now You have made bikini top. Only thing that has left - add straps
(if You don't want it strapless) and sew on snap.


Left strap for bikini top:
Ch into 5th chain to the right from the middle of bikini, sc in
same ch. Ch 23. Ch into 5th ch from left side, sc in same ch.
Right strap:
Ch into 5th chain to the left from the middle of bikini. Sc in the
same ch. Ch 23. Ch into 6th from right side, sc in same ch.



Variation 1:
You can also make one strap bikini top. In this case:
Ch into 5th chain to the left from the middle of bikini. Sc in the
same ch. Ch 27. Ch into 5th chain to the right from the middle of bikini. Sc in the
same ch.

Variation 2:
Try also using two colors to make this bikini top even more attractive. For example - crochet first three rows with one color, but last row and straps - with other. Like this:











Variation 3
If You don't want to crochet, You can just buy some of bikini's at Loststitch studio or order them in colors You want! (sorry, could not resist to this self promotion ;) )