Free knitting patterns for dresses, tops, and ponchos that are perfect for layering over swimsuits, tank tops, or other beach and warm weather wear. Many of the patterns are free. Updated 7/15/24
To get the knitting patterns, scroll down the page to the individual pattern you want and click on the link to that pattern.
These patterns are not my designs but links to other designers who have generously shared their patterns. If you have questions about how to knit a specific pattern, please contact the designer directly.
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Free Patterns
Delphine
Lace beach cover-up poncho knit flat in one rectangle with a neck opening. Neck edge and ties are crochet but you could use knit options like i-cord. Lace weight yarn. Designed by Jennie Atkinson. A kit is also available.
Summer Mesh Sweater
Easy pullover top or cover up knit flat in four pieces in garter stitch. No picking up stitches. 4 Sizes. DK weight yarn. Designed by Susan Frick. Web version is free.
Dress with Pockets
Color-blocked tunic with side pockets and v-neck, perfect for wearing over swimsuits and other beachwear. Sizes XS to XL. Sport weight yarn. Ladies' Dress in Schachenmayr Catania S8076. A kit is also available. Available in English and German
Coastal Cover Up
Long sleeved lace pullover knit with a 2 row repeat. Sizes To Fit Bust: 32in to 44cm / 81cm to 112cm. Designed by Ana kim. DK weight yarn. A kit is also available.
Crossways Top
Striped top worked sideways with dramatic v-neck for wearing over swimsuits and other beachwear. Knit flat. No picking up stitches. 2 Sizes. DK weight yarn. Designed by Schachenmayr. A kit is also available.
La Brisa Top
Sleeveless top with easy ruched mesh look created just by changing the size of the needles. Designed by Ana kim. Sport weight yarn.
Drop-Stitch Pullover
This openwork sweater uses a 12 row repeat Vertical Seafoam Stitch. Knit flat in 4 pieces with minimal shaping and no picking up of stitches. Designed by Heather Lodinsky. Sizes 2X, 1X, L, M, S. Worsted weight yarn. A kit is also available.
Slipover 7062
Tunic or dress knit with a 4 row repeat lace stitch. No picking up stitches though neckband is knit in the round. Sizes To fit bust: 77 to 117cm / 31 to 47 inches. DK weight yarn. Designed by Elle.
Seabreeze Beach Cover Up
Long line sleeveless cardigan knit flat in two panels in diagonal lace and eyelet. No picking up stitches. 4 Sizes. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Knitting with Chopsticks. Web version is free.
More Free Patterns
Alize Beach Cover
Knit lace halter dress with stitches such as Diamond with Rosebud Eyes, Rose Cluster, Lion's Paw, Spider's Web, and more. No picking up stitches. Beautiful beach cover-up. 2 Sizes. Aran weight yarn. Designed by Agnes Dihen.
Sea Vines Dress
Easy lace dress knit flat in a 4 row repeat. No picking up stitches. Beautiful beach cover-up. 3 Sizes. Fingering weight yarn. Designed by Handmaiden Yarns. Errata: Row 2: K3, *yo, k2, ssk, k2tog, k2, yo, k1; rep from *, end k1.
Caprera Vest
Halter neck sleeveless summer dress that's just right for a beach cover-up. Sizes To Fit: 40 to 44. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Adriafil Yarn.
Shark Racerback Dress
Sharks and waves chase across this fun dress that makes a perfect beach coverup. One size. Sport weight yarn. Designed by Natt Supab.
Sea Breeze Cover-Up
Summer dress or beach cover-up with chevron lace. Sizes XS to 5XL. Sport weight yarn. Designed by By Katerina. Web version is free.
Briza Dress
Flowing beach dress with icord straps and edges. Sizes S to XXL. Fingering weight yarn. Designed by Stine Radicke. A kit is also available.
Cocoon Tunic
Openwork top with rays of eyelets on the yoke and chevrons of eyelets ending in a v-shaped hem. No picking up stitches. Perfect for beach cover-ups. Fingering weight yarn. Designed by Rosarios. Available in English and Portuguese
Beachhouse Tank
Tunic length tank top designed for layering over swimsuit or summer tops. No picking up stitches. Sizes XS to XXL. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Laurel Murphy. A kit is also available.
Sweet As Pie Dress
Form fitting dress with a front slit and straps that tie that's a perfect summer dress and beach cover-up. Sizes XS to 5XL. DK weight yarn. Designed by Akashayna. A kit is also available.
Patterns for Purchase
Cresslyn Cover-up
Beginner-friendly pattern knitted sideways, in two rectangles, and seamed at the center back and front to create a V-neck opening. Time: 25-30 Hours. 3 Sizes. DK weight yarn. Designed by YellowBlueDesign
Born on the Beach
Sized for children to adults, this long dress features lace at the bottom and up the sides. Sizes from Child 1 year to Adult 62 inches bust. Fingering weight yarn. Designed by Natalie Pelykh
Beach Bum
Versatile cover can be worn as a short dress or side split skirt. Open shell lace graces the bottom while a clever moebius covers up top. The multiple tying options ensure it stays right where you want it while catching sun rays or splashing in the waves. 4 sizes. Fingering weight yarn. Designed by Lindsay Lewchuk
High-low lace top
Lace asymmetric tunic top pattern includes 5 sizes. DK weight yarn. Designed by JulieMalicWear
Beach open sides maxi dress
Mesh and drop stitch dress is perfect for a beach cover up or summer party overdress. 5 sizes. Sport weight yarn. Designed by JulieMalicWear
Viva Poncho
This book contains 20 knitting patterns for ponchos in every style and season from beachwear to evening wear, including the pictured pattern for the Lola poncho.
Knits For Summer
10 knitting patterns perfect for hot weather and the beach by Kristi Simpson including Long Vest (one size: 40.5' width x 34' length [103 cm x 86.5 cm]), Surfside Tunic (sizes S-M-L), and Fringed Hip Wrap (sizes S-M-L), Barefoot Sandals (one size fits most), Seaside Coasters (with Duplicate Stitch motifs of seahorse, lighthouse, flamingo, and sand shovel), Lacy Cape (sizes S-M-L), Rosy Head Wrap, Scoop Neck Top (sizes S-M-L-XL-2XL), Anchor Pillow (with Duplicate Stitch motif), Striped Tote (10' wide x 11' high [25.5 cm x 28 cm]). Digital download or paperback from Leisure Arts
