Ruffle Bralette – Crochet Pattern (from my book: Summer Crochet)

Hi friends!

This post includes everything you need to know about the Ruffle Bralette, a fully customizable bralette pattern featuring delicate ruffles, customizable cups for any breast size, a lace-up back tie that provides extra support, and two color options!

This pattern is available as an independent PDF (Ravelry, Etsy, and other links included below) and is an original design from my new book Summer Crochet: 19 Delicate Designs with Simple Lace and Timeless Silhouettes, released in spring 2025. This book includes 19 size-inclusive, warm-weather garment and accessory patterns using a variety of techniques and construction methods to ensure there is something of value for every skill level. Each garment pattern is written with an inclusive size range from XS to 5XL and each size has been thoroughly tested, thoroughly tech edited, and fully charted! We had hundreds of crochet pattern testers for this book to make sure that each size fits its intended wearer in a way that makes them feel beautiful.

You can buy this book with confidence, knowing that each pattern was written for you and your unique body measurements.

Some Quick Links Before You Begin:

Find the PDF version on Ravelry, Etsy, and my website.
Add your finished project and view other completed projects on Ravelry here!
Use the pattern hashtag #RuffleBralette on Instagram to show off your makes! Be sure to check out the book hashtag, #SummerCrochetBook, too!
Shop the recommended yarns We Are Knitters The Cotton yarn here, and Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK here!
- Be sure to scroll down to see other great yarn substitutes and yarns used during testing!
For any questions about this pattern, please email knitsnknotswpg@gmail.com and I’ll get back to you asap!

Where Can I Find the Physical Book?

(Both physical and e-book versions are available!)

Shop Summer Crochet on Amazon (US) here.
Shop Summer Crochet on Barnes And Noble here.
Shop Summer Crochet at Chapters (CA) here.
Shop Summer Crochet on Amazon (CA) here.
Shop Summer Crochet on Amazon (UK) here.
Shop Summer Crochet on Indie Bound here.
Shop Summer Crochet on Blackwell’s here.
Shop Summer Crochet on Books-A-Million here.
Shop Summer Crochet on Books Inc. here.
Shop even more platforms here.

Order my first book – Modern Crochet Sweaters: 20 Chic Designs for Everyday Wear – here!

If you want to be notified of all new pattern releases (and get exclusive discounts on all new paid patterns), sign up below!

This post contains affiliate links. This means, should you make a purchase, I will receive a small portion of the sale at no extra cost to you. All opinions are my own. View my Privacy + Disclosures Policy here.

About

With plenty of helpful tips and clear instructions on how to achieve the perfect fit on any body type, you’ll be able to crochet your own Ruffle Bralette to fit you exactly the way you like. This made-to-measure pattern is written in a tutorial style for any shape or size; all you need are three measurements.

This bralette is crocheted with a small hook, creating a solid fabric that need not be worn with a bra. You may choose to wear your bralette with removable cups like the ones found in bathing suits, for a more comfortable wearing experience. You can also sew in a fabric lining using a sewing machine or a needle and thread if this is within your skill set.

Materials

This bralette is shown in two different samples using two different DK weight yarns. Yardage estimates below are calculated using We Are Knitters The Cotton. (See yarn information for grey version in next column.)

Yarn: DK—We Are Knitters® The Cotton in colorways “Terracotta” (Main Color) and “Natural” (Contrasting Color)

100% Cotton
232 yds (212 m) per 3.5 oz (100 g) skein
Find this yarn on weareknitters .com or visit yarnsub.com to find comparable substitutes available in your region.

Yardage Required for Two-Tone Version:

Main Color (MC): 1 (1, 1, 1, 1) (1, 2, 2, 2) ball(s) of The Cotton or approximately 175 (190, 215, 265, 310) (350, 380, 420, 470) yds (160 [174, 197, 242, 283] [320, 347, 384, 430] m)
Contrasting Color (CC): 1 ball (all sizes) of The Cotton or approximately 35 (35, 40, 50, 60) (65, 70, 80, 85) yds (32 [32, 37, 46, 55] [59, 64, 73, 78] m)

Yardage Required for Solid-Color Version:

1 (2, 2, 2, 2) (2, 2, 3, 3) ball(s) of The Cotton or approximately 210 (225, 250, 310, 360) (410, 450, 490, 540) yds (192 [206, 229, 283, 329] [375, 411, 448, 494] m)

*Note that the yardage is a rough estimate based on total bust circumference, as well as feedback from pattern testers during the writing of this book. These numbers are intended to be used as a guide. Because this pattern is made-to-measure, the exact yardage required for your unique measurements may vary slightly from these numbers. Reference the sizing chart on page 5 of the PDF pattern or scroll down for sizing/measurement information.

Solid Grey Version—Yarn Information

Yarn: DK—Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK in colorway “Misty Grey”

100% Cotton
137 yds (125 m) per 1.8 oz (50 g) skein
Find this yarn on lovecrafts.com or visit yarnsub.com to find comparable substitutes available in your region.

Yarn Substitution: Scroll down for an extensive list of yarn substitutes and yarns used during pattern testing.

Other Yarn Weights: Because this top is made-to-measure, you could try making this pattern with a different yarn weight than the one recommended. DK weight and sport weight will produce the most similar results to the samples shown, but most of the pattern can be followed exactly the same in any yarn weight since each piece is crocheted until reaching a specified size. The only thing you may need to adjust is the ruffle rows: If using a thicker yarn, you may need to eliminate one of the increase rows which doubles your stitches. A thicker yarn will produce much more pronounced ruffles, and you will likely want to reduce the amount of ruffling to produce a similar look to the samples shown. If using a thinner yarn, the pattern can be followed as written.

Hook: Size U.S. E/4 (3.5 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge

Notions: Tapestry needle, tape measure, 5 locking stitch markers, plus several more (optional) to help with seaming

Yarn Substitution

We Are Knitters® The Cotton has the following properties:

100% Cotton
232 yds (212 m) per 3.5 oz (100 g) skein

Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK has the following properties:

100% Cotton
137 yds (125 m) per 1.8 oz (50 g) skein

Substitute We Are Knitters The Cotton with any similar light DK-weight (category #3) yarn that matches gauge. This particular yarn is on the heavier side of the DK-weight spectrum, while Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK is on the lighter side of the DK-weight spectrum. Personally, I preferred the lightness and delicate ruffles created with the Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK, but many others preferred the structured ruffles produced by WAK The Cotton. Cotton or cotton blends will work best in this project. Avoid 100% bamboo yarns, as these are too slippery and will stretch out too much with wear; a little grip is needed to maintain the structure of your cups. Note that DK weight is sometimes referred to as “8-ply” in Australia.

Appropriate Yarn Substitutes:

This list below includes some yarns I added myself in addition to the yarns used and recommended by testers. Because this pattern is written in a made-to-measure style, a wide range of yarn weights will work, provided you work the customizations required for the ruffles (explained in pattern).

Scroll up to Materials section to review the estimated amount of yardage required for your measurements.

The following DK weight yarns should work well in your project!

Cascade Yarns Hampton (DK – 70% Cotton, 30% Linen)
Cloudborn Pima Cotton DK (100% Cotton)
DMC Happy Cotton (DK – 100% Cotton)
GRÜNDL Cotton Fun (DK – 100% Cotton)
Hobbii Friends Cotton 8/8 (DK – 100% Cotton)
Hobbii Happy Place Solid (DK – 50% Cotton, 50% Superwash Wool)
Hobbii Happy Place Melange (DK – 50% Cotton, 50% Superwash Wool)
K+C Essential Cotton (DK – 100% Cotton)
Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton DK (DK)
Lion Brand Coboo (DK – 51% Cotton, 49% Rayon from Bamboo)
Lion Brand LB Collection Cotton Jeans (DK – 100% Cotton)
Rico Design Essentials Cotton DK (DK – 100% Cotton)
Rowan Mode Cotton DK (DK – 100% Cotton)
Sirdar Happy Cotton DK (DK – 100% Cotton)
WeCrochet CotLin DK (DK – 70% Tanguis Cotton, 30% Linen) – very close match in terms of gauge!
Feel free to use a fingering weight yarn held double, one strand of fingering weight, or one strand of sport weight! That’s the beauty of a made-to-measure pattern. Personally, I would not go thicker than a DK weight, simply because the light, flouncy fabric from the delicate ruffles will appear less so, and will come out much chunkier. But if that’s what you’re wanting to use, it will still work!

Gauge

4 x 4” (10 x 10 cm) = 20 sc and 22 rows, lightly blocked

Note: This is the gauge for the cups of your bralette. It is more important that you are satisfied with the fabric density created with your yarn and hook combination than it is to match this gauge exactly. Use this gauge as a guide and, ultimately, choose a yarn and hook combination that creates dense stitches for maximum coverage.

Terms + Abbreviations Used

Written in U.S. Crochet Terms

CC: contrasting color (in two-tone version shown, the CC is “natural”)
ch(s): chain(s)
ch-sp(s): chain space(s)
dc: double crochet (tr in U.K. terms)
MC: main color (in two-tone version shown, the MC is “terracotta”)
PM: place marker
rep: repeat
RS: right side
sc: single crochet (dc in U.K. terms)
sk: skip
sl st(s): slip stitch(es)
st(s): stitch(es)
tch: turning chain
WS: wrong side

Sizing Chart to Estimate Yardage

This sizing chart is solely intended for yardage purposes, as it is the only time you will need to reference a specific size. There are nine size ranges with yardage estimates. Reference the row labeled “Your Bust Circumference” and choose a size in this row that measures closest to your bust when measured at the widest circumference. For example, if your bust measures approximately 49 inches (124 cm), you will reference the yardage information for size 6. If between sizes, round up to the next size. Remember, this chart is just intended to give you a rough yardage estimate, as exact yardage will vary from person to person.

Finished Measurements

Sizing: This bralette is made-to-measure in order to give you a custom fit. Write down the following three measurements somewhere so you can reference them easily. If making this bralette for somebody else, you will need these three measurements from them:

[A] Distance from nipple to bottom of breast

[B] Width of your breast (when taking this measurement, measure along the curvature of your breast along the widest point with the measuring tape snug to your body)

[C*] Total rib cage circumference, measured beneath your bust, minus 10 inches (25 cm)

*In other words, C should measure 10 inches (25 cm) less than the total rib cage circumference.

Fit: This bralette is intended to fit with negative ease (with approximately 10 inches [25 cm] of space in the back) since it will be pulled tight for a snug fit. It is meant to be fitted as close to your natural body measurements as possible to hug your curves.

Pattern Notes

Skill Level: Intermediate

Sizing: This bralette is made-to-measure. You will be instructed to take three specific measurements that will be referenced throughout the pattern to give a custom fit. This way, you can easily make this pattern for yourself or for someone else, as long as you have the three specified measurements of the wearer.

Stitch Counts: Stitch counts are listed after each row. If no stitch count is given, there has been no change since the previous row.

Reversible: There is no right side or wrong side to this stitch pattern; however, the pattern will instruct you to assign a “right side” to each of your pieces before seaming them together.

Turning Chain: The turning chain does not count as a stitch unless otherwise indicated.

Construction: First, you will crochet two identical triangular cups. Next, you will crochet the Body Panel that hugs your rib cage, leaving plenty of space in the back for room to tighten the lace-up ties. The cups are sewn to the Body Panel, then the neckline straps are crocheted directly onto the cups. Lastly, the back tie is crocheted separately and woven through the eyelets along the Front Panel, then tied in the back for a secure fit.

My signature bralette hack for a great fit without “falling out” of it is to weave the ties through the Front Eyelet Row for extra support. This way, you will not fall out through the bottom if you lift your arms up, and it helps to give some shape to your bralette, similar to the effect of a push-up bra.

Tester Photos: Scroll down to see tester photos.

Photo Tutorial: Attaching Your Straps to Your Cups

**Step 1:** With the RS of the cup facing you, insert your hook into the top corner of your cup into the row just below your center marker.

**Step 2:** Grab the midpoint of your long yarn strand with your hook.

**Step 3:** Pull the yarn through to the RS of the fabric.

**Step 4:** Work as many chains as indicated in the pattern.

Pattern Testers

Below is a collection of photos that my pattern testers graciously allowed me to share with you! Below each photo I have linked each person’s social media account as well as listed their particular yarn choice and any notes they left regarding how well they thought it worked in the pattern. Thank you so much to all these lovely testers who helped make this pattern as clear and easy-to-follow as possible!