What you'll need
| Size: | XS | S | M | L | 1X | 2X | 3X |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chest or Hip, in: | 33.25 | 36.75 | 40 | 43.25 | 46.75 | 53.25 | 56.75 |
YLI001_100
|
3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 6 |
|
YLI001_123
|
1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Product Description
On the far northwestern tip of the Greek island of Crete lies Balos Beach---accessible only by boat or a long hike, its pristine white sand and gem-colored Mediterranean waters provide the most beautifully isolated seaside spot to soak up the sun.
This bathing suit cover-up is my wearable homage to this amazing beach. The zig-zag lace pattern is a nod to Crete’s ancient Minoans, while the white and blue fabric mirrors the colors of sand and sea. Throw this cover-up over your suit after a long day at the beach for a little extra coverage, a smidge of modesty, or just as a fashion statement.
The drawstring waist can be placed at what- ever height is flattering for your body type, and the pattern can be easily modified to make the hem higher or lower, depending on how much leg you want to show.
Balos Bathing Suit Cover-Up by Laura Birek
What Is Being Made
Balos is a knitted bathing suit cover-up designed by Laura Birek, inspired by Balos Beach on the Greek island of Crete. This garment serves as a versatile layering piece to wear over a swimsuit, offering additional coverage and style at the beach or poolside. The design is available in multiple sizes ranging from XS to 3X, with the pattern shown in size M.
Design Inspiration and Features
The cover-up incorporates design elements that pay homage to Balos Beach and Cretan heritage. The zig-zag lace pattern references the ancient Minoans of Crete, while the color palette of white and blue mirrors the natural beauty of the beach's pristine white sand and gem-colored Mediterranean waters. The drawstring waist provides adjustable placement to flatter different body types, and the hem length can be easily modified to suit individual preferences for leg coverage.
Knitting Techniques and Stitches
This intermediate-level knitting project features a zig-zag lace pattern as its primary design element. The lace construction creates an open, decorative fabric that is characteristic of beach cover-ups, allowing for breathability while maintaining visual interest. The use of lace stitching demonstrates intermediate knitting skills, as lace patterns require attention to yarn overs, decreases, and stitch placement to achieve the geometric zig-zag motif.
Materials and Yarn Specifications
Balos is designed to be worked in worsted weight yarn, a medium-weight yarn that provides good stitch definition for displaying the lace pattern while maintaining appropriate drape for a cover-up garment. Worsted weight yarn is suitable for creating garments with structure and clarity in stitch patterns, making it an ideal choice for showcasing the zig-zag lace design. The pattern includes specifications for knitting needles appropriate to the yarn weight, though specific needle size details are referenced in the complete downloadable PDF pattern.
Pattern Format
Balos is available as a downloadable PDF pattern from independent designer Laura Birek, allowing crafters to access the complete instructions, schematic diagrams, and sizing information digitally. The pattern accommodates multiple sizes and includes guidance for customizing the garment length to suit individual preferences.
Specifications
| Brand: | Independent Designer |
| Yarn Weight: | Worsted |
| Designer: | Laura Birek |
| Craft: | Knitting |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Languages: | English |
| Notes: | Safety pins or split-ring markers |
| Number of Patterns: | 1 |
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
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