About This The moonlit bralette Pattern
This pattern creates the Moonlit Bralette: a simple crochet bralette made from two strands of Paintbox Cotton DK yarn held together. Youll make two shaped cups, add a decorative border, and crochet shoulder and bottom straps to assemble a stylish, adjustable top. The pattern includes size options for Small, Medium, and Large.
Worked mostly in half double crochet with easy shaping, the design is comfortable and customizable. Follow the step-by-step rows and border instructions to create a neat finished edge and woven strap channels.
Why You'll Love This The moonlit bralette Pattern
I absolutely love this pattern because it takes a classic crochet technique and turns it into a wearable, modern piece. I enjoy how the two-strand cotton gives the bralette a soft but structured fabric that holds its shape. The cup shaping is simple but effective, letting you customize the size easily. I also love the decorative border step — it adds a pretty finish while creating practical loops to weave the straps through.
Switch Things Up
I love experimenting with color for this bralette; try a striped effect by alternating two colorways every few rows for a playful look.
I often change the cup size by adding or subtracting chains at the start—adding two chains per side will give a little more coverage while keeping the pattern shape.
If you want a padded look, I add a thin removable fabric pad or a layer of felt between the cup and the border for modesty and shape.
I sometimes make the straps longer for a halter style by increasing the CH80 to CH100+ or by creating ties that wrap around the torso for a different silhouette.
For a sportier version, I use a sturdier cotton blend and a slightly smaller hook so the fabric is firmer and gives more support.
I like to add small scallop or picot edging instead of the CH1 border for a more decorative finish—experiment with CH2 picots or tiny shells along the top edge.
If you want a quicker make, use a bulkier yarn and a larger hook; this will create a chunkier but still wearable bralette with the same construction ideas.
I also enjoy embellishing the cups with simple embroidery or tiny crocheted flowers to personalize each piece and make it unique.
To make this bralette into a bikini top, choose a 100% cotton suitable for swimwear and test support; reinforce the strap channels and weave the bottom strap tightly for extra hold.
Finally, I recommend sewing in a small label or adding a decorative knot where straps meet the cup to make your finished piece look polished and professional.
Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them
✗ Not holding two strands together as instructed; always hold two strands of Paintbox Cotton DK together throughout to match gauge and fabric density.
✗ Skipping the instruction to place a HDC in the very last chain of the previous row; place that HDC to keep the cup straight at the bottom and avoid a curved or uneven base.
✗ Cutting your yarn too early after repeating Row 3; follow the note that says DO NOT CUT YARN until you finish the repeat and are instructed to cut, to avoid loose ends or having to rejoin yarn unnecessarily.
✗ Uneven tension when working the bottom border and strap holes; work consistently and evenly across the bottom so the CH1 spaces for the strap are regular and the strap will weave neatly.
✗ Incorrect chain counts for sizes S, M, L; double-check the starting chain CH 14(16,18) and use the matching repeat counts 3(5,7) so your cup dimensions match the intended sizes.
