Burgundy & Gold Tunisian Crochet Bralette Free Pattern
Burgundy & Gold Tunisian Crochet Bralette Free Pattern
Introduction
This little bandeau is the perfect first step into Tunisian crochet for a teen who wants something modern, soft, and quick to make. It is built from one simple rectangle of recycled cotton worked in Tunisian simple stitch, so there are no cups, darts, or shaping to worry about. Folded and seamed into a tube, it becomes a comfortable band that hugs the body with a gentle, slightly ribbed texture. A single row of gold shell stitch along the top edge gives it that special finishing touch, and the whole project comes together in an afternoon.
Materials Needed
- Yarn A (body): Worsted weight (CYC 4) recycled cotton, approx. 120 yd (110 m) in burgundy.
- Yarn B (trim): Worsted weight (CYC 4) recycled cotton, approx. 20 yd (18 m) in gold.
- Tunisian hook: 6.0 mm (US J-10) Tunisian crochet hook with cable.
- Regular hook: 6.0 mm (US J-10) standard crochet hook for the edging.
- Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch markers, measuring tape, scissors.
- Finished size: To fit teen bust 30–34" (76–86 cm). The rectangle measures 14" wide x 6" high (35.5 x 15 cm) before seaming.
Abbreviations
- ch — chain: make a loop of yarn and pull it through the loop on your hook.
- st(s) — stitch(es).
- RS — right side: the outside face of the finished piece.
- Tss — Tunisian simple stitch: insert hook under the front vertical bar of the next stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop.
- sc — single crochet: insert hook in stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.
- dc — double crochet: yarn over, insert hook in stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through two loops twice.
- sk — skip: miss the next stitch without working into it.
- rep — repeat.
- sl st — slip stitch: insert hook in stitch, yarn over, pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook.
Gauge
14 sts and 12 rows = 4" (10 cm) in Tunisian simple stitch. Work a small swatch, measure it flat without stretching, and adjust your hook size if your stitch count differs.
Tips Before You Start
- Tunisian simple stitch curls at the edges, so keep your tension relaxed and block the rectangle before seaming for a flat, even finish.
- Count your loops on the forward pass every few rows; Tunisian rows are easy to lose track of, and 50 loops must stay consistent.
- Recycled cotton can split slightly, so use a hook with a smooth throat and avoid twisting the yarn as you pull up loops.
- Try the tube on before you fasten off the seam, so you can adjust the fit for a comfortable bandeau.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Rectangle (Yarn A)
Row 1 (RS): Ch 50, then work the forward pass: pull up a loop in each ch across (50 loops on hook). Return pass: yarn over, pull through one loop, then yarn over and pull through two loops across until one loop remains (50 sts).
Rows 2–18: Tss across on the forward pass, then work the standard return pass (50 sts).
Bind off: Work a sl st in each vertical bar across, then fasten off, leaving a long tail for seaming.
Top Edging (Yarn B)
Row 1: With RS facing, join B at the top right corner. Ch 1, work 1 sc evenly in each stitch across the top edge (50 sc).
Row 2: Ch 1, sc in first st, then [sk 2, 5 dc in next st, sk 2, sc in next st] rep across, ending with sc in the last st. Fasten off.
Assembly and Finishing
Fold the rectangle in half with RS together so the short side edges meet, forming a tube. Seam the two side edges using whipstitch or sl st, working through both layers evenly. Turn the tube RS out. Weave in all ends neatly on the wrong side. Block lightly by misting with water and patting flat, then let it dry fully to relax the Tunisian fabric and settle the gold shells.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap the gold trim for a contrasting cream or blush for a softer, everyday look.
- Add a second shell row along the bottom edge for a matching scalloped finish.
- Work a few extra rows for a longer bandeau, or fewer for a cropped fit, keeping the stitch count at 50.
