The Cali Cover Up- Free Knitting Pattern
The Cali Cover-Up is a must have for the Summer. This gorgeous piece is made of two extra long panels and uses stunning lace stitches as well as intentional dropped stitches. It's perfect for throwing on over your suit and hitting the beach or pool. Scroll down for the free pattern or grab a digital PDF in my shop.
The Cali Cover-Up is available as a complete kit from Lion Brand Yarn. You’ll get all the yarn you need, in the color of your choice, plus a free digital copy of the pattern.
Summer is just around the corner and what better way to get ready then with a new knit cover up? I stepped outside of my comfort zone a bit for this one. Not only is a cover up not a typical design for me, but I decided to go all out and use intentional drop stitches as well.
If you’ve never used intentional drop stitches before, don’t worry, they are super easy to make and the create such a unique look. I’ve included a full video tutorial for The Cali so you can see exactly how to work up each panel. The lace detail and simple two panel construction makes this a nice relaxing piece to work on. You won’t have to drop any stitches until the end and it’s actually really fun to let the stitches fall all the way down the panel.
I used Lion Brand’s Oh Baby Organic in the color Tan which is a weight 2 cotton. I love this yarn so much! It’s super easy to work with and creates light and airy pieces with amazing drape. If you’ve never worked with it before I highly recommend grabbing the kit so you can experience it for yourself.
I’m so glad I took a chance with this design because the end result is absolutely stunning! I was so excited I even bought some new two piece swim suits to got with it. I think it’s been well over 25 years since I’ve rocked a two piece, but I found some super cute ones on Amazon that I actually feel comfortable in. Yay for inclusive sizing! Plus when worn with the Cali Cover-Up I feel confident and cute while staying cool. I want you to feel that same confidence so grab your knitting needles and let’s make a Cali Cover-Up!
The Cali Cover-Up Knitting Pattern
Materials:
1002-1734 yards of Lion Brand Oh Baby Organic in the color Tan or similar weight 2 yarn.
US 16” Size 6 (4mm) circular knitting needles
Tapestry needle, scissors and stitch markers
Small crochet hook (size G/4.00mm suggested)
Notes:
1.Cover-up is made in two identical panels which are then seamed together in the front, back and sides.
2.Panels are made with a two stitch i-cord edging on either side. Stitches slipped for the i-cord edge are always slipped purl wise.
3.Panels include 2-4 intentional drop stitches depending on size made. The stitches are anchored on either side with a ktbl and are dropped during bind off.
Abbreviations:
CO- cast on
st(s)- stitch(es)
RS- right side
K- knit
P- purl
K2tog- knit 2 sts together
BO- bind off
pm- place marker
sm- slip marker
slwyib- slip 1 with yarn in back
slwyif- slip 1 with yarn in front
ktbl- knit 1 through back loop
yo- yarn over
skpo- slip 1, knit 1, pull slip stitch over knit stitch
Gauge:
23 sts and 30 rows in pattern stitch = 4” square
Use instructions below for gauge swatch:
CO 27
Row 1: K5, *K2tog, yo, K1, yo, skpo*, K3, yo, skpo, K2, repeat from * to * once more, K5.
Row 2: Purl
Row 3: K5, [K2tog, yo, K1, yo, skpo, K1]twice, K2tog, yo, K1, yo, skpo, K5
Row 4: Purl
Row 5: K5, *K2tog, yo, K1, yo, skpo*, K2tog, yo, K3, yo, skpo, repeat from * to * once more, K5
Row 6: Purl
Repeat these 6 rows five times for a total of 36 rows. Block and then measure gauge in the center of the swatch.
Size:
XS/S/M- fits chest size 28-38” (1002 yards/6 skeins)
L/XL/2X- fits chest size 40-50” (1358 yards/8 skeins)
3X/4X/5X- fits chest size 52-62” (1734 yards/10 skeins)
Pattern:
CO 63(83, 103)
Row 1(RS): slwyib, K19, Ktbl, pm, K1, Ktbl, *K17, Ktbl, pm, K1, Ktbl, repeat from * 0(once, twice) more, K18, slwyib, P1. (63(83, 103)
XS/S/M- 2 markers place, L/XL/2X- 3 markers placed, 3X/4X/5X- 4 markers placed
Row 2: slwyib, P across until 2 sts remain, slwyif, P1. (63(83, 103)
Row 3: repeat Row 1.
Row 4: repeat Row 2.
Row 5: slwyib, K2, [*k2tog, yo, K1, yo, skpo*, K3, yo, skpo, K2, repeat from * to * once more, Ktbl, sm, K1, Ktbl] 2(3, 4) times, **k2tog, yo, K1, yo, skpo**, K3, yo, skpo, K2, repeat from ** to ** once more, K1, slwyib, P1. (63(83, 103)
Row 6: Repeat Row 2.
Row 7: slwyib, K2, *[k2tog, yo, K1, yo, skpo, K1]twice, k2tog, yo, K1, yo, skpo, ktbl, sm, K1, ktbl, repeat from * 2(3, 4) times, [k2tog, yo, K1, yo, skpo, K1] 3 times, slwyib, P1. (63(83, 103)
Row 8: Repeat Row 2.
Row 9: slwyib, K2, [*k2tog, yo, K1, yo, skpo*, k2tog, yo, K3, yo, skpo, repeat from * to * once, ktbl, K1, ktbl] 2(3, 4) times, **k2tog, yo, K1, yo, skpo**, k2tog, yo, K3, yo, skpo, repeat from ** to ** once more, K1, slwyib, P1.
Row 10: Repeat Row 2.
Repeat Rows 5-10 until 66(68, 70) lace “v’s” have been made.
Then Repeat Rows 1-2 twice.
BO Row: BO stitches until you hit the first marker, remove marker and using a small crochet hook, chain 5, then drop the next st, continue to BO until next marker is reached, chain 5 and drop the next st, continue like this until all stitches have been bound off and all intentional stitches have been dropped. Fasten off. Gently tug on either side of each dropped stitch until it has dropped all the way down the panel.
Block panels using your preferred method.
Seaming:
Lay panels RS up next to each other. Starting from the top of the panels, seam together using your preferred method until approx. 26(28, 30) inches have been seamed for the back.
Then starting at the bottom of the panels, seam together using your preferred method until approx. 18(20, 22) inches have been seamed for the front. See diagram below.
Adjust the length seamed on the front and back to suit your preferred fit.
Fold cover-up in half so wrong sides are together and bottom edges are lined up.
Then mark your sides with a stitch marker 10 inches up from the bottom edge and 9(10, 11) inches from the fold. Seam using your preferred method in between the stitch markers. See diagram below.
Weave in all ends. Block again if needed. Enjoy!
Now grab your swimsuit and let’s hit the beach! I hope you love your new Cali Cover Up. As always you can find a digital PDF in my shop, Etsy or Ravelry or treat yourself to a complete kit from Lion Brand Yarn.
If you make a Cali I’d love to see it. Make sure to tag me @meghanmakesdo and use #calicoverup so I can see and share.
Happy Knitting,
Meghan
