purlJam

---

# OCEAN MESH COVER-UP
### A Square Lace Poncho & Sarong Swimsuit Cover-Up

---

## DESCRIPTION

This breezy, oversized square cover-up is worked in a bold open mesh stitch that mimics the look of fishnet fabric — airy, lacy, and perfect for the beach. A center neck opening features a built-in drawstring channel: pull it closed when wearing the square as a sarong (folded corner-to-corner and tied at your waist), or loosen it to slip the poncho over your head for full coverage. Worked in two matching rectangular panels that are seamed at the sides, this intermediate project is both functional and stunning.

**Finished Measurements:** Approximately 54" × 54" (137 cm × 137 cm)
**Neck Opening (before drawstring):** Approximately 12" wide × 6" tall (30.5 cm × 15 cm)

---

## MATERIALS

- **Yarn:** Worsted weight (Category 4), 100% cotton or cotton-blend recommended for a beach cover-up
  - **Approximately 1,000–1,100 yards (915–1,005 m)**
  - *Suggested yarns: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, Paintbox Simply DK (held double — see note), Paintbox Simply Chunky used on larger hook, or any smooth worsted cotton*
  - *Shown in a single color; variegated or ombre yarns work beautifully*
- **Crochet Hook:** US K-10.5 / 6.5 mm (for open, drapey mesh)
- **Notions:**
  - Yarn needle / tapestry needle
  - Scissors
  - Locking stitch markers (4–6)
  - 1.5–2 yards (1.4–1.8 m) of cording, ribbon, or i-cord for drawstring (approximately 3/8" / 1 cm wide)
  - Safety pin or bodkin for threading drawstring

---

## GAUGE

**Mesh Gauge (open mesh pattern):**
- 3 mesh columns = 4" (10 cm)
- 4 mesh rows = 4" (10 cm)
- *1 mesh repeat = 1 dc + ch 2 (horizontal); 1 dc row + 1 ch-2 space (vertical)*

> **Important:** Gauge is critical for achieving the correct finished size. Work a 6" × 6" swatch in mesh pattern and block before measuring. Adjust hook size as needed. A looser gauge is preferred for this project — the fabric should be open and drapey, not stiff.

---

## SIZES

One size: 54" × 54" (137 cm × 137 cm).

This generous sizing fits most adults as a swimsuit cover-up. The poncho falls mid-thigh to knee length on most figures. Folded corner-to-corner, it wraps around the hip/waist as a sarong cover-up.

> **To resize:** Each additional mesh repeat adds approximately 1.33" (3.4 cm) to width or length. Add or subtract full repeats in multiples of 3 stitches.

---

## ABBREVIATIONS

| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ch | chain |
| ch-sp | chain space |
| dc | double crochet |
| sc | single crochet |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| sk | skip |
| sp(s) | space(s) |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| RS | right side |
| WS | wrong side |
| rep | repeat |
| beg | beginning |
| rem | remaining |
| approx | approximately |
| ( ) | work instructions within parentheses into same stitch or space |
| * * | repeat instructions between asterisks as directed |
| [ ] | stitch count at end of row/round |

---

## SPECIAL STITCHES

**Mesh Stitch (MS):** (dc, ch 2, skip 2 sts or ch-2 sp) — the basic repeating unit of this pattern. Each mesh box is approximately 1.33" × 1" (3.4 cm × 2.5 cm).

**Foundation Mesh Row:** Ch a multiple of 3 + 5. Row 1: Dc in 6th ch from hook (counts as dc, ch 2, skip 2), *ch 2, skip 2, dc in next ch; rep from * across.

---

## PATTERN NOTES

1. **Construction:** The cover-up is made in **two identical rectangular panels** (each 54" wide × 27" tall / 137 cm × 68.5 cm). When seamed together at the top edge with the neck opening left unworked, the result is a 54" × 54" square with a centered neck hole. This construction method makes it easy to create the neck opening without complicated mid-row shaping.

2. **Turning Chain:** Ch 5 at the beginning of every mesh row counts as the first dc + ch 2. At the end of each row, the last dc is worked into the 3rd chain of the previous row's turning chain-5. This is a common point of confusion — always look for the top of the turning ch-5 for your last stitch.

3. **Stitch Count Notation:** Stitch counts are given in square brackets [ ] at the end of each row/round. Mesh counts are given as the number of **mesh boxes** (dc + ch-2 spaces), not individual stitches.

4. **Neck Opening:** The neck opening is the gap between the two panels after seaming. It measures 12" wide × 6" tall. The drawstring channel is worked around this opening during finishing.

5. **Mesh Count Per Panel:** Each panel is 40 mesh boxes wide and 20 mesh rows tall.
   - Foundation chain: (40 × 3) + 5 = **125 chains**
   - Each row contains: **40 mesh boxes** (41 dc posts including turning chain)
   - Total rows per panel: **20 rows**

6. **Seaming:** The two panels are held with RS together and slip-stitch seamed using a yarn needle. The neck opening is left open: leave the **center 9 mesh boxes** (approximately 12") unseamed on each side of center.

7. **Blocking:** This cover-up should be wet-blocked before wearing. Open mesh stretches and evens out beautifully with blocking. Pin to measurements while damp.

8. **Yarn Tip:** Choose a smooth cotton or cotton-blend that won't pill. Avoid fuzzy or hairy fibers — they obscure the mesh pattern.

---

## PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS

### PANELS (Make 2)

#### Foundation Chain
Chain **125**.

> **Verify:** 125 chains. Count twice before beginning Row 1.

---

#### Row 1 (RS):
Dc in the **6th chain from hook** (the skipped ch-5 counts as dc + ch 2, skip 2 chs), *ch 2, skip 2 chs, dc in next ch; rep from * across, turn.

> **Stitch count:** [40 mesh boxes / 41 dc posts]

> **Tip:** Mark the 6th chain from the hook with a stitch marker before you begin to make sure you start in the correct place.

---

#### Rows 2–20:
Ch 5, turn (counts as dc + ch 2). Skip the first dc at base of turning chain, *dc in next dc, ch 2; rep from * across, ending with dc in the 3rd ch of the turning ch-5 from the previous row, turn.

> **Stitch count (every row):** [40 mesh boxes / 41 dc posts]

> **Tip:** The last dc of each row goes into the top of the ch-5 from the row below — it is the 3rd chain of that ch-5. Place a stitch marker here on your first few rows until the pattern becomes intuitive.

---

After completing **Row 20**, fasten off, leaving a **24" (61 cm) tail** for seaming. Weave in the starting tail only.

**Make the second panel exactly the same.** Fasten off with a 24" tail on the second panel as well.

---

### PANEL MEASUREMENTS (verify before seaming)
- **Width:** 54" (137 cm) — 40 mesh boxes × ~1.33" each
- **Height:** 27" (68.5 cm) — 20 rows × ~1.33" each

> **If your panels measure differently:** Do not proceed until gauge matches. Adjust hook size and re-swatch.

---

### SEAMING THE PANELS

You will seam the **top edges** (the Row 20 edges) of both panels together, leaving a 12" center opening for the neck hole.

#### Step 1 — Mark the neck opening:
Lay one panel flat, RS up, with the Row 20 edge at the top.
- Count in from the **left edge**: count 16 mesh boxes in and place a stitch marker between mesh box 16 and mesh box 17. This is the **left neck edge**.
- Count in from the **right edge**: count 16 mesh boxes in and place a stitch marker between mesh box 24 and mesh box 25. This is the **right neck edge**.
- The **center 9 mesh boxes** (boxes 17–25) are the neck opening. They remain **unseamed**.

> **Verify neck opening width:** 9 mesh boxes × 1.33" = approximately 12" ✅

#### Step 2 — Seam the left section:
Hold both panels with **RS together**, top edges aligned.

Using the 24" tail from either panel and a yarn needle:

*Slip stitch seam method:* Insert the needle under both loops of the first dc post on Panel 1 and the corresponding dc post on Panel 2; draw yarn through. Continue across, inserting under matching dc posts, to seam **mesh boxes 1–16** (16 boxes / 17 dc posts from the left edge).

Fasten off and weave in end.

#### Step 3 — Seam the right section:
Re-attach yarn (or use the tail from the other panel) at mesh box 25 on the right side.

Seam **mesh boxes 25–40** (16 boxes / 17 dc posts to the right edge) in the same manner.

Fasten off and weave in end.

---

> **After seaming:** Turn right side out. The neck opening should be centered at the top seam and measure approximately 12" wide × 6" tall (the 6" height is the combined depth of one mesh row on each panel at the opening edge). ✅

---

### BORDER

Work a border around the **entire outer edge** of the square (all 4 sides) for a clean, finished look.

**Join yarn** to any corner dc with a sl st.

**Round 1 (border):**
Ch 1 (does NOT count as a stitch). Work **3 sc into each corner dc**. Along each side edge:
- Work **1 sc into each dc post along the row ends** and **2 sc into each ch-5 turning chain loop** along the side edges.
- Work **1 sc into each dc post** and **2 sc into each ch-2 space** along the top and bottom (foundation chain and Row 20) edges.

Sl st to first sc to join. Do NOT fasten off.

> **Approximate stitch count per side:** ~160–170 sc per side + 3 sc at each corner = approximately 652–692 sc total. Exact count is not critical; work evenly and adjust to lie flat.

**Round 2 (border):**
Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in same st, *ch 1, skip 1 sc, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next sc; rep from * around, working **(dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc)** into each corner sc (the center sc of the 3-sc corner group), ending sl st to top of ch-3 to join.

Fasten off. Weave in end.

> **The double-V border echoes the mesh pattern and lies flat without ruffling.**

---

### NECK OPENING DRAWSTRING CHANNEL

This channel is worked around the raw edges of the neck opening and creates a casing through which the drawstring is threaded.

#### Round 1 — Edge Stabilization:
**Join yarn** to the seam point at the left neck edge (where your seaming ended).

Work **1 sc in each dc post and 2 sc in each ch-2 space** around the entire neck opening (both the top-of-Panel-1 and top-of-Panel-2 sides of the opening), working **2 sc at each corner** of the rectangular opening (the 4 inner corners).

Sl st to first sc to join. Do NOT fasten off.

> **Approximate neck opening perimeter stitch count:**
> Long sides (2): 9 mesh boxes × ~3 sts each = ~27 sts per long side × 2 = 54 sts
> Short sides (2): 3–4 dc posts per short side × 2 = ~8 sts per short side × 2 = 16 sts
> Corner increases: 8 extra sts (2 per corner)
> **Total: approximately 78–82 sc** ✅

#### Round 2 — Drawstring Channel:
Ch 5 (counts as dc + ch 2), *skip 2 sc, dc in next sc, ch 2; rep from * around neck opening, sl st to 3rd ch of beg ch-5 to join.

> **This creates a taller channel with large ch-2 spaces through which the drawstring will thread.**

#### Round 3 — Top of Channel:
Ch 1, work **1 sc in each dc post and 2 sc in each ch-2 space** around, sl st to first sc to join.

Fasten off. Weave in end.

---

### DRAWSTRING

**Option A — Purchased Cord:**
Use 60–72" (152–183 cm) of 3/8" (1 cm) ribbon, paracord, or cording in a coordinating color.

**Option B — Crocheted I-cord (recommended):**
Using 2 dpns or working flat:
Chain 200. Sl st in each chain across for a sturdy, flat cord. Fasten off.
*Alternatively:* Work a single-crochet cord: Ch 4, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. (3 sc). Ch 1, turn. Continue working sc back and forth until cord measures 72" (183 cm).

**Threading the Drawstring:**
- Attach a safety pin or bodkin to one end of the drawstring.
- Beginning at the **center front** of the neck opening (the midpoint of one long side), thread the drawstring **in and out** through the ch-2 spaces of Round 2 of the drawstring channel all the way around the opening.
- Both ends of the drawstring should emerge from the same ch-2 space at center front.
- Tie a knot at each end of the drawstring to prevent it pulling through.

> **Optional:** Add a bead, button, or tassel to each drawstring end for decoration.

---

## FINISHING

1. **Weave in** all remaining yarn ends securely. Because this is a lace mesh, take care to weave ends through multiple dc posts rather than just the ch spaces, or ends may work loose.

2. **Wet block** the cover-up: Soak in cool water for 10–15 minutes, gently press out excess water in a towel (do not wring), lay flat on a blocking board or clean floor, and pin to measurements (54" × 54"). Allow to dry fully. The mesh will open up beautifully and the piece will drape evenly.

3. **Test the drawstring** before wearing — pull both ends to cinch the neck opening closed and tie a bow.

---

## WEARING INSTRUCTIONS

### As a Poncho Cover-Up:
Loosen the drawstring so the neck opening is open. Slip the poncho over your head. The drawstring can be tied loosely at center front as a decorative accent, or loosened and tucked inside the neck channel.

### As a Sarong Cover-Up:
Lay the square flat, RS up. Fold diagonally corner-to-corner to make a large triangle. Pull the drawstring tight to fully close the neck opening and knot it. Wrap the triangle around your waist/hips and tie the two adjacent corners together at your hip, or tuck the top corner of the triangle in at the waistband of your swimsuit.

> **Tip:** The drawstring-closed neck hole creates a neat, gathered accent point when used as a sarong.

---

## SCHEMATIC

```
┌─────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ PANEL 1 (54" wide × 27" tall)           │
│ 40 mesh boxes wide × 20 rows            │
│                                         │
│ Row 20 ──────────────────────────────── │
└──────────────────────┬──────────────────┘
SEAM:  boxes 1-16  ←  │NECK│  → boxes 25-40
(no seam: boxes 17-24) │HOLE│
                       │12"W│
┌──────────────────────┴──────────────────┐
│ Row 20 ──────────────────────────────── │
│                                         │
│ PANEL 2 (54" wide × 27" tall)           │
│ 40 mesh boxes wide × 20 rows            │
└─────────────────────────────────────────┘

FINISHED SQUARE: 54" × 54"
NECK OPENING: 12" × 6" (with drawstring channel)
```

---

## YARN YARDAGE BREAKDOWN

| Section | Approximate Yardage |
|---|---|
| Panel 1 (mesh) | ~430–470 yards |
| Panel 2 (mesh) | ~430–470 yards |
| Border | ~60–70 yards |
| Neck channel | ~20–25 yards |
| Drawstring (crocheted) | ~30–40 yards |
| **Total** | **~970–1,075 yards** |

> **Buy 1,100 yards to be safe**, especially if you plan to adjust sizing.

---

## DIFFICULTY NOTES FOR INTERMEDIATE CROCHETERS

- **The mesh stitch is simple to execute** once you identify the turning chain correctly. After 2–3 rows, the pattern is fully memorized.
- **The two-panel construction** is beginner-friendly compared to working around a neck hole mid-project. Take your time with the seaming and marking the neck opening precisely.
- **Blocking is non-negotiable** for this project — unblocked mesh looks lumpy and uneven. Blocked mesh looks like professional lace.
- **Gauge swatching in mesh stitch** is very different from swatching in solid crochet — make a proper 6"+ swatch and block it before beginning.

---

*Pattern designed for intermediate crocheters. Skill requirements: foundation chain, double crochet, working in rows, understanding of mesh/filet structure, basic seaming.*

---