Make a Retro Knitted Bathing Cap — One-Size Tea Rose Pattern & Step-by-Step Instructions

Make a retro-inspired knitted bathing cap with this one-size vintage pattern. Worked in Sugar'n Cream cotton (Tea Rose), the cap stretches to fit most adults and captures classic beachside glamour. Below are materials, finished measurements, gauge and full step-by-step directions to knit the cap, plus simple finishing tips.

Ah, the knitted vintage bathing cap, a charming accessory that brings a touch of old-school glamour to your swimwear ensemble. With its cozy yet stylish design, this delightful piece not only helps keep hair contained but also adds a whimsical flair to your beach or poolside look. Embrace the nostalgia and enjoy knitting this retro gem.

SIZE

One size fits all [average adult]

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

• Circumference: 18 inches [cap will stretch when worn]
• Length: 9 inches

MATERIALS

• Sugar'n Cream [100% Cotton; 120yd/109m per 70.9g skein]; color: #00042 - Tea Rose; 1 skein
• 1 set of 5 US #6/4.25mm double-point needles
• 1 set US #6/4.25mm straight needles
• Stitch marker
• darning needle
• Embroidery floss or yarn scraps as desired
• 1 button

GAUGE

19 sts/23 rows = 4" in stockinette stitch

DIRECTIONS

Border

Note: Pattern begins at the bottom edge of the back of the swimcap.

Using US 6 single point needles CO 3 sts.

Work in St st until piece is 11 inches long.

End on a k row.

Back

With RS facing, evenly pick up and knit 48 sts along the length of the piece.

Pick up and knit 3 sts along width of piece [the cast on edge]. 54 sts on needle.

Note: For increases, use a simple inset increase: With the left needle lift the horizontal yarn lying between two sts. To prevent a hole, twist this yarn. Knit this st on a k row and purl it on a p row.

Row 1: P.

Row 2: K3, inc1, k until 3 sts remain, inc1, k3 [56 sts].

Row 3: P.

Row 4: K.

Row 5: P3, inc1, p until 3 sts remain, inc1, p3 [58 sts].

Row 6: K.

Rows 7-8: Repeat rows 5 and 6 [60 sts].

Rows 9-10: Repeat rows 1 and 2 [62 sts].

Rows 11-13: Repeat rows 1-3 [64 sts].

Rows 14-16: Repeat rows 4-6 [66 sts].

Row 17: P.

Rows 18-19: Repeat rows 4 and 5 [68 sts].

Rows 20-25: Work in St st.

Front Border

Using dpns, k3, turn, p3, turn, continue working these 3 sts in St st until strip measures 4 inches. End on a k row.

Cap

With RS facing, evenly pick up and k 18 sts along the left side of the strip, using a dpn. Place marker.

K to end of row, placing sts on dpns. [86 sts]

Connect row ends, k86. K15 rnds.

Decrease

Rnd 1: * K12, k2tog, k12, k2tog, k13, k2tog, repeat from * to end [80 sts].

Next rnd and all even rnds: K.

Rnd 3: * K6, k2tog, repeat from * to end [70 sts].

Rnd 5: * K5, k2tog, repeat from * to end [60 sts].

Rnd 7: * K4, k2tog, repeat from * to end [50 sts].

Rnd 9: * K3, k2tog, repeat from * to end [40 sts].

Rnd 11: * K2, k2tog, repeat from * to end [30 sts].

Rnd 13: * K1, k2tog, repeat from * to end [20 sts].

Rnd 15: K2tog across row [10 sts].

Leaving a long tail, cut yarn. Run yarn through remaining sts. Pull tightly.

Strap

Pick up and knit 3 sts on bottom edge of cap.

K all rows until strap measures 7 inches.

Next row: k3, pass second st over last st.

Next row: k1, m1, k1.

Next 2 rows: k.

Bind off.

FINISHING

Weave yarn tails into cap.

Attach button to cap opposite the strap.

Using yarn scraps or embroidery floss, embroider a flower on the side of the cap, or cover the cap with flowers.

Knitting tips: Check your gauge before beginning; a swatch in stockinette will help ensure correct fit. Because the pattern is worked in worsted-weight 100% cotton, the cap will have little natural stretch beyond the stitch elasticity — blocking lightly after finishing can help shape the cap. If substituting yarn, choose a cotton or cotton-blend with similar yardage and adjust needle size to match the gauge.