Is there anything cuter than a baby in a handmade outfit? This adorable crochet baby dress, with its delicate ruffles and pretty shell stitch skirt, is perfect for special occasions or just everyday sweetness. And the best part? We’ve got a free pattern for you to make it yourself!
This pattern is inspired by the beautiful work often seen from creators like Luissita Terres, known for her charming crochet baby designs.
What you’ll need:
- Yarn: DK (light worsted) weight cotton or cotton blend yarn. Approximately 200-300 yards, depending on the size you choose. The dress pictured is a lovely aqua/mint color!
- Hook: 3.5mm (E) crochet hook (or size needed to obtain gauge)
- Stitch Markers
- Yarn Needle
- Scissors
- Optional: Small buttons or a ribbon for closure if desired (though this pattern is designed to slip over the head easily).
Gauge:
- 4 dc = 1 inch
- 2 rows of dc = 1 inch
- Getting gauge is important for the sizing to be correct. If your stitches are too loose, go down a hook size. If they are too tight, go up a hook size.
Sizes:
This pattern is written for 0-3 months. Instructions for 3-6 months and 6-12 months will be in parentheses ( ) and [ ] respectively.
Abbreviations:
- ch: chain
- sl st: slip stitch
- sc: single crochet
- hdc: half double crochet
- dc: double crochet
- tr: treble crochet
- sk: skip
- sp: space
- rep: repeat
- FO: fasten off
- st(s): stitch(es)
- V-st: (dc, ch 1, dc) in indicated stitch
- Shell st: (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in indicated stitch
Pattern Instructions
We’ll start by working the yoke flat, then join to work in the round for the body.
Yoke
Ch 58 (62, 66)
Row 1: Dc in 3rd ch from hook (counts as 1st dc), dc in next 6 (7, 8) chs. (7 (8, 9) dc for back). V-st in next ch (corner 1). Dc in next 10 (10, 10) chs (sleeve 1). V-st in next ch (corner 2). Dc in next 18 (20, 22) chs (front). V-st in next ch (corner 3). Dc in next 10 (10, 10) chs (sleeve 2). V-st in next ch (corner 4). Dc in next 7 (8, 9) chs (back). Turn. (Total stitches will increase with each V-st row)
Row 2: Ch 2 (does not count as st here and throughout). Dc in each dc until you reach the V-st. (dc, ch 1, dc) in each ch-1 sp of the V-st. Continue across, placing (dc, ch 1, dc) in each ch-1 sp. Turn.
Repeat Row 2 until you have 5 (6, 7) rows for the yoke, or until the yoke measures approximately 3.5 (4, 4.5) inches from the starting chain to the center of the V-st corner. Make sure the yoke is wide enough to fit comfortably around the baby’s chest.
Joining for Body
At the end of your last yoke row, we will connect the front and back to create the armholes.
Next Row: Ch 2. Dc in each dc until you reach the first corner V-st. Dc in the ch-1 sp of the V-st. Ch 2 (armhole chain). Skip all stitches of the first sleeve. Dc in the ch-1 sp of the next corner V-st (front). Dc in each dc across the front until you reach the next corner V-st. Dc in the ch-1 sp of the V-st. Ch 2 (armhole chain). Skip all stitches of the second sleeve. Dc in the ch-1 sp of the next corner V-st. Dc in each dc to the end of the row. Sl st to the top of the first dc of the row to join in the round.
Now you have a circular yoke with two armholes!
Bodice (Ribbing/Lacy Section)
You can choose to add a ribbed section or a lacy band here before starting the skirt. The pictured dress appears to have a band of some sort. Here’s one option:
Round 1: Ch 2. Dc in each dc and in each ch of the armhole chain around. Sl st to join. Round 2: Ch 2. Dc in next st, ch 1, sk 1 st. Rep from * to * around. Sl st to join. Round 3: Ch 2. Dc in each dc and in each ch-1 sp around. Sl st to join.
(You can repeat rounds 2 and 3 for a wider lacy band, or simply do one set as shown).
Skirt
Now for the beautiful shell stitch skirt!
Round 1: Ch 2. Dc in the same st. Ch 1. Dc in the next st. Sk 2 sts, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next st. Rep from * to * around. Sl st to join in the first dc.
Round 2 (Shell Stitch Row): Ch 2. (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in each ch-1 sp from the previous round (this creates your shell). Sl st to join in the top of the first dc of the first shell.
Repeat Round 2 until the dress reaches your desired length. The pictured dress appears to be about knee-length on a baby. For 0-3 months, this might be around 10-12 inches from shoulder to hem. For 3-6 months, 12-14 inches. For 6-12 months, 14-16 inches.
Finishing Edges (Ruffles & Neckline)
Sleeves (Ruffles): Join yarn to the armhole. Round 1: Ch 1. Sc evenly around the armhole. Sl st to join. Round 2: Ch 2. 3 dc in each sc around. Sl st to join. FO. Repeat for the other armhole.
Neckline: Join yarn to the back of the neckline. Round 1: Ch 1. Sc evenly around the neckline. Sl st to join. Round 2: Ch 1. Sc in each sc around. Sl st to join. FO.
Final Touches
- Weave in all your ends securely using your yarn needle.
- Block your dress gently to help the stitches settle and the ruffles lay nicely.
Video tutorial
And there you have it! A beautiful, handmade crochet dress for a baby girl. This pattern is adaptable, so feel free to experiment with different yarn colors and add your own embellishments like ribbons or small appliques.
Happy Crocheting! We’d love to see your finished dresses – share them with us in the comments or on social media!
