There’s something incredibly special about dressing a little one in something handmade with love. This delightful crochet baby dress, with its intricate shell stitch design and elegant bodice, is perfect for any occasion, from photoshoots to family gatherings. Inspired by the lovely creations often seen from designers like Luissita Terres, this pattern will guide you step-by-step to craft your own.
What You’ll Need:
- Yarn: DK (light worsted) weight cotton or cotton blend yarn. Approximately 250-350 yards, depending on the size you choose. The dress pictured is a beautiful teal/mint color!
- Hook: 3.5mm (E) crochet hook (or size needed to obtain gauge)
- Stitch Markers
- Yarn Needle
- Scissors
- Embellishments: 2-3 small buttons or pearls for the bodice, and a small decorative bow or ribbon.
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 begin by working the yoke flat, then join to work in the round for the skirt.
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. Ensure 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 (Optional Lacy Band – as seen in image)
The image shows a delicate, almost lacy band on the bodice just below the yoke. Here’s how to create a similar effect before the skirt begins.
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 if desired, or simply do one set as shown).
Skirt
Now for the beautiful, dense 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
Sleeves: Join yarn to the armhole. Round 1: Ch 1. Sc evenly around the armhole. Sl st to join. FO. Repeat for the other armhole. (The sleeves in the image appear to be simple, neat sc edges.)
Neckline: Join yarn to the back of the neckline. Round 1: Ch 1. Sc evenly around the neckline. 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 skirt lay nicely.
- Embellish! Sew the small buttons or pearls onto the front bodice as pictured. Attach the pretty bow or ribbon to complete the look.
Video tutorial
And there you have it! A beautiful, handmade crochet dress that will be cherished. This pattern allows for personal touches, so feel free to choose your favorite yarn colors and unique embellishments.
Happy Crocheting! We’d love to see your finished dresses – share them with us in the comments or on social media!
