Hello, crochet enthusiasts! Today, I’m thrilled to share a pattern for this absolutely adorable red crochet baby dress. With its classic design, lovely textured stitches, and vibrant color, it’s perfect for a special occasion, holiday wear, or just making any day feel a little more festive for a little one!
This pattern is designed for an average 0-3 month size, but I’ll provide notes on how you might adjust it for other sizes.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Materials You’ll Need:
- Yarn: DK weight (Light Worsted / #3) yarn in Red (approx. 250-300 yards)
- Crochet Hook: 4.0 mm (G/6) or size needed to obtain gauge
- Tapestry Needle
- Scissors
- Stitch Markers (helpful for marking the beginning of rounds)
Gauge: Working in double crochet: 18 stitches x 10 rows = 4 inches (10 cm)
Abbreviations (US Terms):
- ch: chain
- sl st: slip stitch
- sc: single crochet
- hdc: half double crochet
- dc: double crochet
- sk: skip
- st(s): stitch(es)
- sp: space
- rep: repeat
- V-st: V-stitch (dc, ch 1, dc in same st/sp)
- Shell: (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in same stitch or space
Pattern Notes:
- Ch 2 at the beginning of a row/round counts as a hdc.
- Ch 3 at the beginning of a row/round counts as a dc.
- The bodice is worked from the top down, then the skirt is added.
- Join rounds with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch unless otherwise specified.
- Remember to check your gauge! This is crucial for getting the correct sizing.
The Bodice (Red Yarn)
Yoke:
Start with Red Yarn. Ch 56 (this creates the neckline). Sl st to the first ch to form a ring, being careful not to twist the chain.
Round 1: Ch 2 (counts as hdc), hdc in each ch around. Join with sl st to top of beg ch-2. (56 hdc)
Round 2: Ch 2, hdc in next 6 sts, (hdc, ch 2, hdc) in next st (corner), hdc in next 12 sts, (hdc, ch 2, hdc) in next st (corner), hdc in next 14 sts, (hdc, ch 2, hdc) in next st (corner), hdc in next 12 sts, (hdc, ch 2, hdc) in next st (corner), hdc in next 6 sts. Join with sl st. (64 hdc, 4 ch-2 corners)
Round 3: Ch 2, hdc in each st to first ch-2 sp, (hdc, ch 2, hdc) in ch-2 sp, hdc in each st to next ch-2 sp, (hdc, ch 2, hdc) in ch-2 sp. Rep from * to * 3 more times. Hdc in remaining sts. Join with sl st. (80 hdc, 4 ch-2 corners)
Round 4 – 6: Repeat Round 3. You should have 16 stitches increasing each round.
- After Round 4: 96 hdc
- After Round 5: 112 hdc
- After Round 6: 128 hdc
Divide for Sleeves and Body:
Round 7: Ch 2, hdc in each st to first ch-2 sp. Hdc in ch-2 sp. Ch 2, sk all stitches across the “sleeve” section to the next ch-2 sp (approximately 32 hdc stitches). Hdc in ch-2 sp. Hdc in each st across the “back” section to the next ch-2 sp. Hdc in ch-2 sp. Ch 2, sk all stitches across the next “sleeve” section to the next ch-2 sp (approximately 32 hdc stitches). Hdc in ch-2 sp. Hdc in each st across the “front” section. Join with sl st to top of beg ch-2. (Counts approx. 32 hdc for front, 32 hdc for back, 2 ch-2 spaces under arms). Total stitches around the body: 64 hdc + 4 ch from underarms = 68 sts.
Bodice Body:
Round 8: Ch 2, hdc in each hdc and 2 hdc in each ch-2 sp under the arms. Join with sl st. (68 hdc + 2 hdc in each of 2 ch-2 sp = 72 hdc).
Round 9: Ch 2, hdc in each st around. Join with sl st. (72 hdc)
Fasten off Red yarn.
The Skirt (Red Yarn)
Attach Red Yarn with a sl st to any hdc from the last round of the bodice.
Round 1 (Foundation for Skirt): Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in each st around. Join with sl st to top of beg ch-3. (72 dc)
Round 2 (First Shell Round): Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in same st. Sk 2 sts, Shell (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next st. Rep from * around. Join with sl st to top of beg ch-3. (24 Shells)
Round 3: Sl st into the first ch-1 space of the first shell. Ch 3, dc in same ch-1 sp. Shell (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next ch-1 sp. Rep from * around. Join with sl st to top of beg ch-3. (24 Shells)
Round 4 (Increase Round): Sl st into the first ch-1 space. Ch 3, dc in same ch-1 sp. (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next ch-1 space. (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next ch-1 space. Rep from * around, alternating the regular shell with an increased shell (essentially, adding an extra ch 1, 2 dc into every other shell space). Join with sl st. (This will increase your shell count and add fullness to the skirt).
Round 5: Sl st into the first ch-1 space. Ch 3, dc in same ch-1 sp. Shell (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next ch-1 sp. Rep from * around. Join with sl st. (You should now have an increased number of shells, approximately 36 shells).
Round 6 – 15 (or desired length): Sl st into the first ch-1 space. Ch 3, dc in same ch-1 sp. Shell (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next ch-1 sp. Rep from * around. Join with sl st. Continue working the Shell stitch pattern into the ch-1 spaces of the previous shells until the skirt reaches your desired length.
Last Round (Edging): Ch 1, sc in first dc, sc in next dc, (sc, ch 2, sc) in ch-1 sp of shell, sc in next 2 dc. Rep from * around. Join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off.
Video tutorial
Finishing:
- Weave in all ends neatly using your tapestry needle.
- Block your dress gently if desired to help it lay nicely and open up the stitches, especially the shell pattern.
And there you have it! Your beautiful Radiant Red crochet baby dress is complete. This classic design is sure to be a cherished item for any little one.
I’d love to see your finished dresses! Share your creations on social media using the hashtag #RadiantRedDress so I can admire your work!
Happy Crocheting!
