Hello, lovely crocheters! I’m so excited to bring you the pattern for this truly charming baby dress, which I’ve lovingly dubbed “Delicate Beauty.” With its crisp white yoke, vibrant textured skirt, and an adorable little bow, it’s perfect for any precious little one. This dress makes an exquisite gift for a baby shower, a photo prop, or simply a beautiful addition to a baby’s wardrobe.
The top uses simple stitches, while the skirt features a repetitive lace pattern that’s easier than it looks. Ready to add a touch of handmade elegance? Let’s get started!
Materials You’ll Need:
- Yarn: DK (Light Worsted / 8 ply) weight yarn.
- Main Color (MC): Approx. 50-60g in White (for the yoke).
- Contrast Color (CC): Approx. 100-120g in Orange (for the skirt and bow).
- Crochet Hook: 4.0mm (G-6 US) or size needed to obtain gauge.
- Yarn Needle: For weaving in ends.
- Stitch Markers: Very helpful for marking beginnings of rounds or increase points.
- Scissors
Abbreviations Used (US Terms):
- ch: chain
- sl st: slip stitch
- sc: single crochet
- hdc: half double crochet
- dc: double crochet
- V-st: V-stitch (dc, ch 1, dc in same st/space)
- sk: skip
- inc: increase (2 stitches in the same stitch/space)
- st(s): stitch(es)
- rnd(s): round(s)
- fo: fasten off
- MC: Main Color
- CC: Contrast Color
Gauge (Crucial!):
16 dc x 8 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) using a 4.0mm hook. Make a swatch to check your gauge. If your swatch is smaller, go up a hook size; if it’s larger, go down a hook size.
Pattern Notes:
- The yoke is worked flat in rows initially, then joined to work in the round.
- The skirt is worked in the round, attached to the yoke.
- Chains at the beginning of rows/rounds typically do not count as a stitch unless otherwise specified.
- Join rounds with a sl st to the first stitch of the round (not the beginning chain).
- For sizing adjustments, you’ll need to modify the initial chain of the yoke and the number of increase rows/rounds in both the yoke and skirt.
The Pattern: “Delicate Beauty” Baby Dress (Newborn – 3 Months)
Part 1: The Yoke (MC – White Yarn)
The yoke is worked flat first, then joined.
- Starting Chain: Ch 50.
- Row 1: Dc in 4th ch from hook (counts as first dc), dc in next 6 ch (7 sts total for back). (dc, ch 2, dc) in next ch (corner), dc in next 8 ch (8 sts for sleeve). (dc, ch 2, dc) in next ch (corner), dc in next 14 ch (14 sts for front). (dc, ch 2, dc) in next ch (corner), dc in next 8 ch (8 sts for sleeve). (dc, ch 2, dc) in next ch (corner), dc in last 7 ch (7 sts for back). Ch 2, turn. (52 dc + 4 ch-2 spaces)
- You should have sections for back (7), sleeve (8), front (14), sleeve (8), back (7), with ch-2 corners in between.
- Row 2: Dc in each dc to first ch-2 space, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in ch-2 space. Repeat for all 4 corners. Dc in each dc to end. Ch 2, turn. (68 dc + 4 ch-2 spaces)
- Each corner gains 4 dc per row.
- Row 3: Dc in each dc to first ch-2 space, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in ch-2 space. Repeat for all 4 corners. Dc in each dc to end. Ch 2, turn. (84 dc + 4 ch-2 spaces)
- Row 4: Dc in each dc to first ch-2 space, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in ch-2 space. Repeat for all 4 corners. Dc in each dc to end. Ch 2, turn. (100 dc + 4 ch-2 spaces)
- At the end of Row 4, your yoke should be laid out flat with clearly defined corners.
- Joining for Body & Armholes:
- Row 5: Dc in each dc across the first back section. (dc, ch 2, dc) in first corner space. Ch 2, sk all stitches of the first sleeve. (dc, ch 2, dc) in next corner space. Dc in each dc across the front section. (dc, ch 2, dc) in next corner space. Ch 2, sk all stitches of the second sleeve. (dc, ch 2, dc) in next corner space. Dc in each dc across the second back section.
- Join with a sl st to the first dc of the row to form a circle. (You’ve now created the armholes!)
- Count: You should have approximately 34 (front + back sections) + 4 (ch-2 at armpit for shaping) + 4 (ch-2 at armpit for shaping) = 76 sts in total after joining. (Back sections will be joined later).
- Yoke Body Rounds:
- Rnd 1 (Solid Yoke): Ch 2, dc in each st around. Join with sl st. (Approx. 76 dc)
- Rnd 2 (Solid Yoke): Ch 2, dc in each st around. Join with sl st. (Approx. 76 dc)
- Fo MC. Cut yarn.
Part 2: The Skirt (CC – Orange Yarn)
Attach CC yarn to any stitch on the last round of the yoke.
- Rnd 1 (Skirt Foundation): Ch 3 (counts as first dc). Dc in same st, ch 1, sk 1 st, dc in next st. Repeat from * around. Join with sl st to 3rd ch of beginning ch 3. (You’re essentially creating a V-stitch pattern without the first leg of the V and skipping a stitch in between). You should have 38 “dc, ch1, sk1” sections.
- Alternatively, if your stitch count doesn’t divide well, you can just do: Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in each st around. Join. (76 dc)
- The image suggests a lace pattern that expands. Let’s try V-stitches for the lace.
- Rnd 2 (Skirt Lace Pattern): Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in next st. Ch 1, sk 1 st, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next st (this is a V-st in previous dc). Repeat from * around. Join with sl st to 3rd ch of beginning ch 3.
- This will create the openwork pattern. The V-stitches will cause the flare.
- Rnd 3 – 20 (or until desired length): Ch 3, dc in first st (this will be the dc of your V-st). Ch 1, sk ch-1 space, (dc, ch 1, dc) in the ch-1 space of the previous V-st. Repeat from * around. Join with sl st to 3rd ch of beginning ch 3.
- Continue repeating this round until the skirt reaches the desired length for the baby dress. The number of rows will vary based on desired length.
- The V-stitch will naturally cause the skirt to flare out. If you need more flare, you can increase the number of stitches in your V-stitch (e.g., (dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc) in space) occasionally.
- Final Edge (Optional, as per image): The image seems to have a simple, possibly sc or sl st, finish.
- Final Rnd: Ch 1, sc in each dc and in each ch-1 space around. Join with sl st to first sc.
- Fo CC. Weave in ends.
Part 3: The Bow (CC – Orange Yarn)
This is a simple rectangle tied in the middle.
- Ch 18.
- Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Ch 1, turn. (17 sc)
- Row 2-5: Sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn. (17 sc)
- Fo, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Finishing the Bow:
- Take the crocheted rectangle and pinch it tightly in the middle.
- Using a separate short piece of yarn (approx. 6 inches / 15 cm), wrap it tightly around the pinched middle several times to create the bow shape. Knot securely at the back. Weave in ends.
Part 4: Assembly
- Sew on Bow:
- Position the completed bow centrally on the front of the white yoke, just above where the orange skirt begins.
- Using your yarn needle and the remaining tails from the bow, securely sew it in place. Weave in all ends.
- Weave in All Ends: Take your time to meticulously weave in all loose yarn ends from all sections for a neat and professional finish.
Video tutorial
Your “Delicate Beauty” Dress is Complete!
Congratulations! You’ve just crocheted a truly beautiful and delicate baby dress. This is a wonderful garment that will be cherished. Don’t forget to share your finished project on social media! I’d love to see how your “Delicate Beauty” turns out.
Happy crocheting!
