This pattern is suitable for intermediate crocheters, or adventurous beginners who are comfortable with basic stitches, increasing for shaping, and working simple repeating patterns.
Yarn:
- DK (Double Knit) or Light Worsted Weight yarn in two contrasting colors.
- Main Color (MC): Pink or Teal/Aqua, as pictured.
- Contrast Color (CC): White or Grey, as pictured.
- Choose a soft, baby-friendly yarn that is machine washable for easy care.
Hook:
- 3.5 mm (US E/4) crochet hook (adjust hook size if necessary to achieve gauge and desired fabric).
Notions:
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
- Scissors
- Small buttons (2-3, for the back closure)
- Small amount of yarn for the flower and ribbon embellishment (MC and CC for flower, same as dress colors).
Gauge (Crucial for Sizing!):
- For the Yoke (DC): 18 DC and 10 rows = 4 inches (10 cm).
- For the Skirt (V-stitch): A section of (DC, Ch 1, DC) and skip should be approximately 0.75 inches wide.
- Please check your gauge before starting. Adjust hook size if needed. Achieving the correct gauge is vital for the dress to fit the intended size.
Finished Measurements (Approximate for 6-12 Months):
- Chest Circumference: 19-20 inches (48-51 cm)
- Dress Length (from shoulder to hem): 15-16 inches (38-41 cm)
- To adjust size, refer to a standard baby size chart and adjust initial chain/yoke increases and skirt length accordingly.
Abbreviations (US Crochet Terms):
- Ch: Chain
- Sl St: Slip Stitch
- SC: Single Crochet
- HDC: Half Double Crochet
- DC: Double Crochet
- St(s): Stitch(es)
- Sk: Skip
- Sp: Space
- FO: Fasten Off
- Yo: Yarn Over
- V-stitch (V-st): (DC, Ch 1, DC) in the same stitch/space.
- Shell: 5 DC in the same stitch/space.
Pattern Instructions:
Part 1: The Rounded Yoke (Main Color – Pink or Teal)
The yoke is worked in rows, from the top down, increasing to form a rounded shape for the neckline and upper bodice. A small opening will be left at the back for buttons.
- Ch 68. (This forms the initial neck opening. Adjust for different sizes; more chains for larger, fewer for smaller, always an even number.)
- Row 1 (RS): DC in 4th Ch from hook (counts as 1st DC). DC in next 8 Ch. [2 DC in next Ch, DC in next 3 Ch]. Repeat from * to * 5 more times. 2 DC in next Ch. DC in remaining 8 Ch. (You will have increased stitches evenly across the row, creating a slight curve.) Ch 3 (counts as 1st DC), turn.
- Row 2 (WS): DC in each DC across. Ch 3, turn.
- Row 3 (RS – Increase Row): DC in first 2 DC. [2 DC in next DC, DC in next 4 DC]. Repeat from * to * around, adjusting the last few stitches as needed for evenness. Ch 3, turn.
- Row 4 (WS): DC in each DC across. Ch 3, turn.
- Repeat Rows 3 and 4 until the yoke measures approximately 4.5-5 inches (11-13 cm) from the neckline to the bottom edge. For this size, you’ll likely have 7-8 rows total. Ensure you end on a RS row.
- The image shows 5 visible rows on the yoke, so you might stop after Row 5 or Row 7 depending on your gauge.
Joining for the Body:
- Joining Round (RS): DC in each DC across the row to the very last DC. Sl St to the top of the beginning Ch 3 to join and form a continuous round. Ch 3 (counts as 1st DC).
- You have now joined the back opening to form the body of the dress.
- Count your total stitches now; this will be the stitch count for the top of your skirt. It should be approximately 100-120 stitches, depending on your increases and initial chain.
Part 2: The Skirt (Main Color & Contrast Color)
The skirt uses a simple V-stitch pattern that creates an open, flowing fabric.
- Round 1 (Main Color – Pink/Teal): Ch 3 (counts as 1st DC). DC in next stitch. Sk 2 stitches, V-Stitch (DC, Ch 1, DC) in next stitch. Repeat from * to * around. Adjust the last few skips if necessary to end with a V-stitch. Sl St to top of beginning Ch 3.
- Ensure your total stitch count from the yoke is a multiple of 3 (for Sk 2, V-Stitch) for even V-stitch placement. If not, make minor adjustments by skipping 1 or 3 stitches occasionally to make it work.
- Round 2: Sl St into the Ch-1 sp of the first V-stitch. Ch 3 (counts as 1st DC). Ch 1, DC in same Ch-1 sp (V-stitch in a V-stitch). V-stitch in the Ch-1 sp of the next V-stitch. Repeat from * to * around. Sl St to top of beginning Ch 3.
- Repeat Round 2 for 15-18 more rounds (or until the skirt measures approximately 12-13 inches (30-33 cm) from the yoke join, or desired length for a 6-12 month baby, stopping about 1 inch before the desired final length for the ruffle).
- To make the skirt flare more for larger sizes, you can occasionally add an extra V-stitch every few rounds or increase the chain space in the V-stitch (e.g., Ch 2 instead of Ch 1) every few rounds.
Scalloped Ruffled Edge (Contrast Color – White/Grey):
- Change to Contrast Color (CC): Join CC yarn with Sl St to any Ch-1 sp of a V-stitch on the last round of the skirt.
- Round 1 (Shell Ruffle): Ch 3 (counts as 1st DC). 4 DC in same Ch-1 sp (first Shell made). Shell (5 DC) in the Ch-1 sp of the next V-stitch. Repeat from * to * around. Sl St to top of beginning Ch 3.
- Round 2 (Shell in Shell): Sl St into the center DC of the first Shell. Ch 3, 4 DC in the same center DC (first Shell made). Sk 4 DC, Shell (5 DC) in the center DC of the next Shell. Repeat from * to * around. Sl St to top of beginning Ch 3. FO.
Part 3: The Flower & Ribbon Embellishment
The image shows a small flower with a ruffled “ribbon” below it.
A. Small Flower (Use MC for outer petals, CC for inner, or vice versa as desired):
- Start with CC. Ch 2, 5 SC in 2nd Ch from hook. Sl St to first SC. (Base circle).
- Petals: Ch 2, 2 DC in same SC, Ch 2, Sl St in same SC. Repeat 4 more times around the circle (5 petals total).
- FO the CC. Join MC.
- Optional Back Layer (MC): Working behind the first layer of petals, Ch 3, Sl St into the back of a petal or in between the petals. Repeat 5 times. This creates loops for a larger layer. Ch 3, 3 Tr in next Ch-3 sp, Ch 3, Sl St in same Ch-3 sp. Repeat 4 more times (5 larger petals). FO, leaving a tail for sewing.
B. Ribbon Embellishment (Use CC or MC, or a mix):
- Ch 10-12 (or desired length).
- SC in 2nd Ch from hook and in each Ch across. FO.
- Weave in ends. Gently twist this strip into a “ribbon” shape.
Video tutorial
Finishing Your Dress:
- Weave in all loose ends neatly with your tapestry needle.
- Back Closure:
- Button Band: Along one side of the back opening (where you joined the yoke), Ch 1 and SC evenly up the edge. On the other side, Ch 1 and SC evenly up the edge, creating 2-3 Ch-2 spaces evenly spaced for buttonholes as you go.
- Sew 2-3 small buttons onto the opposite side of the back opening to align with your buttonholes.
- Armhole Edging (Optional but Recommended): Join Main Color (Pink/Teal) yarn to one armhole. Ch 1. SC evenly around the armhole opening. Sl St to first SC. Repeat for the second armhole.
- Attach Embellishment: Assemble your flower. Place the small twisted “ribbon” at the base of the flower, forming a loop as seen in the image. Securely stitch a small bead or pearl to the center of the flower. Position the completed embellishment on the center front of the dress, just below the yoke seam. Securely stitch it in place.
- Block (Optional but Recommended): Gently wet the dress, reshape it to the correct measurements, and pin it to a foam board or towel. Allow it to air dry completely. This will even out your stitches and give the dress a beautiful drape and professional finish.
Congratulations! You’ve just created a stunning handmade crochet dress perfect for a precious little one. This dress is sure to be cherished for years to come.
Happy crocheting!
