Craft a seamless, top-down baby dress with a beautiful repeating lace pattern that flows from the yoke to the hem! This project is all about the joy of seeing a garment take shape in one continuous piece, without any seaming. The graceful fan stitch and scalloped edging give this dress a timeless, delicate look that is perfect for any little one.
Let’s pick up our hooks and create a stunning dress from a single strand of yarn!
Skill Level: Intermediate
Materials You’ll Need:
- Yarn: Approximately 300-400 yards of sport (size 2) or DK (size 3) weight yarn in your desired color (e.g., lavender). A cotton or cotton blend is great for drape and breathability.
- A crochet hook appropriate for your yarn. A size G/6 (4.0mm) hook would be a good starting point.
- Scissors
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends
- Stitch markers
- Buttons for the back closure
Key Stitches and Abbreviations:
- ch: chain
- st(s): stitch(es)
- sl st: slip stitch
- sc: single crochet
- dc: double crochet
- Shell/Fan st: fan stitch (dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc) in the same stitch (can be adjusted for more dc as desired)
- sk: skip
- sp: space
- rnd: round
Pattern Instructions:
Part 1: The Yoke
The yoke is worked in the round, top-down, with increases to create a flat circle that will rest comfortably on the baby’s shoulders. The back will have a split for a button closure.
- Row 1 (Neckline): ch 65 (or enough to comfortably fit around the baby’s neck), and join with a sl st to form a ring. (65 sts)
- Rnd 2: ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in each st around. Join with sl st.
- Rnd 3 (Set up for Lace): ch 1, sc in first st. sk 2 sts, [5 dc] in next st (this is your shell stitch). Repeat from * around, adjusting to end the round with a sc. This sets up the first row of your lace pattern.
- Rnd 4: ch 1, sc in the first sc. ch 2, [5 dc] in the center dc of the next shell, ch 2, sc in the next sc. Repeat from * around. This will create your lace pattern.
- Rnd 5: ch 1, sc in the first sc. [5 dc] in the ch-2 sp, ch 2, sc in the center dc of the next shell. Repeat from * around.
- Continue working in this lace pattern, adding increases strategically on rows to create a smooth, round yoke. A good way to increase is to add an extra dc to the shell stitches every few rounds, or to add an extra chain space to create a new shell stitch between shells. Work until the yoke is wide enough to reach the armpits.
Part 2: Separate Armholes
Once the yoke is wide enough, you will separate the armholes and continue with the skirt.
- Split for Sleeves: Count the stitches on your last round. For example, if you have 80 sts, place markers to separate the front (20 sts), back (10 sts each side), and sleeves (20 sts each side).
- Continue Skirt: ch 1, sc in the first st. Continue your lace pattern across the stitches for the front panel. When you reach the first sleeve marker, ch 4 (or enough chains to create a comfortable armpit opening) and skip all the sleeve stitches to the next marker. Continue the lace pattern across the back stitches. When you reach the second sleeve marker, ch 4 and skip the remaining sleeve stitches. Join the round.
- Continue with your lace pattern, working in the round and incorporating the new chain stitches into your pattern repeat.
Part 3: The Skirt
The skirt is worked in continuous rounds from the armhole separation down to the hem.
- Work the Lace Repeat: Continue the lace pattern from the yoke, working in a spiral from now on. Maintain a steady repetition of the shell/fan stitches to create the beautiful, flowing pattern.
- Add Flare (Optional): To create more of an A-line shape, you can increase the size of the shells every few inches (e.g., use [6 dc] or [7 dc] in a shell instead of 5), or add an extra shell stitch every few rows. This will give the skirt a wider hem.
- Continue working the skirt until it reaches your desired length.
Part 4: Finishing Touches
- Scalloped Edging: To create the scalloped edge seen on the hem and sleeves, join yarn and sc in first st, sk 1, [3 dc] in next st, sk 1, sc in next st. Repeat from * around. This will create a pretty, ruffled edge. Repeat this on the hem of the skirt and around the armhole openings.
- Back Opening: For a back opening, you can sew on buttons and create button loops (ch 3, sk 1, sl st) on the other side of the opening.
- Weave in Ends: Weave in all loose ends securely with your yarn needle.
- Blocking: Gently block the finished dress to help the lace pattern lay flat and define the stitches.
You’re Done!
Video tutorial
Congratulations! You’ve just crocheted a gorgeous and delicate baby dress with a beautiful lace pattern. This project is a testament to your skill and patience, resulting in a unique and heartfelt garment.
Share your finished dress with me on social media using #LavenderLaceDress – I’d love to see your color choices! Happy crocheting!
