Craft a timeless garment for a special little one with this seamless, top-down baby dress! Inspired by the elegant lace and soft texture of the pictured design, this pattern features a delicate yoke that gracefully transitions into a flowing skirt. The optional crocheted rose adds a touch of handmade charm, making this a perfect heirloom piece or a thoughtful gift.
Let’s dive into this beautiful project and create a dress that will be treasured forever!
Skill Level: Intermediate
Materials You’ll Need:
- Yarn: Approximately 300-400 yards of sport (size 2) or DK (size 3) weight yarn in a soft color, such as the pictured pink. Kettofill Baby Can (as seen on the yarn label) is a great example, or a similar baby-safe cotton blend.
- A crochet hook appropriate for your yarn. A size G/6 (4.0mm) hook is a good starting point.
- Scissors
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends
- Stitch markers
- A small amount of white or contrasting yarn for the optional flower.
Key Stitches and Abbreviations:
- ch: chain
- st(s): stitch(es)
- sl st: slip stitch
- sc: single crochet
- dc: double crochet
- V-st: V-stitch (dc, ch 1, dc) in the same stitch
- Shell/Fan st: fan stitch ([3 dc] in the same stitch)
- sk: skip
- sp: space
- rnd: round
Pattern Instructions:
Part 1: The Yoke
The yoke is worked in the round, from the top down, with increases to create a flat circular shape that will rest on the baby’s shoulders.
- Rnd 1 (Neckline): ch 65 (or enough to fit the baby’s neck), sl st to the first ch to form a ring. (65 sts)
- Rnd 2: ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in each st around. Join with sl st.
- Rnd 3 (Lace Yoke): ch 3 (counts as dc), sk 1 st, V-st in next st, sk 1 st, dc in next st. Repeat from * around, adjusting the pattern to fit the round. Join with sl st.
- Rnd 4: ch 3, dc in each st and ch-1 sp around. Join with sl st.
- Rnd 5: ch 3, sk 1 st, [dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc] in the ch-1 sp of the V-st from two rows below. Repeat from * around, adjusting the pattern as needed. Join with sl st.
- Continue working rounds of dc and lace, increasing the stitch count as needed to form a flat, round yoke. A good strategy is to add an extra dc to your fan stitches or to add extra stitches between them every few rows. 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 sleeves from the body and continue with the skirt.
- Split for Sleeves: Place stitch markers to divide the stitches roughly into sections for the front, back, and two sleeves. For example, if you have 100 stitches, you can do 25 for the front, 25 for the back, and 25 for each sleeve.
- Continue Body: ch 3, and continue your pattern across the stitches for the front panel. When you reach the first sleeve marker, ch 4 and skip all the sleeve stitches to the next marker. Continue the pattern across the back stitches. When you reach the third marker, ch 4 and skip the remaining sleeve stitches. Join the round.
Part 3: The Skirt
The skirt is worked in continuous rounds from the armhole separation down to the hem.
- Rnd 1: ch 3, dc in each dc and ch st around, including in the ch-4 spaces under the armpits.
- Rnd 2 (Fan Stitch): ch 1, sc in first st. sk 2 sts, [3 dc] in next st (this is your fan stitch), sk 2 sts, sc in next st. Repeat from * around. Join with sl st.
- Rnd 3: ch 1, sc in the first sc. [3 dc] in the center dc of the next fan st. Repeat from * around. Join with sl st.
- Repeat Rnd 3 until the skirt reaches your desired length.
Part 4: Finishing Touches
- Scalloped Edging: Join yarn at the hem of the skirt. sc in first st, sk 1, [3 dc] in next st, sk 1. Repeat from * around. This will create a pretty, ruffled edge. Repeat this on the armhole openings as well.
- Crocheted Flower (Optional):
- ch 4, sl st to form a ring.
- ch 2 (counts as hdc), [hdc, dc, hdc] in the ring. sl st, ch 2, [hdc, dc, hdc] in ring. Repeat from * 4 more times to create 5 petals.
- Fasten off and sew the flower to the yoke of the dress.
- 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 beautiful and delicate baby dress with a lovely lace pattern and a textured skirt. This project is a testament to your skill, resulting in a unique and heartfelt garment.
Share your finished dress with me on social media using #KettofillRoseDress – I’d love to see your color choices! Happy crocheting!
