Create a beautiful and unique dress for a little one with this detailed crochet pattern! This guide shows you how to make a charming garment by joining colorful granny squares and adding a fabric skirt. This project is a fantastic way to use up yarn scraps and create a personalized, handmade gift for a baby shower or a child’s birthday.
Skill Level: Intermediate
This pattern uses a combination of basic stitches and requires some careful attention to detail for joining the squares and attaching the fabric skirt. You should be familiar with making a granny square and sewing.
Finished Size (Approximate):
- Size: 2 months old.
- Important: The pattern can be easily adapted for different sizes by changing the number of squares you create and the size of your fabric skirt. For the sample dress, the chest circumference is 17.3 inches (44 cm).
Materials You’ll Need:
- Crochet Thread: You will need three different colors of crochet thread:
- Color 1: For the flower center (e.g., yellow)
- Color 2: For the second layer of the flower (e.g., white)
- Color 3: For the square and the straps (e.g., green)
- Crochet Hook: A 1.75 mm hook.
- Fabric: A piece of dacron or similar lightweight fabric. The sample dress uses a piece that is 59 inches (150 cm) wide by 10.2 inches (26 cm) long.
- Sewing Machine or Needle and Thread: For attaching the fabric skirt.
- Scissors
- Yarn Needle: For weaving in ends.
- Tape Measure: To check your measurements and ensure the correct fit.
Gauge:
The finished squares for the sample dress measure about 2.2 inches (5.5 cm). Your gauge will depend on your tension and yarn, so be sure to check the size of your squares as you go.
Abbreviations (US Crochet Terms):
- ch: chain
- sl st: slip stitch
- sc: single crochet
- dc: double crochet
- st(s): stitch(es)
- FO: Fasten off
Let’s Crochet Your Dress!
This dress is constructed by first crocheting several granny squares, joining them to form the top, and then attaching a gathered fabric skirt.
Part 1: The Granny Squares
You will need a total of eight granny squares for the sample dress.
- Start the Flower (Color 1): Create a magic ring or ch 4 and join with a sl st to form a ring. Work a round of petals into the ring.
- Add the Second Layer (Color 2): Attach your second color and work a round of stitches to form the shape of the flower.
- Form the Square (Color 3): Attach your third color. The pattern shows two rounds of stitches in this color to create the square shape, with corners and sides.
Part 2: Joining the Squares
You will join the squares as you make them.
- First Square: Complete the first square.
- Second Square: When you work the final round of the second square, you will join it to the first square using slip stitches or single crochets to attach it as you go.
- Continue Joining: Continue this process until you have joined all eight squares to form a continuous piece. This will be the chest circumference of the dress.
Part 3: The Top & Straps
- Add the Top Border: Once the squares are joined, work a row of single crochet stitches along the top edge of the piece to create a neat finish.
- Make the Straps: Create four straps using the same yarn as the squares. Each strap is a chain of 80 stitches long. Attach two straps to the front corners and two to the back corners of the crocheted top.
Part 4: The Fabric Skirt & Final Assembly
- Prepare the Fabric: Take your fabric piece. The sample dress uses a piece that is 150 cm wide by 26 cm long.
- Sew the Side Seam: Fold the fabric in half with the right sides together and sew the short edges to create a tube.
- Gather the Fabric: Sew a basting stitch along the top edge of the fabric tube. Pull the thread to gather the fabric until it matches the width of your crocheted top.
- Attach the Skirt: Pin the gathered fabric skirt to the bottom edge of the crocheted top, with the right sides facing together. Sew the two pieces together, making sure the gathers are even.
- Finish: Weave in any remaining yarn tails and press the dress for a professional finish.
Video tutorial
Versatile Uses for Your Dress:
- Special Occasion: Perfect for a birthday party or a photo shoot.
- Everyday Wear: A comfortable and stylish outfit for a baby.
- Gift: A thoughtful and impressive handmade gift.
Customization & Tips:
- Size Adjustment: To make a larger or smaller dress, adjust the number of squares you make and the size of your fabric skirt.
- Color Choice: Experiment with different color combinations for the granny squares.
- Skirt: You can use a different type of fabric for the skirt, such as chiffon or cotton, for a different look.
Enjoy crocheting your own beautiful, practical, and unique dress! It’s a fantastic way to create a personalized garment that’s sure to become a favorite.
