Capture that sweet, sunny look with The Peaches-and-Cream Gingham Tunic! This lightweight garment is perfect for warm weather, featuring a gorgeous three-color gingham (or checkerboard) band across the chest created using tapestry crochet. The dense yoke transitions dramatically into a full, breezy peplum skirt worked in simple Half Double Crochet (HDC), giving it a playful flare. Finished with simple tie straps, this tunic is as charming as it is comfortable.
This detailed pattern is written for the 12-18 Month size and is suitable for the Intermediate crocheter who is comfortable with working in the round and executing color changes.
Materials Needed 🧶
- Yarn: Approximately 250-300 yards of DK Weight (Light Worsted / #3) or light Worsted Weight yarn. A cotton or cotton blend is recommended for excellent drape and summer comfort.
- Main Color (MC): Light Peach/Coral (Solid Skirt Color & Gingham Base)
- Contrast Color 1 (CC1): White (Gingham Accent)
- Contrast Color 2 (CC2): Tan/Light Brown (Gingham Accent)
- Crochet Hook: 4.0 mm (US G-6), or the size needed to obtain gauge.
- Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends.
- Scissors.
- Stitch Marker: To mark the beginning of rounds.
Skill Level & Notes 💡
- Skill Level: Intermediate. Requires working neatly in the round, managing multiple yarn strands for tapestry crochet, and accurately executing a large increase round for the skirt flare.
- Construction: The tunic is worked top-down in the round, starting with the chest band.
- Gingham Technique: The Gingham Band (Part 1) uses Tapestry Crochet. Carry the yarn you are not using inside the stitches. Change color on the last yarn over of the previous stitch.
- Straps: The straps are simple crocheted chains that tie at the shoulders, allowing for adjustable fit.
Gauge 📏
In Single Crochet (SC) (Gingham section) using a 4.0 mm hook: 5 blocks (50 SC sts) and 10 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) square.
- A block is 5 SC stitches.
Abbreviations 📚
| Abbreviation | Description |
| ch | chain |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| sc | single crochet |
| hdc | half double crochet |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| rep | repeat |
| MC | Main Color (Peach) |
| CC1 | White |
| CC2 | Tan/Brown |
| inc | increase (2 sts in one st) |
Special Stitches ✨
SC-Tapestry (Gingham Colorwork)
- SC-Tapestry: Single Crochet while carrying the non-working yarn strands under your stitches. Change color on the last yarn over of the final stitch of the block.
HDC-INC (Half Double Crochet Increase)
- HDC-INC: Work 2 Half Double Crochet stitches into the same stitch.
Part 1: The Gingham Band (Tapestry Crochet) 🎨
The foundation chain determines the chest circumference. Ensure it is a multiple of 10 for the Gingham pattern repeat.
Round 1 (Foundation – MC): With MC, Ch 120. Sl st to the first ch to form a ring, ensuring the chain is not twisted. Ch 1 (does not count as st). Sc in each ch around. Sl st to join. (120 sc)
Gingham Setup: You will work in blocks of 5 stitches. You need 12 blocks per color on this first stripe (120 sts ÷ 10 sts/repeat = 12 repeats). Carry CC1 and CC2 yarn strands under your stitches throughout the Gingham section.
Round 2 (CC1 & MC Stripe): Ch 1. (Using CC1, sc in the next 5 sts. Using MC, sc in the next 5 sts.) Rep from * to * around. Sl st to join.
Round 3 (CC1 & MC Stripe): Ch 1. Rep Round 2. Sl st to join.
Round 4 (CC2 & CC1 Stripe): Ch 1. (Using CC2, sc in the next 5 sts. Using CC1, sc in the next 5 sts.) Rep from * to * around. Sl st to join.
Round 5 (CC2 & CC1 Stripe): Ch 1. Rep Round 4. Sl st to join.
Round 6 (MC & CC2 Stripe): Ch 1. (Using MC, sc in the next 5 sts. Using CC2, sc in the next 5 sts.) Rep from * to * around. Sl st to join.
Round 7 (MC & CC2 Stripe): Ch 1. Rep Round 6. Sl st to join.
Round 8 (CC1 & MC Stripe): Ch 1. (Using CC1, sc in the next 5 sts. Using MC, sc in the next 5 sts.) Rep from * to * around. Sl st to join. Fasten off CC1 and CC2.
Part 2: The Skirt/Peplum (MC – Peach) 👗
We transition to the solid color and introduce a major increase round to create the dramatic flare and pleating.
Round 9 (Transition – MC): Ch 2 (counts as hdc). Hdc in each st around. Sl st to join. (120 hdc)
Round 10 (Flare Increase): Ch 2. Work 2 hdc in the same st. [HDC-INC in the next st, hdc in the next st] rep from * to * around. End with HDC-INC in the last st. Sl st to join. (180 hdc)
- This increase creates the heavy pleating/gathering look at the waistline.
Round 11-25 (Skirt Body): Ch 2. Hdc in each st around. Sl st to join. (180 hdc)
- Continue rounds until the skirt measures approximately 6 inches from the waistline (or desired length).
Round 26 (Optional Shell Edging): Ch 1. Sc in the first st. Sk 2 sts, (5 dc in the next st – shell), sk 2 sts, sc in the next st. Rep from * to * around. Sl st to join. Fasten off.
Part 3: The Top Edge & Straps 🎀
The top edge will be the foundation chain of Round 1.
- Top Edging: Attach MC to the back center of the Round 1 foundation chain edge. Ch 1. Sc evenly around the entire neckline opening. Sl st to join.
- Strap Placement: Lay the tunic flat. Mark the placement of the four straps: two in the back (approx. 2 inches apart) and two in the front (approx. 3 inches apart).
Make 4 Straps:
- Attach MC at a marked spot. Ch 1. Sc in the same st. Ch 60 (or desired length for a tie). Sc in the 2nd ch from hook and in each ch back towards the neckline. Sl st into the same neckline st to secure. Fasten off.
- Repeat for the remaining 3 marked spots.
Video Tutorial:
Finishing and Final Touches 🫧
- Weave in all yarn tails securely, paying extra attention to the tails carried within the tapestry section.
- Blocking: Gently steam block the tunic. Pay attention to laying the gingham band flat and ensuring the skirt is fanned out to maximize the ruffle created by the increase round.
- Wear: Tie the front and back straps together at the shoulders to secure the tunic in place.
Your lovely Peaches-and-Cream Gingham Tunic is ready for sunny days!
