A handmade baby frock is a truly special gift, and this pattern creates an adorable and cheerful piece perfect for a little one. The design features a lacy shell-stitch skirt and a simple, classic bodice, all in a bright, sunny yellow. A small heart appliqué adds a sweet finishing touch. This pattern is written for a newborn size but includes notes on how to adjust for larger sizes.
Materials
- Sport or DK-weight yarn (Category 3): Approximately 150-200 yards. The yarn in the image appears to be a soft, solid-colored acrylic or cotton yarn.
- Crochet hook: US size E/4 (3.5 mm), or the size needed to obtain gauge.
- Small amount of yarn in a contrasting color: For the heart appliqué.
- Small button or ribbon: For the back closure.
- Tapestry needle: For weaving in ends and sewing on the heart.
- Stitch markers: Optional but helpful for marking key stitches.
Gauge
Getting the right gauge is important for sizing baby garments.
- In double crochet (DC): 5 rows of 5 DC should measure 1 inch by 1 inch.
Adjust your hook size if your gauge is off. If your swatch is too small, use a larger hook. If it’s too big, use a smaller hook.
Pattern Notes
- This dress is worked from the top down.
- The yoke (bodice) is worked in rows, and the skirt is worked in rounds.
- The beginning chain of each row/round does not count as a stitch unless specified.
- Shell Stitch (SS): Work 5 double crochet (DC) stitches into the same stitch or space.
Frock Construction
Part 1: The Yoke (Bodice)
- Row 1: Chain 45. DC into the third chain from the hook and in each chain across. (43 stitches)
- Row 2: Chain 2. Turn. 2 DC in the first stitch. *1 DC in the next 5 stitches, 2 DC in the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * 5 times. 2 DC in the last stitch. (50 stitches)
- Row 3: Chain 2. Turn. 2 DC in the first stitch. *1 DC in the next 6 stitches, 2 DC in the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * 5 times. 2 DC in the last stitch. (58 stitches)
- Row 4: Chain 2. Turn. 2 DC in the first stitch. *1 DC in the next 7 stitches, 2 DC in the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * 5 times. 2 DC in the last stitch. (66 stitches)
- Row 5: Chain 2. Turn. 2 DC in the first stitch. *1 DC in the next 8 stitches, 2 DC in the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * 5 times. 2 DC in the last stitch. (74 stitches)
Part 2: Separating for Sleeves
- Row 6: Chain 2. Turn. DC into the first 11 stitches (front panel). Skip the next 15 stitches (first sleeve). DC into the next 22 stitches (back panel). Skip the next 15 stitches (second sleeve). DC into the last 11 stitches (second front panel). (44 stitches)
- Row 7: Chain 2. Turn. DC in each stitch across. (44 stitches)
Note: For a larger size, add more stitches to the initial chain and increase the number of stitches in each increase row. Also, increase the number of stitches you skip for the armholes.
Part 3: The Skirt (Shell Stitch)
Now we will join the work into a round to create the skirt.
- Round 8: Chain 2. DC in each stitch around. Join with a slip stitch to the first DC. (44 stitches)
- Round 9: We will now create the first shell stitch round. Chain 2. Work a Shell Stitch (SS) into the first stitch. *Skip 4 stitches, work a SS into the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * around. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the first shell. (11 shells)
- Round 10: Chain 2. Work a SS into the center DC of the first shell from the previous round. Continue working a SS into the center DC of each shell around. Join with a slip stitch.
- Rounds 11-18 (or until desired length): Repeat Round 10.
Continue working in this shell stitch pattern until the dress reaches your desired length. The image shows a shorter, knee-length dress.
Part 4: Finishing Touches
- Scalloped Hem: To create the scalloped edge at the bottom of the skirt, work 5 double crochet (DC) stitches into the center of each shell on the last round. This will create a beautiful, wavy finish.
- Back Closure: On the back opening of the yoke, work a few rows of single crochet (SC) up both sides to create a neat edge. Create a small loop with a few chain stitches on one side to attach the button. Sew a small button to the other side.
- Heart Appliqué:
- Round 1: Create a magic ring. Chain 2. 3 DC, 3 half-double crochet (HDC), chain 1, 1 DC, chain 1, 3 HDC, 3 DC. Join with a slip stitch to the first DC.
- Round 2: Chain 1. Work 2 SC in the next 3 stitches. 1 SC in the next 3 stitches. 1 SC in the chain-1 space. 1 SC in the next stitch. 1 SC in the chain-1 space. 1 SC in the next 3 stitches. 2 SC in the last 3 stitches. Join with a slip stitch.
- Cut a long tail and use your tapestry needle to sew the heart onto the front of the frock.
Video Tutorial:
Final Touches
- Weave in all loose ends securely with your tapestry needle.
- Your beautiful baby frock is now complete! It’s a perfect gift for a baby shower or a wonderful photo prop.
