Crochet a piece of sunshine with this delightful dress! This pattern creates a bright and cheerful yellow dress, adorned with three-dimensional daisy appliqués and a lacy white trim. It’s the perfect project for a beginner or an experienced crocheter looking for a quick and fun gift. This pattern is designed for a baby or toddler, fitting approximately 12-18 months.
Materials
- Yarn: Approximately 300-400 yards of DK weight (Category 3) yarn in bright yellow. A durable, washable yarn like 100% acrylic is ideal.
- Contrast Yarn: A small amount of white DK weight yarn for the trim and flowers.
- Green Yarn: A small amount of green yarn for the flower leaves.
- Hook: A 4.0 mm (G/6) crochet hook.
- Accessories: A yarn needle for weaving in ends and scissors.
Stitches Used (US Terms)
- ch: Chain
- sl st: Slip Stitch
- sc: Single Crochet
- hdc: Half Double Crochet
- dc: Double Crochet
- inc: Increase (work two stitches in the same stitch)
- sk: Skip
Part 1: The Bodice
The bodice is worked from the top down, in the round, to create a seamless yoke.
Row 1: Start with a chain of 60. Join with a sl st to the first chain to form a loop, being careful not to twist. (60 stitches)
Row 2: Ch 2 (counts as first hdc), hdc in each st around. Join with a sl st to the top of the ch 2. (60 hdc)
Row 3: Ch 2, hdc in the next 9 sts, inc (2 hdc in one st). Repeat * to * around. Join with a sl st. (66 hdc)
Row 4: Ch 2, hdc in the next 10 sts, inc. Repeat * to * around. Join with a sl st. (72 hdc)
Row 5: Ch 2, hdc in the next 11 sts, inc. Repeat * to * around. Join with a sl st. (78 hdc)
Row 6: Ch 2, hdc in the next 12 sts, inc. Repeat * to * around. Join with a sl st. (84 hdc)
Row 7: Ch 2, hdc in each st around. Join with a sl st. (84 hdc)
Now, we will divide the stitches for the armholes.
Row 8: Ch 2, hdc in the next 12 sts (back section). Ch 10 (skip 18 sts for the first armhole), hdc in the next 24 sts (front section). Ch 10 (skip 18 sts for the second armhole), hdc in the next 12 sts. Join with a sl st to the top of the ch 2. (48 hdc + 20 ch)
Row 9: Ch 2, hdc in each stitch and each chain around. Join with a sl st. (68 hdc)
Row 10-12: Ch 2, hdc in each st around. Join with a sl st. The bodice is now complete. Do not fasten off.
Part 2: The Skirt
The skirt is worked in a simple, solid double crochet pattern.
Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc in each stitch around. Join with a sl st.
Round 2: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), inc in the next st, dc in the next 2 sts. Repeat * to * around, ending with an inc. Join with a sl st.
Round 3: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc in each stitch around. Join with a sl st.
Round 4: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), inc in the next st, dc in the next 3 sts. Repeat * to * around, ending with an inc. Join with a sl st.
Rounds 5-15: Ch 3, dc in each st around. Join with a sl st.
Round 16: Ch 3, inc in the next st, dc in the next 4 sts. Repeat * to * around, ending with an inc. Join with a sl st.
Rounds 17-25: Ch 3, dc in each st around. Join with a sl st. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Part 3: The Flowers and Leaves (Make 3)
The daisies are worked in two parts: the center and the petals.
Flower Centers (Make 3 – Yellow Yarn)
- Ch 2, 6 sc in the second ch from the hook. Join with a sl st.
- Round 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in each st around. Join with a sl st. (12 sc)
- Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Petals (Make 3 – White Yarn)
- Ch 2, 6 sc in the second ch from the hook. Join with a sl st.
- Round 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in each st around. Join with a sl st. (12 sc)
- Round 3 (Petals): Ch 2. In the same st, work (dc, ch 2, sl st). In the next st, work (sl st, ch 2, dc, ch 2, sl st). Repeat * to * around. (You will have 12 petals.)
- Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Leaves (Make 6 – Green Yarn)
- Ch 8.
- In the second ch from the hook, work sl st, sc, hdc, dc, dc, hdc, sc. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Part 4: Assembly and Finishing Touches
Assembly
- Place the white petal part on top of the yellow center part and sew them together securely.
- Sew the flowers onto the dress. One flower should be placed just below the bodice on the front, and the other two should be placed on the skirt, spaced evenly apart.
- Sew a leaf on either side of each flower to complete the look.
Edging
- Neckline & Sleeves: With the yellow yarn, join at the back of the neck. Work a row of sc around the entire neckline. Fasten off. Repeat this for the armholes.
- Scalloped Hem: With the white yarn, join to the bottom of the skirt. Work (sl st, ch 2, 3 hdc, ch 2, sl st) in the first stitch. Skip 1 st and repeat the pattern. Continue this around the entire hem of the dress. This creates the beautiful lacy border.
Video Tutorial:
Final Touches
Weave in all remaining ends with your yarn needle. Gently block the dress to help it lay flat and showcase the stitches. This dress is a testament to the charm and versatility of crochet, resulting in a sunny, sweet garment that is a joy to make and to wear!
