This adorable crocheted dress is a perfect project for a beginner looking to create a beautiful, handcrafted gift. The design features a smooth, solid yoke in white, a textured skirt with a subtle ripple, and a stunning floral hem in vibrant pink. This pattern is written for a baby, fitting approximately 0-3 months, but can be easily adjusted.
Materials
- Yarn: Approximately 200-250 yards of DK weight (Category 3) yarn in white for Color A.
- Contrast Yarn: Approximately 100-150 yards of DK weight (Category 3) yarn in hot pink for Color B.
- Hook: A 3.5 mm (E/4) 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)
- FPdc: Front Post Double Crochet
- BPdc: Back Post Double Crochet
- puff st: Puff Stitch: (Yarn over, insert hook into stitch, pull up a loop) 3 times. You will have 7 loops on your hook. Yarn over, pull through all 7 loops. Ch 1 to secure.
Part 1: The Yoke (Color A)
The yoke is worked from the top down, in the round, creating a seamless foundation. The increases are strategically placed to ensure a perfect fit that lays flat.
Initial Chain: Ch 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 (Increase Round): Ch 2, hdc in the next 9 sts. inc (2 hdc in the next st). Hdc in the next 9 sts, inc. Repeat * to * around. Join with a sl st. (66 hdc)
Row 4: Ch 2, hdc in each st around. Join with a sl st. (66 hdc)
Row 5 (Increase Round): Ch 2, hdc in the next 10 sts. inc. Hdc in the next 10 sts, inc. Repeat * to * around. Join with a sl st. (72 hdc)
Row 6: Ch 2, hdc in each st around. Join with a sl st. (72 hdc)
Row 7 (Increase Round): Ch 2, hdc in the next 11 sts. inc. Hdc in the next 11 sts, inc. Repeat * to * around. Join with a sl st. (78 hdc)
Row 8: Ch 2, hdc in each st around. Join with a sl st. (78 hdc)
Row 9 (Increase Round): Ch 2, hdc in the next 12 sts. inc. Hdc in the next 12 sts, inc. Repeat * to * around. Join with a sl st. (84 hdc)
Part 2: Dividing for Sleeves
Now you’ll divide your stitches to create the openings for the sleeves.
Row 10: Ch 2, hdc in the next 12 sts (this is the back section). Ch 8 (skip 18 sts for the first armhole), hdc in the next 24 sts (this is the front section). Ch 8 (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.
Row 11: Ch 2, hdc in each st and each ch around. Join with a sl st. (64 hdc)
Row 12: Ch 2, hdc in each st around. Join with a sl st. (64 hdc)
Part 3: The Skirt (Color A and B)
The skirt is worked in a beautiful, textured pattern that creates a subtle ripple.
Change to Color B (Pink): Fasten off Color A. Attach Color B with a sl st to any stitch.
Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as first dc). Dc in the same st. Skip 1 st, 2 dc in the next st. Repeat * to * around. Join with a sl st to the top of the ch 3.
Round 2: Ch 3. Work a FPdc around the first dc from the previous round. Work a BPdc around the next dc from the previous round. Work a FPdc around the next dc, work a BPdc around the next dc. Repeat * to * around. Join with a sl st to the top of the ch 3.
Round 3: Ch 3. Work a dc in the space between the first pair of dc from the previous round. Work a dc in the space between the next pair of dc. Repeat * to * around. Join with a sl st to the top of the ch 3.
Change to Color A (White): Fasten off Color B. Attach Color A with a sl st to any stitch.
Round 4: Repeat Round 1.
Round 5: Repeat Round 2.
Round 6: Repeat Round 3.
Continue repeating this pattern, alternating colors every three rounds, until the skirt reaches your desired length.
Part 4: The Floral Hem (Color B)
The bottom of the skirt features a stunning floral pattern.
Change to Color B (Pink): Fasten off Color A. Attach Color B with a sl st to any stitch.
Round 1: Ch 1, sc in the first st. Sk 2 sts, work (puff st, ch 2, puff st) in the next st, sk 2 sts, sc in the next st. Repeat * to * around. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
Round 2: Ch 1, sc in the first st. In the next ch-2 space, work a shell (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc), sk the next 2 sts, sc in the next st. Repeat * to * around. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
The Flower (Color B)
Make one flower to decorate the yoke.
- Ch 4, join with a sl st to form a ring.
- Round 1: Ch 1, 10 sc in the ring. Join with a sl st.
- Round 2 (Petals): In the first sc, work a series of (sl st, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 2, sl st). This forms one petal. Repeat this in each of the remaining 9 sc from the previous round. You will have 10 petals.
- Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
The Leaves (Color B and A)
Make two leaves for the flower.
- With Color B (Pink): Ch 8. In the 2nd ch from the hook, sl st. Sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc, sl st.
- With Color A (White): Ch 8. In the 2nd ch from the hook, sl st. Sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc, sl st.
- Fasten off, leaving long tails. Sew them to the back of the flower.
Video Tutorial:
Final Touches
Weave in all remaining ends with your yarn needle. Sew the flower onto the center of the yoke. Gently block the finished frock to help it lay flat and showcase the stitches. This sweet dress is a wonderful way to create a classic, handcrafted piece. The simple stitches and gentle drape make it a joy to make, and the end result is a beautiful garment that is sure to be treasured.
