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Handmade Summer Crochet Dress Pattern

It’s not like I haven’t made any crochet dress patterns before or anything, but for many reasons, I feel like THIS is the dress I’ve always wanted to make.

I had a vague picture of a beautiful crochet dress pattern in my mind for awhile, but there have been a few barriers to work around.

finished crochet dress pattern

I wanted to make something gorgeous, stylish, super wearable and beginner friendly. That makes for a REALLY tough combination when you’re designing a pattern.

Designing crochet dress patterns is sometimes complicated. This crochet dress pattern wasn’t an easy project to make. There where a lot of struggles, frustration and frogging involved. That’s not only okay, it’s the reason we have such an amazing project to share today!

the unglamorous side of crochet design, frogging your work

I kept it beginner friendly and still added some flair to it by combining two stitches that compliment each other really well.

I used the shell stitch up top to keep the stitches tighter, so you could wear it without a bottom layer. Of course it adds to the look as well, it’s kind of like the “center piece”. Gives the garment a little complexity.

I also used the double crochet on the skirt part to keep it simple and add some subtle contrast from the top.

The buttons can also be designed to really pop, or be a very subtle design element depending on the color and style you choose.

Although these crochet dress patterns can be a serious challenge to make, I had SO much fun designing this dress. It was like a dream project I’ve had in my head for a long time that I didn’t know how to get out until now.

Sometimes a project looks beautiful but it doesn’t wear very well. I’m sure you probably have some of those projects in your closet, I know I have a bunch.

This crochet dress pattern though, is super wearable. I can see wearing it all summer long. It would be perfect for spring or fall with a little creative layering. I’m thinking a tight sweater underneath, some boots and you’re in high fashion for most of the year!

I made this crochet dress knee length, but I’m really interested to see how it will look longer or shorter. I made it it really simple to adjust, so I’m hoping to see you all share your projects with a variety of looks and lengths. Otherwise I’ll need 8 arms to make everything I want try lol.

I’ve mentioned it many times, but I’m trying to use natural fibers as much as possible recently. I used Lindy Chain fingering weight in the color Linen.

It’s a 70% linen and 30% pima cotton blend. Here’s the run down on these two materials:

Linen is hypoallergenic, breathable, moisture wicking and it becomes softer and stronger over time. Something unique to me is the smell of linen. The smell is so similar to the cut rice from my childhood I spent farming. I love the smell and the vibe I get working with it.

Pima cotton is of course soft and durable as well. I think the combination is going to make for a very long lasting, quality garment. I’m excited to see.

I know natural fibers seem a little more expensive for some, but it pays for itself if you really want something that will not only last, but get better with age.

It’s my first time using this Lindy Chain yarn, and as you can probably tell, I totally love it. Highly recommend it.

Everything about this project was a struggle, but at the end, it was one of my all time favorite projects to share, as well as garments to wear personally.

So when you think a project is ruined and hopeless, frog your way out and keep on going. You never know what it will be until it’s over. Hope you all enjoy this one. I’m SO happy to be sharing it with you all.

If you’d like to see some other FREE summer projects, check out these below.

1 Crochet Short Sleeve Cardigan / 2 Crochet Summer Lace Top / 3 Lacy Crochet Sweater Top

If you’d like to take this pattern with you, without the ads and such, it’s available for purchase on all my sales channels below in an ad free, printable, downloadable PDF format with a full picture tutorial and the video tutorial link included. Find it below on where ever you shop.

Etsy

Ravelry

Lovecrafts

I’m also running more promotions over on my Etsy shop this summer. If you’re looking for some premium, ad free printable crochet and knitting patterns for the summer, or maybe you want to stock up for gift ideas in time to make them all for X mas, this is your chance to save!

I’m offering a 20% off coupon on any purchase with no minimums to celebrate completing this dress pattern. Good from July 31st 2021 to Aug 31st 2021. Use code SUMMERDRESS20 at check out here in my Etsy shop and save some money!

There are also several live coupons in my announcement that are going all year long for now. If you want to save some money or you just want to support the channel, be sure to check the shop out. I have over 100 original designs in there to choose from.

Anyways, onto the crochet dress pattern!

If you’d like a video tutorial to follow along, be sure to scroll down to the bottom

Materials

*These materials contain affiliate links, for which I make a small commission. It’s no extra cost to you, makes shopping easier and helps to keep the lights on.

Stitches Used & Code (US Term)

  • ch = chain
  • st = stitch(es)
  • sc = single crochet
  • dc = double crochet
  • sp = space
  • sk = skip
  • Shell st = 5 dc All into the same st
  • REP = repeat
  • RS = right side
  • WS = wrong side
  • ” = inches

Skill: Easy

Notes:

  • This pattern is written in English US terminology
  • This pattern made in US women’s sizes XS( S, M, L, XL, XXL )
  • In this picture I have demonstrated with size small
  • This summer dress is worked in one piece from the top down and the straps are added later
  • The chains when you start will be the circumference of the dress
  • This pattern is in a multiples of 6+2 ch

Yarn needed: 980( 1070, 1160, 1250, 1340, 1430 ) Yards

Gauge blocked:

  • 3.25 shell st X 10 rows of shell st = 4″ (The body part)
  • 16 dc X 7.5 rows of dc = 4″ (The skirt part)

Measurements (After blocked)

  • XS = 30.76″ Body circumference X 44.25″ Hip circumference X 32.26″ Long included the strap
  • S = 34.46″ Body circumference X 49.5″ Hip circumference X 32.51″ Long included the strap
  • M = 38.15″ Body circumference X 54.75″ Hip circumference X 33.31″ Long included the strap
  • L = 41.84″ Body circumference X 60″ Hip circumference X 33.55″ Long included the strap
  • XL = 45.53″ Body circumference X 65.25″ Hip circumference X 34.35″ Long included the strap
  • XXL = 49.23″ Body circumference X 70.5″ Hip circumference X 34.6″ Long included the strap

Summer Crochet Dress Pattern

Use a 4mm crochet hook for the dress

Notes: The chains when you start will be the circumference of the dress

Row 1 (RS): ch 152( 170, 188, 206, 224, 242 ), 1 sc into second ch from hook and each ch across. Total of 151( 169, 187, 205, 223, 241 ) sc

Row 2 (WS): Turn, ch 1 (do not count as a st), 1 sc into first st, *sk 2 st, 1 shell into next st, sk 2 st, 1 sc into next st* REP from *TO* across. Total of 25( 28, 31, 34, 37, 40 ) shell st

Row 3: Turn, ch 3 (count as 1 dc), 2 dc into first st/same ch 3 st, sk 2 st, 1 sc into next st, *sk 2 st, 1 shell into next st, sk 2 st, 1 sc into next st* REP from *TO* until you have 3 st left, sk 2 st, 3 dc into last st.

Row 4: Turn, ch 1 (do not count as a st), 1 sc into first st, *sk 2 st, 1 shell into next st, sk 2 st, 1 sc into next st* REP from *TO* across. Total of 25( 28, 31, 34, 37, 40 ) shell st

REP Row 3 and Row 4: 9( 9, 10, 11, 12, 12 ) more times. You’ll have a total of 22( 22, 24, 26, 28, 28 ) rows

Row 23( 23, 25, 27, 29, 29 ): Turn, ch 3 (count as 1 dc), 1 dc into first st/same ch 3 st, *1 dc into each of next 5 st, 2 dc into next st* REP from *TO* across. Total of 177( 198, 219, 240, 261, 282 ) st

Row 24( 24, 26, 28, 30, 30 ): Turn, ch 3 (count as 1 dc), 1 dc into next st and each st across. Total of 177( 198, 219, 240, 261, 282 ) st

Row 25( 25, 27, 29, 31, 31 ) – Row 29( 29, 31, 33, 35, 35 ): REP Row 24( 24, 26, 28, 30, 30 )

Row 30( 30, 32, 34, 36, 36 ): Turn, ch 3 (count as 1 dc), 2 dc into next st, *1 dc into each of next 6 st, 2 dc into next st* REP from *TO* across. Total of 203( 227, 251, 275, 299, 323 ) st

Row 31( 31, 33, 35, 37, 37 ): Turn, ch 3 (count as 1 dc), 1 dc into next st and each st across. Total of 203( 227, 251, 275, 299, 323 ) st

Row 32( 32, 34, 36, 38, 38 ) – Row 36( 36, 38, 40, 42, 42 ): REP Row 31( 31, 33, 35, 37, 37 )

Row 37( 37, 39, 41, 43, 43 ): Turn, ch 3 (count as 1 dc), 2 dc into next st, *1 dc into each of next 7 st, 2 dc into next st* REP from *TO* until you have 1 st left, 1 dc into last st. Total of 229( 256, 283, 310, 337, 364 ) st

Row 38( 38, 40, 42, 44, 44 ): Turn, ch 3 (count as 1 dc), 1 dc into next st and each st across. Total of 229( 256, 283, 310, 337, 364 ) st

Row 39( 39, 41, 43, 45, 45 ) – Row 55( 55, 57, 57, 59, 59 ): REP Row 38( 38, 40, 42, 44, 44 )

The end of row 55( 55, 57, 57, 59, 59 ) cut the yarn and weave the end

*If you’d like a shorter dress, just repeat row 38( 38, 40, 42, 44, 44 ) less times. If you’d like a longer dress, keep repeating row 38( 38, 40, 42, 44, 44 ) more to your desired length.

Straps (Make 2)

Use a 3mm crochet hook for the straps

Row 1: Leave a 6-8 inch tail, then ch 9( 9, 10, 10, 11, 11 ), 1 sc into second ch from hook and each ch across. Total of 8( 8, 9, 9, 10, 10 ) sc

Row 2: Turn, ch 1 (do not count as a st), 1 sc into each st across. Total of 8( 8, 9, 9, 10, 10 ) sc

REP Row 2 until your strap reaches about 12( 12.5, 12.5, 13.5, 13.5, 14 ) inches. Cut the yarn and leave about a 6-8 inch tail

*Feel free to make your straps longer or shorter, just make sure that they are both the same length.

Sew The Buttons Into The Crochet Dress

Place your dress with the right side out. Sew your buttons on either side you prefer, I sew on the left side (when you’re wearing it). I sewed 8 buttons total, about 2.5″ apart, but you can play around with more or less buttons if you prefer.

Since we didn’t make any button holes, we’ll use the spaces in between the stitches on the opposite side for the button holes. Check picture below

How to sew the buttons into the crochet dress
Sew The Straps Into The Crochet Dress

Note: I recommend pinning the straps to your dress before you sew and trying on the dress after you pin them, so that way you can adjust it how you’d like it to fit.

Here’s what I recommend, but feel free to experiment.

With your dress right side out, make sure that the button line is at the middle. We’re going to use the tails that we left earlier to sew

For the front side, measure from the arm pit corner (on either side) to about 3( 3, 3.25, 3.5, 4, 4.25 ) inches towards the center and sew your first strap. Repeat on the other side.

For the back side, measure from the arm pit corner (on either side) to about 3.5( 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.5, 4.75 ) inches towards the center and sew your first strap. Repeat on the other side, weave all the ends and you’re done!

HERE’S THE VIDEO TUTORIAL FOR THIS SUMMER CROCHET DRESS

Congratulations on your completed crochet dress!

I hope you all enjoyed this crochet dress pattern. I have high hopes that it will be one of your favorites. I think its going to be a classic someday 😎 Thanks for tuning in and thanks to all that always support me here. That’s why I keep going.

Until next time, happy crocheting!

Wan