Sunshine lemon tiered baby dress in double crochet

Gauge 18 stitches and 10 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in double crochet using 4.0 mm hook.

Please take the time to check your gauge before starting. If your gauge is too tight, go up a hook size. If too loose, go down a hook size. Proper gauge ensures your finished dress will fit correctly.

Abbreviations and Stitch Definitions

Let me define every stitch abbreviation you will see in this pattern. Even if you already know these, having them all in one place helps when you are working through the instructions. ch = chain: Wrap yarn over hook, pull through loop on hook. sl st = slip stitch: Insert hook, yarn over, pull through stitch and loop on hook in one motion.

sc = single crochet: Insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop (2 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through both loops.

dc = double crochet: Yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through 2 loops, yarn over, pull through remaining 2 loops.

hdc = half double crochet: Yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through all 3 loops at once. sk = skip: Pass over the indicated stitch without working into it. sp = space: The gap created between stitches, often where you will place your next stitch. shell = shell stitch: Work 5 dc into the same stitch or space. This creates a fan shaped cluster. inc = increase: Work 2 stitches into the same stitch. st(s) = stitch(es)

Special Techniques Shell Stitch Pattern

The shell stitch creates those beautiful scalloped edges on the skirt tiers. To work a shell, you simply place 5 double crochet stitches into one single stitch or space. The stitches fan out naturally to create a curved, decorative shape.

Yoke Construction

The bodice uses a top down raglan style yoke. You will place stitch markers at four points to mark where your increases happen. These increase points shape the shoulders and create the armhole openings.

Step by Step Crochet Pattern Part 1: The Bodice Foundation and Neckline Using MC (yellow) and 4.0 mm hook:

1. Round 1Ch 61. Dc in 4th ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. (58 dc)
2. Round 2Ch 3 (counts as dc here and throughout). Dc in each st across. Turn. (58 dc) Setting Up the Yoke

Now you will divide your stitches for the yoke shaping. Place stitch markers as follows: after stitch 10, after stitch 19, after stitch 39, and after stitch 48.

This divides your work into: back (10 sts), sleeve (9 sts), front (20 sts), sleeve (9 sts), back (10 sts).

1. Round 3Increase Row Ch 3. *Dc in each st to marker, 2 dc in next st, move marker, 2 dc in next st.* Repeat from * to * 3 more times. Dc in remaining sts. Turn. (66 dc)
2. Round 4Ch 3. Dc in each st across. Turn. (66 dc)
3. Round 5Increase Row Repeat Row 3 increase pattern. Turn. (74 dc)
4. Round 6Ch 3. Dc in each st across. Turn. (74 dc)
5. Round 7Increase Row Repeat Row 3 increase pattern. Turn. (82 dc)
6. Round 8Ch 3. Dc in each st across. Turn. (82 dc) Separating for Bodice and Sleeves
7. Round 9Ch 3. Dc in next 13 sts (back section). Ch 4, skip 17 sts (first sleeve). Dc in next 28 sts (front section). Ch 4, skip 17 sts (second sleeve). Dc in remaining 14 sts (back section). Turn. (55 dc + 8 ch)
8. Round 10Ch 3. Dc in each st and ch across. Turn. (63 dc)
9. Round 11through 14: Ch 3. Dc in each st across. Turn. (63 dc) This completes your bodice section. The work should measure approximately 5 inches from the neckline edge.

Part 2: First Skirt Tier (Yellow)

Continue working with MC (yellow).

1. Round 15Setup for Shells Ch 1. Sc in first st. *Sk 2 sts, shell in next st, sk 2 sts, sc in next st.* Repeat from * across, adjusting final stitches as needed to end with sc. Turn. (approximately 10 shells)
2. Round 16Ch 3. 2 dc in first st. *Sc in center dc of shell, shell in next sc.* Repeat from * across, ending with 3 dc in last st. Turn.
3. Round 17Ch 1. Sc in first dc. *Shell in sc, sc in center dc of shell.* Repeat from * across. Turn.Rows 18 through 21: Repeat Rows 16 and 17 two more times.
4. Round 22(Scallop Edge): Ch 1. Sc in first st. *5 dc in next sc, sc in center dc of shell.* Repeat from * across. Fasten off.

Part 3: Second Skirt Tier (Cream)

Join CC (cream) at the bottom of Row 14 of the bodice, working into the back loops of that row to create a layered effect.

1. Round 1Ch 1. Sc in first st. *Sk 2 sts, shell in next st, sk 2 sts, sc in next st.* Repeat from * across. Turn. (approximately 10 shells)
2. Round 2through 9: Repeat the shell pattern as established in Rows 16 and 17 of the first tier, alternating the pattern rows.
3. Round 10through 13: Continue shell pattern, allowing this tier to extend approximately 2 inches longer than the yellow tier above.
4. Round 14(Scallop Edge): Ch 1. Sc in first st. *5 dc in next sc, sc in center dc of shell.* Repeat from * across. Fasten off.

Part 4: Neckline Edging Join MC (yellow) at one back corner of the neckline.

1. Round 1Ch 1. Sc evenly around entire neckline opening, working approximately 58 sc total. Join with sl st to first sc.
2. Round 2Ch 1. *Sc in next 2 sts, sk 1 st, 3 dc in next st, sk 1 st.* Repeat from * around. Join with sl st. Fasten off.

This creates a delicate picot edge around the neckline.

Part 5: Armhole Edging (Optional)

If you would like finished edges around the armholes, join MC at the underarm of one sleeve opening.

1. Round 1Ch 1. Sc evenly around armhole opening, approximately 32 sc. Join with sl st.
2. Round 2Ch 1. Sc in each st around. Join with sl st. Fasten off. Repeat for second armhole.Part 6: Decorative Bow Using AC (white): Ch 30. Dc in 4th ch from hook and in each ch across. Fasten off. (27 dc)

Take this strip and fold both ends toward the center, overlapping slightly. Use a short length of white yarn to wrap tightly around the center several times, creating the bow shape. Secure with a knot and leave tails for sewing.

Bow Tails: Ch 15. Sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Fasten off. Make 2 tails.

Attach tails to the back of the bow center, then sew the completed bow to the center front bodice just below the neckline.

Finishing Your Crochet Baby Dress

Weave in all ends using your tapestry needle. I like to weave ends through several stitches in one direction, then reverse and weave back for extra security. Baby items get washed frequently, so secure your ends well.

Block your dress by soaking it in lukewarm water for about 15 minutes. Gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring), then lay flat on a blocking mat or clean towel. Shape the skirt tiers so they fan out nicely, and pin if needed. Allow to dry completely.

Back closure (optional): If you prefer a button closure at the back neckline, sew a small button to one back corner and use the natural space between stitches on the opposite corner as a buttonhole.

Helpful Tips for Success

Count your stitches at the end of each row, especially during the yoke shaping. Losing or gaining stitches early on will throw off your entire garment.

Use stitch markers generously. Mark the center front, the increase points, and the beginning of rounds. They save so much frustration.

The tiers should overlap. The yellow tier sits on top of the cream tier, creating depth and dimension. When you attach the cream tier into the back loops, this naturally positions it underneath.

Try on as you go if you have access to the baby (or a similar sized doll). Adjustments are much easier before you have finished the skirt.

Pattern Customization Ideas

Change the length: Add or remove shell pattern rows to make the skirt shorter for a newborn or longer for a toddler.

Switch up colors: This pattern would look stunning in pastel pink and white, lavender and cream, or even mint green and ivory. Consider seasonal colors like red and white for holiday photos.