Crochet Baby Dress “Lauren” – Step-by-Step Guide

Sure! Here’s a detailed guide on how to make a crochet baby dress named “Lauren”. This will include everything from materials needed to step-by-step instructions for crafting a classic-style baby dress suitable for a beginner to intermediate crocheter.

Crochet Baby Dress “Lauren” – Step-by-Step Guide

Size:

• 0–3 months (with guidance to adjust for larger sizes)

Materials Needed:

• Yarn: DK (light worsted weight / category 3) cotton or soft acrylic yarn
  – Approx. 150–200g (depending on size)

• Hook: 4.0 mm (G/6) crochet hook

• Notions: Yarn needle, stitch markers, scissors, 1–3 buttons

• Optional: Ribbon or decorative flower appliqués

Stitches & Abbreviations (US terms):

Construction Overview:

The “Lauren” baby dress is worked top-down in one piece:

1. Yoke (neckline to armholes)

2. Skirt (flaring down from yoke)

3. Finishing touches (edging, buttons, etc.)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Create the Yoke

Row 1:
Ch 52.
Row 1: Dc in 4th ch from hook and each ch across. (50 dc)
Ch 2, turn.

Step 2: Shaping the Yoke with Raglan Increases

Row 2:

• Dc in first 7 sts, ch 1 (place marker – this is first raglan corner)

• Dc in next 12 sts, ch 1 (2nd raglan corner)

• Dc in next 12 sts, ch 1 (3rd raglan corner)

• Dc in next 7 sts, ch 2, turn

Row 3–8:
Continue working dc in each stitch and 2 dc in each ch-1 space (corners). Add 1 extra stitch between increases every row (forming sleeves).
By Row 8, you should have shaped the yoke enough to create armholes.

Step 3: Joining for the Body

Row 9:
Work dc to first ch-1 space, skip the sleeve section (skip from ch-1 to next ch-1), dc across front, skip next sleeve, dc to end.
You now have a body tube formed.

Body Round 10–20 (or desired length):
Work dc in rounds. Use stitch markers to keep count. You can add increases every few rounds to give the skirt a flare.

Optional – Shell Stitch Skirt (from Round 15):

• Shell pattern: (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in same st, skip 2 sts, sc in next st, skip 2, repeat.
  This gives a lacy look.

Step 4: Edging & Finishing

Neckline Edging:
Work a round of sc around neckline. You can add a small scallop:
(sc, skip 1, 5 dc in next st, skip 1) repeat.

Armhole Edging (Optional):
Sc around armholes for a neat finish.

Back Opening:
If you want a back button opening, leave a 2-inch opening at the back while working yoke.
Add 1–2 buttonholes with ch-spaces. Sew buttons accordingly.

Step 5: Optional Additions

• Sew a ribbon just below the yoke line and tie it at the front

• Add crocheted or satin flowers

• Add a ruffled hem by increasing stitches in last 2 rounds

Washing Instructions

• Hand wash in cold water

• Dry flat

• Do not bleach

Notes:

• Always check gauge if you want a precise fit.

• Adjust size by adding chains to the starting yoke or increasing rounds.

• Use stitch markers to mark raglan points – very helpful.

Watch tutorial: