Crochet Baby Dress (0-3 Months) – Shell Stitch | EASY for Beginners

Sure! Here’s a detailed guide on how to make a crochet baby dress using the shell stitch. This version is beginner-friendly and suitable for ages 0-3 months. I’ll break it down into materials, stitch abbreviations, and a step-by-step pattern. Let’s get started!

Crochet Baby Dress (0-3 Months) – Shell Stitch | EASY for Beginners

✅ MATERIALS NEEDED:

• Yarn: Light worsted weight (Category 3 or 4) baby yarn or cotton blend – approx. 150–200g

• Crochet hook: 4.0 mm (G/6) or 4.5 mm depending on your tension

• Scissors

• Tapestry needle (for weaving in ends)

• Buttons (optional – for back closure)

• Stitch markers (optional)

STITCH ABBREVIATIONS (US TERMS):

WHAT IS THE SHELL STITCH?

The shell stitch is made by working multiple double crochets into the same stitch or space. A basic shell usually consists of 5 double crochets in one stitch, separated by skipped stitches for spacing.

PATTERN: CROCHET BABY DRESS (0-3 MONTHS)

Gauge: 18 dc x 10 rows = 4″x4″ (approximate)

STEP 1: YOKE (TOP OF DRESS)

1. Start with a foundation chain:

   • Ch 52 (or multiple of 8 + 4)

   • Join to first ch with sl st to form a circle. Be careful not to twist the chain.

2. Round 1:

   • Ch 2 (does not count as dc), dc in same st and in each st around. (52 dc)

   • Join with sl st to top of first dc.

3. Round 2 (Increasing for raglan yoke):

   • Place stitch markers after 13, 13, 13, 13 stitches to divide front, back, and sleeves.

   • Ch 2, dc in each st until marker, (dc, ch 1, dc) in marked st, rep * around.

   • Join with sl st.

4. Rounds 3–6:

   • Repeat Round 2, increasing at the marked points to shape the yoke.

   • You should now have more stitches to separate sleeves and body.

STEP 2: DIVIDE FOR SLEEVES

1. After yoke is complete, you’ll join the front and back parts to make the body, skipping the sleeves.

2. Round 7:

   • Dc in each stitch across the front panel, skip all stitches for the sleeve, dc across back panel, skip other sleeve, join.

   (You can ch 3 under each armhole if needed for extra room.)

STEP 3: SHELL STITCH BODY

1. Round 8: Start Shell Pattern

   • Ch 3 (counts as dc), sk 2 sts, 5 dc in next st (shell made), sk 2 sts, dc in next st, rep from * around.

   • Join with sl st to top of ch-3.

2. Round 9–18 (or desired length):

   • Sl st into next 2 sts to reach center of shell.

   • Ch 3, 2 dc in same st (start half shell), sk 2, dc in next st, sk 2, 5 dc in next st, rep around.

   • End with 2 dc in same st as beginning half shell, join.

3. Add more rounds if you want a longer dress.

STEP 4: FINISHING THE NECKLINE & ARMHOLES

• Neckline (optional):

  • Sc around neckline for a cleaner edge.

  • Add button loops on one side if desired.

• Armholes:

  • Sc evenly around each armhole opening for a neat finish.

STEP 5: FINISHING TOUCHES

• Weave in all loose ends with a tapestry needle.

• Sew on buttons to the back if needed.

• Optionally, add a ribbon or bow at the waistline for decoration.

APPROXIMATE FINISHED SIZE (0–3 Months)

BONUS: Want a Video Tutorial?

If you prefer following along with a video, search YouTube for:

“Crochet Shell Stitch Baby Dress 0-3 Months – Beginner Tutorial”

There are many creators like Sirins Crochet, HappyBerry Crochet, or Hopeful Turns that offer visual step-by-step instructions.

Watch tutorial: