Sure! Here’s a detailed guide on how to make a crochet dress for children (6 to 9 months old). This will cover materials, sizing tips, stitch patterns, and step-by-step instructions.
How to Make a Crochet Dress for Children (6 to 9 Months)
Overview
This guide will help you make a basic but beautiful crochet dress suitable for a baby aged 6 to 9 months. It features a top bodice worked in rounds and a lacy skirt worked from the bottom of the bodice. You can customize colors, add sleeves, or embellishments like bows or buttons.
Size & Measurements
6 to 9 Months Approximate Measurements:
Part | Measurement |
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Chest | 17–18 inches (43–46 cm) |
Length (shoulder to hem) | ~15–16 inches (38–41 cm) |
Armhole | ~4.5 inches (11.5 cm) |
Always measure the baby if possible, or adjust the pattern with sizing charts.
Materials
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Yarn: Light worsted weight (Category 3 or DK) cotton or soft acrylic yarn
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Quantity: 250–300 grams
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Hook: 4.0 mm (G/6) crochet hook
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Buttons: 2–3 small (for back closure or straps)
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Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
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Stitch markers (optional)
Stitches Used
Stitch | Abbreviation | Description |
---|---|---|
Chain | ch | Basic loop |
Single Crochet | sc | Insert, yarn over, pull through, yarn over, pull through 2 |
Half Double Crochet | hdc | Yarn over, insert, pull through, yarn over, pull through 3 |
Double Crochet | dc | Yarn over, insert, pull through, yarn over, pull through 2, yarn over, pull through 2 |
Slip Stitch | sl st | Insert, yarn over, pull through both loops |
Shell Stitch | – | Usually 5 dc in same stitch (used for skirt) |
Pattern Breakdown
Step 1: Bodice (Top Part)
Back and front worked in rounds from the top-down.
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Foundation Chain:
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Ch 60 (for a chest circumference of ~18″).
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Join with a sl st to form a ring, being careful not to twist.
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Yoke (Top Round Section):
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Round 1: Ch 2 (counts as hdc), hdc in each st around. Join with sl st. (60 hdc)
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Rounds 2–5: Repeat Round 1.
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Optional: Add increases under arms to give armhole shaping (e.g., inc every 10 sts on round 5).
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Armhole Separation:
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Work across 15 sts for front, ch 5 (for underarm), skip 15 sts (armhole), work 15 sts for back, ch 5, skip 15 sts (armhole). Join.
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Step 2: Body (Skirt)
Start working in rounds from the base of the bodice.
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Round 1:
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Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in each st and ch across. Join. (40 sts + 10 ch = ~50 dc)
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Round 2 (Begin Shell Pattern):
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Skip 2 sts, 5 dc in next st (shell), skip 2 sts, sc in next st — repeat around.
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Join with sl st to the first dc of shell.
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Round 3–12 (or desired length):
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Work shells in center of previous shell clusters.
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Repeat shell pattern until dress reaches desired length (~10–11 inches from underarm).
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Step 3: Finishing
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Edging for Neckline and Armholes:
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Work a round of sc or picot edging for a neat finish.
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Optional: Add contrast color.
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Back Closure (if needed):
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Leave a small opening at the top back.
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Work sc rows along each side, add buttonholes on one side.
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Sew buttons to the other side.
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Straps (Alternate Option):
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If not working in-the-round top, add two straps (ch ~25, sc back across), and sew buttons at front.
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Weave in all ends using a tapestry needle.
Optional Embellishments
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Crochet flowers, bows, or appliqués
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Ribbon woven through waistline
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Contrast edging or color changes for stripes
Tips
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Use soft yarn that’s gentle on baby skin.
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Always check your gauge – this ensures proper fit.
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Adjust length or chest width by adding/removing stitches in multiples according to your pattern (e.g., shell pattern multiple is 6).
Sample Yarn Options
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Cotton DK: Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK
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Acrylic DK: Stylecraft Special DK, Baby Bee Sweet Delight
Want a PDF Pattern?
If you’d like, I can format this into a clean printable PDF pattern for you, or help write it out row-by-row. Just let me know!
Watch tutorial: