Below is a clear, detailed, step-by-step guide for how to crochet a baby dress with ruffles suitable for 3–6 months. The pattern is written in standard crochet terms and designed for beginners-to-intermediate level.

🧶 How to Crochet a Baby Dress (3–6 Months) – With Ruffles

⭐ Size

3–6 months (approx. chest width 18–19 in / 46–48 cm)

⭐ Materials

• Yarn: Light worsted / DK (Category 3) – 200–250 g
  Cotton blends are soft for babies.

• Hook: 4.0 mm (G/6)

• Tapestry needle

• Stitch markers

• Scissors

• Buttons (2–3) for back closure (optional)

🧵 Stitches & Abbreviations

• ch – chain

• sl st – slip stitch

• sc – single crochet

• hdc – half double crochet

• dc – double crochet

• V-stitch: (dc, ch 1, dc in same stitch)

• Inc: increase (2 stitches in same stitch)

👗 PART 1 — Yoke (Top of Dress)

Foundation

1. Ch 60 (this makes 3–6 month size).

2. Join with sl st to form circle if making pullover, or do NOT join if you want a back opening (recommended for babies).

Row 1

• Ch 2 (counts as hdc), hdc in each st across.

• If left open in back, turn. If in the round, join.

Row 2 — Begin increasing for yoke

• Ch 2, hdc in same st,

• (hdc in next 7 sts, Inc) repeat across.

• Join/turn.

Row 3–6

Repeat increase row:

• Add an Inc every 7–8 stitches, expanding evenly.
  By Row 6 you should have:

• Approx. 84–90 stitches total.

• Piece should measure 3.5–4 inches tall.

👗 PART 2 — Divide for Armholes

Row 7

Work as follows:

1. Front: hdc in first 16–18 sts.

2. Armhole: skip next 12 sts, ch 6

3. Back: hdc next 16–18 sts

4. Armhole: skip next 12 sts, ch 6

5. Continue hdc to end.

Now you have a circular body with holes for sleeves.

👗 PART 3 — Dress Body (Begin Ruffles)

Row 8

• Work dc around entire body, join.

• Total stitches should be even.

Row 9 — Start Ruffle Increase

• (2 dc in each stitch) all the way around.
  This doubles stitches, creating fullness.

Row 10

• dc in each stitch.

Row 11 — Add first ruffle layer

• (dc, ch 1, dc) in each stitch around (V-stitch in every stitch).
  This gives a wavy, ruffled effect.

🌸 OPTIONAL — Make a 2nd or 3rd Ruffle Layer

Repeat:

1. dc row

2. increase row (2 dc in each stitch)

3. V-stitch row

You can add multiple tiers to make the dress more fluffy.

👗 PART 4 — Finishing the Top (Straps & Edging)

Back Opening

If you kept the back open:

• Add 3 rows of sc along each edge.

• Attach 2–3 buttons on one side

• Add button loops (ch 6 loops) on the other side.

Neckline

• Crochet sc evenly around neckline.

• Optional picot edge: (sc, ch 3, sc in next stitch) around neckline.

👶 PART 5 — Armhole Edging

• Attach yarn to armhole.

• Work 1 row sc, then 1 row sl st for a clean finish.

• Optional: small ruffle around armhole using (sc, ch 2) repeat.

🎀 Optional Embellishments

• Crochet bow

• Small flower appliqués

• Contrasting color edging

• Pearl buttons (secure well for baby safety)

📏 Finished Measurements

• Length: 12–14 in (30–36 cm)

• Chest: 18–19 in (46–48 cm)

• Fits average 3–6 month baby

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