Introduction to Crochet Dresses
Crochet dresses might not be something you think about as a possibility for new crocheters, but the truth is there are crochet dress patterns out there for stitchers of every skill level.
Here we’ve collected everything you need to know to crochet a dress successfully whatever your skill level. So whether you’re new to crochet entirely or just intimidated by the idea of crocheting dresses, we’re here to help you make your new favorite garment the best it can be.
Did you know that crochet fabric can’t be made by machine? That’s why you don’t usually see a lot of crocheted garments in stores, because they actually have to be made by hand.
Crocheting your own dresses means you’re taking the manufacturer out of the equation and you can make something that’s totally unique to you. Your crochet dress will suit your style and color preferences, and it will fit your body.
Stand out with an eye-catching and timeless piece when you crochet your own dress!
Crochet Dresses: Are They Just for Experienced Crocheters?
Crochet dresses aren’t exclusive to just expert crocheters. There are free crochet dress patterns available for all skill levels, and we’ve organized them here into projects that newer crocheters will find more accessible and those you might need a little more experience for.
When considering any crochet pattern you might want to make, it’s important to think about your skill level and the techniques that are required in the pattern. In general, patterns that are better for beginners will use just one or two crochet stitches, limited shaping, and heavier weight yarn.Â
Intermediate and advanced patterns might use more techniques and stitches or more complicated stitches, and often include more shaping. They might also be worked with very fine yarn or crochet thread, which is a skill in itself.Â
If you need help with the basics of crochet or are unsure of what a pattern is asking you to do as you look at these patterns, our Crochet Fundamentals workshop can be a big help in boosting your skills and confidence.
Supplies Needed to Crochet a Dress
So how do you make a crochet dress? Before we dive into the patterns, let’s take a quick look at the supplies you need to crochet your dress, whatever pattern you choose.
Yarn
Choosing the best yarn for your dress will depend on the style and purpose of the dress. Yarn is commonly categorized by weight (size) and fiber type (material). Generally, the best yarn for dresses is made from cotton yarn or acrylic yarn, in weight of (2) Sport, (3) DK, or (4) Worsted yarn. These yarns in the middle range are a great choice because your dress needs to be lightweight and hug your body nicely.
Some of the patterns here use even thinner yarn, such as crochet thread, to allow for lots of details and lots of room for adjustments to get the perfect fit. On the other end of the spectrum, you might choose a heavier weight yarn to make a sweater dress.
Cotton and acrylic yarn types are easy to work with and have a clear stitch definition. They’re generally soft, cost-effective, and easy to work with.
Our suggestions for great yarns to crochet dresses in the different yarn weights are as follows:
(2) Sport – Knit Picks Brava Sport
(3) DK – Scheepjes Softfun DK
(4) Worsted – Lion Brand Basic Stitch
Crochet Hook
If you are working from a pattern, it will suggest the hook size you will need to complete your project. Of course, you will want to make a gauge swatch and measure it carefully to ensure your gauge matches.Â
Because crochet dresses are bigger projects you definitely want to do everything you can to ensure your garment will fit.
It’s a great idea to have a good set of hooks in case you need to switch to get a gauge. The Clover Amour Crochet Hook Set is our favorite because it has a nice variety of sizes.
Yarn Needle
It’s worth it to invest in a yarn needle to make weaving in your ends easier.
One of our favorites is from Clover.
Scissors
A small pair of scissors for trimming your yarn when you change colors or at the end of a project is so helpful.
Remember to leave a tail a few inches long whenever you change colors so you can easily weave it in later.
Stitch Markers & Row Counter
Stitch markers are so helpful for making larger projects like dresses. You can use them to mark the ends of rows or rounds or make it easier to count the number of rounds between increases, decreases, stripes, or other design elements.
We recommend Clover stitch markers, and if you also want to keep track of your rounds without using stitch markers, grab a row counter as well.
Other Notions
As crochet dresses are typically made and tailored to the wearer, you’ll need a tape measure to get accurate measurements for both the gauge and the actual dress.Â
Check the pattern to see if you need other notions like buttons or a zipper.
You might also want to invest in some blocking tools (such as a mat and pins) so you can finish your dress like a pro.
Common Crochet Stitches for Dresses
While crochet dresses can be made in any stitch pattern, it’s good to have a grasp of the basics before you get started, because so many of the more complicated-looking stitch patterns are actually based on the most basic stitches.
Single crochet (sc) is a great choice for a dress because it creates a fabric that will give you good coverage.
Half double crochet (hdc) is a little bit more open, and double crochet (dc) is even bigger than that. All three of these are great options for dresses because they are easy and quick to stitch, and they look great alone or in the variations of stitches based on these basics.
If you want access to more stitch variations and level up your skills by learning more stitches check out our Ultimate Crochet Stitch Library and have creative freedom with 45 stitches made up of variations in the basic stitches.
Mix and match any stitches with any pattern for endless possibilities!
Free Crochet Dress Patterns for Beginners
If you’re totally new to crochet or just have a couple of projects off your hook, this is the place to start looking for crochet dress patterns. These typically use basic stitches, easy shaping, and heavier weight yarns to make them faster and easier to stitch, whatever your skill level.
Summer Scallop Crochet Dress Free Pattern
Designer: For the Frills
Yarn weight: (2) Sport
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Simply Cotton Organic Sport
Looking for an easy-to-make, free beautiful dress crochet pattern? Then this dress is perfect for you. It is a top-down dress that includes a step-by-step video tutorial. The dress is also versatile and you can play with the features of the dress to make it suit your preference.
Cache Coeur Free Dress Crochet Pattern
Designer: Knitting with Chopsticks
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Coboo Yarn
An easy and breezy free summer dress crochet pattern. Although this crochet dress was created with a warmer season in mind, adding a pair of leggings, some boots and a jacket, turtleneck, or cardigan can totally make the dress work for the colder months, too!
Pretty Spring Dress Crochet Pattern
Designer: Knitting with Chopsticks
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Coboo
No fancy stitches, no increases or decreases. This is one of the easiest lace crochet dresses you can make. Perfect for beginners and experienced crocheters alike!
Handmade Summer Crochet Dress Pattern
Designer: KnitcroAddict
Yarn weight: (1) Super fine
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Lindy Chain
If you are looking for a beginner-friendly crochet dress for the summer this is the one for you! This crochet dress is super wearable, gorgeous, and stylish. Plus you’ll get plenty of practice with buttonholes.
Vivo Dress Crochet Pattern
Designer: Joy of Motion Crochet
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted Lite
This is a sweet, summery crochet dress you’d want to wear every day. The Vivo dress crochet pattern is easy to make and can be made for any size. It’s also front-to-back reversible so you get two looks in one.
Crochet Breezy Beach Dress
Designer: Fluffy Stitches
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Mandala
This a quick summer project that’ll keep you relaxed and covered up during all your summer outings. This crochet breezy beach dress is made with easy stitch work and fun colors.
Summer Garden Dress
Designer: Catalina Ungureanu, via Hobbi
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Mandala
This simple, beginner-friendly summer garden maxi dress is perfect for crocheters of all skill levels. While it’s a big project because it’s so long, it’s worked in easy double crochet.
Crochet Summer Dress
Designer: Crochet with Carrie
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Mandala
Look stunning in this form-fitting crochet summer slip dress. This pattern is perfect for beginners with a step-by-step video tutorial for you to follow along with.
The Everyday Maxi Dress
Designer: OTH Crochet Nook
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Bare Hawthorne DK
This pretty dress is beginner friendly and can be customized to fit you. This is possibly the easiest crochet dress you’ll ever make, and certainly the one you’ll want to wear the most often.
Audrey Crochet Dress Free Pattern
Designer: For the Frills
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Jeans
Made as one piece, this fit-and-flare crochet dress has cap sleeves for a little bit of extra coverage. The sleek silhouette it creates will leave you looking stylish this warm weather season.
Crochet Penelope Dress
Designer: Sewrella
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Jeans
This is decidedly the perfect crochet dress for the warm weather. You can wear this on a date, spending the weekend brunching with friends, or even chasing your children around the park. What’s more, since you are the one making this dress, you can lengthen or shorten it to your preference.
Crochet Butterfly Top Pattern
Designer: KnitcroAddict
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Truboo
A simple crochet dress with a butterfly accent – too cute! Why not make a crochet dress that has a little bit more personality? This pattern is made from the top down, and you can make it either as a top or as a dress.
Summer Breeze Dress
Designer: E’Claire Makery
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton
This fun dress is worked in one piece from the top down, starting with the collar, which uses puff stitches to add texture and interest. Once that bit is done, it’s smooth stitching for much of the rest of the dress.
Golden Hour Sun Dress Crochet Pattern
Designer: Originally Lovely
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton
The body of this dress is mostly double crochet stitches for ease at any skill level. The lace details add a feminine, boho touch without making it much more difficult to stitch.
Margalida Dress
Designer: Knit Gang, via Hobbi
Yarn weight: (2) Sport
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Simply Cotton Organic Sport
A loose and breezy summer dress, feel comfy and covered during your beach vacation with this easy-to-make crochet dress. Stripes are a classic but you can also stitch them in a solid color.
Crochet Easy Mini Dress Free Pattern
Designer: Beautiful Crochet Stuff
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Mandala
An easy crochet mini dress pattern that brings out the best in yarn gradients. Best yet you can adjust the dress to any size you need. Create a beautiful crochet dress with this easy pattern!
Tie Strap Dress
Designer: Patchworked Crochet
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Truboo
Simple and sweet. This free crochet dress is comfortable to wear but will still give you that elevated look, with the amazing flair at the skirt part and tie straps.
Fons Dress Crochet Pattern
Designer: Joy of Motion Crochet
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: DROPS Cotton Merino
If you want to crochet yourself a dress that can be a staple to your wardrobe, then the Fons dress is the one for you! The pattern comes in a great range of sizes, from XS to 5XL.
Crochet Shift Dress
Designer: Crochet Cakes
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: LB Collection® Cotton Bamboo Yarn
Create a fun '60s-style crochet shift dress with this easy pattern. It’s worked in two panels and is mostly single crochet and extended single crochet with a fun bobble edging.
Crochet Dress Patterns for Intermediate and Advanced Crocheters
These dress patterns amp up the skill by including more shaping, interesting stitch patterns, and fun techniques. Some of these use crochet thread, too, which has a bit of a learning curve and definitely makes your projects take longer!
Open Country Dress
Designer: DROPS Design
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: DROPS Cotton Merino
This beautiful sleeveless lace dress is worked from the bottom up with slits at the sides. It has a square neckline and waist shaping for a perfect fit.
Idlewild Dress
Designer: Make & Do Crew
Yarn weight: (2) Sport
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Simply Cotton Organic Sport
Make a crochet tunic, peplum top, or dress. This dress has more than 12 pattern combinations to choose from so you can customize the bodice length, sleeve style, or skirt length. It all depends on you!
North Shore Cover Up Dress
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Pima Cotton
Who says cover-up dresses are only for the summer? The North Shore Cover-Up Dress can be used in any season. Whether it be as a beach cover-up or paired with a turtleneck and pants for the winter season, this dress is a great option. Breezy, delightful, and with a flattering drape.
The Parisian Dress
Designer: Desert Blossom Crafts
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Comfy Cotton Blend
Learn a new fun crochet stitch, the Eiffel Tower Stitch, while getting a form-fitting perfect dress! This fun and summery dress is short-sleeved and has a knee-length, lacy skirt that will give you that touch of elegance in the summery heat.
White Hippie Boho Mini Dress Free Crochet Pattern
Designer: Jenny and Teddy
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted Lite
Fresh and breezy, this hippie boho mini dress is a comfortable crochet dress that will give you sufficient coverage during the warm seasons.
Natural Beauty Crochet Dress
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: Crochet Thread Size 3
Suggested yarn: Aunt Lydia’s Fashion Crochet Thread Size 3
Lacy and versatile — a must for your summer wardrobe. Pair up this lace crochet dress with a simple black dress or swimsuit underneath, flattering you for any occasion.
The Fleur Dress Crochet Pattern
Designer: Casale Crafts
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lily Sugar’n Cream
Cute and flowy this fleur dress crochet pattern is a lace crochet dress that is fun to make and stylish to boot.
Tweed Off-Shoulder Dress
Designer: Treva McCain, via Ravelry
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Brava Tweed
Sleek and classy, this tweed off-shoulder crochet dress will have you prepared for any dressed-up occasion.
Wedding Planner Dress
Designer: Natasha Robarge
Yarn weight: (1) Super fine
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Lindy Chain
Exquisite lacework with diamond lacework and ornate picots adorns this lovely dress. This crochet dress will keep you comfortable while looking classy and perfectly ready for special occasions.
Dress with Flare
Designer: Linda Jeffries
Yarn weight: Crochet Thread Size 10
Suggested yarn: Aunt Lydia’s Classic Crochet Thread
Elegant and flowy this airy crochet v-stitch mesh dress drapes gently and beautifully. Crochet it in your favorite color or in a fun and funky color so you can easily mix and match it to your needs.
Aqua Dress
Designer: HookloopSarah, via Hobbi
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Coboo Yarn
Easy to make and comfortable to wear, the aqua crochet dress is a lovely summer dress that can be adjustable to anyone’s size.
Sunflower Dress
Designer: Universal Yarns
Yarn weight: Crochet Thread Size 10
Suggested yarn: DMC Cebelia Crochet Thread Size 10
Bright and elegant, this sunflower dress is a fun project to take on. Have a fun dress to wear out whether it be brunch with friends or a dinner date.
Diamonds in the Sun Dress Crochet Pattern
Designer: DROPS Design
Yarn weight: (2) Sport
Suggested yarn: DROPS Safran
Classy and simple, this crochet dress pattern is perfect for the summer with its breezy design. It is available in XS-XXL. And if you just lengthened it a little bit more you could even use it as a simple wedding dress.
Drury Lane Dress Free Crochet Pattern
Designer: Vladimir Teriokhin
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Coboo Yarn
The Drury Lane dress is a beautiful long dress with elbow-length sleeves. It has a great lace texture with a form-fitting bodice. Take on a challenge and elevate your crochet skills! It’s sold as a kit but you can download the pattern for free.
Shore Thing Dress
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: (1) Super fine
Suggested yarn: Red Heart It’s a Wrap
The Shore Thing dress is sure to be a breezy hit on the beach. It gives coverage on the bust area while showing off your arms and legs. Add this to your summer beach wardrobe and you’ll have heads turning with how stunning you will look!
Better World Dress
Designer: Kasia Osmólska
Yarn weight: (1) Super fine
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Lindy Chain
This is an elegant and free crochet dress pattern but with a twist! As the name suggests, the better world dress wants to make a change and better the world. The pattern maker wants to encourage the crocheters taking on this project to donate to a cause close to their hearts.
Granny Square Crochet Dress Patterns
Granny squares are at home on any kind of crochet garment, including dresses. Add a bit of boho flair to your wardrobe with these sweet patterns.
Ibicenca Dress
Designer: Knit Gang, via Hobbi
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lily Sugar’n Cream
Unique and glamorous, this crochet dress will have all eyes on you. It is an easy-to-make crochet dress with a backless accent.
Crochet Granny Square Dress Free Pattern
Designer: Beautiful Crochet Stuff
Yarn weight: (1) Super fine
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Lindy Chain
If you don’t want to make a dress all in one or two pieces, this is the dress for you. You can make a colorful ensemble or use simple black and white to create a mod-reminiscent look.
Coachella-Style Dress Crochet Pattern
Designer: Schachenmeyr
Yarn weight: (2) Sport
Suggested yarn: Schachenmeyr Catania
The perfect crochet dress project for the expert crocheter. This Coachella-style dress is made from individual granny squares sewn together that are joined with a nice pattern that works with the design.
Granny Square Tile Dress Pattern
Designer: Paintbox Yarns
Yarn weight: (1) Super fine
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Perle 5/2 Cotton Cone Yarn
Pretty, sassy, and sweet. This gorgeous granny square tile dress will give you that pop-in design at the waist while keeping the rest of the dress simple. What’s more, you can choose any granny square design you want or go with the designer’s picks.
Audrey Dress
Designer: Snakewood & Grace
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Coboo
The Audrey Dress is a form-flattering, two-colored dress that can be made to fit any size. This midi dress can also be turned into a maxi dress to your preference.
Colorful Crochet Dress Patterns
Of course, lots of these dress patterns can be made in different colors, but these patterns in particular stand out because of the great use of color. Get inspired by these super fun and colorful designs!
Desert Cactus Top and Dress Tapestry Crochet Pattern
Designer: E’Claire Makery
Yarn weight: (2) Fine
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Comfy Fingering
Quirky but fun, this free crochet tapestry dress is a versatile pattern that is perfect for beginners who want to work on a wearable piece that they can customize to their preference. Whether you make a tank top, peplum top, or a dress you only need this one pattern to create all 3 pieces.
Del Mar Beach Dress
Designer: Paintbox Yarns
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Comfy Cotton Blend
Choose your favorite colors and match them to your beachwear with this free crochet beach dress pattern. Have that pop of color as you stroll through the beach with a cool drink.
Simple Collar Dress
Designer: Wilmade
Yarn weight: (3) DK or (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Shawl in a Ball
What’s not to love with this simple crochet collar dress? The fit is amazing, it can be flattering to all sizes, and better yet you can make it with almost any yarn!
Crochet Summer Dress Pattern
Designer: Joy of Motion Crochet
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Coboo Yarn
This crochet summer dress offers a lot of personality with fun stripes of different widths. You can also make it in one solid color or have a mixture of fun colors to liven up your outfit.
Strawberry Dress
Designer: Transatlantic Crochet
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted Lite
This free crochet strawberry dress pattern is a crochet re-imagining of a dress that swept across social media in 2020 by Lirika Matoshi. The crochet version is super sweet even if you don’t follow all the trends.
Missoni-Style Magic Dress
Designer: Coats & Clark, via Ravelry
Yarn weight: (1) Super fine
Suggested yarn: Aunt Lydia’s Fashion Crochet Thread Size 3
Crochet yourself a bold look based on the Missoni fashion phenomenon. These zig-zags are so fun to stitch and it’s a real showstopper of a dress!
Spring Summer Crochet Dress for All Sizes
Designer: The Knotty Lace
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lily Sugar‘n Cream
The spring-summer crochet dress, as the name suggests, is the perfect crochet dress for the warm seasons. It is worked by using the Alpine Stitch, which makes for a beautifully textured design.
Crochet Striped Dress Free Pattern
Designer: Beautiful Crochet Stuff
Yarn weight: (1) Super fine
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Lindy Chain
Fun and flattering, this free crochet striped dress pattern is perfect for the warm weather. The stripes that go in different directions are so fun!
NORI Dress
Designer: Lilla Bjorn Crochet
Yarn weight: (1) Super fine
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Lindy Chain
Showcase the beauty of your gradient yarn with this lovely crochet pattern. What’s more, you can easily adjust this dress to become a top if you wanted to.
The Wrap Me Up Dress Crochet Pattern
Designer: Casale Crafts
Yarn weight: (2) Fine
Suggested yarn: DROPS Safran
Wrap yourself in a bow for the holidays with this great dress pattern! Whether you dress up for the holiday season or dress up as a gift, this dress will bring a smile to your face.
Sweater Dress Patterns
Who says dresses are just for summer? These cozy patterns are perfect for the cooler seasons, to be worn with leggings or on their own when it’s not too cold outside.
Delighted Sweater Dress
Designer: Catalina Ungureanu, via Hobbi
Yarn weight: (5) Bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Hue + Me
This sweater dress is super easy to make and can be made worn as a dress or a sweater. It is worked from the top down and has a round yoke. With an oversized design, it is comfortable to wear and will keep you cozy in the cold season.
Fall Colors Dress
Designer: ByKaterina
Yarn weight: (1) Super fine
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Comfy Fingering
Feel the fall vibe with this fall colors crochet dress. It is made by creating a sweater first and extending it to make a skirt as well. You just need to understand the basic crochet stitches to make this one.
Willa Sweater Dress
Designer: Stitchberry
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Feels Like Alpaca Yarn
Once the temperature drops, you’ll need the perfect cozy sweater to keep you warm. But why not a crochet sweater dress that won’t just keep you warm but also stylish? This ribbed crochet dress is oversized with sleeves you can roll up for added character and a relaxing, comfortable fit.
Oakley Jumper Dress
Designer: Joy of Motion Crochet
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted Lite
The possibilities are endless with the Oakley crochet jumper dress. You can make it in a solid color or have fun with a mix of colors.
Bruma Sweater and Dress Crochet Pattern
Designer: Joy of Motion Crochet
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted Lite
With just the basic crochet stitches you can create your very own crochet sweater dress! Since it is a seamless project there’s very little finishing when you’re done stitching.
Kensington Sweater Dress
Designer: Lulo Stitch Co.
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Heartland
Whether you pair it with tights or leggings, you will look amazing and cozy in the crochet Kensington sweater dress. It is a flexible pattern, you can adjust the length of the skirt, the sleeve, and even the fit. You can even add a belt to elevate the look further.
Coconut Macaroon Crochet Dress
Designer: MJ’s Off the Hook Designs
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Provincial Tweed
The Coconut Macaroon Crochet Dress pattern is easy to customize the length to your preference. This pattern even includes options for a turtleneck and a crewneck.
Are You a Beginner Crochet Who Needs Some Extra Help with Crochet?
If you’re new to crochet and feeling intimidated by all the steps involved in making crochet dresses and other projects, we’re here to help.
Our Crochet Fundamentals Workshop is full of video tutorials to walk you through the basics and beyond. We’re talking about things like how to hold your yarn and hook, how to read a pattern, basic stitches and techniques, finishing tips and so much more!
It’s a great way to learn the basics and boost your crochet confidence in no time.
