Materials Needed & Measurements:
- Hook: 5.5 mm (US I-9, UK 5)
- Yarn: Debbie Bliss- Piper (50% cotton, 50% viscose) in colors:
- Gold (CA)
- Pebble (CB)
- Sky (CC)
- Yarn Colors Used:
- Gold (CA)
- Pebble (CB)
- Sky (CC)
- Gauge: 16 stitches & 15 rows = 10 cm (4 inches)
- Other Tools:
- Needle
- Stitch Markers
- Scissors
Abbreviations:
- ch = chain(s)
- hdc = half double crochet
- hdc2tog = crochet together 2 half double crochets
- FSC = foundation single crochet
- sc = single crochet
- PM = place marker
Stitching Instructions for Making the Crochet Summer Dress Pattern:
Step 1: Creating the Foundation
- Begin with a FSC row that matches your chest circumference. For example, if your chest is 90 cm (35 inches), use the gauge (16 stitches = 10 cm) to calculate the number of stitches: 90÷10×16=14490 \div 10 \times 16 = 14490÷10×16=144 stitches. Ensure the stitch count is a multiple of 4.
- Example: If you need 144 stitches, work 144 FSC.
- Once the foundation is complete, attach the last stitch to the first stitch with a slip stitch, forming a loop. Make sure the foundation isn’t twisted.
- PM at the joining place to mark the beginning of the round.
Step 2: Working the Bodice
- Round 1: Ch 1, hdc in each FSC around. Slip stitch to the first hdc to merge.
- Rounds 2–6: Ch 1, hdc in each stitch around. Bond with a slip stitch to the first hdc after each round.
- Use CA (Gold) for these rounds.
- The bodice forms a simple tube shape at this stage.
- Rounds 7–10: Switch to CB (Pebble) and continue as follows:
- Ch 1, hdc in each stitch around.
- Ensure your tension is consistent for smooth color transitions.
Step 3: Shaping the Waist
- Round 11 (Decrease Round):
- Ch 1, (hdc2tog, hdc in next 2 stitches) around. This reduces the stitch count by 25%.
- Example: If you started with 144 stitches, after this round you will have 108 stitches.
- Relate with a slip stitch to the first hdc to close the round.
- Rounds 12–14: Ch 1, hdc in each stitch around.
- Use CC (Sky) for these rounds.
Step 4: Forming the Skirt
- Round 15 (Increase Round):
- Ch 1, (2 hdc in the next stitch, hdc in the next 3 stitches) around.
- This increases the stitch count by 25%. For example, 108 stitches become 135 stitches.
- Rounds 16–18: Use CA (Gold) and work as follows: Ch 1, hdc in each stitch around.
- Rounds 19–21: Switch to CB (Pebble) and repeat: Ch 1, hdc in each stitch around.
- Rounds 22–24: Switch to CC (Sky) and repeat:
- Ch 1, hdc in each stitch around.
- Repeat the above color sequence until the desired skirt length is achieved, ensuring even increases every 4–5 rounds. To maintain flare, add increase rounds as follows: Ch 1, (2 hdc in the next stitch, hdc in the next 4 stitches) around.
Step 5: Adding the Straps
- Try on the dress to determine the placement of the straps. PM where the straps will attach on both the front and back of the bodice.
- For each strap:
- Attach CA (Gold) to the marked stitch on the front of the bodice.
- Work ch 25 (or the desired strap length).
- Turn, skip the turning chain, and work 1 hdc in each chain across.
- Repeat for 3–4 more rows of hdc to create a sturdy strap.
- Attach the strap to the corresponding marked stitch on the back of the bodice using slip stitches or a yarn needle.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
- Work a round of sc along the neckline and armholes with CC (Sky): Ch 1, sc evenly around, ensuring smooth edges.
- Weave in all loose ends using the needle. Trim excess yarn with scissors.
- Block the dress to shape: Wet the dress lightly and lay it flat on a towel. Adjust to your measurements and allow it to dry.
Your stylish crochet summer dress is ready to wear!
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