Free Idlewild Crochet Dress Pattern

Materials Needed & Measurements:

• Yarn:
  • Lion Brand Beautiful You
    • Weight: 2 (fine) – 326 yards, 3.5 oz per skein
    • Recommended colors:
      • Rooibos Tea (#165-138) (adult dress)
      • Arrowood (#165-194) (child peplum top)
      • Aquatic (#165-105) (child dress)
  • Substitutes: Other Category 2 (Sport or Baby weight) yarns like Lion Brand’s Dotted Line or L.B. Collection Merino Camel.
• Crochet Hook: Size G (4.25mm) crochet hook
• Additional Tools:
  • Tapestry needle
  • Stitch markers or safety pins
  • An iron with a steam setting or a handheld steamer for blocking
  • T-pins or rustproof straight sewing pins for blocking

Abbreviations Used:

• ch: chain
• sc: single crochet
• dc: double crochet
• sl st: slip stitch
• sk: skip
• st(s): stitch(es)
• RS: right side
• WS: wrong side

Stitching Instructions for Making the Idlewild Crochet Dress Pattern:

Foundation Chain and Base Row:

• Foundation Chain (Ch):
  • Start by creating a foundation chain that fits the desired bust measurement. Use the size chart to determine the appropriate chain length for your size, ensuring the total chain is a multiple of 8 + 1 to match the stitch pattern.
  • For example, if you’re making an adult size, you might chain 129 (120 + 9 extra for sizing). Adjust for the child’s size as needed, based on the stitch count required.
• Row 1 (RS):
  • Ch 1 (this does not count as a stitch).
  • Sc in each chain across.
  • Turn your work.

Establishing the Lace Pattern:

• Row 2 (WS):
  • Ch 3 (this counts as the first double crochet (dc) of the row).
  • Dc in the next stitch.
  • Ch 2, sk the next 2 stitches, dc in the next 2 stitches.
  • Repeat from to across the row, ending with a dc in the last stitch.
  • Turn your work.

Lace and Texture Detail:

• Row 3 (RS):
  • Ch 1 (this does not count as a stitch).
  • Sc in the first 2 stitches.
  • In the next chain-2 space, work (sc, ch 3, sc) to form a small shell.
  • Sc in the next 2 dc.
  • Repeat from to across the row, ending with a sc in the last 2 dc.
  • Turn your work.
• Row 4 (WS):
  • Ch 3 (counts as your first dc).
  • Dc in the next stitch.
  • Ch 2, sk the next sc, dc in the next 2 dc stitches.
  • Repeat from to across, ensuring to end with a dc in the last stitch.
  • Turn your work.
• Repeat Rows 3 and 4 until the bodice reaches the desired length for the dress or top.

Shaping the Waist:

• Decrease Row (RS):
  • Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch).
  • Sc2tog (single crochet two together) over the first 2 stitches.
  • Sc in the next 3 stitches.
  • Repeat from to across the row, ending with a sc2tog.
  • Turn your work.
• Work evenly for 2 inches (or as needed) to create the shaping for the waist. You can decrease in every row if a tighter waist is desired, or decrease every other row for a looser fit.

Creating the Skirt Section (for Adult Dress):

• Switching to Skirt Lace Pattern (RS):
  • Start the skirt by switching to the lace pattern established in Rows 3 and 4.
  • Continue working in the lace pattern until the skirt reaches the desired length (from the waist).
  • When you reach the final row, end on a WS row.
  • Turn your work.

For Child’s Peplum Top:

• For a child’s peplum top, you will work 6 rows of lace (using Rows 3 and 4) below the waist. After finishing the lace section, work a single crochet (sc) edging around the entire peplum to prevent the edges from curling.

Finishing Touches (Edging and Neckline):

• Neckline Edge (RS):
  • With the right side facing, attach yarn at the back neckline.
  • Ch 1 (this does not count as a stitch).
  • Sc evenly around the neckline edge.
  • Join with a sl st to the first sc of the row.
  • Fasten off and weave in any loose ends.
• Sleeve Edges (RS):
  • Attach yarn at the underarm of the armhole.
  • Ch 1, then sc evenly around the armhole edge.
  • Join with a sl st to the first sc.
  • Repeat for the second armhole.
• Hem Edging (RS):
  • To finish the hem of the dress, you can create a scalloped edge by doing the following:
  • Sc, ch 3, sc in every third stitch across the bottom edge of the dress.
  • This will give you a decorative, scalloped hem.

Blocking:

• Once the crochet work is finished, you will need to block the dress or top to relax the stitches and even out the fabric.
  • Use a steam iron or handheld steamer and carefully steam block the finished piece.
  • Pin the edges into place with T-pins or rustproof straight sewing pins to achieve the desired shape.
  • Let the piece dry completely before wearing.

Now, you have created the Idlewild Crochet Dress pattern with ease and elegance. Enjoy your crochet journey!

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