Best in Dress Crochet Shift Dress Pattern

Crocheting is a delightful hobby that allows you to express your creativity through stunning fabric creations. One lovely project you can undertake is the Best in Dress Crochet Shift Dress, designed elegantly with vibrant granny squares. In this guide, we’ll delve into every aspect of creating this beautiful dress, which can be the highlight of your wardrobe.

About the Design

The Best in Dress Crochet Shift Dress is a charming piece that showcases classic granny squares in a modern silhouette. This unique design incorporates multiple colors, offering versatility for various occasions. Whether you’re heading out for a casual brunch or wearing it for a summer party, this dress exudes style and comfort.

Sizes

This pattern is available in various sizes to fit different body types:

• XS/S/M: (Bust: 32-34”, Waist: 24-26”, Hip: 34-36”)
• L/XL/2X: (Bust: 36-38”, Waist: 28-30”, Hip: 38-40”)
• 3X/4X/5X: (Bust: 40-42”, Waist: 32-34”, Hip: 42-44”)

Finished Measurements

The finished dress will have an approximate length of 34-36 inches, depending on size. The relaxed fit ensures comfort while allowing for some movement.

Materials

this Pattern

To complete this dress, you will need the following materials:

Yarn

• Red Heart® All in One™ Granny Square™

  • Contrast A (Moody Cherry, 2019):

    • XS/S/M: 1 ball (makes 8 Granny Squares)
    • L/XL/2X: 1 ball (makes 10 Granny Squares)
    • 3X/4X/5X: 1 ball (makes 12 Granny Squares)

  • Contrast B (Carnation Code, 2020):

    • XS/S/M: 1 ball (makes 9 Granny Squares)
    • L/XL/2X: 1 ball (makes 11 Granny Squares)
    • 3X/4X/5X: 1 ball (makes 13 Granny Squares)

  • Contrast C (Dove, 2016):

    • XS/S/M: 1 ball (makes 8 Granny Squares)
    • L/XL/2X: 1 ball (makes 10 Granny Squares)
    • 3X/4X/5X: 1 ball (makes 13 Granny Squares)

  • Contrast D (Hyper Violet, 2022):

    • XS/S/M: 1 ball (makes 7 Granny Squares)
    • L/XL/2X: 1 ball (makes 9 Granny Squares)
    • 3X/4X/5X: 1 ball (makes 12 Granny Squares)

  • Contrast E (Black, 0312):

    • XS/S/M: 1 ball (57/52 yds/m)
    • L/XL/2X: 1 ball (71/65 yds/m)
    • 3X/4X/5X: 1 ball (86/79 yds/m)

• Red Heart® Super Saver®

  • (7 oz/198 g; 364 yds/333 m; used as Contrast E Black base material per pattern)

Tools

• Crochet Hook: Size U.S. I/9 (5.5 mm) Susan Bates® Silvalume® crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge.
• Yarn Needle: Susan Bates® yarn needle for weaving in ends.
• Tape Measure: For accurate measurements.

Gauge

To ensure that your dress turns out the right size, it’s essential to check your gauge. Use the suggested yarn and hook size to achieve approximately 4” x 4” = 18 dc x 10 rows in double crochet.

Intermediate Technical Notes

As you begin the project, here are some important technical notes to keep in mind for creating the granny squares and managing your color transitions:

• Each motif begins with Color 1 (shortest color repeat) from the center of the pull skein, leaving a 4” [10 cm] tail for weaving in later.
• Each color aligns with one round in the motif, with a total of five colors used in this project.
• If you have too much color left at the end of the round, gently pull back some stitches and loosen your gauge to rework and finish at the color change.
• Conversely, if your color supply is short, pull back some stitches and slightly tighten your gauge for an accurate finish.
• When you complete a motif, cut the yarn where Color 5 (longest color repeat) ends, leaving a tail for weaving in.

For a detailed step-by-step on how to create a granny square, you can visit the following link: Granny Square Guide.

Determining Your Size

It’s crucial to take accurate measurements to select the correct size for your dress. General sizing may not always provide the perfect fit, especially for handmade garments.

Pattern Notes

• The instructions are primarily written for the smallest size. Changes for larger sizes will be noted as XS/S/M (L/XL/2X – 3X/4X/5X).
• When only one number is specified, it applies to all sizes.

Instructions

MOTIFS

Make:

• 8 (10-12) with A.
• 9 (11-13) with B.
• 8 (10-13) with C.
• 7 (9-12) with D.

Motif Creation:

1. With Color 1, ch 4. Join with a sl st to the first ch to form a ring.

2. 1st rnd (RS):

   • Ch 6.
   • (3 dc, ch 3) 3 times in the ring.
   • 2 dc in the ring.
   • Join.

3. 2nd rnd:

   • Sl st in ch-3 sp.
   • Ch 6.
   • 3 dc in the same ch-3 sp.
   • Ch 1. (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in the next ch-3 sp.
   • Repeat from * twice more.
   • Ch 1.
   • 2 dc in the first ch-3 sp.
   • Join.

4. 3rd rnd:

   • Sl st in ch-3 sp.
   • Ch 6.
   • 3 dc in the same ch-3 sp.
   • Ch 1. 3 dc in the next ch-1 sp. Ch 1. (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in the next ch-3 sp.
   • Repeat from * twice more.
   • Ch 1.
   • 3 dc in the last ch-1 sp.
   • Ch 1.
   • 2 dc in the first ch-3 sp.
   • Join.

5. 4th & 5th rnds:

   • Sl st in ch-3 sp.
   • Ch 6.
   • 3 dc in the same ch-3 sp.
   • (Ch 1, 3 dc) in each ch-1 sp to the next ch-3 sp. Ch 1.
   • (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in the next ch-3 sp.
   • Repeat from * twice more, then from * to ** once.
   • 2 dc in the first ch-3 sp.
   • Join.
   • Fasten off.

Size 3X/4X/5X only: Shoulder Motifs

Left Shoulder Motif:

1. Join E with sl st to any ch-3 sp of the last rnd on a B Motif.
2. Ch 3.
3. 1 dc in the same ch-3 sp.
4. Ch 1.
5. (Skip the next 3 dc. 3 dc in next sp. Ch 1) 4 times.
6. Skip the next 3 dc.
7. 2 dc in the next ch-3 sp.
8. Turn (16 dc).

Repeat for Right Shoulder Motif, beginning on a C Motif instead.

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Front & Back Panels (Make 2 Alike)

• Sew 5 rows of 15 (15-20) motifs together with E, as illustrated in the assembly diagram, through back loops only using whip st.
• Note: All sizes will have motifs on shoulders that will fold in half to create neck depth.

Assembly / Seams

1. Shoulders: Sew 1 motif at each side for shoulders, noting that shoulder motifs for sizes 3X/4X/5X will have E section rows at the neck edge.
2. For XS/S/M: Sew side and shoulder seams.
3. For L/XL/2X and 3X/4X/5X: Sew 4 motifs along each side of the front to form extra width at side seams.

Finishing (All Sizes)

Neck Edging

1. On the RS, join E with sl st to any dc.
2. Ch 1. 1 single crochet in the same dc.
3. Work stitches evenly around the neck edge having:
   • 1 sc in each dc,
   • 1 sc in each ch-3 corner sp,
   • 1 dc in each joining seam.
4. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
5. Fasten off.

Armhole and Bottom Edging

• Work as per Neck Edging around armholes and bottom edging.

Frequently Asked Questions

What crochet hook is used for this pattern?

Use a Size U.S. I/9 (5.5 mm) Susan Bates® Silvalume® crochet hook, or adjust to obtain gauge.

How many granny squares will I need?

The amount varies by size from a total of 34 to 49 squares, depending on the dimensions chosen.

Is assembly required for this dress?

Yes, assembly is required, including sewing the motifs together and creating shoulder seams.

Conclusion

The Best in Dress Crochet Shift Dress is a beautiful and vibrant addition to your handmade wardrobe. With its lovely motifs and customizable size options, you can create a truly unique garment for any occasion. Follow the instructions carefully, and enjoy the process of crafting your own crochet masterpiece! Happy crocheting!