The Sunset Frock: A Sweet Crochet Pattern for Baby Girls

Hello, fellow makers! Are you looking to create a truly beautiful and unique dress and a matching headband for a special little girl? I’m excited to share this detailed pattern for the Sunset Frock, a classic top-down dress that’s perfect for newborns to 3 months, with instructions on how to adjust the size for up to 9-12 months. This pattern features a simple yoke, a lovely skirt with a repeating “shell” and “front post double crochet” pattern, and a sweet matching headband.

The pattern is designed to be a great project for all skill levels. We’ll start with a classic top-down yoke, separate the armholes, and then build the skirt with a fun, textured pattern that creates a beautiful drape and flow. The final decorative borders on the hem, neckline, and sleeves give it a polished, professional look. Let’s grab our hooks and yarn and get ready to create something beautiful!

Why You’ll Love Crocheting This Frock:

• Stunning Design: The combination of the classic yoke and the textured skirt creates a beautiful, elegant look.
• Versatile: The pattern can be easily adjusted for different sizes, from newborns to 12 months.
• Skill-Building: You’ll practice a variety of stitches, including basic double crochets, shell stitches, and front post double crochets.
• Perfect for Gifting: A handmade baby dress and headband set is a thoughtful and cherished gift that will be treasured for years to come.

What You’ll Need:

• Yarn: DK or light worsted weight (Number 3) cotton yarn.
• Crochet Hook: A 3.00mm crochet hook.
• Yarn Needle (Tapestry Needle): For weaving in all those ends.
• Scissors:
• Small Button: For the neckline closure.

Essential Crochet Abbreviations:

• ch: chain
• sl st: slip stitch
• sc: single crochet
• dc: double crochet
• FPdc: front post double crochet
• st(s): stitch(es)
• sk: skip
• V-st: V-stitch (dc, ch 1, dc)
• shell: shell stitch (4 dc in a single space)
• fan: fan stitch (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc)
• FO: fasten off

The Pattern: The Sunset Frock (0-3 months)

This dress is worked from the top down, starting with the yoke.

Part 1: The Yoke

1. Foundation Chain: Ch 57.
2. Row 1: Dc in the 4th ch from the hook. Dc in the next 6 ch. Ch 2. Dc in the next 13 ch. Ch 2. Dc in the next 15 ch. Ch 2. Dc in the next 13 ch. Ch 2. Dc in the last 7 ch. (Total: 55 dc, 4 ch-2 spaces)
3. Row 2 (Fan Stitches): Ch 3 (counts as a st), turn. Dc in each st, and work a fan in each of the four ch 2 corner spaces.
4. Row 3 (V-Stitches): Ch 2 (does not count as a st), turn. Dc in the first st, ch 1, sk 1 st. Repeat this pattern across, and work a fan in each of the four ch 2 corner spaces.
5. Rows 4-7: Alternate between a “fan stitch” row and a “V-stitch” row, always working the fan in the ch 2 corner spaces.

Part 2: Separating for Armholes

1. After completing Row 7, join the round with a sl st to the first dc.
2. Ch 2 (does not count as a st). V-st in the first space. Continue the V-st pattern until the first corner ch 2 space.
3. In the first corner, make a V-st. Ch 4 for the underarm space. Sk the sleeve stitches and V-st in the next corner ch 2 space.
4. Continue the V-st pattern across the back and repeat the sleeve separation for the second armhole.
5. Join the round with a sl st to the first V-st.

Part 3: The Skirt

1. The skirt is worked in rounds using a repeating two-row pattern.
2. Row 1 (Shells): Ch 2. Sc and ch 1 in the next space. Shell in the next space. Repeat (sc, ch 1, shell) around the skirt.
3. Row 2 (FPdc): Ch 2, turn. FPdc around each of the stitches in the shells from the previous row.
4. Repeat these two rows for a total of 20 pattern rows, or until the skirt reaches your desired length.

Part 4: Final Edging & Headband

1. Bottom Edging: Join a contrasting yarn color. Ch 3, sl st in the same stitch. Sl st in the next stitch. Repeat this pattern around the entire bottom edge.
2. Sleeves: Ch 4, sl st in the same stitch. Sl st in the next 2 stitches. Repeat this pattern around the armholes.
3. Neckline: Work a row of sl st along the neckline. Ch 2 to create a buttonhole at the top edge.
4. Headband:
   • Start: Ch 58.
   • Row 1: Dc in the 4th ch from the hook and in each ch across.
   • Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across.
   • Border: Add a border of (ch 3, sl st, sk 1 sc) around the entire headband.
   • FO and sew the short ends together to form a ring.

Congratulations, you’ve created a beautiful and unique Sunset Frock! This will be a special and cherished piece for any little girl. Happy hooking!

Video tutorial: