Easy Baby Sun Dress
This is a very simple little sundress that can be manipulated in so many ways! If you
use sport weight yarn & a 3mm hook, you will gain a preemie size, DK & a 4mm
hook will give you a newborn size, DK & a 5mm hook will get you 0-3 months size, &
worsted weight & a 5.5mm or 6mm hook will give you 3-6 months size.
Stitches used: ch = chain
sc = single crochet
dc = double crochet
V-stitch = double crochet, chain 1, double crochet, all in the same spot.
sl st = slip stitch
Yoke:
Row 1: Chain 68, in 3rd chain from hook, dc 1, & dc 1 in each chain for the next 8
chains (10 stitches total). V-stitch (double crochet, chain 1, double crochet) in the
next chain. ( this is the back half, the extra 3 stitches count as button tab.) dc in the
next 15 chains. V-stitch in the next chain. (this is one shoulder side).
dc in the next 15 chains. V-stitch in the next chain. (this is the front of the dress). dc
in the next 15 chains. V- stitch in the next chain. (this is the other shoulder side.) dc
in the next 7 chains, chain 3 & turn.
You will notice that there are 3 extra stitches on one side, this is because those
stitches will be used as the button tab.
Row 2:
dc into 2nd dc from end (ch 3 acts as first dc on row), dc 1 in the next 6 dc’s. V-
stitch into the chain1 center of V-stitch. dc into the next 17 dc’s. V-stitch into the
ch1 center of V-stitch. dc into the next 17 dc’s. V-stitch into the ch1 center of V-
stitch. dc into the next 17 dc’s. V-stitch into the ch1 center of V-stitch. dc into the
next 11 dc’s, ch 3 , turn.
Row 3:
dc into 2nd dc from end (ch 3 acts as first dc on row), dc into the next 12 dc’s. V-
stitch into the ch1 center of V-stitch. dc into the next 19 dc’s. V-stitch into the ch1
center of V-stitch. dc into the next 19 dc’s. V-stitch into the ch1 center of V-stitch. dc
into the next 19 dc’s. dc into the next 9 dc’s. Ch 3 & turn.
Row 4:
dc into 1st dc, (skip 1, 2 dc, ch1, 2 dc) into next dc 4 times. 2 dc into ch 1 center of
V-stitch, ch 1, 2 dc into NEXT V-stitch center. (skipping 19 dc’s & Thus forming the
arm-hole). (skip 1, 2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) 10 times, then 2 dc into ch 1 center of V-stitch,
ch 1, 2 dc into NEXT V-stitch center. (skipping 19 dc’s & Thus forming the 2nd arm-
hole), (skip 1, 2 dc, ch1, 2 dc) into next dc 4 times, skip 1, 2 dc into the next stitch (
there will be three stitches left, this is ok, it forms the button tab), sc 1 & slip stitch
join to the other 2 dc’s. ch 3, but DO NOT turn.
All of the remaining rows will be worked in the round.
Row 5:
dc 1, ch 1, 2 dc into join ( ch 3 acts as 1st dc in row), (2dc, ch 1, 2 dc) into the ch1
of each ( ) set, all the way around, treating the join under the arms as a ( ) set. You
should have 21 ( ) sets altogether.
sl st join last ( ) set into first ( ) set. sl st through very top of 1st 2 dc’s (1 is a dc, 1
is a ch3) in the round, so that you are now in the center of the ( ) set. This sets you
up for the next round of ( ) stitch sets, allowing for a seamless look.
Rows 6- 16:
chain 3, dc 1, ch 1, 2 dc into join ( ch 3 acts as 1st dc in row), (2dc, ch 1, 2 dc) into
the ch1 of each ( ) set, all the way around, sl st join, & sl st to center of ( ) set.
Repeat 10 times.
Row 17:
Break off yarn if you are doing a contrast color. with contrasting color, sl st between
( ) set joins, and make a shell of 7 dc’s into center of ( ) set. sl st inbetween next ( )
set, & continue around, to make a total of 21 shells.
Finishing:
sc around neck-line in contrasting color. You may also wish to sc around the
armholes.
Add a button or two sewed onto the flap in the back, no need for button-holes as the
dc stitches work just fine for it.
Also, if you wish, the buttons may be the front of the dress just as easily as the
back.
I hope you enjoy this simple little pattern. I made it up in response to a need for our
local humanitarian center newborn kits, because it is fast & easy, & can be worked
up in just a few hours.
I also have made up a bloomers or diaper cover pattern to match this dress. I hope
you will try it out!
Also, if you have some spare yarn, please make a little set for some needy child at
your local OB ward, just drop it off, I guarantee they can always use it, it will help
someone who truly needs it ~ a tiny innocent new one. Have a beautiful, service-
filled day, & God Bless you for your kindness!
