How to crochet an easy shell stitch baby / girl's dress for beginners

This detailed step by step tutorial will show you how to crochet a pretty baby / girl's dress or top. This dress is worked from the top down and is a suitable project for beginners.

For size 0 - 6 months use a size 5.5mm crochet hook
For size 6 - 12 months use a size 6mm crochet hook
For size 1 - 2 years use a size 7mm crochet hook
For size 2 - 3 years use a size 8mm crochet hook

For my dress I used a 6mm crochet hook and Drops Big Merino yarn.

Thank you for watching x

[shmaisraelis]

I am thankful that you are slower than most “teachers”. You are precise and work a few stitches in each row just so that we can get the pattern. Thanks for your time and effort

[hattie]

First proper crochet garment i have successfully made, proud as punch so decided to make more in different colours and sizes, thank yoi so much

[karenwyld]

I have made this dress twice in DK. I think it's about a 3 to 6 month. So easy to do and your instructions are spot on. I would say I'm an intermediate crocheter and forwarded on in places where I could see what the pattern was but I love that this is so beginner friendly and anyone from beginner to advanced can follow your pattern. Only thing I struggle with is length so I made my dresses 13nch from shoulder which seems to be for 3 to 6 months x

[verederenthal]

This is the easiest dress ever. Thank you for the clear tutorial.

[taylormarta]

Just a tip for folks who are making this dress: The pattern and tutorial are GREAT (so easy to follow, even good if you are a beginner and this is your first dress). BUT if you are making this for a newborn or a baby who is on the smaller side, use a smaller crochet hook. I made this dress for my daughter who is a VERY petite 4 month old. I followed the recommended hook size of 5.5, but the dress is GIGANTIC. My daughter is wearing 0-3 month size baby clothes (US sizes) and even a few of her newborn sized clothes still fit. So, I'll likely make this dress again using a 4.5mm (maybe a 5???) crochet hook so that it will be closer to newborn or 0-3 month baby size. If you are making this for a baby shower or as a gift for a newborn, I guarantee the 5.5mm crochet hook will produce a dress that is way too big.

[debbieredman]

I can not tell you how much I appreciate this tutorial.  I think it is the first time I have made a new pattern and did not have to rip out and redo.  Perfectly described, and such a cute dress, and so, so easy.  Thank you again.

[inesnorris]

Halló i started this dress with a 3cm thicker yarn for a 1 year old great granddaughter. I use a 4.5 hook and a 78 chain. You are great explaining in detail. My first time crocheting a dress. I’m a beginner and love your tutorials. Thankfully my 👏👏👏🧎💐💐✅👵🏻

[favouritetutorials]

Thankyou so much.  You are so patient, repeating yourself without any change in your tone.  A great teacher and a beautiful voice.  Hugs from me and my grandkids who will be wearing the outfits this autumn and winter

[EmileaLiebe]

You have the best crochet tutorials that I have EVER seen! Thank you so much for taking the time and effort to make these easy to follow 💛

[meganreed]

I just finished making this for my daughter for her Easter dress. I used Caron Simply Soft yarn. I started with a J hook and used that for the very beginning. Once I got past the row that makes the arm holes I increased to a K and finally about half way thru I increased to a L and used that to finish it out. That helped to give it a nice little flared out look. She wears size 4T!

[markandkrystalpfiester]

This is the easiest tutorial I've ever followed! Thank you so much for making it! I'm working on making my first ever baby dress as we speak, and I'm loving how it's coming out!

[cutnpasteuk]

Just completed my first ever dress. Having read the comments and trying to make a miniature version for a doll I just dropped hook and stitch size this worked up a charm. I know understand how dresses work up and found this easy to follow so thank you so much for the tutorial, it's great and most appreciated.

[needlenhook]

I made this dress in 2017 and I still have it. It's so cute!

[donnettbouge]

I was trying to post my lil newborn dress. I did make a few adjustments to fit a newborn! This is my New Absolute Favorite Dress to make! Thank you so very much for your Amazing & easy to follow tutorials! I promote you whenever possible!

[roserapoza]

Absolutely love this dress! You make it so easy. Excellent teacher! Being from the US, I love listening to your British accent.

[elainewilliams]

Hi, I am a beginner at crocheting and have only made baby blankets and baby hats, and adult scarves and cowls so far so I am going to try and make this cute baby dress for a newborn for a friend. Thank you so much for sharing all of your crochet item tutorials, you explain everything so clearly and easy to understand - I am from the UK too and live in Canada now. Thanks again!

[kimpowers]

Working on this dress for my granddaughter. It is so cute! I love your tutorials! Thank you so much.

[MrsJolene]

This is the best tutorial ever!! Today I had the crochet hook in my hands for the first time and I am done with the dress!!! Thank you so much for such thorough instructions!

[ashleybt]

I've done almost all of your patterns and loved the final products! Your instructions are precise and easy to follow. Thank you!

[phyllisluna]

I made your dress for my cousin's first grandchild and very much loves your dress. Thank you