By Molly Hart
There is something undeniably magical about wearing a garment you made with your own two hands, especially when it is as comfortable and flattering as a maxi dress. This free easy crochet maxi dress pattern is designed specifically with beginners in mind. By utilizing simple rectangular construction and basic stitches, you can create a stunning, drapey summer dress without any complicated shaping or stressful math!
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Whether you are heading to a beach vacation, attending a casual backyard wedding, or just lounging on the patio, this dress is the perfect wardrobe staple. The half double crochet stitch provides a beautiful, opaque fabric with incredible drape, especially when paired with a soft cotton or bamboo blend yarn.
Why You Will Love This Pattern
Many crochet garment patterns can feel intimidating due to armhole shaping, neckline decreases, and complex sizing. This pattern eliminates all of that! The dress is made from two identical rectangles that are seamed together. We leave gaps in the seams for the armholes, a chic side slit, and the neckline. A simple crocheted tie belt cinches the waist to give it a beautiful, tailored silhouette.
Quick Stats:
- Skill Level: Easy
- Finished Size: 22 inches wide by 50 inches long (fits bust sizes 34-40 inches with comfortable ease)
- Yarn: DK weight (3), approximately 2,100 yards
- Hook: US I/9 (5.5 mm)
Scroll down for the complete free pattern, complete with stitch counts at the end of every row!
What You Will Need
- Yarn: DK (Weight 3) cotton or bamboo blend yarn — approximately 2,100 yards. (Cotton/bamboo blends are highly recommended for their weight and drape, which pulls the dress down beautifully rather than adding bulk.)
- Hook: US I/9 (5.5 mm) crochet hook
- Notions: Yarn needle, stitch markers, scissors, and a measuring tape
- Gauge: 14 sts and 10 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in half double crochet (hdc)
Tips Before You Start
- Check your gauge: Because this dress relies on the drape of the fabric, gauge is important. If your stitches are too tight, the dress will be stiff. Adjust your hook size if necessary to meet the 14 sts per 4 inches.
- Customizing the length: This pattern is written for a 50-inch length. If you are taller or shorter, simply add or subtract rows from the main panels before fastening off. Every 2.5 rows equals about 1 inch of length.
- Turning chains: The chain 2 at the beginning of each row does not count as a stitch. Always work your first half double crochet into the very first stitch of the row.
Pattern Instructions
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch: chain
- hdc: half double crochet
- sc: single crochet
- st(s): stitch(es)
- RS: right side
- WS: wrong side
Front Panel
Foundation: Ch 79.
Row 1 (RS): Hdc in 3rd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn. (77 sts)
Rows 2-125: Ch 2, hdc in each st across, turn. (77 sts)
Fasten off and leave a long tail for seaming.
Back Panel
Foundation: Ch 79.
Row 1 (RS): Hdc in 3rd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn. (77 sts)
Rows 2-125: Ch 2, hdc in each st across, turn. (77 sts)
Fasten off and leave a long tail for seaming.
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Tie Belt
Foundation: Ch 202.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (201 sts)
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Assembly & Finishing
1. Block your panels: For the best drape and easiest seaming, wet block both your Front and Back panels to exactly 22 inches wide by 50 inches long.
2. Shoulder Seams: Lay the Front and Back panels flat, with the Right Sides (RS) facing each other. Whipstitch the outer 21 stitches on the left side, and the outer 21 stitches on the right side. This leaves the center 35 stitches unsewn to create a comfortable boat-neck opening.
3. Side Seams: Measure 8 inches down from the shoulder seam on both sides and place a stitch marker (this creates your armholes). Measure 15 inches up from the bottom hem on both sides and place a stitch marker (this creates your side slits). Using your yarn needle, whipstitch the side seams together only between the two markers on each side.
4. Final Touches: Weave in all remaining ends. Turn the dress right side out. Wrap the tie belt around your waist to cinch the dress and create a beautiful, gathered silhouette!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dress in a larger or smaller size?
Absolutely! Because this dress is made of two simple rectangles, it is incredibly easy to resize. To make it wider, simply add chains to your foundation chain in any number (just remember that 3.5 stitches equals 1 inch of width). To make it longer or shorter, adjust the total number of rows (2.5 rows equals 1 inch of length).
What is the best yarn for a crochet dress?
For a maxi dress, you want a yarn that has excellent drape so it flows rather than sticking out stiffly. Cotton blends, bamboo, linen, and silk blends in DK or Sport weight are ideal. Avoid heavy worsted weight acrylics, as they can make the dress too warm and bulky.
Do I have to wear a slip under this dress?
The half double crochet stitch creates a fairly solid fabric, but because it is a crochet item, there will be tiny gaps between the stitches. Depending on your comfort level and the color of yarn you choose, you may want to wear a lightweight slip, a swimsuit, or nude undergarments beneath the dress.
I absolutely love seeing your finished projects! If you make this Easy Breezy Maxi Dress, be sure to tag me on Instagram or share a photo in our crochet community Facebook group. Happy crocheting!
