Lavender Ombré Baby Dress Free Crochet Pattern

I call this one the Charlotte Dress, and the ombré effect is my favourite happy accident! I had three partial skeins of purple in different shades and decided to use them all, and the graduating tiers turned out so pretty. We will make the tiered lace dress, a matching bucket hat with a crocheted flower, and a sweet beaded necklace, so your little one gets a whole special-occasion set.

The dress has a simple single crochet bodice with an open back closed with buttons, and the real showstopper is the skirt: a pineapple fan lace worked in three shades of purple, tier by tier, so each layer overlaps the one above it like a ruffle.

We work the bodice front flat, then the two back panels flat, join them at the shoulders, add the skirt in rounds from the waist down, and finish with the hat and necklace. The set fits a toddler approximately 12 to 18 months old.

Materials

• DK weight (light 3) yarn in pale lavender (Color A), approximately 300 yards
• DK weight (light 3) yarn in medium purple (Color B), approximately 200 yards
• DK weight (light 3) yarn in deep violet (Color C), approximately 200 yards
• US size E-4 / 3.5 mm crochet hook, for bodice and hat crown
• US size F-5 / 3.75 mm crochet hook, for skirt lace tiers
• Yarn needle
• Three 0.5 inch / 12 mm buttons
• Sewing needle and thread to match yarn
• 24 inches satin ribbon, 0.5 inch wide, in pale lavender
• 4 stitch markers
• Small rhinestone or pearl button for hat flower center
• 18 inches thin craft cord or crochet thread for necklace base

Abbreviations

• beg: beginning
• ch: chain
• ch-sp: chain space
• dc: double crochet
• hdc: half double crochet
• inc: increase (2 sc in same stitch)
• rnd: round
• RS: right side
• sc: single crochet
• sc2tog: single crochet two together, a decrease
• sk: skip
• sl st: slip stitch
• sp: space
• st(s): stitch(es)
• tr: treble crochet
• WS: wrong side
• yo: yarn over

Special Stitches

• Pineapple Fan Stitch: each repeat uses 12 stitches across and 4 rows in height. Row/Rnd 1 (foundation row, RS): sc across all stitches. Row/Rnd 2 (fan base): ch 3 (counts as dc), sk 2 sts, work 5 dc into next st (fan made), sk 2 sts, sc into next st, sk 2 sts, work 5 dc into next st, sk 2 sts, sc into next st, rep across, ending dc in last st. Row/Rnd 3 (fan top): ch 1, sc in first dc, ch 3, sk 2 dc of fan, sc in center dc of fan, ch 3, sk 2 dc, sc in next sc, rep across. Row/Rnd 4 (scallop): ch 3, work 4 dc into first ch-3 sp, sc in next sc, 5 dc into next ch-3 sp, sc in next sc, rep across, ending with sc in last st.
• Shell Stitch (for hat brim): work 5 dc into the same stitch. Skip 2 stitches on either side of the shell for spacing.
• Beaded Ball (for necklace): ch 4, sl st to first ch to form ring. Rnd 1: 6 sc into ring. Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st (12 sc). Rnd 3: sc2tog around (6 sc). Stuff lightly with yarn tail. Rnd 4: sc2tog around, sl st to close (3 sc). Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.
• Flower Petal (for hat appliqué): ch 12, sl st to first ch to form ring. Working into ring: (ch 4, work 7 tr into ring, ch 4, sl st into ring) 6 times. Six petals made. Work a second layer of petals on top by rotating slightly and repeating with Color C for contrast.

Gauge & Size

• Finished size: dress chest 19 inches, waist 18 inches, length (shoulder to hem) 17 inches; hat head circumference 18 inches, depth 5.5 inches; necklace circumference 11 inches. Fits approximately 12 to 18 months
• Gauge: bodice (E-4 hook, single crochet) 20 sc x 24 rows = 4 inches, blocked. Skirt lace (F-5 hook): one full fan repeat (12 stitches wide) = approximately 2.4 inches; four rows of lace = approximately 1.5 inches
• Construction: bodice worked flat in pieces and joined at the shoulders, skirt worked in joined rounds in three tiers, hat worked in rounds, necklace balls threaded on cord
• Skill level: Intermediate (advanced beginner friendly)

Pattern notes: the bodice front and each back panel are worked flat from bottom to shoulder. Shoulder seams are joined by slip stitch with wrong sides together. The skirt attaches directly to the bodice waist in joined rounds, with no seaming required. Each skirt tier attaches by working into the unused loop of a specific row from the previous tier, and the tiers overlap slightly for the layered ruffle effect. Colour changes happen at the beginning of each tier: Tier 1 uses Color A, Tier 2 uses Color B, Tier 3 uses Color C. When joining rounds, work a sl st into the first stitch of that round, not into the turning chain.

Bodice Front Pattern

Using Color A and the E-4 hook.

Foundation: Ch 49.

Row 1 (RS): Sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. (48 sc)

Row 2: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (48 sc)

Row 3: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (48 sc)

Rows 4 through 14: Repeat Row 2, turning at the end of each row. (48 sc each row)

Row 15 (RS, armhole shaping): Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in each st to last 2 sts, sc2tog. Turn. (46 sc)

Row 16: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in each st to last 2 sts, sc2tog. Turn. (44 sc)

Row 17: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in each st to last 2 sts, sc2tog. Turn. (42 sc)

Rows 18 through 26: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (42 sc each row)

After Row 26, your armhole depth is approximately 2.4 inches.

Row 27 (RS, neckline shaping): Ch 1, sc in first 14 sts. Leave remaining sts unworked. Turn. (14 sc) This is the right shoulder section.

Row 28: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in each st across. Turn. (13 sc)

Row 29: Ch 1, sc in each st to last 2 sts, sc2tog. Turn. (12 sc)

Row 30: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in each st across. Turn. (11 sc)

Row 31: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (11 sc)

Row 32: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Fasten off. (11 sc)

Return to the Row 27 stitches. The center 14 stitches (stitches 15 through 28 of Row 26) form the neckline opening. Skip these 14 sts. Rejoin Color A in stitch 29 of Row 26 for the left shoulder.

Row 27L: Ch 1, sc in each of remaining 14 sts. Turn. (14 sc)

Row 28L: Ch 1, sc in each st to last 2 sts, sc2tog. Turn. (13 sc)

Row 29L: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in each st across. Turn. (12 sc)

Row 30L: Ch 1, sc in each st to last 2 sts, sc2tog. Turn. (11 sc)

Row 31L: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (11 sc)

Row 32L: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Fasten off. (11 sc)

The bodice front should measure approximately 6.5 inches in total height and 9.6 inches in width at the waist. Each shoulder section is 11 stitches wide.

Bodice Back Pattern

Make 2 panels. Each back panel is half the bodice width plus 2 stitches for the center back edge overlap.

Right Back Panel — Foundation: Ch 27.

Right Back Panel — Row 1 (RS): Sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. (26 sc)

Right Back Panel — Rows 2 through 14: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (26 sc each row)

Right Back Panel — Row 15 (RS, armhole side): Ch 1, sc in each st to last 2 sts, sc2tog. Turn. (25 sc)

Right Back Panel — Row 16: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in each st across. Turn. (24 sc)

Right Back Panel — Row 17: Ch 1, sc in each st to last 2 sts, sc2tog. Turn. (23 sc)

Right Back Panel — Rows 18 through 32: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (23 sc each row)

Mark the outer (armhole side) 11 sts with a stitch marker for shoulder joining. Fasten off.

Left Back Panel — Foundation: Ch 27.

Left Back Panel — Row 1 (RS): Sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. (26 sc)

Left Back Panel — Rows 2 through 14: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (26 sc each row)

Left Back Panel — Row 15 (RS): Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in each st across. Turn. (25 sc)

Left Back Panel — Row 16: Ch 1, sc in each st to last 2 sts, sc2tog. Turn. (24 sc)

Left Back Panel — Row 17: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in each st across. Turn. (23 sc)

Left Back Panel — Rows 18 through 32: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (23 sc each row)

Fasten off.

Bodice Assembly and Edging

Lay the bodice front RS up. Place the right back panel RS down on top, aligning armhole and shoulder edges. The outer 11 stitches of the back panel shoulder align with the 11 stitches of the bodice front right shoulder. Using Color A and the E-4 hook, join the shoulder seam with sl st through both layers, working 11 sl sts across. Fasten off. (11 sl sts)

Repeat for the left shoulder. (11 sl sts) Weave in all ends at the shoulder seams.

Armhole Edging — Rnd 1: With RS facing, join Color A at the bottom of the right armhole opening with the E-4 hook. Work sc evenly around the armhole opening, approximately 1 sc per row end along straight edges and 1 sc per stitch along horizontal edges. Total approximately 48 sc. Join with sl st. (48 sc)

Armhole Edging — Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in each sc around. Join with sl st. (48 sc)

Armhole Edging — Rnd 3: Ch 1, working from left to right (reverse sc, also called crab stitch), sc in each st around. Join with sl st. Fasten off. (48 sc)

Repeat for the left armhole.

Neckline Edging — Row 1: With RS facing, join Color A at the top right back corner of the neckline with the E-4 hook. Work sc evenly around the entire neckline opening, approximately 34 sc along the front curve, across the back neck shoulders, and along the center back edges. Total approximately 80 sc. Do not join; work flat from right back edge to left back edge. (80 sc)

Neckline Edging — Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each sc across. (80 sc) Fasten off. Weave in ends.

Back Button Band, Right Center Back Edge — Row 1: With RS facing, join Color A at the bottom right center back edge. Work sc evenly along the entire center back edge, 1 sc per row end, approximately 32 sc total. Turn. (32 sc)

Back Button Band — Row 2: Ch 1, sc in each sc across. Turn. (32 sc)

Back Button Band — Row 3 (buttonhole row): Ch 1, sc in first 4 sts, (ch 2, sk 2 sts, sc in next 8 sts) 3 times, sc in remaining sts to end. Turn. (32 sts including ch-2 sps)

Back Button Band — Row 4: Ch 1, sc in each st and 2 sc into each ch-2 sp across. Turn. (32 sc)

Back Button Band — Row 5: Ch 1, sc in each sc across. Fasten off. (32 sc)

Left Center Back Edge: Work 5 rows of sc without buttonholes. (32 sc per row) Sew three buttons to the left button band aligned with the buttonholes. Space evenly: first button approximately 2 inches from top, last button approximately 2 inches from bottom.

Waist Ribbon Channel: With RS facing, join Color A at the right side seam at Row 14 of the bodice (the last row before armhole shaping). Work sl st loosely in each stitch around the entire waist circumference, working through the front loop only. Total approximately 96 sl sts. Do not fasten off. Continue to the skirt.

The assembled bodice should measure approximately 6.5 inches from shoulder to waist edge, with a chest circumference of approximately 19 inches. The back has a full-height open slit closed with three buttons.

Skirt Tier 1 Pattern

The waist has 96 working stitches. The pineapple fan repeat is 12 stitches, and 96 divided by 12 equals 8 full repeats. Switch to the F-5 hook.

Rnd 1 (sc foundation): With Color A, ch 1, sc in each sl st around waist. Join with sl st to first sc. (96 sc)

Rnd 2 (inc round): Ch 1, (sc in 2 sts, inc in next st) across. Join with sl st. (128 sc)

Rnd 3 (inc to 136): Ch 1, (sc in 14 sts, inc in next st) 8 times. Join with sl st. (136 sc)

Rnd 4 (inc to 144): Ch 1, (sc in 16 sts, inc in next st) 8 times. Join with sl st. (144 sc)

144 divided by 12 equals 12 full repeats.

Lace Rnd 1 (fan base): Ch 3 (counts as dc), sk 2 sts, 5 dc in next st, sk 2 sts, sc in next st, (sk 2 sts, 5 dc in next st, sk 2 sts, sc in next st) 11 times, join with sl st to top of ch-3. (12 fans, 12 sc)

Lace Rnd 2 (arches): Ch 1, sc in top of ch-3 from previous rnd, ch 3, sk 2 dc, sc in center dc of fan, ch 3, sk 2 dc, (sc in next sc, ch 3, sk 2 dc, sc in center dc of fan, ch 3, sk 2 dc) 11 times. Join with sl st to first sc. (24 sc, 24 ch-3 sps)

Lace Rnd 3 (scallop): Ch 3 (counts as dc), 4 dc in first ch-3 sp, sc in next sc, (5 dc in next ch-3 sp, sc in next sc) 23 times. Join with sl st to top of ch-3. Fasten off Color A. (24 shells of 5 dc, 24 sc)

After Tier 1, the skirt measures approximately 3 inches below the waist edge.

Skirt Tier 2 Pattern

Tier 2 attaches at the back loop only of stitches in Tier 1 Rnd 1 (the 144-st sc round). Join Color B with the F-5 hook in the back loop of any st in Tier 1 Rnd 1.

Rnd 1: Ch 1, sc in back loop of each st around. Join with sl st. (144 sc)

Rnd 2 (inc round): Ch 1, (sc in 11 sts, inc in next st) 12 times. Join with sl st. (156 sc)

156 divided by 12 equals 13 repeats.

Lace Rnd 1 (fan base): Ch 3, sk 2, 5 dc in next st, sk 2, sc in next st, (sk 2, 5 dc in next st, sk 2, sc in next st) 12 times. Join with sl st to top of ch-3. (13 fans)

Lace Rnd 2 (arches): Ch 1, sc in top of ch-3, ch 3, sk 2 dc, sc in center dc of fan, ch 3, sk 2 dc, (sc in next sc, ch 3, sk 2 dc, sc in center dc, ch 3, sk 2 dc) 12 times. Join with sl st. (26 sc, 26 ch-3 sps)

Lace Rnd 3 (scallop): Ch 3, 4 dc in first ch-3 sp, sc in next sc, (5 dc in next ch-3 sp, sc in next sc) 25 times. Join with sl st to top of ch-3. Fasten off Color B. (26 shells, 26 sc)

Tier 2 hangs below and slightly overlaps Tier 1. The skirt now measures approximately 6 inches below the waist.

Skirt Tier 3 Pattern

Join Color C with the F-5 hook in the back loop of any st in Tier 2 Rnd 1 (the 144-st sc round, before the increase round).

Rnd 1: Ch 1, sc in back loop of each st around. Join with sl st. (144 sc)

Rnd 2 (inc round): Ch 1, (sc in 5 sts, inc in next st) 24 times. Join with sl st. (168 sc)

168 divided by 12 equals 14 repeats.

Lace Rnd 1 (fan base): Ch 3, sk 2, 5 dc in next st, sk 2, sc in next st, (sk 2, 5 dc in next st, sk 2, sc in next st) 13 times. Join with sl st to top of ch-3. (14 fans)

Lace Rnd 2 (arches): Ch 1, sc in top of ch-3, ch 3, sk 2 dc, sc in center dc of fan, ch 3, sk 2 dc, (sc in next sc, ch 3, sk 2 dc, sc in center dc, ch 3, sk 2 dc) 13 times. Join with sl st. (28 sc, 28 ch-3 sps)

Lace Rnd 3 (scallop): Ch 3, 4 dc in first ch-3 sp, sc in next sc, (5 dc in next ch-3 sp, sc in next sc) 27 times. Join with sl st to top of ch-3.

Lace Rnd 4 (extended scallop): Ch 1, sc in top of each dc and each sc of previous rnd. Join. (168 sc)

Lace Rnd 5 (picot scallop hem): Ch 1, sc in first st, (ch 3, sl st in first ch of ch-3 just made, sk 2 sts, sc in next st) across. Join with sl st. Fasten off Color C. (56 picots, 56 sc)

After all three tiers, the skirt measures approximately 10.5 inches below the waist. Total dress length from shoulder to hem is approximately 17 inches.

Ribbon channel finishing: Thread the 24 inch satin ribbon through the waist channel sl st row, entering at the right side seam, weaving in and out through the front loops, and exiting at the left side seam. Pull gently to create a slight gather. Tie in a bow at center front. Trim ribbon ends diagonally to prevent fraying.

Bucket Hat Pattern

Using Color A and the E-4 hook.

Foundation ring: Ch 4, join with sl st to form ring.

Rnd 1: Ch 1, 8 sc into ring. Join with sl st. (8 sc)

Rnd 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in each st around. Join with sl st. (16 sc)

Rnd 3: Ch 1, (sc in 1 st, 2 sc in next st) 8 times. Join with sl st. (24 sc)

Rnd 4: Ch 1, (sc in 2 sts, 2 sc in next st) 8 times. Join with sl st. (32 sc)

Rnd 5: Ch 1, (sc in 3 sts, 2 sc in next st) 8 times. Join with sl st. (40 sc)

Rnd 6: Ch 1, (sc in 4 sts, 2 sc in next st) 8 times. Join with sl st. (48 sc)

Rnd 7: Ch 1, (sc in 5 sts, 2 sc in next st) 8 times. Join with sl st. (56 sc)

Rnd 8: Ch 1, (sc in 6 sts, 2 sc in next st) 8 times. Join with sl st. (64 sc)

Rnd 9: Ch 1, (sc in 7 sts, 2 sc in next st) 8 times. Join with sl st. (72 sc)

Rnd 10: Ch 1, (sc in 8 sts, 2 sc in next st) 8 times. Join with sl st. (80 sc)

Rnd 11: Ch 1, (sc in 9 sts, 2 sc in next st) 8 times. Join with sl st. (88 sc)

Rnds 12 through 22 (hat sides): Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with sl st. (88 sc each rnd)

Rnd 23 (brim inc): Ch 1, (sc in 10 sts, 2 sc in next st) 8 times. Join with sl st. (96 sc)

Rnd 24: Ch 1, (sc in 11 sts, 2 sc in next st) 8 times. Join with sl st. (104 sc)

Rnd 25: Ch 1, (sc in 12 sts, 2 sc in next st) 8 times. Join with sl st. (112 sc)

Rnd 26 (shell brim): Ch 3 (counts as dc), sk 2 sts, 5 dc in next st, sk 2 sts, sl st in next st. Rep (sk 2, 5 dc in next st, sk 2, sl st in next st) around. Join with sl st to top of ch-3. (16 shells)

Rnd 27 (brim edging): Ch 1, sc in each dc and sl st around. Join with sl st. Fasten off Color A. (112 sc)

Optional: Apply Color C to the brim edge with 1 round of sl st for contrast trim.

Hat Flower Appliqué: Using Color B and the E-4 hook, ch 12, sl st to first ch to form ring. Working into ring: (ch 4, work 7 tr into ring, ch 4, sl st into ring) 6 times. Six petals made. Work a second layer of petals on top by rotating slightly and repeating with Color C for contrast. Sew a rhinestone or pearl button to the flower center. Attach the flower to the hat side with a yarn needle and matching thread.

Beaded Necklace Pattern

Make 9 beaded balls following the Beaded Ball special stitch instructions, using Color A and Color B alternately. Each ball: ch 4, sl st to first ch to form ring. Rnd 1: 6 sc into ring. Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st (12 sc). Rnd 3: sc2tog around (6 sc), stuffing lightly with the yarn tail. Rnd 4: sc2tog around, sl st to close (3 sc). Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.

Thread the completed balls onto the 18 inch craft cord, spacing evenly. Tie the cord ends securely. Trim excess cord.

Finishing & Assembly

Weave in all remaining ends throughout the dress, hat, and necklace.

For blocking, wet the dress gently in lukewarm water with a drop of wool wash. Lay flat on a blocking mat or towel, shaping the skirt tiers to fan out evenly. Pin if needed. Allow to dry completely before handling. The hat can be blocked over a balloon or bowl of similar size to maintain shape.

Tips

If you lose your place in the pineapple fan pattern, count your fans at the end of each round. The number should match what the pattern indicates.

The colour transitions look most dramatic when your three purples have clear contrast. Hold all three skeins together before starting to make sure you like how they graduate.

Do not worry if the button band feels fiddly. Take your time with the buttonholes; they are small and can be tricky, but they get easier with practice.

The layering technique might feel strange at first, but trust the process. Once you see Tier 2 overlapping Tier 1, everything clicks into place.