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Introducing the Retro Granny Stitch Dress Pattern! Immerse yourself in the world of vibrant crochet with our Retro Granny Dress Pattern. This captivating crochet dress offers easy customization and a simple construction process.
Worked from one side across in two separate pieces, the dress showcases charming Granny Squares at the front and back, enhancing the neckline and adding intricate detail to the design.
Project Overview
The Retro Granny Dress is a vibrant crochet design featuring classic granny squares at the front and back neckline for a charming retro look. Worked from one side across in two separate pieces, the construction is simple and easy to customize. The pattern includes options for mini or knee length, adjustable sleeve width, sizes XS to 5X, and a full step by step YouTube tutorial.
Hook Sizes: US G+/7 (4.5mm), US H/8 (5mm)
Construction: Worked in two pieces, beginning at the sleeves, from one side across
Video Tutorial: https://youtu.be/VqEAy6ib8VE
Included in the pattern are options for both a mini-length and knee-length version, along with clear instructions on how to adjust the length to suit your preferences. The versatile construction allows for easy modifications to the sleeve width, ensuring a personalized fit.
To make the crocheting process even more accessible, a step-by-step tutorial is available on YouTube. Additionally, this pattern is size-inclusive, ranging from XS to 5X, so crocheters of all sizes can enjoy creating their own Retro Granny Dress. Let your creativity shine with this inclusive and engaging pattern!
Taylor Swift Crochet Dress
I couldn’t resist jumping on this trend! This crochet pattern was inspired by Taylor Swift’s crochet dress. I’ve considered making this dress to complement my granny stitch patterns. When I saw Taylor’s dress taking over the crochet world, I knew I had to add my own spin.
I incorporated a unique feature: granny squares down the center for a bit of extra flair, a slimming affect. I also used side-to-side construction to achieve the seamless sleeves look that I love. I’m thrilled you’re interested in my unique take on this dress!
What Do You Wear Under Your Dress?
I wore a black slip dress underneath my granny dress. If you don’t have one, here are some suitable options I’ve found:
Best Yarn You Ask?
If you know me, you know I love Mary Maxim Prism! Prism is a lightweight, super-soft acrylic yarn that resembles wool. It has the dreamiest colour combinations and the most wonderful drape. The colourways offered make the perfect autumn dress!
Since Mary Maxim Prism only comes in variegated yarns, I’ve also made a second sample using Mary Maxim Best Value for a solid version.
If you’re looking for a more summery yarn, I suggest Comfy Sport Weight yarn, a lightweight, breathable cotton option.
Yarn Requirements
Worsted Weight #4
342yd/170g, 100% Acrylic
Shown in Dark Charcoal
OR
DK Weight #3
290yds/100g, 100% Acrylic Shown in Sunset
See the size chart for yarn requirements in XS-5X
Size Chart For The Granny Stitch Dress
Close to Classic Fit with 0.5-2.5″ inches of Positive Ease. Choose the size based on the preferred Finished Measurement.
Additionally, when working with the Prism yarn, I found that slightly more yardage was used compared to the Best Value yarn. This difference could be attributed to the minor variation in yarn weight or tension while crocheting.
It’s always better to have a little extra yarn on hand than to run out halfway through your project.
Skill Level
Intermediate, written in standard American terms.
Gauge
Body: 5 3-dc clusters and 4 ch-sps (19 sts) & 8.5 rows equal to 4″ with 5mm crochet hook in pattern
Granny Square: 5 Rounds equal to 4″ with 4.5mm crochet
Suitable Yarn Substitutes
Colorfusion (CDN) – 325 yards/100g
Lion Brand Mandala – 590 yds/150g
King Cole Riot DK – 322yDS/100g
Swish Pops– 246 yds/100g
Crochet Hooks Required
Materials
Abbreviations
Ch – Chain
Dc – Double Crochet
Rep – Repeat
RS – Right Side
Sc – Single Crochet
Sk – Skip
Sl St – Slip Stitch
Sp(s) – Space(s)
St(s) – Stitch(es)
WS – Wrong Side
( ) – Work step in parentheses in indicated stitch
[ ] – Work step in brackets the number of times indicated
Special Stitches
Cluster: Work 3 dc in indicated space.
YO sl st: Yarn Over (YO), insert hook in st, pull through 2 loops on the hook.
YO sl st in third loop: Yarn Over (YO), insert hook through the loop to the back found below the stitch, pull through 2 loops on the hook.
Construction
The Retro Granny Stitch Dress is crocheted in two pieces, beginning at the sleeves and worked from one side across. The dress features Granny Squares at the center of both the front and back. The dress’s length is determined by the number of granny squares used: 12 squares for the mini length (6 on the front, 6 on the back) and 14 squares for knee length (7 on the front, 7 on the back).
Once all pieces are completed, assemble the dress into one flat piece. Fold it at the center shoulders and then seam the sides of the dress and sleeves using the mattress stitch. Complete the dress by adding the finishing edging.
Video Tutorial
Join me and follow along to this detailed tutorial to complete this granny stitch dress that is perfect for Fall!
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Digital PDF Download
Digital pattern only. No physical item will be shipped.
Retro Granny Stitch Dress
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Pattern Support is only available in our Facebook Community group and Video Tutorials.
No additional support is provided for modified patterns, alternate yarns, or changes to gauge.
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Pattern For The Gauge
Gauge Swatch:
Setup Row (RS):
With the smaller hook, ch 28, 1 sc in the back bump of the 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn—27 sts.
Row 1 (WS):
With larger hook, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc here and throughout), work 1 dc in each of next 2 sts, *ch 1, sk next st, 1 dc in each of next 3 sts; rep from * across, turn—7 clusters.
Row 2:
Ch 4 (counts as 1 dc, ch 1 here and throughout), (cluster, ch 1) in each ch-1 sp across, end with 1 dc between 2nd dc and ch 3, turn—6 clusters, 2 dc.
Row 3:
(Ch 3, 2 dc, ch 1) in first ch-1 sp, (cluster, ch 1) in each ch-1 sp across, turn—7 clusters.
Rows 4-13:
Rep rows 2 & 3 ending. Once you have completed your swatch measure to the inside of the square.
Granny Stitch Dress Pattern
XS (S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X)
Notes
Work from one side across to begin the dress, starting at the sleeve. The pattern is written for the smallest size, with the larger sizes in parentheses ( ). If there is only 1 number, it applies to all sizes—a step-by-step video tutorial is provided on YouTube for size medium.
Sleeve – make 2
Colour match the start of each sleeve.
Setup Row (RS):
With the smaller hook, ch 52 (60, 68, 76, 84, 92, 100, 108, 116), 1 sc in the back bump of the 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn—51 (59, 67, 75, 83, 91, 99, 107, 115) sts. *PM to the RS of work for a helpful reminder.
Row 1 (WS):
With larger hook, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc here and throughout), work 1 dc in each of next 2 sts, *ch 1, sk next st, 1 dc in each of next 3 sts; rep from * across, turn—13 (15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29) clusters.
Row 2:
Ch 4 (counts as 1 dc, ch 1 here and throughout), (cluster, ch 1) in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc between 2nd dc and ch 3, turn—12 (14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28) clusters, 2 dc.
Row 3:
(Ch 3, 2 dc, ch 1) in first ch-1 sp, (cluster, ch 1) in each ch-1 sp across, turn—13 (15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29) clusters.
Rows 4-36:
Rep rows 2 & 3 ending on row 2. The sleeve length is 17″; work fewer or more rows to alter the length ending on row 2. Don’t fasten off.
Body
Mini (Knee Length)
Setup:
Put a slip knot on larger hook, join to top left edge with a sl st, mini-length ch 108 (104, 100, 96, 92, 88, 84, 80, 76). Knee-length ch 128 (124. 120, 116, 112, 108, 104, 100, 96) fasten off. With working yarn at top right of sleeve, mini-length ch 109 (105, 101, 97, 93, 89, 85, 81, 77), Knee-length ch 129 (125, 121, 117, 113, 109, 105, 101, 97).
Row 1:
Work 1 dc in 2nd ch from hook, work 1 dc in each of next 2 chs, *ch 1, sk next ch, 1 dc in each of next 3 chs*; rep from * to * across the body chain, ch 1, sk ch, at sleeve, (cluster, ch 1) in each ch-1 sp to next body chain, sk first ch, work 1 dc in each of next 3 chs, rep from * to * across, turn—Mini 67 clusters, Knee Length 77 clusters.
Row 2:
Ch 4 (counts as 1 dc, ch 1 here and throughout), (cluster, ch 1) in each ch-1 sp across, 1 dc between 2nd dc and 3rd dc(or ch 3), turn—Mini 66 clusters, Knee Length 76 clusters, 2 dc.
Row 3:
(Ch 3, 2 dc, ch 1) in first ch-1 sp, (cluster, ch 1) in each ch-1 sp across, turn—Mini 67 clusters, Knee Length 77 clusters.
Rows 4-13 (15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29):
Rep rows 2 & 3. This section is half the dress width. The 1/2 dress width will also include 1/2 of the granny square (half a granny square equal to 2″). Make sure to check your gauge for the correct width. Work more or fewer rows if needed to get the correct sizing. Fasten off and weave in tails.
Granny Square – make 12 (14)
Round 1:
With smaller hook, Magic Ring, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc, ch 1, *3 dc, ch 1; rep from * 2 more times, pull ring tight, sl st across to ch-1 sp.
Round 2:
Ch 3, work (2 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in ch-1 sp, ch 1, *(3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in next ch-1 sp, ch 1; rep from * 2 more times, sl st across to ch-1 sp.
Round 3:
Ch 3, work (2 dc, ch 1, 3 dc)in ch-1 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, *(3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * 2 more times, sl st across to ch-1 sp.
Round 4:
Ch 3, work (2 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in ch-1 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in next 2 ch-1 sps, *(3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in next 2 ch-1 sps; rep from * 2 more times, sl st across to ch-1 sp.
Round 5:
Ch 3, work (2 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in ch-1 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in next 3 ch-1 sps, *(3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in next 3 ch-1 sps; rep from * 2 more times, sl st across to ch-1 sp. Fasten off with a long tail approximately 4 times the length of the granny square. Weave in the starting tail.
Join Granny Squares
Notes: For the mini length, join 2 panels of 6 squares each. For the knee length, join 2 panels of 7 squares each. Utilize the tails to seam one edge of the squares together.
Seaming Directions:
Place two squares together RS facing. Use the tail and sl st the corners together. Ch 1, sl st through each square going through each st and ch-1 sp, work through the flo of the square to the front and the blo of the square to the back, for the ch-1 sp sl st though the sp of each square to join. Fasten off and weave in tails.
Assembly
To join the Granny Squares panels, align the panels with the right sides facing each other, starting from the bottom. Slip stitch them together in the same manner as the squares were slip stitched. Slip stitch along each front side of one panel, and then slip stitch the other panel along each back side. As you progress, the dress will come together into one large piece with a neck opening 7 clusters deep.
Blocking (optional)
Block the piece to schematic measurements.
Side Seams
The mattress stitch is used to seam the sides to hide the seaming yarn colour. The video tutorial provides a demonstration of how to do the mattress stitch.
To seam using the mattress stitch:
- Place the two pieces you want to join side by side, with the right sides facing out.
- Thread a tapestry needle with a matching yarn (2 times the length to seam).
- Insert the needle through the side of the stitch on one side, pulling the yarn through.
- Move to the other side and insert the needle through the side of the corresponding stitch.
- Repeat this process, working back and forth between the two sides, ensuring the tension matches the surrounding stitches.
- Continue seaming until the pieces are securely joined.
- Once complete, weave in the ends securely to finish the seam.
Edging
Notes: Complete the edging around the neck opening and the bottom edge of the dress. While optional, this step adds a polished and professional look to the dress.
Neck Opening
The dress has no designated back or front, as both sides are identical. At this point, select which side will be considered the back of the dress for finishing touches.
Put a slip knot on the smaller hook. Join yarn to the back at the granny square corner with a sl st.
Round 1:
Ch 1, work YO sl st, in each st and ch-1 sp around, sl st in first sl st to join.
Round 2:
Work YO sl st in the third loop of each st around, sl st in first sl st to join. Fasten off and weave in tails
Dress Edging – Optional
Put a slip knot on the smaller hook. Join yarn to the bottom edge at the side with a sl st.
Round 1:
Ch 1, work YO sl st, in each st and ch-1 sp across; when working across the side rows work 2 YO sl sts per row, sl st in first sl st to join.
Round 2:
Work YO sl st in the third loop of each st around, sl st in first sl st to join. Fasten off and weave in tails.
Washing Instructions
Handwashing or gentle machine washing:
Handwashing is highly recommended to clean your dress. Fill a basin or sink with lukewarm water and add a mild detergent suitable for delicate fabrics. Gently immerse the garment and agitate it softly to cleanse. Avoid excessive squeezing or wringing to prevent stretching or misshaping. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Alternatively, if you prefer to use a washing machine, place the garment inside a garment bag or pillowcase to protect it. Use a gentle cycle with cool water and mild detergent. Avoid harsh spin cycles or high temperatures that can damage the fibres. Refer to the yarn label if substituting yarn.
Drying:
After washing, gently remove excess water without wringing the garment. Lay it flat on a clean, absorbent towel, arranging it into shape. Roll up the towel and gently press to remove more moisture. Then, let the garment air dry, avoiding direct sunlight or heat sources that could cause fading or shrinking.
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This pattern is designed by Michelle Moore of MJ’s Off The Hook Designs Inc, based in Lakefield, Ontario, Canada. Your go-to source for modern, easy crochet patterns. Published on July 5th, 2024.
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