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.
Written Pattern: www.etsy.com/uk/shop/WoolyWon...
Thank you for watching x

[@taylormarta2328]

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.

[@pbnjenni_sandwich]

Did you use the yarn that was recommended?

[@rebeccavickers1726]

Am currently making this using 4.5mm and it is quiet big so maybe use a even smaller hook

[@RameyRocks]

Did you use 4 ply yarn or a thinner yarn? I have some beautiful yarn I want to use but it's the thinner yarn, not the standard 4 ply

[@2905zaynab]

I agree wish I had seen this earlier as I'm halfway down the dress and thinking what I've done wrong vecause it's come out so big it fits my 20 month old who is rather petite

[@RameyRocks]

I wrote my question a month ago or so and didn't get a response. I need to know because my daughter is due in March with my first grand baby and we just found out it's a girl.

[@verederenthal1146]

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

[@karenwyld4914]

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

[@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.

[@kimpowers3916]

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

[@markandkrystalpfiester4311]

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!

[@inesnorris1414]

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 👏👏👏🧎💐💐✅👵🏻

[@shmaisrael3is1]

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

[@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 💛

[@yvetteprice8097]

Thank you so much for your tutorial. I have made two of these little dresses now, and they have turned out brilliantly. I appreciate the time it has taken to write the pattern and make the video, and just wanted to let you know how clear and easy it was to follow. I am making some more now. 💕

[@airasmagicworld5268]

Is it one year old baby measurement?

[@needlenhook]

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

[@christinerobles3654]

Thank you so much for this easy-to-follow pattern! This was my first clothing project and it's lovely! I made a red dress and used a fuzzy thick white yarn along the edges for a Christmas dress. Thanks again!

[@woolywonderscrochet7586]

The written pattern to this dress is finally available! Please see the description box below for a link to the pattern x

[@sarahroxburgh5778]

WoolyWondersCrochet

[@311shiloh]

I don't see how much to get pattern for any video. Can't see any link. Any help. I love Mickeys work. Tried making the picksqueek blanket. Without pattern. It didn't work out well. Please help me. I am disabled and don't drive. living on disability my only recourse for Christmas gifts is to make them. THANK YOU SO MUCH for your trouble. Claire.

[@radhikasawant6829]

WoolyWondersCrochet

[@salehaqureshi1109]

WoolyWondersCrochet

[@fureenkauser997]

WoolyWondersCrochet

[@marshapadayachee8340]

Thank you so much for your tutorials. I've just started crocheting and have found your patterns easy to follow. I've made a few pairs of your ballerina slippers and now I'm busy making the shell stitch baby dress. Looking forward to doing more of your fabulous patterns.

[@kimgreen6668]

May I ask it says for 6-12 months use 6mm needle is there no extra stitches just go up size in needle

[@meganreed2885]

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!

[@sarasanic]

Amazing tip thanks ❤

[@shuggie121683]

Absolutely love this pattern! So easy to follow and love how adorable this dress is! Can not wait to try some of your other patterns! Thank you so much for sharing this!!

[@chloemcdonald5569]

so love your channel, have made a few things following your tutorials & you are so easy to follow! Thank you for giving this beginner some confidence

[@nitsrah]

Loved it. Thanks for a delightful project with crystal clear instructions.

[@woolywonderscrochet7586]

Thank you x

[@dawaidler8999]

WoolyWondersCrochet

[@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!

[@conniejoeporath2700]

I just made this dress for my 7 month old great granddaughter. I didn't make it as long as she did as my little girl is trying to walk and catches her feet on her dresses when standing up. Thank you so much. ❤

[@rhondairby]

I absolutely love your tutorials and your accent! Thanks for taking the time to do this. I can't wait to get started!

[@ashleybt4154]

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

[@jasminlacerna6899]

I just finished making this dress. 😍 An adult actually wanted me to make one for her, a top version. 🤣 Thank you so much for this. I hope I could post the final output here.

[@francesdowney6804]

I love, love, love this pattern! Thanks for sharing another Wooly Wonders Crochet pattern! Great detailed instructions (as usual). Looking forward to seeing more of your KZbin crochet tutorials!

[@bessli2845]

Notes for later: Made using worsted weight yarn, not an Aran. 4.5mm hook and gave me a 3mo old size!!

[@gaylatrice1401]

What length was your finished dress?

[@torimoore719]

I absolutely love your tutorial you are very clear with your instructions but I'd really like to have a written pattern to follow along with, do you have a written pattern for this? please and Thank you very much!

[@woolywonderscrochet7586]

Hi +Tori Moore thank you very much and sorry for such a late reply! I have finally made my written pattern for this dress available. Please see the description box below the video for more information. Thank you for watching and following along x

[@lauraisfrknawsm_]

This is a wonderful video tutorial! I've never made a dress or tried the shell stitch before and mine looks just like yours :) thank you! Soothing voice to listen to as well

[@favouritetutorials1]

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

[@spacegirlz]

I'm a newbie crocheter & totally love your patterns & tutorials. They're pretty easy to follow. How many rows total would you do for a newborn? I plan on making this for my girlfriend's twins.

[@gaylatrice1401]

I used a G hook for newborn, but can't decide about length either.

[@290882i]

Hello, great and very good explained video. Where can I see the pattern please?

[@johnnacrocker5826]

Thank you! I did not join each round, effectively turning this into a short sleeved cardigan that ties at the neck with a crocheted chain that I wove in and out of the double crochets in the first round. This will go over a snap crotch onesie and matches a blanket. I love this video!

[@honeybunny2245]

Omg!!😍😍😍😍😍 I COULD LISTEN TO YOU TALK ALL DAY!! This project was so pleasant to follow...Thank you!

[@kerryanesampson8237]

Hi great patten and love it but can I just ask how many rows you did for the 6_12months I don't have any girls so not sure how many row s I need to do many thanks xx 😊

[@roserapoza9408]

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

[@dawnpecoraro4891]

This was my first piece of clothing. It turned out great. Thank you for your video being so easy to follow.

[@MsVanessa512]

Thank you for this tutorial! Everyone always loves it!

[@ifanybodyislistening]

For a 4 or 5 year old what hook should i use? My child is wearing about a 5t.

[@truthsky7393]

ifanybodyislistening I made it with 7mm hook for my 4 year old daughter

[@thereselontz1893]

What size hook should I use for a new born and how long should I make it?

[@teresasansone3954]

Just finished making this dress. It's very pretty. I used 8 ply Yarn with a 5.5mm hook instead of 6mm hook and found the dress a tad big for my 7 month. Will try again with a smaller hook. It's very gorgeous on her. Thank you very much. Oh, and you are so very easy to follow 😉

[@michikopressley9839]

Teresa Sansone

[@brittanybella2514]

Teresa Sansone this is the child size tutorial she has a baby one in a great dress it's on her page

[@keeawe]

Thank you so much for sharing this! I am a beginner, have made your booties and some other small projects. This was very easy to follow and I'm thrilled with the result! I made it smaller for my nieces large dolly. She is going to love it!

[@jhilldoss]

Is their a place where I can send you a picture of mine that I made from watching this video

[@woolywonderscrochet7586]

+J Hill-Doss Thank you very much! I would love to see a photo! Do you have Twitter? My username is WWCrochet x

[@carissathomas3552]

I just started making this dress with Caron simply soft and a 5.5 millimeter hook following your instructions this dress look like it would fit a 7/8 month old baby halfway through it. I need a newborn size what is the actual hook for a 0 to 6 months?? trying not to spend hours having to rip a dress apart again because the hook sizes listed are not correct

[@woolywonderscrochet7586]

It may be that your gauge is looser or that your yarn is too chunky. Try using a 4.5mm hook x

[@carissathomas3552]

It could be my but for a newborn size in other dresses similar it's a chain 40 so 50 came out way to large .....extra big and I'm using Caron simply soft.

[@carissathomas3552]

Changed to a 5mm chain 40 looks perfect plus instead of the single dc I'm doing it as a sc it seems perfect size now. ...thanks for the tutorial

[@lauraanderson9562]

Carissa Thomas think tension has alot to do with it Aswell, I used a 6mm hook an it fits my daughter who's 18mths but wears 2yrs clothes x

[@cindyracobs1657]

The hook sizes are not wrong, if you use the recommended weight yarn and tension. If you crochet loose, you need to change to a smaller size hook.

[@asiatahir2972]

Thanks for this wonderful opportunity to make something as beautiful ❤️ as this dress! Crocheting is a recent hobby

[@carolinekyle2953]

love this pattern. thank you for taking time to show us how to do it x

[@francesdowney6804]

I'm starting my 3rd easy shell dress today! I've been making them for friends and they love this dress! Thanks again for the great pattern and tutorial!

[@woolywonderscrochet7586]

That is great! Thanks for following along x

[@krisstephens9158]

Thanks so much for sharing your pattern... I've already made one for my grandchild due next week. Can't wait to see her in it. Thanks again!!

[@donnettbouge2750]

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!

[@francesdowney6804]

I'm on my second dress using this pattern! Love it! I made the first one in white for 6-12 months and now I'm making a soft pink dress for 0 - 6 months using Berroco Comfort worsted weight yarn - love it!

[@woolywonderscrochet7586]

That is great to hear! Thanks for following along x

[@asiatahir2972]

I tried following your star stitch hook case tutorials, however it was tricky to follow along at first but I think now I'm beginning to see that we must hold our loops softly. Thanks 😊

[@iracysantoscroche]

Lindo😍,eu fiz um parecido com este para minha neta, quando ela tinha 1 ano. Está na minha comunidade do Facebook.

[@christineyunita]

I love this tutorial. Thank you so much!

[@angeladeleon280]

Thank you so very much!! You are wonderfully pleasing to follow. I just completed the dress for my niece and I know my sister will absolutely LOVE IT!!!

[@DaisyDreamingSims]

This is amazing and so easy to follow. I have only been crocheting a month yesterday, and have only made scarves and a few hats, so this is my first "big" project, as well as my first shell stitch. I got through it without needing to frog and it's perfect thanks to your easy-to-follow instructions. I am so grateful - thank you so much!

[@woolywonderscrochet7586]

That is great! Thank you so much for your lovely comment x

[@curlycords]

So lovely...can't wait to start on making one! Thank you for sharing your talent.

[@vbradshaw1]

What a brilliant tutorial! Your channel is exactly what I've been looking for in regards to learning more crochet patterns. Thanks so much!

[@AleSusaSVS]

Thank you for your generosity and clear tutorial. I have made 3 of your patterns and they always come out lovely.

[@marymiller447]

I love this dress it is so adorable and easy. Thanks for the great tutorial. Mary

[@daneckabargas6690]

This is my first project (besides a blanket that's slowly becoming a large scarf because I cant bring myself to work on it) and it's coming along so quickly! I just gave birth to a little girl so it's nice to have something I made her

[@jazzyxd9894]

Thanks to your video I made this beautiful dress for my daughter who will be here in a few weeks and it came out to perfection :) thank you so much ♡

[@DonnadoosTips]

I really love this pattern! thankyou for sharing ❤❤

[@ednaacevedo-mendez8769]

I just happened to your channel. I was looking for a dress that I can crochet with a smaller hook so that it can fit a doll that I got. I must say that your tutorial is very easy to follow. Your explanation makes it easier to follow you. Thank you so much for sharing.😊

[@rebeccar681]

I love it, I'm making it for my new born 6th great granddaughter. Thx so much for your easy and beautiful dress tutorial , I enjoyed every min of it you're super good.

[@maxiemac100]

I would like to say thank you so much for your tutorials.They are so easy to follow along with.I am new at crochet and really need as much help as I can get. Ican't wait to make this little dress.I completed one of your baby blanket patterns and it was a lot of fun:)

[@NailArtTutorials28]

Thank you so much for this tutorial! My first attempt of the dress didnt work out because i accidentally added an extra shell stitch so my dress was a little lop sided. But i tried it again and it worked out perfectly! So thanks again for the tutorial, i really enjoyed making it :)

[@woolywonderscrochet7586]

+NailArtTutorials28 Thank you! I am really pleased that you were able to follow my pattern x

[@rainbowmam]

Have just finished this!! Love it!! Love your tutorials!! Off to buy a button to complete it!! Used Red Heart Shimmer wool so nice and sparkly too!!

[@haleyhompstead5526]

This was very easy and worked up fast. Thanks! Have a last minute baby shower that I totally spaced and I will have something to take!

[@jessicasingh1286]

your instructions are so easy to follow. Love this tutorial

[@dominiqueegure8364]

Incredibly easy to follow thank you for your tutorial

[@janhowell6798]

This was great! I made my very first piece of clothing! Thank you

[@shellybean0764]

Thank you. You're awesome and the dress came out awesome!

[@lauraglover5277]

Beautiful pattern, very happy with how this turned out even though I had 25 shells not 26 but still looks great 😁

[@lindaeastwooddenton7912]

Thank you for a brilliant tutorial, I just love the way you explain and also show what you are doing x

[@francianecamacho]

Greetings from Brazil, Wooly! Loved this dress. It's very simple so I'm doing it for my baby girl. Thanks for sharing this lovely idea!

[@maryjorgenson8132]

This was really clear and helpful. Great explanations and visually super easy to follow. Thanks so much!

[@travellogs3463]

Thanks for the wonderful and easy pattern :) this is my first attempt after a grant square and I think any beginner can achieve this :) All the best !

[@lynnmcguire9507]

I made this for my little 1 year old granddaughter. I used lite green and used white shell edging on hem and sleeves.She was so cute in it. Also, it was my first dress I made. I was shocked How easy it was to make. Thank You!

[@bluecrane21]

You are an excellent teacher! Just completed this dress for my precious grand daughter.

[@cindyracobs1657]

I just finished this dress using Caron simply soft and a 4.5 hook. Perfect! Thank you for this simple pattern, I completed it in 2 hours.

[@woolywonderscrochet7586]

That is great! Thank you for watching x

[@jackiem2357]

This was my first time making a dress and it came out perfect! Thank you so much for sharing it and your spot on instructions. You are a huge help for me! :-)

[@woolywonderscrochet7586]

Hi Jackie M, I am really pleased that you like my pattern. Thank you for watching and the great feedback x

[@charlottes7003]

This is a beautifully simple tutorial and the lady presenting it is very clear and well spoken. Easy to follow :) Only problem I found was the sizing was off. I'm making a baby size and have used a 3.5mm hook which has brought the size down nicely. Fortunately, you will know by the 2nd/3rd round if the sizing is too big.

[@kristen.aubrey]

You are amazing. Thank you so much for doing this and making it so simple so I can spoil my niece. This has helped me so much.

[@jaimesuarez7673]

Tnx for da pattern💕 i made my 8months old❤️

[@Kiran-kb6rl]

Hi Jaime, can you tell me wich yarn you have used n how thick, I need to crochet for my 8 months old baby..plz reply

[@soron20]

Made one of these dresses using a soft light pink yarn :) It was very easy and turned out great!

[@meriamaz46]

Thank you! It's beautiful!

[@arlenesparks]

Loved the pattern... Made a cute dress for my grand daughter

[@debbieredman9629]

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.

[@woolywonderscrochet7586]

+Debbie Redman Thank you for your lovely comment, I really appreciate it x

[@angaramacrafts8564]

This pattern was soooo fun! My granddaughter is only 17# @ 10 months so I used 5 mm hook. She wears the 3-6 month size so this should be perfect! THANKS for your precise instructions! ang in WA state USA.👵🇺🇸

[@kasius47]

You are so good at giving clear instructions. i love it. i am working on my second dress with smaller yarn and needle for a premie. Thank you! I wish I could show you pictures.

[@grannyvroomvroom2523]

Made this adorable dress, turned out precious. I made the cute sunhat on your channel to go with it! Thanks for the pattern and tutorial!

[@PoraPoraCrochet]

Beautiful dress and great tutorial. Thank you.

[@aishleenkaurjammusingh3537]

How long does it take to make?

[@lexpadilla711]

awesome tutorial, I love that you made it for those people that crochet already. no ever explaining. love it !!!

[@alisoncarmichael9790]

Thank you so much for this - you made this pattern very easy to follow. I've made my very first baby dress! It's lovely. I've made a little hat to go with it and I'm going to make some mary jane shoes as well. Thanks again.

[@kelviethrasher9436]

I just finished following your video and finished my very first dress. It turned out so cute. Something helpful would be to tell the length for each size in the description below like you did for the ages. Now to make a smaller one for a newborn. Thanks for the video

[@kerryanesampson8237]

Hi can I ask u hunnie how many rows did u do to make the 6-12 months dress I don't have alittle girls to be able to tell x 😊

[@Pr3ttyGiirlALWAYS]

such a beautiful pattern ❤ thank you for sharing!!

[@judithnagle1452]

Oh my goodness another pattern explained well and super easy to follow, thank you 😊

[@linslochner]

So easy to follow along with!! Thank you!

[@christysabback2020]

I love your patterns and you are super easy to follow but everything I've made from your channel comes out huge. I'm going to have twins in December and wanted to make them these dresses but even using a 5mm hook, the size is closer to that of 6-12mos size than the 0-6mos you say using a 5.5mm hook would give.

[@woolywonderscrochet7586]

Hi +Christy Sabback , thank you and congratulations on your twins! It is probably just that I have a smaller gauge than you when crocheting - try using a 4mm crochet hook. Thank you for watching x

[@madisonforbes9036]

+WoolyWondersCrochet I have been working on this dress today, but I noticed that one side is not closed in, how do I close it in when done?

[@vivinal6765]

Christy Sabback heklanje rpezarijski stoljnsci

[@sashikala8635]

Hai...Thank u so much for this tutorial..A very clear tutorial...Very clear instructions..I managed to do a baby dress following ur tutorial..It was so cute..I did it for the 1st time n it came out well..U r a great teacher..Love ur videos..

[@joannepage6286]

I definatly going to try this as my next project, thank you for explaining so well and for sharing ☺☺☺☺☺😆

[@cyanarg7060]

i love the way you explain! Thanks! 😍