Mint Green Garden Party Crochet Dress Free Pattern

This is the dress I have been dreaming about making all spring. The Mint Green Garden Party Crochet Dress is everything a little girl’s party dress should be: a fitted bodice with cap sleeves, a twirly skirt with fan stitch panels and an open diamond band, a scalloped hem, and the sweetest little butterfly applique right at the empire waist. It looks like it belongs in a garden wedding, and your hook can absolutely make it happen.

Fair warning: this is a project with some real shaping in the bodice, so it is best for an intermediate crocheter. But the skirt is pure rhythmic stitching once you get going, and the pattern includes checkpoints so you can catch any sizing issues early. Let us get into it.

Materials You’ll Need

• Yarn: Approximately 350 (420, 490, 560) yards of DK weight yarn (CYCA 3). 100 percent cotton or a cotton blend is recommended for the best drape and stitch definition. Three yarns that work beautifully: 1. Paintbox Yarns Simply DK in Spearmint (100% cotton, 137 yards per 50g skein). Excellent stitch definition in lace panels. 2. Drops Safran in Mint (70% cotton, 30% polyamide, 175 yards per 50g skein). The nylon adds durability for kids’ wear. 3. Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton in Mint (100% mercerized cotton, 186 yards per 100g skein). Widely available and machine washable. Avoid acrylic-only yarns. They won’t block to show off those gorgeous lace panels in the skirt.
• Hooks: US size E-4 / 3.5 mm for the bodice and trim; US size F-5 / 3.75 mm for the skirt panels (the larger hook helps the lace breathe)
• Additional materials: At least 6 stitch markers; yarn needle for seaming and weaving ends; three small buttons, approximately 3/8 inch (10 mm) diameter; sewing needle and thread to match yarn; blocking mat and rust-proof pins; measuring tape

Gauge (Please Check This)

Gauge matters a lot for garments. A difference of even one stitch per 4 inches can change the chest measurement by up to 2 inches across the finished dress.

• With E-4 / 3.5 mm hook in single crochet: 18 sc = 4 inches (10 cm); 20 rows = 4 inches (10 cm)
• With F-5 / 3.75 mm hook in Fan Stitch: One 12-stitch fan repeat = 2 inches (5 cm) wide; 4 rows = 2 inches (5 cm) tall

Swatch both gauges before you start.

Abbreviations and Stitch Definitions

• beg = beginning
• ch = chain
• ch-sp = chain space (the gap created when you chain between stitches)
• dc = double crochet (yarn over, insert hook, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through 2, yarn over, pull through 2)
• dec = decrease
• hdc = half double crochet (yarn over, insert hook, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through all 3 loops)
• inc = increase (work 2 sc in the same stitch)
• pm = place marker
• rep = repeat
• rnd = round
• RS = right side (the front, public-facing side)
• sc = single crochet (insert hook, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)
• sc2tog = single crochet two together, a decrease (insert hook in first st, pull up loop, insert hook in next st, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through all 3 loops)
• sk = skip
• sl st = slip stitch
• sm = slip marker
• sp = space
• st/sts = stitch/stitches
• t-ch = turning chain
• WS = wrong side (the back, inside-facing side)
• yo = yarn over

Special Stitches Explained

Fan Stitch: This creates those beautiful scalloped waves in the skirt. Each fan is 5 double crochets worked into the same stitch or space. The basic rhythm: skip 2 stitches, work 5 dc in the next stitch, skip 2 stitches, work 1 sc in the next stitch. This uses 6 stitches per fan repeat.

Open Diamond Stitch: This creates the horizontal band of openwork between the two fan panels. It’s worked over a multiple of 6 stitches plus 3. The pattern alternates between rows of chain-1 spaces separated by double crochets, and rows of chain-3 arches connecting single crochets.

Scallop Edging: A simple finishing round: sc in one stitch, skip 2 stitches, 5 dc in the next stitch, skip 2 stitches, repeat around. This needs a stitch count divisible by 6.

Butterfly Applique:

• Wings (make 2): Ch 10. Sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in next, dc in next 3, hdc in next, sc in next, sl st in last 2 ch. Fasten off leaving a 6 inch tail.
• Body: Ch 8. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch to end. (7 sc) Fasten off.
• Assembly: Overlap the flat ends of both wings and whipstitch together at the center. Lay the body strip vertically over the join and sew through all layers. Curl the body slightly for dimension.

Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions

Bodice Front

With E-4 hook, ch 43 (47, 51, 55).

Row 1 (WS): Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. (42, 46, 50, 54 sc)

Rows 2 through 12: Ch 1, sc in each sc across. Turn. (42, 46, 50, 54 sts) after each row.

Checkpoint: After Row 12, your front bodice panel should measure approximately 2.4 inches tall and 9.3 inches wide for size 12m.

Armhole Shaping (Front)

• Row 13: Ch 1, sl st across first 4 sts, ch 1, sc in same st as last sl st, sc across to last 4 sts, leave last 4 sts unworked. Turn. (34, 38, 42, 46 sc)
• Row 14: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc across to last 2 sts, sc2tog. Turn. (32, 36, 40, 44 sts)
• Row 15: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc across to last 2 sts, sc2tog. Turn. (30, 34, 38, 42 sts)
• Rows 16 through 22: Ch 1, sc in each sc across. Turn. (30, 34, 38, 42 sts) after each row.

Checkpoint: After Row 22, the front bodice should measure approximately 5 inches tall for size 12m.

Neckline Shaping (Front)

Row 23 (left shoulder): Ch 1, sc across first 9 (10, 11, 12) sts only. Turn. Leave remaining sts unworked.

• Row 24: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc across. Turn. (8, 9, 10, 11 sts)
• Row 25: Ch 1, sc across to last 2 sts, sc2tog. Turn. (7, 8, 9, 10 sts)
• Row 26: Ch 1, sc in each sc across. Turn. (7, 8, 9, 10 sts)

Fasten off. This is your left front shoulder strap.

For the right shoulder: Skip center 12 (14, 16, 18) sts for the neckline opening.

• Row 23R: Join yarn in next st, ch 1, sc across remaining 9 (10, 11, 12) sts. Turn.
• Row 24R: Ch 1, sc across to last 2 sts, sc2tog. Turn. (8, 9, 10, 11 sts)
• Row 25R: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc across. Turn. (7, 8, 9, 10 sts)
• Row 26R: Ch 1, sc in each sc across. Turn. (7, 8, 9, 10 sts)

Fasten off. This is your right front shoulder strap.

Bodice Back (Left Half)

With E-4 hook, ch 23 (25, 27, 29).

Row 1 (WS): Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. (22, 24, 26, 28 sc)

Rows 2 through 12: Ch 1, sc in each sc across. Turn. (22, 24, 26, 28 sts) after each row.

Armhole Shaping (Back Left Half)

• Row 13: Ch 1, sl st across first 4 sts, ch 1, sc in same st, sc across to end. Turn. (18, 20, 22, 24 sc)
• Row 14: Ch 1, sc in each sc to last 2, sc2tog. Turn. (17, 19, 21, 23 sts)
• Row 15: Ch 1, sc in each sc to last 2, sc2tog. Turn. (16, 18, 20, 22 sts)
• Rows 16 through 22: Ch 1, sc in each sc across. Turn. (16, 18, 20, 22 sts) after each row.

Neckline Shaping (Back Left Half)

• Row 23: Ch 1, sc across first 7 (8, 9, 10) sts. Turn. Leave remaining 9 (10, 11, 12) sts for back neckline.
• Row 24: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc across. Turn. (6, 7, 8, 9 sts)
• Row 25: Ch 1, sc in each sc across. Turn. (6, 7, 8, 9 sts)
• Row 26: Ch 1, sc in each sc across. Turn. (6, 7, 8, 9 sts)

Fasten off leaving a 12 inch tail for seaming.

Bodice Back (Right Half)

Work same as Back Left Half but mirror all shaping. With E-4 hook, ch 23 (25, 27, 29).

• Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. (22, 24, 26, 28 sc)
• Rows 2 through 12: Ch 1, sc in each sc across. Turn. (22, 24, 26, 28 sts) after each row.
• Row 13 (armhole): Ch 1, sc across to last 4 sts, leave last 4 sts unworked. Turn. (18, 20, 22, 24 sts)
• Row 14: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc across. Turn. (17, 19, 21, 23 sts)
• Row 15: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc across. Turn. (16, 18, 20, 22 sts)
• Rows 16 through 22: Ch 1, sc in each sc across. Turn. (16, 18, 20, 22 sts) after each row.
• Row 23: Ch 1, skip first 9 (10, 11, 12) sts, join in next st, sc across remaining 7 (8, 9, 10) sts. Turn. (7, 8, 9, 10 sts)
• Row 24: Ch 1, sc across to last 2, sc2tog. Turn. (6, 7, 8, 9 sts)
• Row 25: Ch 1, sc in each sc across. Turn. (6, 7, 8, 9 sts)
• Row 26: Ch 1, sc in each sc across. Turn. (6, 7, 8, 9 sts)

Fasten off leaving a 12 inch tail.

Shoulder Seams

Hold front and back left shoulders with RS together. Whipstitch or sl st seam across the 7 (8, 9, 10) shoulder stitches. Repeat for right shoulder. Weave in ends.

Neckline Edging

With RS facing and E-4 hook, join yarn at right back neckline edge.

Round 1: Ch 1, sc evenly around entire neckline, working approximately 1 sc per row end on straight sections and 1 sc per stitch across held neckline stitches. Work sc2tog at inner corners. Sl st to first sc. (Approximately 54, 58, 62, 66 sc)

Round 2: Ch 1, sc in each sc around. Sl st to first sc. Fasten off.

Cap Sleeve Edging (work on each armhole)

With RS facing and E-4 hook, join yarn at underarm.

Round 1: Ch 1, sc evenly around armhole opening. (24, 26, 28, 30 sc)

Round 2: Ch 1, sc in first sc, hdc in next 2 sc, sc in next sc, sl st in next sc. Repeat this sequence around for a scalloped cap sleeve effect. Sl st to first sc. Fasten off.

Empire Waist Join Round

With RS facing and E-4 hook, join yarn at right back lower bodice edge.

Round 1: Ch 1, sc evenly across the entire lower edge of the bodice. Target counts: (84, 96, 108, 120 sc) Adjust in the underarm sections if needed to reach the target. These numbers are divisible by 12, which is required for the fan stitch. Sl st to first sc. Do not fasten off.

Skirt: Upper Fan Panel

Switch to F-5 hook.

• Round 1 (RS): Ch 3 (counts as dc), 4 dc in same st, skip 2 sts, sc in next st, skip 2 sts, 5 dc in next st, skip 2 sts, sc in next st, skip 2 sts. Repeat around. Sl st to top of ch-3. Turn. (7, 8, 9, 10 fans)
• Round 2 (WS): Ch 1, turn, sc in first sc, ch 2, sc in top of center dc of fan, ch 2, sc in next sc, ch 2, sc in center dc of next fan, ch 2. Repeat around. Sl st to first sc. Turn.
• Round 3 (RS): Ch 3, 4 dc in same ch-2 sp, sc in next sc, 5 dc in next ch-2 sp, sc in next sc. Repeat around. Sl st to top of ch-3. Turn.
• Rounds 4 through 9: Repeat Rounds 2 and 3 alternately.

Checkpoint: The skirt from empire waist through the upper fan panel should measure approximately 4 inches for size 12m.

Increase Round

Round 10: Ch 1, sc in each sc and in each center dc, sc 2 in each ch-2 sp. Work until you have (87, 99, 111, 123 sc). Sl st to first sc. Turn.

Open Diamond Band

• Round 11 (RS): Ch 4 (counts as dc + ch 1), skip 1 st, dc in next st, ch 1, skip 1, dc in next st. Repeat around. Sl st to 3rd ch of ch-4. Turn.
• Round 12 (WS): Ch 1, sc in same st, ch 3, sc in next ch-1 sp, ch 3, sc in next dc, ch 3, sc in next ch-1 sp. Repeat around. Sl st to first sc. Turn.
• Rounds 13 through 16: Alternate Rounds 11 and 12.

Checkpoint: From empire waist through diamond band should measure approximately 7.5 inches for size 12m.

Lower Fan Panel

Transition Round 17: Ch 1, sc in each sc and fill each ch-3 sp with 2 sc. Work until you have (108, 120, 132, 144 sc). Sl st to first sc. Turn.

Rounds 18 through 27: Work fan and bridge rounds as in the upper fan panel. (9, 10, 11, 12 fans)

Scallop Hem

Round 28: Ch 1, sc in each sc around the last bridge round, working 3 sc into each ch-2 sp. Adjust to (108, 120, 132, 144 sc). Sl st to first sc. Do not turn.

Round 29 (RS): Ch 1, sc in first st, skip 2 sts, 5 dc in next st, skip 2 sts, sc in next st. Repeat around. Sl st to first sc. Fasten off. (18, 20, 22, 24 scallops)

Back Opening and Button Loops

Work a single sc edging up the left back center edge (approximately 26 sc for 12m). Fasten off.

For the right back edge, join yarn at lower edge, ch 1, sc for 6 rows, then work button loop: ch 4, skip 2 sts, sc in next st. Work 6 more sc, button loop, 6 more sc, button loop, then sc to top. (3 button loops evenly spaced) Fasten off.

Sew three buttons to left back edge aligned with loops.

Attach Butterfly

Block the butterfly flat. Center it on the front at the empire waist, approximately 1 inch below the center neckline. Sew securely with yarn needle.

Finishing and Blocking

Weave in all ends securely. Wet block the dress by soaking in cool water for 20 minutes. Press out excess water gently in a towel. Do not wring. Lay flat on a blocking mat, pin the skirt hem to its full width to open the lace, and let dry completely. This may take 24 hours. Blocking is essential. The fan and diamond panels will not show their true beauty without it.

Care Instructions

Machine wash gentle or hand wash in cool water. Lay flat to dry. Do not tumble dry. Store folded to prevent stretching.

Size Customization Tips

• To size up beyond 4T: Add 12 stitches to the empire waist round per size (one full fan repeat). Add 4 stitches to the front bodice chain and 2 stitches to each back half per size step.
• To lengthen: Work additional fan/bridge round pairs before the scallop hem.
• To shorten: Eliminate 2 pairs of fan/bridge rounds from the lower fan panel.
• For a taller child: Add rows to the straight bodice section (Rows 2 through 12) before armhole shaping.

Final Thoughts

You made it through the whole dress, and I am genuinely impressed. This is the kind of project that looks like it took a professional team, and you did it with a hook and some beautiful cotton yarn. Block it well, let that lace open up, and get ready for the compliments. Save this pattern to your Pinterest boards so you can find it again, and drop a comment telling me what color you made yours in. I cannot wait to hear!