11+ Must-Try Crochet Dress Patterns for Summer :  Stylish Comfort for your Adventures!

Inspired by the latest crochet dress fashions, I’ve gathered together a collection of free crochet dress patterns suitable for summer that sparked my imagination and I knew you would love too!

If you are already familiar with common garment construction techniques like seaming, increases and decreases, you’ll find that crocheting a dress allows you to apply these skills, resulting in a beautifully crafted dress that fits your body perfectly and showcases your talent as a crocheter.

But what about if you don’t already have these skills?  Can you still crochet a dress?

Yes!  You can! Look for dress patterns specifically designed for beginners or labelled as easy. Beginner patterns often include detailed instructions, photos and diagrams to help you understand the construction process step by step.  Most patterns include a video tutorial – I recommend you follow along and apply it to the written pattern so that you can use these skills in future projects.  Most of the patterns I’ve hand-picked today are easy.  Have a browse and choose the style of crochet dress that resonates with you.

Why you’ll Love to Crochet a Dress

Crochet Summer Dresses

Click on the numbered pattern to go directly to the pattern instructions.

Most of the patterns are written in US crochet terms.

For my UK crocheters, the table below is a conversion of basic crochet stitches from US to UK.

Have fun browsing!

1.Sun Dress Crochet Pattern

I really like the design of this dress; the lacy sleeves and hem are so pretty.  The V-neck depth is perfect for summer.

If you prefer a longer or shorter length, you’ll find how to do this in the written instructions.

The bodice is worked first in rows and then once seamed together, worked in turned rounds for the skirt.  This construction gives a perfect fit because you can try on as you go and make any changes to suit your body shape.

Perfect festival wear!

• Recommended Yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton Yarn / Worsted Weight Yarn
• Skill Level:  Intermediate
• Sizes:  XS to 5X

The PDF is available to buy in this designers Etsy shop.

2. Summer Free Crochet Dress Pattern

Designed with shell stitch for the bodice and US double/UK treble crochet for the skirt, this summer dress has a flattering fit that is great for all body types.

Constructed in one piece from the top down (with the straps added later) try it on as you go to alter the length to your personal preference.

Don’t let the buttons put you off.  The spaces in between the stitches are used for the button holes (no working a button band!).

Follow the linked video tutorial for extra guidance.

• Recommended Yarn: Lindy Chain / fingering weight yarn
• Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly
• Sizes: XS to 2X

If you prefer to work offline, this pattern is available to buy as a PDF.

3. Audrey Crochet Dress

This dress is created from the top down in the raglan style so the body and skirt length are customisable. Trying on your dress at the end of the yoke, body and skirt will help you determine whether you need more or less rows for a customised fit.

I love this fit and flare style and those cap sleeves look great too.  What style dress do you prefer?

• Recommended Yarn: Lion Brand Jeans Yarn
• Skill Level:  Easy
• Sizes:  XS to 3X

4.  Crochet Cover Up Dress

Even though this long dress is designed for slipping on when you’re at the beach or poolside, if you wear a full slip underneath such as this one from Amazon or this one from Marks & Spencer, I think it would look fabulous for when out and about on holiday.  What do you think?

Worked in sections from the top down and then seamed together, it’s easy to work less row repeats to make the length suitable for you.

This dress pattern includes a stitch diagram and a video tutorial link.

Interested in crochet beach dress styles?  Browse these free cover-up patterns.

• Recommended Yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 cotton / #4 Worsted Weight
• Skill Level: Easy
• Sizes: XXS to 5X

Upgrade to a PDF in this designer’s shop.

5.  Crochet Tank Dress Pattern

The tank top bodice is worked first in this fab dress before seaming together and then working the skirt down to the hem in rounds. 

If you prefer a mini dress, simply work less rounds for the skirt rows before adding the scalloped hem (see how a scallop border looks close up in my Tranquil Moments baby afghan.  Scroll to the section how the pattern is worked).

I think you’ll agree with me that self-striping yarn works so well for this project.  This particular colourway brings to my mind the different hues of blue in the ocean.  Calming and yet bubbles of excitement for the warmer weather that brings exciting outdoor adventures!

• Recommended Yarn: Caron Blossom Cakes
• Skill Level: Easy
• Sizes:  XS to 5X

This pattern is a free PDF download at the numbered link above.

6. Tulip Granny Square Dress

How elegant does this granny square dress look … I think it would be perfect for wearing to a wedding with a light summer jacket or shawl around your shoulders.  It’s so pretty.

Worked in squares and triangles which are joined by slip stitching them together, a diagram is included for placement.

If you can crochet granny squares, you’ll have no problem working up this dress.  The clear written instructions include photos for each round and there is also a linked video tutorial to help you.

This is another pattern that is easy to alter the length – simply add or remove squares from the bottom!

• Recommended Yarn:  Lion Brand Coboo
• Skill Level:  Easy
• Sizes: XS to 5X

The ad-free PDF is available to purchase on Etsy.

7. Shore Thing Dress Crochet Pattern

Looking for a challenge or to learn a new technique?  I’ve chosen this pattern for you!

Made from two identical rectangular pieces, each rectangle is worked from the lower edge upwards. After an even section of the shell pattern, the dress is worked on the bias (this means you’ll be working on the diagonal). 

In this design, the front and back pieces will lean slightly to one side until seamed. Don’t worry, once blocked and seamed, the dress evens out! 

If you haven’t worked on the bias before, this is a fab pattern for learning how to. 

Diagrams for each section

• Recommended Yarn:  Fingering / 4-ply
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Sizes: XS to 4X

This is a free PDF download on the numbered link above.

Pair this dress with a crochet sun hat.

8. Beach Bloom Dress

I’ve included my own design here as although it is sun dress, I designed it to be worn as a cover-up over a swimsuit. Unlike those above, I have included quite a bit of room for movement. Without the tie at the waist, it is quite wide and flowing. It is quite low-cut too.

The open stitch work works well for this type of garment. The sleeves are also quite open.

• Recommended Yarn: Hayfield Soft Twist DK
• Skill Level:  Easy
• Sizes: XS – 5X

9.  Summer Dress Video Tutorial

I wanted to share this video tutorial with you, not just because the dress is gorgeous (this is for you if you don’t want to show off too much bare skin!) but the tutorial shows you how to take your measurements to ensure the dress is the perfect fit for you.  You’ll be able apply this to other garments you make too.

Worked in rounds using UK treble / US single crochet stitches, this is an easy project and perfect for you to learn how to crochet your first dress.

• Recommended Yarn: Cotton Mercerised yarn # 2 / sport weight yarn
• Skill Level:  Easy
• Sizes: Made-to-Measure

10. Granny Stitch Dress Pattern

Just as I couldn’t resist sharing a dress pattern that uses granny squares in its design, I also couldn’t research without choosing at least one pattern that uses the granny stitch!

The bodice is worked in two separate pieces first and seamed at the sides before continuing to work the skirt in the round. 

As I mentioned in the beginning, patterns suitable for beginners often include photos and video tutorials.  This mini dress has accompanying photos with each row and you can watch the video tutorial for how to adjust to fit you perfectly as well as showing you how to crochet the dress.

• Recommended Yarn: Cotton DK
• Skill Level: Beginner Friendly
• Sizes: S to 3XL

This pattern is available ad free as a PDF in the designer’s shop.

11. Crochet Lace Trim Tank Dress

This tank top style dress features a stylish lacy yoke and wide bottom trim.

You’ll crochet two separate pieces that are worked flat and turned in rows.  Once seamed, the lacy hem is worked in rounds.

Be aware that there is a lot of text in this pattern however, there are stitch diagrams for the different sizes for:

• body
• lacy hem
• shape back neck
• shape front neck

If you’re an intermediate crocheter, you’ll enjoy the challenge of working through the pattern.  I wouldn’t recommend this for beginners.

• Recommended Yarn: Bernat Softee Cotton / Sport Weight #2
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Sizes: XS to 5X

This pattern is a free PDF download on the numbered link above.

12. Crochet Lace Dress

Look good whether you’re dressing up for a formal occasion or dressing casually out and about.

This lace dress looks much more complicated than it is!  The front panel is worked first and once completed; the yarn is rejoined at row 1 to work the back.  To seam the panels together, UK double / US single crochet stitches are worked from the underarm to the hem.

The pattern is a 6-row repeat and increases are worked to shape the hips.

• Recommended Yarn: Stylecraft Special DK, #3 lightweight
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Sizes: XS to 5XL

Prefer working offline?  This pattern is available to buy as a PDF.

My Tips for Crocheting a Dress

Finally, to help you towards a professionally finished dress, in this section I’m sharing my tips.

1. Achieving the right fit for a crocheted dress can be a bit trickier compared to other crochet projects like scarves or blankets. My recommendation is to take accurate body measurements and refer to the pattern’s size chart to ensure the dress will fit you. Some patterns may include instructions for customizing the fit to your measurements.  And as always, make sure you crochet a swatch first to check your gauge and make changes if necessary.
2. It’s really important to think carefully about yarn substitutions and how they may affect the overall look, drape and feel of your dress.  Choose your yarn carefully!  If you’re crocheting a dress for the first time, opt for light-coloured yarn because it will make it easier to see your stitches and mistakes (helpful when you’re learning new techniques).
3. If cost is a significant factor for you, take the time to compare prices of yarn. Explore different yarn options, look for sales or discounts, and compare prices across different retailers. If you’ve already subscribed to my newsletter and have the free spreadsheet, use the crochet budget tab to make sure you stay within your limits (and if you haven’t, I send out weekly newsletters with the perks of a free PDF download on new pattern releases, well worth subscribing).
4. Pay attention to the finishing touches that will take your dress from handmade to professional-looking. I’m thinking about such things as adding decorative edging, weaving in your ends neatly (don’t miss this step in the process, you don’t want your dress to unravel!), sewing on buttons or closures, and blocking your finished garment for a polished appearance.
5. Finally, enjoy the satisfaction of creating a beautiful and unique dress with your own hands. Please don’t be afraid to experiment and make mistakes.  We all learn from our experiences along the way.  Mistakes are invaluable!  Celebrate all the small steps in your progress! 

Did you find this article helpful?  If you did, please click the blue heart on the right of the screen so that others can find it.

Happy Crocheting!