Using Main Color (MC – Pink):
Round 1 (Foundation for Lace): Ch 3 (counts as dc). Dc in each st around. Sl st to join. Ensure your stitch count is a multiple of 4 for the skirt pattern.
Round 2 (First Lace Row – Shells): Ch 3 (counts as dc). (Dc 1, ch 1, dc 2) in same st (forms first Shell). *Sk 3 sts, (dc 2, ch 1, dc 2) in next st (Shell made).* Repeat from * to * around. Sl st to 3rd ch of beg ch-3 to join.
Round 3 (Shells in Shells): Sl st into the ch-1 sp of the first Shell. Ch 3 (counts as dc). (Dc 1, ch 1, dc 2) in same ch-1 sp (first Shell made). *Shell (dc 2, ch 1, dc 2) in the ch-1 sp of the next Shell.* Repeat from * to * around. Sl st to 3rd ch of beg ch-3 to join.
Repeat Round 3 of the Skirt Lace Pattern for 5-7 more rounds, or until the skirt reaches a good length for the white lace band to be added (approx. 3-4 inches before the band).
Part 3: White Lacy Skirt Band (Working in Rounds)
This is the prominent feature of the dress. The pattern looks like a series of connected shell or fan stitches.
Using Contrast Color (CC – White):
Round 1 (Foundation for Band): Join CC to any ch-1 sp of the pink shell pattern. Ch 1. Sc in each dc and ch-1 sp around. Sl st to join. Ensure stitch count is a multiple of 6 for the following pattern.
Round 2 (Lace Band Pattern): Ch 3 (counts as dc). Dc 2 in same st. *Sk 2 sts, (dc 3, ch 1, dc 3) in next st.* Repeat from * to * around. Sl st to 3rd ch of beg ch-3 to join. This creates the large, open shell look.
Round 3 (Lace Band Pattern – Offset): Sl st into the ch-1 sp of the first (dc 3, ch 1, dc 3) shell. Ch 3 (counts as dc). Dc 2 in same ch-1 sp. *Sk 3 dc, (dc 3, ch 1, dc 3) in the ch-1 sp of the next shell.* Repeat from * to * around. Sl st to 3rd ch of beg ch-3 to join.
Repeat Round 3 for 2-3 more rounds, or until the white band reaches your desired width (approx. 2-3 inches). Fasten off CC.
Part 4: Remaining Pink Skirt & Hem (Working in Rounds)
Join Main Color (MC – Pink) to the top edge of the last white band round (you can join into the back loops or directly into the stitch).
Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as dc). Dc in each st around. Sl st to join. This provides a solid foundation for the remaining skirt.
Round 2 (Skirt Lace Pattern): Ch 3 (counts as dc). (Dc 1, ch 1, dc 2) in same st (forms first Shell). *Sk 3 sts, (dc 2, ch 1, dc 2) in next st (Shell made).* Repeat from * to * around. Sl st to 3rd ch of beg ch-3 to join.
Round 3 (Shells in Shells): Sl st into the ch-1 sp of the first Shell. Ch 3 (counts as dc). (Dc 1, ch 1, dc 2) in same ch-1 sp (first Shell made). *Shell (dc 2, ch 1, dc 2) in the ch-1 sp of the next Shell.* Repeat from * to * around. Sl st to 3rd ch of beg ch-3 to join.
Repeat Round 3 until the skirt reaches your desired total length.
Hem Edging (Optional, as seen in picture): Join CC (White) to the bottom of the skirt. Ch 1. *Sc in next st, ch 2, sk 1 st, sc in next st (or repeat a small shell like (sc 1, ch 1, sc 1) in next st, sk 2).* Repeat around. Sl st to join. The image shows a simple scalloped edge. A (dc 3, sl st) into every 2nd or 3rd stitch would also work. Fasten off CC.
Part 5: Finishing Touches
Neckline Edging (using MC): Join MC yarn to the top right corner of the back opening. Row 1: Ch 1. Sc evenly around the entire neckline opening. Join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off MC and weave in ends.
Sleeve Edging (using MC): Join MC yarn to the bottom of one armhole. Round 1: Ch 1. Sc evenly around the armhole opening. Join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off MC and weave in ends. Repeat for the second sleeve.
Back Closure:
- Button Loops: On one side of the back opening (e.g., the right side when looking at the back of the dress), join MC yarn at the top. Ch 3-4 (to form a loop), sl st into a nearby stitch to create a small button loop. Make 2-3 loops evenly spaced down the back opening.
- Buttons: Sew 2-3 small buttons onto the opposite side of the back opening, aligning them with the button loops.
Large Satin Ribbon & Rhinestone Embellishment:
- Take your white satin ribbon. Thread it through the stitches just above the white lace band, weaving it in and out to create a decorative band. Tie a large, full bow at the front of the dress, as seen in the picture.
- Carefully attach the rhinestone embellishment to the center of the bow using fabric glue or by sewing, ensuring it’s secure and baby-safe.
Final Touches:
- Weave in all remaining yarn ends securely.
- Block the dress gently to open up the lace pattern and ensure evenness.
