This Free Children’s Crochet Dress Pattern for the Delightful Days Dress is a sweet and stylish project for kids aged 0-10 years!
The free pattern and video tutorial are available right here on the blog, but if you’d like a convenient, ad-free PDF version, you can grab it from my Etsy shop here!
Why This One’s a Favourite
- Sizing: Seven sizes from age 0 to 10 years. Comfortable and adorable fit.
- Easy-to-follow: US Terms, simple construction, clear instructions & video tutorial.
- Light and breezy: Perfect for summer days. Throw a cardigan over for cooler nights.
- Fully customizable: Choose any colour combination of your liking.
- Eye-catching design: Cheerful sunburst granny squares that kids will love.
- Great handmade gift: Ideal for baby showers, birthdays or summer outings!
Quick & Easy Design
If you’re looking for a quick and easy project to crochet for a special little one, this free children’s crochet dress pattern is just the thing! With its charming sunburst granny squares, the Delightful Days Dress is sure to brighten up any child’s wardrobe.
Colourful Sunburst Granny Squares
Made using the ever-popular sunburst granny square, this dress combines vintage flair with playful modern style. It’s perfect for everything, from summer outings to layering a cardigan over it in cooler months. It’s as joyful to make as it is to wear!
Beginner Friendly
With sizing that ranges from newborn all the way up to 10 years old, you can create matching dresses for siblings, cousins, or grow-with-me wardrobe staples.
And you don’t need to be an experienced crocheter to make this dress; this pattern is beginner-friendly and even comes with a step-by-step video tutorial (scroll down to view it). I’ll walk you through every step, so you can crochet this dress with complete confidence.
Make the matching Sunny Stitches Hat!
Best Yarn for Children’s Crochet Dress Pattern
Sirdar Stories DK was used for this design. It’s a weight 3 (DK / 8 ply) yarn and I consider it to be one of the best choices for this children’s crochet dress pattern. With its balanced blend of 60% cotton and 40% acrylic, it offers the best of both worlds—soft and breathable for delicate skin, yet durable enough to withstand everyday wear and washing. I found the yarn texture to be smooth, with no splitting. It was generally very easy to work with and was a real joy to crochet!
Moreover, the addition of the acrylic makes it less stiff than a 100% cotton yarn. This gives the finished dress a beautiful drape with a lovely flow and fit. Plus, with a modern range of vibrant and neutral colours to choose from, you can easily customize the dress and match it to existing items in your child’s wardrobe.
Five colours were used for this children’s crochet dress pattern: Dreamers (purple), Bestie (pink), Invite (white), Chill (blue), Glowsticks (yellow).
Yarn Substitutes
If you can’t get your hands on Sirdar Stories DK, don’t worry — here are some great yarn substitutes that work just as well for this pattern!
Make the matching Radiant Rays Blanket
Pin It For Later!
Let’s get started and turn those colorful granny squares into a beautiful handmade dress your little one will love!
Print This Pattern
Prefer a Printable Version? You can purchase the ad-free, printable PDF of this children’s crochet dress pattern! It includes all the same information as the free version + lots more. It’s just in a more convenient, easy-to-read format… perfect for crocheting on-the-go (or on the couch!).
This children’s crochet dress pattern is also part of a matching bundle available in my Etsy shop! The bundle includes the Sunny Stitches Hat, Delightful Days Dress, and Radiant Rays Blanket—perfect for handmade gifts or a complete summer look.
Ad-Free Download
PDF PRINTABLE PATTERN
- Easy-to-read (no ads!)
- Print-friendly & tablet-friendly
- Bonus sections: Sunburst motif, schematic & extra colour photos
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Free Children’s Crochet Dress Pattern: Delightful Days Dress
Please carefully read all the information below in order to make the Delightful Days Dress – a free children’s crochet dress pattern.
Level
“Projects may include simple stitch patterns, color work, and/or shaping”.
Source: Craft Yarn Council of America’s www.YarnStandards.com
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Pattern Notes
- US crochet terminology used throughout.
- A step-by-step video tutorial is available on YouTube.
- The Instructions are written for sizes 0 (newborn) to 10 years of age. Changes for the various sizes will be given throughout the pattern.
- You can use any #3 / light worsted / DK / 8 ply yarn for this project, providing you meet the gauge as detailed below.
- It’s important to do a gauge / tension test before starting the pattern. This will ensure that the final dress turns out to be the correct size.
- In the instructions, I’ve used colour C (purple) as the main colour. However, you can choose any other colour, such as colour D (pink) or colour A (yellow).
- The sunburst granny square, dress skirt and edging are worked in rounds.
- For a neater look, you can substitute the ch2, ch3 or ch4 at the start of rounds with a stacked double crochet or stacked treble crochet stitch. Please see the video tutorial for a demo on how to work these stitches.
- For beginners, it will be helpful to place a stitch marker in the first stitch made at the beginning of each round.
- This garment is designed to have positive ease / be loose fitting. This will allow the child to get more wear out of it as they grow. If you would prefer the dress to be more close-fitting, please size down.
- Support for my crochet patterns is available exclusively through my Facebook Group. If you’d like help or have questions while working through a pattern, I encourage you to join the group, connect with other members, and support one another along the way!
- Please note: if you wish to modify the patterns in any way, you’ll need to make those changes on your own, as I’m unable to provide assistance for alterations.
Materials
Yarn:
DK / #3 / 8 Ply
Sirdar Stories, 153 yds / 1.8 oz (140m / 50g) in the following colours:
Yarn A – Glowsticks (yellow)
Yarn B – Chill (blue)
Yarn C – Dreamers (purple)
Yarn D – Bestie (pink)
Yarn E – Invite (off-white)
Yarn Amounts for sizes 0–6 mos (6–12 mos: 1–2 yrs: 3–4 yrs: 5–6 yrs: 7–8 yrs: 9–10 yrs):
Accent colours A, B, D & E:
1 (1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1) ball (less than 70 yards of yarn needed for each accent colour)
Main colour C:
3 (4, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) balls
376 (478, 602, 750, 871, 1028, 1125) yards.
Crochet Hook:
Sizes 0–6 mos, 1–2 yrs, 5–6 yrs: G (4mm) hook
Sizes 6–12 mos, 3–4 yrs, 7–8 yrs, 9–10 yrs: Size 7 (4.5mm) hook
Yarn Substitutes
If using a substitute, remember to check your gauge / tension (details below) and adjust your hook size up or down.
Premier Yarns Cotton Fair 3.5oz. / 317 yds (100g / 290m)
Paintbox Yarns Cotton Mix DK 3.5oz. / 268yds (100g / 245m)
Rico Baby Cotton Soft 1.8oz. / 137 yds (50g / 125m)
Brava Sport 3.5oz. / 340 yds (100g / 310m)
Other Materials
- Yarn needle (for weaving in ends)
- Scissors
- 4x stitch markers
- Measuring tape
Gauge / Tension
In order to achieve the correct size and fit, it is important to test your gauge (tension) with a sample sunburst square before you begin.
For sizes 0-6 months, 1-2 years and 5-6 years and with a G / 4mm crochet hook, each sunburst square measures 4.5 x 4.5in / 11 x 11 cm
For sizes 6-12 months, 3-4 years, 7-8 years and 9-10 years and with a 4.5mm crochet hook, each sunburst square measures 5 x 5in / 12.5 x 12.5cm
If your tension is tight and your square is smaller (by more than ¼ inch / 1cm), try using a larger hook.
If your tension is loose and your square is larger (by more than ¼ inch / 1cm), use a smaller hook.
Finished Size
Dress Construction
Here’s how the dress comes together:
- You’ll begin by crocheting a series of sunburst granny squares.
- These squares are then joined together to form a band / circle, which becomes the bodice of the dress.
- From there, the yarn is re-attached to work the skirt in rounds, building it out for a comfortable, flowing fit.
- A decorative trim is added to the top of the bodice for a sweet finishing touch.
- Finally, you’ll crochet simple ties at the shoulders to help keep the dress secure and prevent it from slipping down.
Stitches & Abbreviations (US Crochet Terms)
beg – beginning
ch(s) – chain(s)
dc – double crochet: Yarn over (yo), insert hook into stitch, yo, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook). Yo, pull through 2 loops (2 loops on hook). Yo, pull through remaining 2 loops. 1 double crochet completed.
Excl – excluding.
hdc – half double crochet: Yarn over (yo), insert hook into stitch, yo, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook). Yo, pull through all 3 loops. 1 half double crochet completed.
sc – single crochet: Insert hook into stitch, yarn over (yo), pull up a loop (2 loops on hook). Yo, pull through both loops on hook. 1 single crochet completed.
sk – skip: Do not crochet into this stitch / space.
sl st – slip stitch: Insert hook into stitch, yarn over (yo), pull up a loop, you will have 2 loops on your hook. Pull the first loop through the second loop. 1 slip stitch completed.
sp(s) – space(es)
st(s) – stitch(es)
tr – treble crochet: Yarn over (yo) twice, insert hook into stitch, yo, pull up a loop (4 loops on hook). Yo, pull through 2 loops (3 loops on hook). Yo, pull through 2 loops (2 loops on hook). Yo, pull through remaining 2 loops. 1 treble crochet completed.
Special Stitches
2dcCL – 2 Double Crochet Cluster: Yarn over (yo), insert hook into stitch, yo, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yo, pull through 2 loops (2 loops remain on hook). Yo, insert hook into same st, yo, pull up a loop (4 loops on hook). Yo, pull through 2 loops (3 loops on hook), yo, pull through all 3 loops. One 2dcCL made.
3dcCL -3 Double Crochet Cluster: Yarn over (yo), insert hook into stitch (or space), yo, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yo, pull through 2 loops (2 loops remain on hook). Yo, insert hook into same st (or space), yo, pull up a loop (4 loops on hook). Yo, pull through 2 loops (3 loops remain on hook). Yo, insert hook into same st (or space), yo pull up a loop (5 loops on hook), yo, pull through 2 loops (4 loops on hook). Yo, pull through all 4 loops. One 3dcCL made.
4dcCL – 4 Double Crochet Cluster: Yarn over (yo), insert hook into chain 1 space (ch1 sp), yo, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yo, pull through 2 loops (2 loops remain on hook). Yo, insert hook into same ch1 sp, yo, pull up a loop (4 loops on hook), yo, pull through 2 loops (3 loops remain on hook). Yo, insert hook into same ch1 sp, yo, pull up a loop (5 loops on hook), yo, pull through 2 loops (4 loops remain on hook). Yo, insert hook into same st, yo, pull up a loop (6 loops on hook), yo, pull though 2 loops (5 loops on hook), yo, pull through all 5 loops. One 4dcCL made.
EXdc– Extended double crochet: Yarn over (yo), insert hook into st or sp, pull up a loop, 3 loops on hook, yo, pull through 1 loop (3 loops remain on hook), yo, pull through 2 loops (2 loops remain on hook), yo, pull through both loops. I EXdc made.
StDC – stacked double crochet (see video tutorial for a demo)
StTR – stacked treble crochet (see video tutorial for a demo)
* to * – Repeat instructions between asterisks as many times as directed.
( ) – Sets of stitches to be worked within one stitch or space.
[ ] – The total number of stitches at the end of a row.
Colourways
SQUARE A
Use A for 6ch ring.
Round 1 – colour A
Round 2 – colour D
Round 3 – colour B
Round 4 – colour E
Round 5 – colour C
SQUARE B
Use A for 6ch ring.
Round 1 – colour A
Round 2 – colour B
Round 3 – colour D
Round 4 – colour E
Round 5 – colour C
SQUARE C
Use A for 6ch ring.
Round 1 – colour A
Round 2 – colour C
Round 3 – colour D
Round 4 – colour E
Round 5 – colour C
SQUARE D
Use A for 6ch ring.
Round 1 – colour A
Round 2 – colour D
Round 3 – colour C
Round 4 – colour E
Round 5 – colour C
SQUARE E
Use A for 6ch ring.
Round 1 – colour A
Round 2 – colour C
Round 3 – colour B
Round 4 – colour E
Round 5 – colour C
SQUARE F
Use A for 6ch ring.
Round 1 – colour A
Round 2 – colour B
Round 3 – colour C
Round 4 – colour E
Round 5 – colour C
Instructions
Sunburst Granny Square
(Refer to hook sizes in ‘Materials’ above. Colourways of squares A-F are detailed in the ‘Colourway’ section above).
Sizes 0-6 & 6-12 months: make 4 squares: 1 each of squares A, B, E & F
Sizes 1-2 & 3-4 years: make 5 granny squares: 1 each of squares A, B, C, E, F
Sizes 5-6, 7-8 & 9-10 years: make 6 granny squares: 1 each of squares A – F
With Colour A (all squares):
Make a magic ring or ch6 and sl st to 1st ch to form a ring.
Round 1. Ch2 (counts as your first st) or make a StDC (see video tutorial above), 15dc into ring, sl st to top of beg ch2 or StDC to join, [16 sts].
Cut yarn, fasten off and weave in ends.
Attach next colour to any st with a sl st.
Round 2. Ch2 (does not count as your first st), 1dc in same st (ch2 & 1dc count as 1st 2dcCL), ch1, *2dcCL in next st, ch1*, repeat from * to * 15 times in total, sl st to 1st dc to join, [1dc, 15x 2dcCL sts, 16x ch1 sps].
Cut yarn, fasten off and weave in ends.
Attach next colour to any ch1 sp with a sl st.
Round 3. Ch2 (does not count as your first st), 3dcCL in same ch1 sp (ch2 & 3dcCL counts as 1st 4dcCL), ch2, *4dcCL in next ch1 sp, ch2*, repeat from * to * 15 times in total, sl st to 1st 3dcCL st to join, [1x 3dcCL, 15x 4dcCL sts, 16x ch2 sps).
Cut yarn, fasten off and weave in ends.
With Colour E (all squares), attach yarn to any ch2 sp with a sl st.
Round 4. Ch4 (counts as your first st) or make a StTR (see video tutorial), 2tr in same ch2 sp, (3dc in next ch2 sp) 3 times, *(3tr, ch2, 3tr) in next ch2 sp, (3dc in next ch2 sp) 3 times*, repeat from * to * 3 times in total, 3tr in 1st ch2 sp of round, ch1, sl st to top of beg ch4 or StTR to join, [12x groups of dc sts, 8x groups of tr sts, 4x ch2 spaces].
Cut yarn, fasten off and weave in ends.
With Colour C (all squares), attach yarn to any ch2 sp in the corner with a sl st.
Round 5. Ch3 (counts as your first st) or make a StDC, 2 EXdc in same ch2 corner sp (3dc in sp in between each group of 3dc) 4 times, *(3EXdc, ch2, 3EXdc) in next ch2 corner sp, (3dc in sp in between each group of 3dc) 4 times*, repeat from * to * 3 times in total, 3EXdc in 1st ch2 corner sp of round, ch1, sl st to top of beg ch3 / StDC or make an invisible join, [16x groups of dc sts, 8x EXdc sts, 4x ch2 sps].
Cut yarn, fasten off and weave in ends.
💡 Tired of scrolling?
You can grab the printable, ad-free PDF version of the Delightful Days Dress here:
It’s much easier to follow and perfect for printing or using on your mobile or tablet.
Arrangement of Squares
Arrange your squares (for the size you are working on) as seen in the diagram below:
Joining Squares
Begin by joining one side of each square together to form a strip.
I used a very quick and easy way to join my squares. To begin, line up the first two squares by placing them on top of each other. The wrong sides of both squares should be facing out.
- With Colour C, place a slip knot on your hook and insert it into the ch2 corner sp of the square on top. Then slide your hook through the corresponding ch2 sp of the square on the bottom. Make a single crochet.
- Then chain 3.
- Move along to the space in between the next 2 groups of 3dc stitches on the top square, insert your hook through the space and push it through to the corresponding space of the bottom square. Make a single crochet.
- Repeat steps 2 and 3 along to the next two corners.
- Work a single crochet through the last two ch2 corner spaces. Chain one, fasten off and weave in ends.
- Grab the next square, place it on top of one of the squares you just joined together and repeat the process from step 1 along one side of the square.
- Repeat for all squares until you have formed a strip.
- Once you have created a strip, join the first and last square to form a band / circle, which is the bodice of the dress.
Skirt
Once all your squares have been joined together to form the bodice of the dress, turn your work so that the right side of the bodice is now facing you.
With Colour C, attach yarn to the back of the bodice to begin working on the skirt as follows:
- Sizes 0-6 and 6-12 months: attach yarn to the ch2 corner sp of the centre square.
- Sizes 1-2 and 3-4 years: you will have two squares at the back – attach yarn to the ch2 corner sp to the left of the back seam.
- Sizes 5-6, 7-8 and 9-10 years: there will be three squares at the back – attach yarn to the ch2 corner sp of the last square on the left.
NOTE: For the following rounds, the space refers to either a ch2 corner space or the space found between two groups of 3dc stitches.
Round 1. Ch2 (counts as your first stitch) or make a StDC, (2dc, ch2, 3dc, ch1) in same sp, (3dc, ch1 in next sp) twice, *(3dc, ch2, 3dc, ch1) in next sp, (3dc, ch1 in next sp) twice*, repeat from * to * until end of round, sc to top of beg ch2 or StDC to join round, [sizes 0-12 months: 38 groups of 3dc; sizes 1-4 years: 47 groups of 3dc; sizes 5-10 years: 56 groups of 3ddc].
Round 2. Ch2 (counts as your first stitch) or make a StDC, (2dc, ch1) in 1st sp (directly below sc made at end of last round), (3dc, ch1) in each space until end of round, sc to top of beg ch2 or StDC to join round, [sizes 0-12 months: 38 groups of 3dc; sizes 1-4 years: 47 groups of 3dc; sizes 5-10 years: 56 groups of 3ddc].
Continue working for the following number of rounds:
Sizes 0-6 mos and 6-12 mos ONLY:
Rounds 3 – 19. Repeat round number 2.
Sizes 1-2 and 3-4 years ONLY:
Rounds 3 – 27. Repeat round number 2.
Sizes 5-6 and 7-8 years ONLY:
Rounds 3 – 35. Repeat round number 2.
Size 9-10 years ONLY:
Rounds 3 – 40. Repeat round number 2.
Once you have worked the required number of rounds for the size you are making, finish by making a sl st into the top of the beg ch2, cut colour C, fasten off and weave in ends.
ALL SIZES – With Colour E, place the back of the dress facing you and attach yarn to any ch1 sp with a sl st.
Next round. Repeat round 2 but finish with a sl st to top of beg or StDC to join round.
Cut yarn, fasten off and weave in ends.
ALL SIZES – With Colour C, place the back of the dress facing you and attach yarn to any ch1 sp with a sl st.
Next round. Repeat round 2 but finish with a sl st to top of beg or StDC to join round.
Next round. Ch1 (does not count as your 1st st), *(1sc, ch3, 1dc) in same st, sk next 2 sts (count the ch1 sp as a st)*, repeat from * to * until end, sl st in last st or sp to join. Cut yarn, fasten off and weave in ends.
Edging Around Top Of Bodice (Sizes 0-4 Years Only)
With Colour C, with the back of the dress facing you, go to the top of the bodice. Attach yarn with a sl st to any ch2 corner sp of a square.
Round 1. *(1sc, ch3,1dc) in same sp, skip next next 2 sts (count the ch1 sp as a st), in each ch2 corner sp work as follows: (1sc, ch3,1dc) in same sp*, repeat from * to * until end, sl st in last st or sp to join. Cut yarn, fasten off and weave in ends.
Edging Around Top Of Bodice (Sizes 5-10 years Only)
With Colour C, with the back of the dress facing you, go to the top of the bodice. Attach yarn with a sl st to any sp in between the 3dc groups of the centre square.
Round 1. Ch2 (counts as your first stitch) or make a StDC, (2hdc) in same sp, *(3hdc) in each sp in between the 3dc groups (work the following sequence at each seam: 1dc in 1st ch2 sp, 1dc2tog over both ch2 sps, 1dc in 2nd ch2 sp)*, repeat from * to * until end of round, sl st to top of beg ch2 to join round.
Round 2. *(1sc, ch3,1dc) in same st, skip next next 2 sts*, repeat from * to * until end, sl st in last st to join. Cut yarn, fasten off and weave in ends.
Shoulder Ties
Front Ties (Make 2)
With the front of the bodice facing you, place one stitch marker through any chain 3 space on one side of the centre square. Put the other stitch marker through any chain 3 space on the other side of the square*
The distance between each marker should measure as follows (approx.):
Size 0-6 months: 4.5in / 11.5cm
Size 6-12 months: 5in / 12.75cm
Size 1-2 years: 5.5in / 14cm
Size 3-4 years: 6in / 15.25cm
Sizes 5-10 years: 6-6.5in / 15.25-16.5cm
*Adjust the placement of the markers to ensure you get the correct distance between each marker.
With Colour C:
Attach yarn to the first chain 3 space with a sl st.
Sizes 1-4 years:
Make a chain measuring 8.5in / 21.5cm
Sizes 5-10 years:
Make a chain measuring 9in / 22.75cm
ALL SIZES:
Row 1. 1sc in BLO of 2nd ch from hook, 1sc in BLO of each ch until end of chain, sl st into st at bottom of chain to join. Cut yarn, fasten off and weave in ends.
Repeat the above process with the other front strap.
Back Ties (Make 2)
Repeat the same process as for the front ties. Please see the video tutorial for further clarification if needed.
Your Delightful Days Dress is now finished! Prefer a quiet, ad-free version? You can get the printable PDF pattern here.
PATTERN SUPPORT
Need Help with a Pattern?
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If you need a hand, come hang out with us in our Facebook group—it’s the best place to ask questions, share your makes, and cheer each other on.
We’ve also put together a step-by-step YouTube tutorial you can follow along with—this should answer most of your questions along the way!
Pop into the Facebook group and join our cozy little community—we’d absolutely love to see you there!💛
COPYRIGHT
Copyright © 2025 by Maisie and Ruth Limited. All rights reserved. This children’s crochet dress pattern for the Delightful Days Dress is for personal viewing only. You may view it for free on this blog, but it is protected under applicable copyrights, trademarks, and other proprietary (including but not limited to intellectual property) rights.
You may not copy, redistribute, or sell this pattern in any form, including digital, printed or photographic formats without permission. Sharing this pattern (in whole or in part) on social media, websites, or messaging platforms is strictly prohibited. This is a theft of the author’s intellectual property, which may result in civil or criminal penalties.
Thank you for respecting my work and for your continued support — it truly means a lot!
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FAQ – Children’s Crochet Dress Pattern for Ages 0–10
Q: What sizes does this crochet dress pattern include?
A: This pattern includes instructions for sizes ranging from newborn (0 months) to 10 years old, with simple adjustments for length and width.
Q: Is this crochet dress pattern beginner-friendly?
A: Yes! This pattern is perfect for beginners with basic crochet knowledge. It uses simple stitches and includes step-by-step instructions.
Q: What type of yarn should I use?
A: A soft, lightweight cotton or cotton blend yarn works best for comfort and breathability. The exact yarn and hook size recommendations are included in the ‘Materials’ section above.
Q: Can I sell dresses made from this pattern?
A: Yes, you’re welcome to sell finished items made from this pattern on a small scale (e.g. craft fairs, Etsy, local markets). However, mass production or factory manufacturing of items using this pattern is not permitted.
Q: Is there a printable PDF version of this pattern?
A: Yes! While the full pattern is free on this blog, you can purchase an ad-free, printable PDF version from my Etsy shop for easy access.
Q: Do you offer a video tutorial for this pattern?
A: I sure do! You can start watching the video tutorial above. The full tutorial is on my YouTube channel here.
Thank you! I’m looking forward to crocheting this adorable dress for my great niece.
You’re very welcome, Nancy! I’m sure your great niece will love wearing it! 💝