# Lavender Dream Lacy Dress Free Crochet Pattern
Every now and then a project comes along that makes you feel like the main character, and friends, this dress is it. A fitted lavender bodice that flows into a dreamy lacy shell skirt — it’s the dress I reach for for garden parties, outdoor weddings, and any occasion that deserves a twirl. The lace looks intricate but it’s just shells and double crochet, worked in the round with no seams.
I designed the bodice with gentle waist shaping so it actually fits like a dress, not a tube, and the skirt has enough shells to move beautifully without being heavy. Wear it over a simple slip, add strappy sandals, and you’re done — the dress does all the talking.
What You’ll Need
- DK weight (#3) yarn in lavender — approx. 900 yds (I used 5 skeins of a soft cotton-blend DK)
- US G-6 (4.0 mm) crochet hook
- Tapestry needle and stitch markers
Finished size:
- Bust 36 inches, waist 30 inches, length 34 inches (knee-length). To size up, add 8 chains to the starting chain
Gauge:
- 16 DC x 9 rows = 4 inches
The Pattern
Bodice (worked bottom-up in rounds)
Chain 146 and join with a slip st to form a ring, being careful not to twist.
Rounds 1–10: Ch 3 (counts as DC), DC in each st around, join with a slip st to top of ch-3. (144 DC)
Round 11 (waist shaping): Ch 3, *DC2tog, DC in next 16 sts;* repeat from * around, join. (136 DC)
Rounds 12–14: Ch 3, DC in each st around, join. (136 DC)
Round 15: Ch 3, *DC2tog, DC in next 15 sts;* repeat from * around, join. (128 DC)
Round 16: Ch 3, *DC2tog, DC in next 14 sts;* repeat from * around, join. (120 DC)
Lacy Shell Skirt
Round 17 (shell round): Ch 1, *skip 2 sts, 5 DC in next st, skip 2 sts, SC in next st;* repeat from * around, join. (20 shells)
Round 18: Ch 3, DC in each st around, join. (120 DC)
Rounds 19–26: Repeat Rounds 17 and 18 four more times, ending with a DC round.
Round 27 (scalloped hem): Ch 1, *skip 1 st, 5 DC in next st, skip 1 st, SC in next st;* repeat from * around, join. (30 scallops) Fasten off.
Neckline, Straps, and Ties
Join yarn at the top edge of the bodice and work 1 round of SC around (144 SC). Fasten off.
Straps (make 2): Chain 40. SC in 2nd chain from hook and each chain across. (39 SC) Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Sew one strap to the front top edge and one to the back on each side, about 5 inches in from the side seams.
Waist tie: Chain 120. Slip st in 2nd chain from hook and each chain across. Fasten off. Thread through Round 14 and tie in a bow at the back — it cinches the waist beautifully.
Finishing
Weave in all ends. Steam-block the skirt so the shells open up into full lace glory.
Sophie’s Tips
- Try the bodice on before you start the skirt — the waist shaping rounds are easy to adjust, and a good fit here makes the whole dress.
- A nude or lavender slip underneath is non-negotiable with this much lace — it also makes the shells pop.
- This pattern in deep plum or forest green would be stunning for an autumn wedding — same stitches, totally different mood.
Go find your golden hour, dream girl — this dress was made for it!
