# Missoni Inspired Shift Crochet Dress Free Crochet Pattern
Okay, how gorgeous is this? The Missoni-inspired shift dress takes that famous zigzag ripple look and turns it into the coolest Christmas party dress. It is loose, it is comfy, it swings when you walk, and those mesmerizing chevron stripes make everyone think you spent a fortune on it. Spoiler: you did not. You just crocheted it on your couch while watching holiday movies, like the crafty genius you are.
It is worked in double ripple (chevron) crochet with short sleeves, and it is honestly a fantastic stash buster — every color change is just another stripe in the zigzag. I used up five partial skeins and it looks completely intentional.
What You’ll Need
- DK or light worsted yarn in 4–5 colors (I used about 1,200 yards total — deep red, cream, forest green, gold, and charcoal)
- Size H (5.0 mm) crochet hook
- Tapestry needle
- Stitch markers
Finished size:
- Approximately 40 inch bust (relaxed fit), 38 inch hip, and 36 inches long from shoulder to hem
- The loose A-line shift fits sizes S–L comfortably
The Pattern
Chevron pattern (worked over a multiple of 14 + 3):
*DC in the next 4 stitches, DC3tog over the next 3 stitches (the valley), DC in the next 4 stitches, 3 DC in the next stitch (the peak)*, repeat. Peaks stack over peaks and valleys over valleys every row.
Color sequence: Change colors every 2 rows in your chosen order. Change color on the last yarn-over of the last stitch of the row.
Back
Chain 101 (7 repeats of 14, plus 3).
Row 1: DC in the 4th chain from the hook, *DC in the next 4 chains, DC3tog over the next 3 chains, DC in the next 4 chains, 3 DC in the next chain*, repeat from * to * across to the last 12 chains, DC in the next 4 chains, DC3tog over the next 3 chains, DC in the next 4 chains, 2 DC in the last chain, turn. (99 sts)
Rows 2–34: Chain 3 (counts as DC), *DC in the next 4 stitches, DC3tog over the next 3 stitches, DC in the next 4 stitches, 3 DC in the next stitch*, repeat from * to * across to the last 12 stitches, DC in the next 4 stitches, DC3tog over the next 3 stitches, DC in the next 4 stitches, 2 DC in the top of the turning chain, turn. (99 sts)
Fasten off.
Front
Work exactly as for the back.
Short Sleeves (Make 2)
Chain 59 (4 repeats of 14, plus 3).
Row 1: Work as for Back Row 1. (57 sts)
Rows 2–10: Work in the chevron pattern as for Back Rows 2–34. (57 sts)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for seaming.
Assembly
1. Seam the shoulders together for 4 inches on each side, leaving the center open for the neckline.
2. Center each sleeve over a shoulder seam and sew the sleeve top edge to the body armhole. The chevron peaks should line up — pin first!
3. Seam the sides of the body from the hem up to the sleeve, then seam the underarm and sleeve edges in one continuous seam.
4. Work 1 round of SC around the neckline in your darkest color for a clean edge. Weave in all ends.
Fit note: Because the chevron stitch pulls in horizontally, the finished piece measures smaller than the chain width — that is normal and part of the magic. The 99-stitch rows relax to about 20 inches wide per panel.
Sophie’s Tips
- Mark your peaks with stitch markers for the first few rows until you can “read” the chevron — one misplaced valley throws off the whole zigzag.
- This is the ultimate stash buster: the more colors, the more Missoni it looks. Just keep them in the same weight.
- Steam-block gently (never press!) to even out the ripples — the zigzags will look razor sharp.
Go rock that zigzag — you are the best-dressed person at the Xmas celebration, guaranteed!
