# Midnight Navy Diamond Lattice Mermaid Gown Free Crochet Pattern
If you’ve ever dreamed of crocheting a red-carpet gown, this is the one! Midnight navy yarn, a gorgeous diamond lattice skirt, and a mermaid silhouette that hugs through the bodice and flares into a dramatic shell hem. It sounds fancy, but the stitches are wonderfully simple — crossed double crochet for the bodice (so stretchy and flattering!) and an easy offset mesh for the lattice.
This is a project to savor — pour something warm, put on a good audiobook, and watch the lattice grow. The finished gown is pure evening elegance.
What You’ll Need
- Midnight navy DK weight yarn with a little sheen (a cotton-acrylic blend is lovely), approximately 600 (700, 800) grams for sizes S (M, L)
- US Size G/6 (4.25 mm) crochet hook
- Yarn needle, scissors, stitch markers
- 18-inch invisible zipper in navy (optional, for the back)
Finished size:
- Three sizes — S fits bust 34″, M fits bust 38″, L fits bust 42″
- Length from shoulder to hem: approximately 54 inches
- Gauge: 15 double crochet stitches = 4 inches
- Instructions are written as S (M, L)
- A crossed double crochet (X-stitch) = skip 1 st, dc in next st, dc in the skipped st
The Pattern
Bodice
Ch 128 (144, 160). Join with sl st to form a ring, being careful not to twist.
Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as dc here and throughout), dc in each ch around. Join. (128 (144, 160) dc)
Round 2: Ch 3, *skip 1 st, dc in next st, dc in the skipped st (crossed dc made)*, repeat from * around. Join to top of ch-3.
Rounds 3–30: Repeat Round 2. The bodice should measure approximately 12 inches from the starting chain. (The crossed stitches give the fabric a lovely stretch.)
Mermaid Flare
Round 31: Ch 3, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 3 sts*, repeat from * around. Join. (160 (180, 200) dc)
Round 32: Ch 3, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 4 sts*, repeat from * around. Join. (192 (216, 240) dc)
Diamond Lattice Skirt
Round 33: Ch 5 (counts as dc + ch 2), skip 2 sts, *dc in next st, ch 2, skip 2 sts*, repeat from * around. Join with sl st to 3rd ch of starting ch-5. (64 (72, 80) ch-2 spaces)
Round 34: Sl st into the first ch-2 space, ch 5, *dc in next ch-2 space, ch 2*, repeat from * around. Join to 3rd ch of starting ch-5. (The offset creates the diamond effect.)
Rounds 35–48 (35–50, 35–52): Repeat Round 34. The lattice should measure approximately 28 (30, 32) inches from the start of the mesh.
Flared Shell Hem
Next round: Ch 3, 5 dc in each ch-2 space around. Join. (320 (360, 400) dc)
Final round: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join. Fasten off.
Neckline and Armholes
This gown is designed sleeveless with a scoop neckline. Join yarn at the back of the neck opening.
Round 1: Ch 1, sc evenly around the entire neckline and both armhole openings (work each opening as a separate round). Join. Fasten off. For extra polish, add a second round of reverse single crochet.
Sew in the invisible zipper at the back opening if desired, or simply slip the gown on — the crossed-stitch bodice stretches generously.
Finishing
Weave in all ends. Block the lattice skirt gently to open the diamonds: lay flat, pin the hem to encourage the flare, spritz, and dry completely.
Sophie’s Tips
- Navy shows every stitch, so keep your tension even — the crossed dc actually helps hide small inconsistencies.
- Try the bodice on (or measure it flat and double it) before starting the flare; it should fit snugly since the X-stitches stretch.
- For a floor-sweeping look, add 4 more lattice rounds before the shell hem.
Elegant, dramatic, and completely handmade by you — enjoy every minute in it!
