# Mint Sage Checkered Crochet Dress Free Crochet Pattern
Gingham will never go out of style, and this mint and sage checkered dress proves it. I worked the checks right into the fabric with simple color changes — no intarsia headaches, just easy stripes of single crochet that stack into the prettiest picnic-blanket checks. It’s giving garden party, it’s giving afternoon tea, it’s giving main-character-at-the-farmers-market.
The bodice is fitted, the waist is gently shaped, and the skirt flares just enough to twirl. Wide shoulder straps keep it comfortable all day. If you’ve never tried colorwork, this is the friendliest possible first project — you’re only ever working with one color per round!
What You’ll Need
- DK weight (#3) yarn: approx. 700 yds mint, 700 yds sage
- Size G-6 (4.0 mm) crochet hook
- Tapestry needle
Finished size:
- Bust 36 inches, waist 32 inches, total length 34 inches (adult S/M)
- Gauge: 18 SC = 4 inches
The Pattern
The checks are made by alternating 6-stitch color blocks, changing the block positions every 5 rounds. Carry the unused color loosely up the inside.
Ch 162 with mint, join to form a ring.
Rounds 1-5: *6 SC mint, 6 SC sage* 13 times + 6 SC mint to end of round — work 13 full repeats (156 sts) plus 6 mint (162 sts). Join with the color you’ll start the next round with.
Rounds 6-10: *6 SC sage, 6 SC mint* 13 times + 6 SC sage. (162 SC)
Rounds 11-25: Repeat Rounds 1-10 once more, then work Rounds 1-5 once. The bodice measures about 10 inches.
**Waist shaping,
Rounds 26-30:** Continue the check pattern, working [SC in next 7, SC2tog] 18 times evenly on Round 26. (144 SC) Work Rounds 27-30 even in pattern.
Skirt increases: Continue the check pattern throughout.
Round 35: [SC in next 8, 2 SC in next] 16 times. (160 SC)
Rounds 36-40: Even in pattern. (160 SC)
Round 41: [SC in next 9, 2 SC in next] 16 times. (176 SC)
Rounds 42-46: Even in pattern. (176 SC)
Round 47: [SC in next 10, 2 SC in next] 16 times. (192 SC)
Rounds 48-55: Even in pattern. (192 SC)
Hem: Ch 1, [skip 2 sts, 5 DC in next st, skip 2 sts, SC in next st] around in either color, join. Fasten off.
Top edging: Join mint at the top edge, ch 1, SC evenly around (162 sts), join. Fasten off.
Straps (make 2): With mint, ch 45.
Row 1: SC in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. (44 SC)
Rows 2-6: Ch 1, SC in each st across, turn. Fasten off. Sew one strap to the front top edge and the matching back point on each side.
Weave in all ends.
Sophie’s Tips
- When carrying the unused color up the inside, give it a little slack every few rounds so the fabric doesn’t pucker.
- The check pattern is easy to “read” once you start — each block sits directly on top of the block two rounds below it, just shifted. Trust the rhythm!
- Try it in cream and dusty blue for a completely different but equally charming mood.
Checks, please — and seconds on the compliments!
