Taylor Swift inspired crochet dress pattern
Taylor Swift wowed the crochet world when she recently wore a crochet dress on a night out. So now you can make your own Taylor Swift inspired crochet dress.
The free crochet pattern here comes with 2 sleeve options – straight sleeves as worn by Taylor Swift, or Handkerchief sleeves for a true 1960s look. It comes in 9 sizes, to fit anyone from a 30 inch to 64 inch chest, and three length options for elite, average and tall fitting.
You can also get the pattern in baby and in child sizes, coming soon.
The pattern is written for worsted weight cotton yarn, but as it is comprised of very simple shapes, it can be adapted to any gauge. If you wish to use a different weight of yarn and calculate your own stitch counts, see ‘customising this pattern’ at the end.
Size of finished crochet dress
The recommended tension and stitch counts given will create a dress to fit the following sizes:
Size 1: Extra Small. Up to a 30 inch/76 centimetres chest.
Size 2: Small. Up to a 34 inch/86 centimetres chest.
Size 3: Medium. Up to a 38 inch/96 centimetres chest.
Size 4: Large. Up to a 42 inch/106 centimetres chest.
Size 5: Extra Large. Up to a 46 inch/117 centimetre chest.
Size 6: 2 Extra Large. Up to a 50 inch/127 centimetre chest.
Size 7: 3 Extra Large. Up to a 54 inch/137 centimetre chest.
Size 8: 4 Extra Large. Up to a 58 inch/147 centimetre chest.
Size 9: 5 Extra Large. Up to a 62 inch/158 centimetre chest.
Dress Length
The pattern is written for 3 suggested lengths, easily adaptable. To use a different recommended length, see ‘customisations’ at the end of the pattern.
Petite length: To fit person approximately 5 foot 2 inches
Standard length: To fit person approximately 5 foot 6 inches
Tall length: To fit person approximately 5 foot 10 inches
Schematic and finished measurements
The dress is styled with 6 to 10 inches of positive ease in the body. The finished measurements of the dress are:
A. Full Length. From shoulder to hemline. Petite 32 inches/81 centimetres, Average 35 inches/90 centimetres, Tall 38 inches 96.5 centimetres
B. Chest Circumference. Measurement across full bust. 36 (40, 44, 48) (52, 56, 60) (64, 68) inches/91 (102, 112, 122) (132, 142, 152) (162, 172) cm
C. Sleeve length. From armhole to wrist. Adjustable, with either sleeve option. 15 (16, 16, 16) (16, 17, 17) (17, 17) inches/ 38 (40.5, 40.5, 40.5) (40.5, 43, 43) (43, 43) centimeters
D. Armhole depth. 8 (9, 9, 9) (10, 10, 10) (11, 11) inches 20 (23, 23, 23) 25.5, 25.5, 25.5) (28, 28) centimetres.
E. Back neck width. 11 inches/28 centimetres.
Materials
Yarn: I used a worsted weight cotton or cotton/linen mix for all samples. The yarns used in the sample shown for adult sizes were a mix of 3 yarn types from my stash, which all work to the same tension. These were:
Drops Paris. 100% cotton. 50g. 75meters/82 yards. (Used for the white stripes)
Hobbii Rainbow. 100% cotton. 50g. 75 meters/ 82 yards. (Used for the yellow stripes)
Performance Linen Touch. 80% Cotton, 20% Linen. 50g. 65 meters/71. yards (used for the blue/green variegated stripes)
Total yarn requirements:
For a dress with straight striped sleeves:
19 (20, 22, 24) (26, 28 30) (32, 33) balls total/1,349 (1,420, 1,562, 1,704) (1,846, 1,988, 2,130) (2,272, 2,343) yards in total of all colours you are using, combined.
For a dress with Handkerchief sleeves, you will need an additional 4 balls in the colour you plan for the sleeve detail.
The original dress as worn by Taylor Swift was manufactured from acrylic yarn. However, I do not use acrylic, and am of the opinion it is not good worn next to skin. I found the cotton and cotton-linen mixes that I had in my stash worked perfectly for this pattern. Still, any yarn that will give gauge should work fine.
4.5 mm crochet hook (US G 7), or size required to match tension/gauge
Darning needle to weave in ends.
4 stitch markers for handkerchief sleeves, a box full (perhaps 20) to use for pinning garment together before sewing. Fabric clips or standard pins could suffice.
Abbreviations and Accessibility
This pattern is written without abbreviations, to aid screen reader accessibility and to create a more neurodiverse friendly pattern. A schematic is included, along with photos of specific steps. All information in the schematic and images are repeated in the text.
Note on the terminology
The pattern is written to be read for both US and UK crochet terminology.
Time to make:
25 hours for an experienced crocheter. Your time may vary.
Crochet skills used
This is an Easy level pattern, suitable for a beginner.
You will need to:
Work a ‘shell’ stitch in straight rows.
If using the handkerchief sleeve option, you will need to also work a section of the sleeve in rounds.
You will need to work some short rows to shape the neckline.
You will need to pick up stitches around the edge, to work the edgings.
Stitches Used:
Shell.
In UK/International terms: 3 treble crochet (tr), chain 1 in same space
In US terms: 3 double crochet (dc), chain 1 in same space.
Edging.
In UK/International terms: 5 treble crochet (tr), skip 1, double crochet (dc) in next space, skip 1
In US terms: 5 double crochet (dc), skip 1, single crochet (sc) in next space, skip 1
Pattern Begins
Part One: Pocket lining/swatch
Set up: Chain 25
Row 1: In 5th chain from hook work shell. Skip next 3 chains. [Work shell, skip 3 chain stitches], repeat to end. omit final chain 1 of shell stitch. The last shell will end in the final chain stitch.
Stitch count: 6 shells. Note the skipped stitches at the start of the row form the turning chain, and the first chain space (arrow 1 in image) and the last shell is worked into the last chain, without a final chain 1 (arrow 2 in image). This gives 6 shells of 3 stitches each, and 6 chain spaces.
Row 2: Chain 4 (counts as turning chain, plus chain 1 space) shell into each chain 1 space across.
Note: The row starts with a chain 4, which counts as a turning chain and the first chain space. You then skip across the first shell, and work into the first space. Work to the end, and work the last shell into the first turning chain/space. For the first 2 rows, your edges may look a little bockety. However, as the work grows, they will sit nice and straight.
Repeat row 2 another 7 times approximately.
Check against the height of your phone to ensure it will be a good fit if you are likely to carry your phone in your pocket. Work more rows if you have a tall phone (or whatever else you may carry in your pocket)
(Hint: suppress your inner hobbit, and don’t carry magic rings. They would fall out the holes which are a feature of this crochet stitch.)
Tension/gauge check
Check the measurements of the pocket lining. 4 repeats measured in the middle of the swatch should be 4 inches /10 centimetres wide. Make sure to measure a full repeat, from the start of one shell to the start of the next, including the chain one space, for an accurate measurement.
8 rows in height should equal 4 inches/10 centimetres. Measure stitches lying flat and rested. if you have been recently holding it up, or tugging it, they may be a bit stretched. Place swatch flat, pat it into shape and give it a moment. Then measure, to avoid a false measurement from the stitches being stretched.
If your swatch measures more stitches than this, try going up a hook size, or using a thicker yarn. If you have fewer stitches over 4 inches, try going down a hook size, or using thinner yarn.
To plan a stripe pattern.
There is no limit to the stripe patterns you can use for this design. For a very new-to-crochet beginner, it may be easiest to use a self striping yarn.
For those who wish to replicate my stripe pattern, I used 2 rows green-blue, 2 white, 2 green-blue, 2 yellow.
For those who wish to replicate the original Taylor Swift dress, work 4 rows peach fuzz, 1 row cream, 1 row brown, 1 cream, 1 brown, and 2 lavender. Repeat this stripe pattern across. Note that this specific stripe pattern will involve disconnecting the cream and brown at the end of every row, and result in more ends to weave in.
Any alternative stripe pattern that either uses only even numbers of rows OR only odd numbers, (for example, stripes in 3 colours which are 1 row wide or stripes in 4 colours which are 2 rows wide) will allow you to run your yarn along the side without disconnecting and rejoining, and reduce the horror of weaving in ends.
You may wish to check how many rows for your size below, and draw out a diagram of where you want to change colour.
Back
Set up:
Petite length, Chain 129
Average length, chain 141
Tall length, chain 153
Row 1: In 5th chain from hook work shell, skip next 3 chains. [Work a shell, skip 3 chain stitches] repeat to end. The last shell will end in the final chain stitch.
Stitch count: Petite 32, Average, 35 and tall, 38 shells.
Row 2: Chain 4 (counts as turning chain, plus chain 1 space) shell into each chain 1 space across.
Repeat row 2 another 34 (38, 42, 46) (50, 54, 58) (62, 66) times, following your desired stripe pattern.
Fasten off. Total rows worked: 36 (40, 44, 48) (52, 56, 60) (64, 68)
Front.
Work row 1 and 2 as for back. Repeat row 2 another 6 (8, 10, 12) (14, 16, 18) (20, 22) times.
Row count total: 8 (10, 12, 14) (16, 18, 20) (22, 24) rows
Work neckline
Neckline row 1: Chain 4 (counts as turning chain, plus chain 1 space), shell into each chain 1 space across to last 3 spaces. Turn, leaving remaining 3 spaces unworked.
Stitch count: Petite 29, Average 32 and tall, 35 shells of 3 stitches.
Neckline row 2: Chain 4, shell into each chain 1 space to end. Turn.
Neckline row 3: Chain 4, shell into each chain 1 space across to last space. Turn, leaving remaining space unworked.
Stitch count: Petite 28, Average 31 and tall, 34 shells of 3 stitches.
Neckline row 4: Repeat neckline row 2.
Neckline row 5: Repeat neckline row 3.
Stitch count: Petite 27, Average 30 and tall, 33 shells of 3 stitches.
Neckline rows 6-17 repeat neckline row 2
Neckline row 18: Chain 5, shell into 4th chain from hook (increase made) and each chain 1 space across to end. Turn.
Stitch count: Petite 28, Average 31 and tall, 34 shells.
Neckline row 19: Repeat neckline row 2.
Neckline row 20: Repeat neckline row 18.
Stitch count: Petite 29, Average 32 and tall, 35 shells.
Neckline row 21: Repeat neckline row 2.
Neckline row 22: chain 12, shell into 4th chain from hook, [skip 3 chains and shell into next chain] twice. Shell into each space to end.
Stitch count: Petite 33, Average 35 and tall, 38 shells.
Second front shoulder:
Next row: Chain 4 (counts as turning chain, plus chain 1 space) shell into each chain 1 space across.
Repeat previous row another 7 (9, 11, 13) (15, 17, 19) (21, 23) times.
Fasten off and disconnect yarn.
Sleeve Option 1. Straight sleeves for an accurate Taylor Swift crochet dress look
To create a straight sleeve
Set up: Chain 60 (64, 64, 64) (64, 68, 68) (68, 68)
Row 1: In 5th chain from hook work shell, skip next 3 chains. [Work a shell, skip 3 chain stitches] repeat to end.
Stitch count: 15 (16, 15, 15) (16, 17, 17) (17, 17) shells
Row 2: Chain 4 (counts as turning chain, plus chain 1 space) shell into each chain 1 space across.
Repeat row 2 following your stripe pattern for another 30 (34, 34, 34) (38, 38, 38) (42, 42) rows.
Fasten off and disconnect.
Sleeve option 2. Super Sixties handkerchief sleeves
Set Up: Chain 28.
Row 1: In 5th chain from hook work shell, skip next 3 chains. [Work a shell, skip 3 chain stitches] repeat to end.
Stitch count: 7 shells.
Row 2: Chain 4 (counts as turning chain, plus chain 1 space) shell into each chain 1 space across.
Repeat row 2 following your stripe pattern for another 30 (34, 34, 34) (38, 38, 38) (42, 42) rows.
Fasten off and disconnect.
The lower half of the sleeve is worked in the round after the dress has been sewn together. Proceed to next step of instructions to sew dress together, then follow instructions for lower sleeve.
Sewing together
With right sides facing, lay the front on top of the back, and seam together the shoulder seems. You can either use a darning needle and sew with a mattress stitch, or you can slip stitch crochet the edges together. I find slip stitching with a crochet hook easier, and this is how I assembled the samples.
Fold sleeves in half widthways, and identify mid point. Pin this to the shoulder seam just worked. Pin sleeve carefully in place, using stitch markers, and stitch to body of dress. Repeat for second sleeve.
Now seam from the start of the sleeve to the hem, on both sides.
Weave in ends
Lower Sleeve for Super Sixties handkerchief sleeve option.
In UK/international terms: Work 2 double crochet into the side of each row around the base of the sleeve.
In US terms: Work 2 single crochet into the side of each row around the base of the sleeve.
Stitch count: 64 (72, 72, 72) (80, 80, 80) (88, 88) stitches.
Place 4 stitch markers to mark the 4 corners as follows. Place a stitch marker at the seam where the sleeve was sewn together, [skip 16 (18, 18, 18) (20, 20, 20) (22, 22) stitches, place marker.] Repeat twice more.
Note that there are 2 sets of instructions for round 1, depending on sizes. This is because some sizes have a stitch count which is multiple of four, and others don’t. Be careful to follow the correct instructions for your size
For sizes – (2, 3, 4) (-, -, -) (8, 9) only:
Round 1: Chain 3, shell in same stitch, *skip 2, [shell, skip 3] repeat until 2 stitches before marker, skip 2, corner shell, repeat from * another 3 times. At end of round, work a shell into the same space as the first shell, chain 2 and join with slip stitch.
For sizes 1 (-, -, -) (5, 6, 7) (-, -) only:
Round 1: Chain 3, shell in same stitch, *[skip 3, shell], repeat to marker, corner shell, repeat from * another 3 times. At end of round, work a shell into the same space as the first shell, chain 2 and join with slip stitch.
Stitch count: 4 corner shells comprising 2 3-stitch shells and a chain 2, 4 sides comprising 3 (4, 4, 4) (5, 5, 5) (6, 6) shells
Round 2: Chain 3 and work 2 stitches? into same space to form first shell. Chain 1. *Shell in each chain 1 space across, corner shell into chain 2 of corner shell, repeat from * another 3 times, shell in starting stitch, chain 2 and join with a slip stitch.
Stitch count: 4 corner shells, 4 sides comprising 4 (5, 5, 5) (6, 6, 6) (7, 7) shells
Stitches? = In UK/International terms, treble crochet stitches
Stitches? = In US terms, double crochet stitches
Repeat Round 2 until sleeve is the desired length.
You may wish to position the peaks at the wrist, with the shorter part of the sleeve above that. In the pattern photo we styled the sleeves long, with the flat part across the wrist, and the peaks coming down over the hand. Perfect for a trendy teen heading off to festivals, but maybe a touch inconvenient when doing the washing up. So style the length to whatever suits your lifestyle and when you plan on wearing it.
Sleeve edging:
In a contrasting colour if using one. Work edging stitch around. Join with a slip stitch and fasten off.
Reminder: Edging stitch as defined above:
In UK/International terms: 5 treble crochet (tr), skip 1, double crochet (dc) in next space, skip 1
In US terms: 5 double crochet (dc), skip 1, single crochet (sc) in next space, skip 1
Neckline edging
Row 1: Starting beginning of back neck, work 2 into each row, continue down side neck, across front and up second side neck. join with slip stitch.
Row 2: Chain 1 and work edging stitch around, join with slip stitch and fasten off.
Hem edging
UK/International terms: Row 1: Starting at either seam, work 2 double crochet into the base of each row to end. Join with slip stitch.
US terms: Row 1: Starting at either seam, work 2 single crochet into the base of each row to end. Join with slip stitch.
Row 2: Chain 1 and work edging stitch around to end. join with slip stitch and fasten off.
Sleeve edging for straight sleeve:
Repeat as for hem
Finishing:
Weave in any remaining ends. If using a similar yarn to the ones I used, the dress should not require any significant amount of blocking. You may wish to give it a quick wash, and dry flat, patting into shape.
I hope you enjoyed this free Taylor Swift inspired crochet dress pattern, and have fun wearing it. Why not post to Instagram, and tag me @TheFairythorn so I can see? You can also create a Ravelry project page to show it off.
I will gift a coupon code for one free pattern to the first 5 people who upload a complete project to Ravelry.
Have you seen my patterns on Ravelry?
Sign up to my newsletter to hear about future free patterns, new releases, and other news
Customisation:
No 2 bodies are the same, and we all have our own styles. If any one size as laid out here does not suit you, you can change most things about this pattern.
To change length: add or subtract 4 stitches from the stitch count for every inch of length.
To change arm length for straight sleeves: add or subtract 4 stitches from the stitch count for every inch of length.
To use a different yarn weight. Use any yarn from fingering to bulky. Carefully calculate the tension of the yarn you wish to use, by swatching over at least 4 inches. Multiply your tension for 1 inch by the number of inches for the length you want. That is your starting chain. Then multiply that by 4 (as it’s a 4 stitch repeat). Follow the instructions, paying attention to the measurements in the schematic rather than stitch and row counts. Use your tape measure and replicate the schematic measurements.
Copyright disclaimer:
This pattern, including the wording and the pictures, are my work and copyright. Please do not distribute them except by using the link to this blog. You may not copy in any way, including by making your own videos, if they are directly based on my work.
This blog is not intended for commercial use. You may sell finished items based on this pattern only if you have made them in your own home, with your own hands.
