Crochet your baby an adorable Swifty dress

This crochet pattern for baby girls from birth to age 2 is for all the tiny Taylor Swift fans out there. Make this cute crochet dress pattern for your baby Swifty today!

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 for your little one.

You can also get the pattern in adult and (coming soon)in child sizes.

Size of finished baby Swifty crochet dress

The recommended tension and stitch counts given will create a dress to fit the following sizes:

Size 1: Very premature/18 inch doll. Up to a 12 inch/30.5 centimetres chest.

Size 2: Premature/Newborn. Up to a 14 inch/35.5 centimetres chest.

Size 3: Birth – 6 months. Up to a 16 inch/40.5 centimetres chest.

Size 4: 6 – 12 months. Up to a 18 inch/46 centimetres chest.

Size 5: 1 – 2 years. Up to a 20 inch/51 centimetre chest.

Size 6: 2-3 years. Up to a 22 inch/56 centimetre chest.

Schematic and finished measurements of baby Swifty crochet dress

The dress is styled with 4 to 6 inches of positive ease in the body. The finished measurements of the dress are:

A. Full Length. From shoulder to hemline. 8 (10, 12) (14, 16) (18) inches/20 (25, 31) (36, 41) (46) centimetres.

B. Chest Circumference. Measurement across full bust. 16 (18, 20) (22, 24) (26) inches/40 (46, 51) (56, 61) (66) centimetres.

C. Sleeve length. From armhole to wrist. Adjustable, with either sleeve option. 4 (5, 6) (7, 8) (9) inches/ 10(13, 15) (18, 20) 23 centimetres

D. Armhole depth. 3 (3, 3) (4, 4) (5) inches 10 (15, 23, 23) 25.5, 25.5, 25.5) (28, 28) centimetres.

E. Back neck width. 3 (3, 3) (4, 4) (5) inches / 8 (8, 8) (10, 10) 13 centimetres.

Materials

Yarn:

Hobbii Rainbow. 100% cotton. 50g. 75 meters/ 82 yards.

Yarn substitution suggestions:

Drops Paris. 100% cotton. 50g. 75meters/82 yards.

Scheepjes Cahlista. 100% cotton. 50g. 85 meters.

Total yarn requirements for dress and nappy/diaper cover:

Note: this is the total yardage needed. If you are using stripes, you will need a greater quantity in combined colours.

3 (4, 4)(5, 5) 6 balls total/ 246 (328, 328) (410, 410) 492 yards in total of all colours you are using, combined.

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, and especially not for babies. I like to use certified safe yarns. The suggested Rainbow 8/8 is OEKO-TEX certified as safe from harmful chemicals, and safe for babies sensitive skin.

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

Between 4 and 8 buttons depending on size. Choose smooth flat buttons, especially for young babies that may be lying on their backs sleeping during the day while wearing the dress. Avoid the type of buttons with a post on the back, or ridges around the edges, as these could dig into baby’s back and be uncomfortable at nap time. I used smooth flat wooden buttons that will nestle into the fabric and not cause discomfort.

Darning needle to weave in ends.

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: 

5-10 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.

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.

Tension/Gauge

For detailed stitch tutorial and instructions on making a swatch which will double as a pocket for an adults size dress, see the adults pattern.

4 stitch repeats = 4 inches/10 centimetres.

8 rows = 4 inches/10 centimetres.

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 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 – make 2

Set up: In colour 1, Chain 33 (41, 49) (57, 65) (73)

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: 8, (10, 12) (14, 16) 18 shells.

Row 2: Chain 4 (counts as turning chain, plus chain 1 space) shell into each chain 1 space across.

Repeat row 2 another 5 (7, 9) (11, 13) 15 times, following your desired stripe pattern.

Button-band row US terms: Double crochet in each stitch, including chain 1 spaces, to end. Stitch count: 32 (40, 48) (56, 64) 72.

Button-band row UK terms: Treble crochet in each stitch, including chain 1 spaces, to end. Stitch count: 32 (40, 48) (56, 64) 72.

Fasten off and disconnect.

Front.

Work row 1 and 2 as for back. Repeat row 2 another 3 (4, 5) (6, 7) 8 times. 

Row count total: 5 (6, 7) (8, 9) 10 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 2 spaces. Turn, leaving remaining 2 spaces unworked.

Stitch count: 6, (8, 10) (12, 14) 16 shells worked, 2 skipped.

Neckline row 2: Chain 4, shell into each chain 1 space to end. Turn.

Neckline row 3 sizes 1 (2, 3) (-, -) – only : Chain 4, shell into each chain 1 space across end of previous row. Turn.

Neckline row 3 sizes – (-, -) (4, 5) 6 only : Chain 4, shell into each chain 1 space across to last space. Turn, leaving remaining space unworked.

Stitch count: 6, (8, 10) (11, 13) 15 shells worked, 2 (2, 2) (3, 3) 3 skipped

Repeat neckline row 2 another 1 (1, 3) (3, 5) 5 times

Neckline increase row

Neckline increase row sizes – (-, -) (4, 5) 6 only : Chain 5, shell into 4th chain from hook (increase made) and each chain 1 space across to end. Turn.

Repeat neckline row 2

Stitch count: 6, (8, 10) (12, 14) 16 shells worked

Neckline increase row all sizes: chain 8, shell into 4th chain from hook, skip 3 chains and shell into next chain. Shell into each space to end.

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 3 (4, 5) (6, 7) 8 times.

Row count total: 5 (6, 7) (8, 9) 10 rows.

Fasten off and disconnect yarn.

Sleeves

Set up: Chain 17 (21, 25) (29, 33) 37.

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: 4 (5, 6) (7, 8) 9 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 10 (12, 12) (14, 14) 16 rows.

Fasten off and disconnect.

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.

Nappy/Diaper cover.

12 (14, 16) (18, 20) 22

Set up row: Chain 65 (73, 81) (89, 97) (105)

Row 1: In 5th chain from hook work shell, skip next 3 chains. [Work a shell, skip 3 chain stitches] repeat to end. Stitches: 16 (18, 20) (22, 24) 26 shells.

Row 2: Chain 4 (counts as turning chain, plus chain 1 space) shell into each chain 1 space across.

Repeat Row 2 another 1 (2, 3) (3, 4) 4 times.

Disconnect yarn and fasten off.

Next Row: Skip first 5 (6, 7) (7, 8) 8 chain 1 spaces. Join in next chain 1 space with a slip stitch and chain 3. Shell in same space and next 5 (5, 5) (7, 7) 9 chain 1 spaces. Turn, leaving remaining stitches unworked. Shells worked: 6 (6, 6) (8, 8) 10. Spaces skipped: 10 (12, 14) (14, 16) 16.

Repeat previous row another 11 (13, 15) (17, 19) 21 times, or until length desired for a good fit to cover nappy.

Fasten off and disconnect yarn.

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.

Back buttonholes:

In UK terms ‘work’ = double crochet for buttonholes

In US terms ‘work’ = single crochet for buttonholes

On right side of back, join with a slip stitch in edging colour. Work 4 stitches, chain 3 and skip 1. Repeat to the end, and fasten off.

Finishing:

Weave in any remaining ends. Sew back buttons into place to match position of button holes.

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.

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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.