Square Neck Doll Dress

This is more of a tutorial, written so you can make a custom-sized dress for your doll. For this tutorial, I will assume you understand basic crochet stitches and garment construction. You can use any yarn and any hook you like. (Keep in mind that thicker yarn works up bulkier on little dolls.) It is very important that you take proper measurements and keep your tape measure nearby for the bodice section of the dress. Terms: CH: Chain SC: Single Crochet DC: Double Crochet FSC: Foundation Single Crochet FSC Corner: Foundation Single Crochet Corner Foundation single crochet three into one space. This may not be an official stitch, but is my way of making an increase in the foundation row without using a chain. Make 1 FSC as normal. For the next two FSCs, omit the first chain, essentially creating 3 SC in one chain. This should make a nice clean corner. First thing you will need is measurements. Neck Width (the width you want the neckline to be): ________________________ Shoulder Height (the length over the shoulders for the neckline): ________________ Body Girth (around the widest point of the dolls tummy): ____________________ Bodice Length (length from the top of the shoulders to bottom of bodice): __________ Dress Length (length from the top of the shoulders to the bottom of the skirt): _______ Foundation start: Using foundation stitches, FSC neck width, FSC Corner, FSC shoulder height, FSC Corner, FSC neck width, FSC Corner, FSC shoulder height, FSC Corner, FSC neck width, FSC a couple more stitches for appropriate overlap. Chain start: Crochet a chain that is the length of twice the neck width plus twice the shoulder height, plus four chains (one for each corner), a couple more chains for appropriate overlap, and one turning chain. SC across for neck width, 3 SC in next CH, SC across for shoulder height, 3 SC in next CH, Copyright 2013 Megan A. Moore - Personal Use Only

SC across for neck width, 3 SC in next CH, SC across for shoulder height, 3 SC in next CH, SC across to end. Bodice: Work the bodice flat, following the established foundation: SC length, (3 SC in corner, SC length) until the end, CH 1, turn. When the the middle length has come to half the body girth, move on to the buttonhole. CH 1 and turn the work sideways to work up the edge. SC a few stitches, CH a few stitches (enough for a button), skip the same number of stitches, SC to end, CH 1, turn. SC the rest of the length, CH 1. Line up the bodice so that the middle length lines up with the two ends. The lengths on either side of the middle length will be the sleeves and the two smaller ends will overlap just slightly. Turn the bodice so you continue working down from the top of the bodice. SC across the overlap of the opening of the bodice, [SC across to the corner, SC in the next corner stitch (skipping one side which is a shoulder of the dress)] twice, SC across remaining half of side and join round, CH 1, turn. Continue working bodice in SC rounds until the bodice reaches the length you want for your dress, turning work after each round to keep the fabric consistent with the top of the bodice. Skirt: CH 1 turning chain on last round. DC 2 in first stitch (do not skip a stitch!), DC 2 in each stitch all the way around, join round, CH 1 turning chain. At this point you are working the skirt and can either turn for each round, or not turn. Its up to you depending on how youd like the fabric of the skirt to look. DC in first stitch (do not skip a stitch!), DC in each stitch all the way around, join round, CH 1 turning chain. Work each row in this way until the skirt reaches the desired length. On last row, omit turning chain, fasten off, and weave in ends. Finishing: Feel free to go back and make a cute edge on the top of the bodice or bottom of the skirt if youd like. I left my dresses plain because the yarn I used was already very visually interesting. Sew on a button in the appropriate spot so the bodice fastens shut. It is up to you whether the dress fastens in the front or in the back.

Copyright 2013 Megan A. Moore - Personal Use Only

Modification Options: If you need the opening in the bodice to be longer, you can join the bodice sides before working the buttonhole. [SC across to the corner, SC in the next corner stitch (skipping one side which is a shoulder of the dress)] twice, SC across to end, CH 1, turn. SC around as needed until the length of the opening is enough to be comfortable fitting on your doll. Follow the appropriate steps for the buttonhole, then move on to the finishing steps for the bodice, crocheting across the overlapping ends and securing the bodice closed. If youd like the dress to fasten in the front and want to make sure the seam is on the side, you can cut the yarn after finishing the buttonhole and start connecting the bodice at a corner under a sleeve. That way all your joins will be down the side of the dress instead of the front. Of course, you can replace the SC and DC stitches with whatever your preferred stitch may be. I liked to use these stitches because it creates a nice solid bodice and a more flowy skirt.

Copyright 2013 Megan A. Moore - Personal Use Only