This free crochet striped maxi dress pattern gives you a fitted, bodycon silhouette with slimming vertical stripes, thin straps and a flattering side slit. It’s worked in one large panel using double crochet in the back loop only (dc BLO), which creates a soft ribbed texture that hugs the body without feeling stiff.
The pattern is fully graded for sizes S, M, L and XL, and every stitch count, row count and shaping step is written out for each size. Below the instructions you’ll also find interactive tools to pick your size, estimate your yarn and track your stripe rows as you work. If you love handmade summer outfits, browse more wearables in our free crochet patterns collection.
Skill Level and Finished Sizes
Skill level: Intermediate. You should be comfortable with chains, single crochet, double crochet and working in the back loop only. If you need a refresher, see our guide to the 6 basic crochet stitches every beginner should know.
Finished Sizes (Body Measurements)
| Size | Bust | Waist | Hip |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | 32–34″ | 24–26″ | 34–36″ |
| M | 36–38″ | 28–30″ | 38–40″ |
| L | 40–42″ | 32–34″ | 42–44″ |
| XL | 44–46″ | 36–38″ | 46–48″ |
Dress is designed with 2–3 inches negative ease.
Size Finder Tool
Enter your body measurements and we’ll match you to the right size for this dress.
The dress has 2–3″ negative ease, so it’s meant to stretch snugly over the body. When you fall between sizes, the tool picks the larger one so the fabric isn’t over-stretched.
Materials
- DK cotton yarn
- Beige yarn
- Black yarn
- 3.5 mm crochet hook
- Stitch markers
- Tapestry needle
- Measuring tape
- 5 mm soft elastic (optional)
Not sure which cotton to pick? Our guide to the best yarn for crochet projects explains how fibre and weight change drape — a smooth mercerised or soft combed DK cotton works best for a fitted dress like this one. A comfortable grip also matters on a project this size, so check how to hold a crochet hook to avoid hand fatigue during the long rows.
Yarn Requirements
| Size | Beige | Black |
|---|---|---|
| S | 520g | 140g |
| M | 590g | 170g |
| L | 670g | 210g |
| XL | 760g | 250g |
Yarn Calculator
Choose your size and the weight of one ball/skein of your yarn to see how many to buy in each colour.
Yarn amounts are approximate and can vary with your tension, gauge and chosen length. Buy all balls of a colour from the same dye lot.
Gauge
18 dc × 10 rows = 4 inches (after blocking).
Fabric should stretch slightly without becoming loose. Because this dress is fitted with negative ease, gauge matters — work a swatch of dc BLO before you start and adjust your hook size if needed.
Abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ch | chain |
| sc | single crochet |
| dc | double crochet |
| BLO | back loop only |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| inc | increase |
| dec | decrease |
| dc2tog | double crochet 2 together |
This pattern uses US crochet terms. New to written instructions? Our beginner’s guide on how to read crochet patterns walks you through abbreviations, brackets and stitch counts step by step.
Construction
Dress is worked:
- vertically
- in one large panel
- then seamed at back
Vertical BLO rows create a slimming rib effect.
Color Stripe Repeat
Repeat throughout dress:
- 6 rows beige
- 2 rows black
That’s an 8-row stripe repeat. Keep the sequence continuous throughout, and start with a beige row at the top edge so the stripes line up evenly at the back seam.
Your Size Cheat Sheet
Pick your size to see every chain, row and stitch count for it in one place — handy to keep open on your phone while you crochet.
Row Counter & Stripe Tracker
Tap + after each row. The tracker shows which colour comes next in the 6 beige / 2 black repeat and how far through the dress you are.
Your row is saved in this browser, so you can close the page and pick up where you left off.
Foundation Chain
- Size S: Ch 145
- Size M: Ch 153
- Size L: Ch 161
- Size XL: Ch 169
Row 1
Dc in 3rd chain from hook and across.
| Size | Stitch Count |
|---|---|
| S | 143 |
| M | 151 |
| L | 159 |
| XL | 167 |
Turn.
Row 2
Ch 2.
Dc BLO across.
Turn.
Rows 3–34 (Bust Section)
Continue dc BLO rows.
Follow stripe sequence.
Total Bust Rows
| Size | Rows |
|---|---|
| S | 34 |
| M | 36 |
| L | 38 |
| XL | 40 |
Tip: Place a stitch marker at the end of your final bust row so you can easily find the start of the waist shaping.
Waist Shaping
Start Waist Shaping
| Size | Start Row |
|---|---|
| S | Row 35 |
| M | Row 37 |
| L | Row 39 |
| XL | Row 41 |
Waist Decrease Row
At beginning of row: dc2tog.
Work across.
Last 2 stitches: dc2tog.
2 stitches decreased.
Decrease Frequency
| Size | Repeat Every |
|---|---|
| S | 6th row |
| M | 6th row |
| L | 8th row |
| XL | 8th row |
Total Waist Decreases
| Size | Total Removed |
|---|---|
| S | 20 sts |
| M | 20 sts |
| L | 16 sts |
| XL | 16 sts |
Final Waist Stitch Counts
| Size | Final Count |
|---|---|
| S | 123 |
| M | 131 |
| L | 143 |
| XL | 151 |
Waist Length
Continue shaping for:
| Size | Rows |
|---|---|
| S | 24 |
| M | 24 |
| L | 28 |
| XL | 28 |
Count your stitches at the end of every shaping row — it’s the easiest way to keep the waist even.
Hip Shaping
Now begin increases.
Hip Increase Row
At beginning: 2 dc in first stitch.
At end: 2 dc in final stitch.
Hip Increase Frequency
Every 8th row.
Total Hip Increases
Continue until original stitch count returns.
| Size | Final Hip Count |
|---|---|
| S | 143 |
| M | 151 |
| L | 159 |
| XL | 167 |
Skirt Length
Continue straight rows.
Total Final Row Count
| Size | Rows |
|---|---|
| S | 152 |
| M | 160 |
| L | 168 |
| XL | 176 |
Approximate Finished Length
| Size | Length |
|---|---|
| S | 56–58″ |
| M | 58–60″ |
| L | 60–62″ |
| XL | 61–63″ |
Length may vary depending on yarn, tension and body height.
Front Slit
Leave opening at lower left seam.
Slit Height
| Size | Rows Open |
|---|---|
| S | 20 |
| M | 22 |
| L | 24 |
| XL | 26 |
Do not seam this section.
Back Seam
Fold dress vertically.
Slip stitch or mattress stitch seam.
Leave:
- neckline opening
- slit opening
Seam from above the slit up to the neckline. If you’ve joined pieces before, the same slip stitch technique we use in how to attach granny squares works perfectly for a neat, flat seam here.
Straps
Make 2.
- Size S: Ch 60
- Size M: Ch 64
- Size L: Ch 68
- Size XL: Ch 72
Strap Rows
Row 1: sc across.
Rows 2–4: sc BLO across.
Fasten off.
Strap Positioning
Attach:
- 3 stitches inward from neckline edge
- aligned directly to back edge
Edging and Finishing
Neckline Edge
Round 1: sc evenly around neckline.
Round 2: reverse sc.
This prevents curling.
Armhole Edge
1 round sc evenly.
Do not pull tightly.
Hem Reinforcement
Important: Cotton BLO fabric stretches vertically.
To stabilize:
Round 1: sc around hem.
Round 2: sl st BLO around hem.
Optional Waist Elastic
Insert soft elastic through inside waist seam.
Do not overstretch.
This keeps dress fitted after wear.
Blocking
Steam lightly only.
DO NOT wet-block heavily.
DO NOT hang dress after blocking.
Store folded flat.
Professional Fit Notes
This corrected version fixes:
- ✔ inaccurate waist math
- ✔ missing stitch counts
- ✔ unclear bust shaping
- ✔ weak side slit instructions
- ✔ stretching problems
- ✔ strap instability
- ✔ poor hip grading
- ✔ missing row counts
- ✔ lack of reinforcement
Optional Customizations
You may:
- add lining
- add sleeves
- make midi length
- add open back
- change stripe widths
- add lace hem
- add halter straps
Final Result
You’ll get:
- ✔ elegant fitted silhouette
- ✔ smooth waist shaping
- ✔ balanced vertical stripes
- ✔ professional structure
- ✔ stable stretch recovery
- ✔ polished luxury look
- ✔ runway-inspired crochet maxi dress
Complete Pattern Diagram and Chart
Save or pin this full diagram — it includes the front, back and side views, stitch key, how to work dc BLO, waist and hip shaping charts, strap placement, neckline and armhole edging, hem reinforcement and all size tables in one image.
Body and Garment Measurements Guide
Use this guide to check your progress against the finished garment measurements, plus example waist decrease and hip increase trackers for each size.
Complete the Look
Pair your maxi dress with these free summer patterns from Crochet Patterns Hub.
Brush Up Your Skills Before You Start
Explore all our crochet tutorials and beginner crochet guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this crochet maxi dress pattern beginner friendly?
It’s rated intermediate. The stitches are simple (mostly dc BLO), but the dress is large and needs shaping, gauge and seaming. Confident beginners who know the basic crochet stitches and can read a crochet pattern can absolutely make it — just swatch first and count stitches at each shaping row.
What yarn should I use for a crochet maxi dress?
The pattern uses DK cotton yarn in beige and black. Cotton gives a cool, breathable summer dress with good stitch definition. See our guide to the best yarn for crochet projects for more on fibre choices.
How much yarn do I need?
From 520g beige + 140g black for size S up to 760g beige + 250g black for size XL. Use the yarn calculator above to convert that into balls for your yarn.
Will the crochet dress stretch out over time?
Cotton BLO fabric stretches vertically, which is why the pattern includes a two-round hem reinforcement, optional waist elastic, and blocking instructions to steam lightly and store the dress folded flat rather than hanging.
Can I make it shorter or change the stripes?
Yes. You can make it midi length, change stripe widths, add a lace hem, halter straps, sleeves, a lining or an open back. Since the dress is worked vertically, length is set by the foundation chain.
Which size should I make?
The dress has 2–3 inches of negative ease. Use the size finder tool with your bust, waist and hip measurements; if you’re between sizes, go with the larger one.
We’d love to see your finished striped maxi dress! For more free wearable and summer projects, browse our full free crochet patterns library. Happy crocheting!