Mark the central 5 repeats as the back neck opening. Work the outer 5 repeats at each side separately, restarting at the outer edge or neck edge as required by row direction. Leave the marked center unworked.
Rows 53-56, each shoulder: Continue the recipe over the outer 5 repeats only. Count: 5 fan repeats per shoulder.
Front Bodice
Begin as back with N = 15. The front is one panel. Any decorative button placket is applied later and does not open.
Row 1: Work foundation row. Count: 15 fan repeats.
Rows 2-46: Work next plain recipe row. Count: 15 fan repeats per row.
Leave center 1 repeat unworked and work each side separately. On a reduction row, leave one full repeat at the neck edge unworked and restart at the new motif boundary.
Rows 47-49, each shoulder: Continue next recipe row over this shoulder only. Count: 7 fan repeats per shoulder.
Row 50, each shoulder: Omit one complete neck-edge repeat, rejoin yarn and work remaining motifs. Count: 6 fan repeats per shoulder.
Row 51, each shoulder: Continue next recipe row. Count: 6 fan repeats per shoulder.
Row 52, each shoulder: Omit one complete neck-edge repeat, rejoin yarn and work remaining motifs. Count: 5 fan repeats per shoulder.
Rows 53-56, each shoulder: Continue next recipe row. Count: 5 fan repeats per shoulder.
Skirt Panels (Make Six)
Work from waist downward. Start with N = 9. Each rectangular panel is 30 cm wide. The combined 180 cm top will be gathered to fit the 100 cm bodice waist, creating the skirt’s fullness and shape.
Row 1: Work foundation row. Count: 9 fan repeats.
Rows 2-81: Work next plain recipe row, following the color plan (alternating two rows terracotta, two rows peach). Count: 9 fan repeats per row.
Checkpoint: Block all six panels to 58 cm length, within one row of tolerance. Width should be 30 cm. End fan fabric on a fan row.
Waist Tie (Belt)
With 3.0 mm hook and terracotta, chain 8.
Belt Row 1: Single crochet (sc) in second chain and next 6 chains. Count: 7 sc.
Belt Row 2 and every following row: Chain 1, turn, sc in back loop only (BLO) in each stitch. Count: 7 sc per row.
Continue until the belt measures 160 cm. Record your row total because row gauge varies with hook and yarn.
Checkpoint: Belt should measure 160 x approximately 3.5 cm. Do not stretch while measuring. Make longer only if needed to tie comfortably.
Assembly
What You’ll Need
Terracotta yarn tails, tapestry needle, 3.5 mm hook for optional slip-stitch seams, zipper, sewing needle, thread, and cotton waist tape.
Joining Order
Join 1 (Shoulders): Mattress-stitch corresponding outer shoulder edges. Align 5 complete motifs on each seam. You should have 2 shoulder seams, 5 motifs each.
Join 2 (Armholes): Leave the top 20 cm of each front/back side edge unseamed. Count: 2 armholes.
Join 3 (Sides): Sew from waist to armhole on the right side. On the left, leave the bodice portion of the 40 cm zipper opening. Continue that opening into the skirt below waist as needed.
Join 4 (Skirt): Align equal row ends and mattress-stitch six panels into a ring, retaining the left-side zipper gap.
Join 5 (Waist): Quarter-mark both bodice and skirt. Run two gathering threads through skirt foundation loops. Draw to 100 cm, matching quarter marks. Sew to bodice waist. Sew stabilizing cotton tape inside the waist without stretching.
Join 6 (Closure): Hand-baste then backstitch zipper tapes to the inside of the left opening. Keep teeth clear of crochet loops. Secure top and lower stops.
Checkpoint: Shoulders should be level. Waist should measure 100 cm before belt. Armholes should be approximately 40 cm perimeter. Zipper should open without catching. Try the dress over the intended slip before trimming anything.
Edgings and Details
Neckline Border
Round 1: Join at back neck. Single crochet (sc) evenly around, approximately 2 sc per dc-row end and 1 sc per stitch. Adjust at steps to lie flat. At square inside corners, work sc2tog (pull up a loop in each of 2 stitches, yarn over and draw through all 3 loops) across the corner. Join with slip stitch.
Round 2: Chain 1, sc in each sc, join. For round and V necks, work sc2tog at any remaining inner step.
Hem Border
Round 1: Single crochet (sc) evenly along lower edge without drawing it in. For fans, work one sc in each stitch. Do not count seam loops twice.
Round 2:Starting at any sc, around. Work any residual stitches as slip stitches beside the seam.
Armhole Border
Round 1: Single crochet (sc) evenly around each opening, using about 2 sc per row end. Join.
Round 2: Single crochet (sc) in each sc for a plain edge, or use the scallop pattern from Hem Round 2 for a decorative edge.
Checkpoint: Every border should lie flat with no puckering. Both armhole openings should match.
Finishing
Weaving In Ends
Pass each end through at least 5 cm of solid stitches. Reverse direction twice and trim only after the first wash.
Blocking
Soak according to your yarn label. Lift the dress supported (don’t let it stretch under its own weight). Press between towels. Lay flat to finished measurements. Shape each scallop gently.
After fully dry, hang for 12 hours. Remeasure length and check zipper, belt, and all details.
Final measurements to verify:
- Bust approximately 100 cm
- Bodice 40 cm
- Skirt 58 cm plus border
Cotton can grow in wear, so shorten only after the hanging check. Store the dress folded, not suspended from shoulders.
Care Instructions
Follow your yarn care label. For cotton, cool gentle hand washing and flat drying are a conservative starting point. Test colors first, especially with the two-color design. Support the full wet garment and avoid wringing.
Openwork catches easily on jewelry and furniture, so wear your dress with care. Keep long belt ends clear of moving equipment. Check that the hem doesn’t trip the wearer.
Final Thoughts
This Sunset Shell Stripe Dress is a true statement piece. The construction is thoughtful, the color combination is stunning, and the finished garment has that handmade-with-intention quality that store-bought pieces simply can’t match.
Yes, it takes time. Yes, there are a lot of rows. But every stitch brings you closer to a dress that fits you perfectly, in colors you chose, made by your own hands. That’s something special.
If you love this pattern, save it to your Pinterest boards so you can find it when you’re ready to start. And if you make this dress, please leave a comment below. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you!
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