Create a charming handmade outfit with this Navy and White Nautical Baby Dress crochet pattern. With a classic white bodice, navy-and-white ripple skirt, delicate picot edging, flutter-style armholes, and a sweet anchor applique, this dress has a timeless nautical look that is perfect for little girls.

The dress is designed in worsted-weight cotton or cotton-blend yarn and features a combination of simple crochet stitches and a chevron ripple pattern. The finished garment has a comfortable bodice and a beautifully flared skirt that moves naturally as a baby or toddler plays.

This pattern is written for 12–18 months and includes suggestions for adjusting the size. It makes a wonderful handmade baby shower gift, birthday present, summer outfit, or special-occasion dress.

Why You'll Love This Nautical Crochet Baby Dress

This crochet baby dress combines classic styling with handmade details that make it stand out.

Beautiful Nautical Design

The navy-and-white color combination gives the dress a timeless sailor-inspired appearance. The crocheted anchor on the front completes the nautical theme.

Textured Chevron Skirt

The skirt uses a repeating chevron ripple stitch to create attractive peaks and valleys throughout the fabric. Alternating navy and white stripes make the ripple design especially eye-catching.

Pretty Decorative Edging

Picot edging adds a delicate finish to the neckline and armholes, while the scalloped skirt hem creates a soft, feminine look.

Adjustable Waist Tie

An eyelet row is incorporated into the waistband so that a handmade two-color cord can be threaded through it. Small white pom poms at the ends add an extra decorative touch.

Great Handmade Gift

This dress is ideal for baby showers, birthdays, summer celebrations, photographs, and other memorable occasions.

Pattern Details

Finished Measurements

The finished dress is designed for approximately 12–18 months.

• Chest circumference: approximately 20 in (51 cm)
• Total dress length: approximately 16 in (40.5 cm)
• Bodice length: approximately 6 in (15 cm)
• Skirt length: approximately 10 in (25.5 cm)

Because crochet fabric can vary depending on tension, yarn, and blocking, use the gauge and finished measurements as your primary sizing references.

Materials

Yarn

You will need two colors of worsted-weight cotton or cotton-blend yarn.

Yarn A – White

Approximately 250 yards (229 meters) of worsted-weight yarn.

Yarn B – Navy

Approximately 200 yards (183 meters) of worsted-weight yarn.

The original sample uses a cotton yarn similar to Lily Sugar'n Cream in White and Indigo.

Other worsted-weight cotton yarns can also work well, provided you achieve the correct gauge.

Crochet Hook

• US G-6 / 4.0 mm crochet hook
• Or the hook size needed to obtain gauge

Additional Supplies

• Tapestry needle
• At least 4 stitch markers
• Scissors
• Small amount of white yarn for pom poms
• Straight pins for blocking

Gauge

Gauge is important when making crochet clothing because it directly affects the finished measurements.

Single Crochet Gauge

18 sc × 20 rows = 4 × 4 in (10 × 10 cm)

Worked flat in single crochet with Yarn A.

Chevron Gauge

16 stitches × 10 rows = 4 × 4 in (10 × 10 cm)

Worked in the chevron ripple pattern in the round.

Make a gauge swatch before starting the dress and adjust your hook size if necessary.

Crochet Abbreviations

This pattern uses US crochet terminology.

• ch – chain
• sl st – slip stitch
• sc – single crochet
• dc – double crochet
• sc2tog – single crochet two together
• dc3tog – double crochet three together
• inc – increase, working 2 sc into one stitch
• sk – skip
• sp – space
• st / sts – stitch / stitches
• RS – right side
• WS – wrong side
• rep – repeat
• pm – place marker
• rnd – round

Special Crochet Stitches

Chevron Ripple Stitch

The chevron stitch creates the wave-like pattern used throughout the skirt.

One complete repeat is worked over 12 stitches:

1. Dc in the next 3 sts.
2. Work 3 dc in the next st to create the peak.
3. Dc in the next 3 sts.
4. Work dc3tog over the next 3 sts to create the valley.
5. Dc in the next 2 sts.

The increase at each peak and decrease at each valley balance each other, keeping the overall stitch count stable.

Scallop Edging

The scalloped edge is made as follows:

Skip 2 sts, work 5 dc in the next st, skip 2 sts, sl st in the next st.

Repeat around.

Picot Ruffle Edging

Work:

3 sc in the next st, ch 3, sl st in the first chain of the ch-3.

Repeat around.

Pattern Notes

Before beginning, keep these points in mind:

• The pattern uses US crochet terminology.
• The bodice is worked in separate front and back panels.
• The panels are seamed at the shoulders and sides.
• The skirt is worked in rounds from the lower edge of the bodice.
• The chevron skirt contains 8 repeating pattern sections.
• The total skirt stitch count remains at 96 stitches.
• Use stitch markers to make the chevron peaks easier to identify.
• Count your stitches at the end of each round or row.
• When changing colors, pull the new color through the final slip stitch used to close the previous round.
• The unused color can be carried along the inside of the skirt rather than being cut after every stripe.

Navy and White Nautical Baby Dress Pattern

Bodice Back Panel

Using Yarn A (White) and a 4.0 mm hook, chain 47.

Row 1 – RS

Sc in the second ch from the hook and in each chain across.

Turn.

46 sc

Row 2

Ch 1.

Sc in each st across.

Turn.

46 sc

Rows 3–14

Repeat Row 2.

46 sc each row

At the end of Row 14, the panel should measure approximately 2.75 in (7 cm) tall.

Back Armhole Shaping

Row 15 – RS

Ch 1.

Sl st across the first 3 sts.

Ch 1.

Sc in the next 40 sts.

Leave the final 3 sts unworked.

Turn.

40 sc

Row 16

Ch 1.

Sc2tog.

Sc across to the final 2 sts.

Sc2tog.

Turn.

38 sc

Row 17

Ch 1.

Sc2tog.

Sc across to the final 2 sts.

Sc2tog.

Turn.

36 sc

Row 18

Ch 1.

Sc in each st across.

Turn.

36 sc

Rows 19–22

Repeat Row 18.

36 sc each row

After Row 22, the back bodice should measure approximately 4.5 in (11.5 cm) from the foundation chain.

Back Neck and Shoulder Shaping

Left Shoulder

Row 23 – RS

Ch 1.

Sc in the first 10 sts.

Turn.

Leave the remaining stitches on hold.

10 sc

Row 24

Ch 1.

Sc in each st across.

Turn.

10 sc

Row 25

Ch 1.

Sc in each st across.

Turn.

10 sc

Fasten off and leave a long tail for sewing.

Right Shoulder

With the RS facing, skip the center 16 sts for the back neckline.

Rejoin Yarn A to the next stitch.

Row 23

Ch 1.

Sc in the last 10 sts.

Turn.

10 sc

Row 24

Ch 1.

Sc in each st across.

Turn.

10 sc

Row 25

Ch 1.

Sc in each st across.

Turn.

10 sc

Fasten off and leave a long tail for seaming.

Bodice Front Panel

Using Yarn A, chain 47.

Row 1 – RS

Sc in the second ch from the hook and in every chain across.

Turn.

46 sc

Rows 2–14

Ch 1.

Sc in each st across.

Turn.

46 sc each row

Front Armhole Shaping

Row 15 – RS

Ch 1.

Sl st across the first 3 sts.

Ch 1.

Sc in the next 40 sts.

Leave the final 3 sts unworked.

Turn.

40 sc

Row 16

Ch 1.

Sc2tog.

Sc across to the final 2 sts.

Sc2tog.

Turn.

38 sc

Row 17

Ch 1.

Sc2tog.

Sc across to the final 2 sts.

Sc2tog.

Turn.

36 sc

Row 18

Ch 1.

Sc in each st across.

Turn.

36 sc

Rows 19–20

Repeat Row 18.

36 sc each row

Front Neck Shaping

Row 21 – RS

Ch 1.

Sc in the first 12 sts.

Turn.

Leave the remaining stitches on hold.

12 sc

Left Front Shoulder

Row 22

Ch 1.

Sc2tog.

Sc in each remaining st across.

Turn.

11 sc

Row 23

Ch 1.

Sc in each st to the final 2 sts.

Sc2tog.

Turn.

10 sc

Row 24

Ch 1.

Sc in each st across.

Turn.

10 sc

Row 25

Ch 1.

Sc in each st across.

Turn.

10 sc

Fasten off and leave a long tail for seaming.

Right Front Shoulder

With RS facing, skip the center 12 sts for the front neckline.

Rejoin Yarn A to the next stitch.

Row 21

Ch 1.

Sc in the last 12 sts.

Turn.

12 sc

Row 22

Ch 1.

Sc in each st to the final 2 sts.

Sc2tog.

Turn.

11 sc

Row 23

Ch 1.

Sc2tog.

Sc in each st across.

Turn.

10 sc

Row 24

Ch 1.

Sc in each st across.

Turn.

10 sc

Row 25

Ch 1.

Sc in each st across.

Turn.

10 sc

Fasten off and leave a long tail for seaming.

Assemble the Bodice

Place the front and back bodice pieces together with their right sides facing each other.

Using a tapestry needle and the long yarn tails, seam the two shoulders.

Use either a whipstitch or mattress stitch through the matching 10 shoulder stitches.

Next, seam the side edges from the underarm down to the bottom edge of the bodice.

Use mattress stitch and match the rows as evenly as possible.

Keep the armholes and neckline open.

Bodice Checkpoint

After assembly, the bodice should measure approximately:

• 6 in (15 cm) from shoulder to bottom edge
• 10 in (25.5 cm) around the lower edge

Crochet Neckline Edging

With the RS facing, join Yarn B (Navy) anywhere along the neckline.

Round 1

Ch 1.

Work 1 sc evenly around the complete neckline, working into stitches and row ends as needed.

Sl st to the first sc.

Approximately 48 sc

Round 2

Ch 1.

Work the picot ruffle around the neckline:

3 sc in the next st, ch 3, sl st in the first ch made.

Repeat around.

Sl st to the first sc.

Fasten off Yarn B.

Flutter Sleeve Edging

Join Yarn A at the underarm point of one armhole with the RS facing.

Round 1

Ch 1.

Work 1 sc evenly around the armhole opening.

Sl st to the first sc.

Approximately 32 sc

Round 2

Join Yarn B.

Ch 1.

Work:

3 sc in the next st, ch 3, sl st in the first ch made

around the armhole.

Sl st to join.

Fasten off Yarn B.

Repeat the same process around the second armhole.

Crochet Waistband

The waistband includes an eyelet row that allows the decorative waist cord to pass through.

With the RS facing, join Yarn B at the right side seam along the bottom edge of the bodice.

Round 1 – Navy

Ch 1.

Sc in each stitch around.

Work sc2tog once at each side seam point.

Sl st to join.

90 sc

Round 2 – Eyelet Round

Ch 3. This counts as the first dc.

Dc in the next st.

Repeat:

Ch 1, sk 1 st, dc in the next 2 sts

29 times.

Ch 1.

Sk 1 st.

Sl st to the top of the beginning ch-3.

60 dc + 30 ch-1 spaces = 90 sts

Round 3

Ch 1.

Sc in every dc and every ch-1 space around.

Sl st to join.

90 sc

Skirt Increase Round

Round 4

Using Yarn B:

Ch 1.

Sc around, working 1 increase (2 sc in one stitch) evenly 6 times.

Place the increases approximately every 15 stitches.

Sl st to join.

96 sc

For more even spacing, the increases can be placed approximately at:

Stitches 8, 23, 38, 53, 68, and 83.

Chevron Ripple Skirt

The skirt uses 8 repeats of the 12-stitch chevron pattern.

The stitch count remains at 96 stitches throughout the chevron section.

For each chevron round:

Ch 3. This counts as the first dc.

Repeat the following sequence 8 times:

• Dc in the next 3 sts
• 3 dc in the next st to form the peak
• Dc in the next 3 sts
• Dc3tog over the next 3 sts to form the valley
• Dc in the next 2 sts

Sl st to the top of the beginning ch-3.

96 sts

Navy and White Stripe Sequence

Follow this color sequence:

Rounds 5–6

Yarn B – Navy

96 sts per round

Rounds 7–8

Yarn A – White

96 sts per round

Rounds 9–10

Yarn B – Navy

96 sts per round

Rounds 11–12

Yarn A – White

96 sts per round

Rounds 13–14

Yarn B – Navy

96 sts per round

Rounds 15–16

Yarn A – White

96 sts per round

Rounds 17–18

Yarn B – Navy

96 sts per round

Rounds 19–20

Yarn A – White

96 sts per round

Round 21

Yarn B – Navy

96 sts

When changing colors, pull the new yarn through the final slip stitch that closes the previous round.

You can carry the unused color up the inside of the skirt instead of cutting it after every stripe.

Scalloped Crochet Hem

Change to Yarn A (White).

Setup Round

Ch 1.

Sc in each stitch around.

Sl st to join.

96 sc

Scallop Round

Ch 1.

Sl st in the first st.

Repeat:

Skip 2 sts, 5 dc in the next st, skip 2 sts, sl st in the next st

around.

Work the repeat 15 more times for a total of 16 scallops.

Sl st to join.

Fasten off.

Crochet Waist Tie

The waist tie uses both colors to create a coordinating twisted cord.

Cut:

• 12 strands of Yarn A, each 36 in (91.5 cm)
• 12 strands of Yarn B, each 36 in (91.5 cm)

Divide the strands into two groups.

Each group should contain:

• 6 white strands
• 6 navy strands

Twist or braid each group tightly.

Then twist the two groups together to create a two-color cord.

Knot both ends and trim the ends neatly, leaving approximately a 1-inch tail beyond each knot.

Add the Pom Poms

Make 2 small white pom poms, approximately 1 in (2.5 cm) in diameter.

Secure one pom pom to each end of the waist cord.

Thread the finished cord through the ch-1 eyelet spaces of the waistband.

Begin and finish at the center front.

Tie the cord into a neat bow.

Crochet Anchor Applique

The anchor is the signature detail that gives this dress its nautical character.

Using Yarn B (Navy), make an adjustable ring.

Round 1

Ch 1.

Work 6 sc into the ring.

Sl st to the first sc to join.

Pull the ring closed.

6 sc

This creates the small ring at the top of the anchor.

Create the Vertical Bar

Ch 12.

Sl st back along the chain:

Sl st in the second chain from the hook and in each remaining chain across.

This creates the vertical bar.

12 sl sts

Create the Anchor Arms

At the base of the chain, ch 4 for the left arm.

Sl st in the second ch from the hook and in each remaining chain.

3 sl sts

Sl st into the base of the vertical bar.

Ch 4 for the right arm.

Sl st in the second ch from the hook and in the next 2 chains.

Sl st back into the base.

Anchor Crossbar

Return to the vertical bar approximately 4 slip stitches above the base.

Attach Yarn B at this point.

Ch 4 toward the left and sl st back along the chain.

Attach at the same point.

Ch 4 toward the right and sl st back along the chain.

Fasten off, leaving a long sewing tail.

Attach the Anchor

Position the anchor approximately 1.5 in (4 cm) below the neckline, centered on the front bodice.

Sew it securely in place using whipstitch around the complete perimeter.

Optional Crochet Heart Applique

For an additional decorative detail, you can make a small heart.

Using Yarn B, ch 2.

Row 1

Work 3 sc into the second ch from the hook.

Turn.

3 sc

Row 2

Ch 1.

Inc in the first st.

Sc in the next st.

Inc in the final st.

Turn.

5 sc

Row 3

Ch 1.

Inc in the first st.

Sc in the next 3 sts.

Inc in the final st.

Turn.

7 sc

Row 4

Ch 1.

Sc across.

Turn.

7 sc

Divide for the Heart Lobes

Left Lobe

Ch 1.

Sc in the first 3 sts.

Sc2tog over the next 2 sts.

4 sc

Work 3 sc in the next stitch at the top of the lobe.

Join with a slip stitch around the outside.

Fasten off.

Right Lobe

Rejoin Yarn B to the center stitch.

Mirror the left lobe.

Fasten off.

Heart Border

Change to Yarn A.

Join anywhere around the heart outline.

Ch 1.

Sc evenly around the entire heart.

Sl st to join.

Fasten off.

Sew the heart onto the dress wherever desired.

How to Adjust the Size

The pattern is written for approximately 12–18 months, but you can modify the bodice circumference if you need a different fit.

To Make the Dress Larger

Increase the foundation chain by approximately 6–8 stitches, using a foundation chain of about 53 or 55 stitches instead of 47.

The important part is to make sure the final stitch count works with the 12-stitch repeat required by the chevron skirt.

To Make the Dress Smaller

Reduce the foundation chain by approximately 4–6 stitches and adjust the waistband accordingly.

Always make a gauge swatch and compare the resulting measurements with the intended wearer before committing to the full dress.

Tips for Making the Nautical Baby Dress

Mark the Chevron Peaks

The chevron pattern becomes much easier to follow when you place a stitch marker at the first peak of each round.

This makes it easier to see whether your increases and decreases are lining up correctly.

Keep Your Color Changes Neat

When working the navy and white stripes, change colors during the final slip stitch of the previous round. This produces a cleaner transition between the stripes.

Count the Skirt Stitches

The skirt should maintain 96 stitches throughout the chevron section. If your stitch count changes unexpectedly, check the peak and valley stitches before continuing.

Block the Finished Dress

Once the dress is complete, gently block it by laying it flat on a clean towel and pinning it into shape.

Allow it to dry completely.

Blocking can help even out the stitches and make the chevron waves more defined.

Consider Cotton's Behavior

Cotton yarn can relax after washing and may grow slightly. Keep this in mind when checking the finished size, particularly if your gauge is close to the upper or lower limit.

Secure Baby Garment Embellishments

Because this dress is intended for a young child, make sure the anchor, button, pom poms, flower, or any other decorative elements are firmly attached. Avoid loose small components that could become detached.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size is this crochet baby dress?

The written pattern is designed for approximately 12–18 months. It includes instructions for modifying the foundation chain for a larger or smaller fit.

What yarn is best for a crochet baby dress?

A soft worsted-weight cotton or cotton-blend yarn works well for this design. Cotton is especially useful for warm-weather baby clothing because it is breathable and easy to care for.

Can I use acrylic yarn?

Yes. A soft worsted-weight acrylic yarn can be used, provided you achieve the required gauge. Keep in mind that different fibers can produce different drape and stretch.

Is this crochet dress beginner-friendly?

The pattern is best suited to an intermediate crocheter. The bodice uses straightforward single crochet, but the project also involves garment assembly, shaping, color changes, and a repeating chevron stitch.

Can I make the skirt longer?

Yes. You can add additional chevron rounds before working the scalloped hem if you want a longer dress.

Remember that adding length will increase the total amount of yarn required.

Can I change the colors?

Absolutely. Navy and white create the classic nautical appearance, but you can experiment with many combinations.

Try:

• Red and white for a traditional sailor look
• Pink and white for a feminine version
• Baby blue and white for a soft summer dress
• Red, white, and navy for a patriotic-inspired design
• Sage green and cream for a modern variation
• Lavender and white for a pastel version

How do I keep the chevron pattern even?

Make sure every peak contains the required 3 dc in one stitch and every valley uses the dc3tog decrease correctly.

Keeping the stitch count at 96 throughout the chevron section is the easiest way to check your work.

Is the anchor applique necessary?

No. The anchor is a decorative element and can be omitted or replaced with another applique if you prefer.

Can I sell dresses made from this pattern?

If you are following a pattern created by another designer, check the designer's specific terms regarding finished-item sales before selling garments made from the pattern.

Final Thoughts

This Navy and White Nautical Baby Dress is a beautiful crochet project for anyone who enjoys handmade baby clothing. The simple single-crochet bodice provides a clean foundation, while the ripple skirt introduces texture, movement, and eye-catching navy-and-white stripes.

The picot neckline and armhole edging, scalloped hem, two-color waist tie, pom poms, and anchor applique all work together to create a polished nautical-inspired outfit.

Make it in classic navy and white for a timeless sailor look, or experiment with your own color palette to create a completely different version.

Whether you're crocheting for your own little one or making a thoughtful handmade baby shower gift, this dress is a project that can become a memorable keepsake.