Winter Solstice Sweater Dress 2.0
A couple of years ago I experimented with designing my first crochet dress. It was a simple (so I thought) side to side sweater dress made with crochet ribbing.
Only I decided I wanted to add shaping at the hips using short rows. At this point I had never designed with short rows before so it was a huge learning curve.
Although I was mostly happy with the final result, I didn’t dare to approach grading it and, If I’m honest, I never felt I got the sleeves quite right. So I wrote up the pattern as I had made it and added to the blog as a free pattern with some guidance on how to adjust it to fit.
You can see the original Winter Solstice Dress here.
Fast forward 2 years and many garment patterns later, I decided it was time to take a second look.
I kept the majority of the body shaping the same, but added some shaping at the front of the neckline for a more comfy fit.
I scrapped the original sleeve design and changed it up using the experience I have developed over the past couple of years. They still gave me some trouble but I got there in the end.
And now I am super excited to present The Winter Solstice Jumper Dress 2.0
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I have left the original, free version of the pattern on the site if you’re happy experimenting.
The new PDF pattern includes a guide for construction and a schematic, as well as guide to adjusting for a custom fit.
You can purchase the PDF pattern from Etsy, Ravelry or Love Crafts
Skill’s Used
This is a relatively simple patten to make. Don’t be scared by the use of the term short rows, it’s not as complex as it sounds.
It assumes knowledge of basic crochet stitches. You will mostly be working half double crochet (UK half treble) in the back loop only.
You will need to know how to crochet chainless foundation single crochet and foundation half double crochets. You can find a tutorial for foundation rows here.
This pattern does use short rows for the hip and sleeve shaping, but don’t be intimidated by that term, the pattern explains it step by step, and if you want to do your homework first, you can learn all about crochet short rows here.
Other than that, there will just be simple increases and decreases and seaming together the 4 pattern pieces.
Materials
Yarn Requirements
1260m – 2350m / 650g – 1200g of Aran or Worsted Weight Yarn.
The item pictured used Cascade 220 Aran, Shade Tutu (9477), 100% Wool, 100g = 200m / 219yds. 7(7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) 100g balls for sizes XS(S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X).
The pattern gives approximate meterage requirements for each size.
You may find this post useful in helping you choose a suitable yarn substitute. Whatever yarn you choose, make sure it meets gauge by working a quick gauge swatch!
Crochet Hooks & Notions Used
I used a 5mm clover amour crochet hook (though you can adjust as needed to make gauge)
I recommend using a minimum of 4 stitch markers to mark the ‘right side’ of each pattern piece so you can ensure you are joining them the same way round.
Locking stitch markers or dress maker’s pins will also be helpful when joining the pattern pieces, in particular attaching the sleeves to the body
You’ll also need a yarn needle and scissors
How to purchase a Dora Does crochet pattern:
I sell my PDF crochet patterns in my Etsy, Ravelry and Love Crafts stores. You can purchase this pattern on any of these platforms, depending on your preference. Simply click the relevant links throughout this pattern page to be taken to the listing, or visit the store homepages in the links at the start of this paragraph.
Gauge
17 sts x 13 rows in 10cm x 10cm of half double crochet worked in the back loop only using a 5mm hook or size needed to obtain tension.
The gauge should be measured unblocked with the swatch laying flat on a solid surface.
I’ve added a gauge measurement here so you can check you can match it before purchasing the pattern. You can learn how to make and measure a gauge swatch here.
If you have difficulty meeting row gauge, this post will help you understand how to adjust it!
Sizing and Finished Measurements
The pattern is written for women’s sizes XS – 3XL (to fit bust 76cm – 137cm) and includes guidance on how to adjust the size to suit your body.
The dress has hip shaping which starts at the waist and I explain how to adjust this if, for example you have a longer torso than the ‘standards’.
The measurements table and schematic in the pattern gives details on what it’s based on so you can compare your own measurements to that to ensure you get a good fit.
You can also choose a separate sleeve size, again using the schematic to select what works for you.
Because the fabric is so stretchy, the garment is designed with some negative ease. This is why the bust measurements show as 68cm – 130cm in the pattern. If you like things loose fitting, you may want to size up.
I am wearing the size small in the photos you see here. I did knock a couple of stitches from the skirt length because I am only 5ft 1 (and a bit!)
Purchase the PDF pattern now from Love Crafts, Ravelry or Etsy
If you have any questions about the pattern, please feel free to drop it in the comments below!
Otherwise, happy hooking!
Dx
More crochet garment patterns.
Copyright Dora Does Limited, Registered in England, Company Number 13992263. This pattern is for personal use only and may not be shared or reproduced in written, photo, video or any other form without prior written consent. All rights reserved. Terms of service.
Love this dress and the boatneck, however, I live in a very warm climate in the U.S. Are there alternates to wool yarn that are suitable for substitution? Yarns that won’t stretch out of shape or otherwise negate all the work that goes into crocheting a nice dress. Thank you! Joan
That’s a really good – and a bit of a tricky question! You could swatch with something like bamboo and see how it feels (and stretches). Because this dress uses aran weight yarn and a fairly opaque stitch pattern, it’s always going to be on the warmer side. You could try something like making it a top and skirt to add a bit of ventilation, but I think I would default to something in a lighter / finer yarn for warmer climates. I hope that helps.
I love the boat neckline. That’s the style that suits me best but can be hard to find. Thank you.
Thanks! I love a boat neck too! 🙂
Do you have free written instructions for this?
Thank you.
Hi there, the size graded pattern is a paid pattern only. The original version of the dress, which is a little different to the one you see pictured here, is available as a free pattern, but only in one size with guidance for alterations to fit. This is linked to at the top of this post, or you can visit this page: https://doradoes.co.uk/portfolio/the-winter-solstice-dress/
I hope that helps, Dora.