Ivory Floral Lace Maxi Dress Crochet Pattern

A floor-length lace dress in ivory cotton. V neckline, bell sleeves, fitted bodice, three-tier flared skirt with sunburst rosette bands. Filet mesh construction throughout.

This pattern uses basic stitches: chains, double crochet, and single crochet. The openwork mesh creates the lacy effect. Rosettes are sewn on as decorative overlays, not worked into the fabric.

One size fits an 80 to 84 cm bust with approximately 88 cm finished bust measurement. Total length runs about 120 cm from shoulder to hem.

About This Dress Design

This ivory maxi dress combines classic filet mesh with decorative floral motifs for an elegant, romantic silhouette. The construction is straightforward: you work flat bodice panels first, seam them together, then crochet the skirt in joined rounds from the waist down.

The three-tier skirt flares gradually through strategic increases at Rounds 2, 33, and 65. Each tier grows wider than the last, creating that beautiful A-line sweep you see in the reference image. The hem measures approximately 218 cm around, which gives the skirt its lovely drape and movement.

Sunburst rosettes trim the neckline and mark each tier transition on the skirt. These are worked separately and sewn on afterward. Each rosette blocks to about 7 to 8 cm across, making them substantial enough to create visual impact without overwhelming the delicate mesh background.

The bell sleeves start fitted at the shoulder and flare over the final eight rows, ending with the same rosette trim seen throughout the dress. They reach three-quarter length, hitting around mid-forearm.

This is an intermediate to advanced project due to its size and the number of components, but each individual technique is beginner-friendly. If you can work double crochet and follow a simple repeat, you have the skills. The challenge is patience and organization, not complexity.

Materials You Will Need

Yarn:

• Main color (ivory): 800 g / 3200 m of smooth fingering weight cotton, approximately 200 m per 50 g
• Contrasting motif colors (if used): 100 g / 400 m total, divided between colors

Hooks:

• 3 mm hook for main fabric
• 2.5 mm hook for edgings
• Adjust sizes as needed to obtain gauge

Notions:

• Tapestry needle
• Stitch markers
• Measuring tape
• Scissors
• Blocking mats and rustproof pins
• 4 sew-on imitation pearls and strong thread (for pearl versions)

Additional Requirements:

• A matching opaque slip is required when wearing this dress. The open mesh does not provide coverage on its own.

Gauge

22 stitch positions (11 mesh cells) x 12 mesh rows = 10 cm, blocked.

A flat bodice panel with 48 cells measures approximately 44 cm wide. Each sunburst rosette should block to about 7 to 8 cm across.

Make a swatch at least 15 x 15 cm before starting. Wash and dry it the same way you plan to care for the finished dress, then measure the central 10 cm without stretching. Adjust your hook size up or down until you match gauge. Record both width and height measurements.

All dimensions in this pattern are blocked targets. Cotton lace tends to lengthen while worn, so keep this in mind when checking your work.

Stitch Abbreviations and Definitions

This pattern uses US crochet terminology throughout.

• ch = chain: Yarn over, pull through loop on hook
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• sp = space
• sl st = slip stitch: Insert hook, yarn over, pull through both loops
• sc = single crochet: Insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops
• hdc = half double crochet: Yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through all three loops
• dc = double crochet: Yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over, pull through remaining two loops
• tr = treble crochet: Yarn over twice, insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, (yarn over, pull through two loops) three times
• BLO = back loop only
• RS/WS = right side / wrong side
• rep = repeat
• inc = increase
• sc2tog = single crochet two stitches together (a decrease)

Special Stitches

Small Mesh (Flat)

Ch 3 (counts as first dc), then work [ch 1, skip next ch-1 sp, dc in next dc] to end of row.

Work each dc into the post stitch, not into the gap. A mesh cell is one ch-1 space bounded by dc posts on either side.

For flat work with C cells, you will have C+1 dc posts and C chains. Total stitch positions = 2C+1.

Shell Trim

On a prepared sc edge with a multiple of 6 stitches: [skip 2 sc, 5 dc in next sc, skip 2 sc, sl st in next sc]. Repeat across.

Picot Trim

[Sc in next 3 sts, ch 3, sl st into third ch from hook]. Repeat across.

Pattern Notes

• Turning ch 3 counts as a dc
• Ch 1 does NOT count as a sc
• Join rounds with sl st unless stated otherwise
• Flat rows turn after each row
• Joined dress rounds do NOT turn
• Brackets [ ] enclose a repeat
• Do not count joining sl sts
• Sew seams with RS together unless directed otherwise
• Work main fabric in main color. Use remaining colors for named trims and appliques

Important: This pattern supplies one adult sample size only. Check the finished measurements against your body or intended recipient before committing your yarn. Altering stitch counts requires recalculating motif placement and shaping.

Construction Overview

1. Make two waist-up bodice panels (front and back)
2. Shape the front neckline with decreases
3. Sew shoulders and sides, leaving armholes open
4. Add optional flat sleeves
5. Join skirt at waist and work downward in rounds
6. Increase at three tier transitions
7. Add rosette appliques, edgings, and waist cord

Finished Measurements

• Bust: approximately 88 cm (fits 80 to 84 cm body bust)
• Waist: gathers to 80 to 84 cm with cord
• Hem circumference: approximately 218 cm
• Total length: approximately 120 cm
• Sleeve length: approximately 36 cm
• Back neck opening: approximately 22 cm
• Final shoulder width: approximately 11 cm each

Instructions

Back Bodice

Row 1: Ch 100. Dc in sixth ch from hook, [ch 1, skip 1 ch, dc in next ch] 47 times. Turn. The skipped chains form first dc and first ch-1 space. 49 dc + 48 ch-1 spaces; 48 cells.

Rows 2 through 48: Work small mesh across. Turn. 48 cells; 49 dc + 48 ch-1 spaces.

Repeat this instruction on every listed row.

Front Bodice

Row 1: Ch 100. Dc in sixth ch from hook, [ch 1, skip 1 ch, dc in next ch] 47 times. Turn. The skipped chains form first dc and first ch-1 space. 49 dc + 48 ch-1 spaces; 48 cells.

Rows 2 through 36: Work small mesh across. Turn. 48 cells; 49 dc + 48 ch-1 spaces.

Repeat this instruction on every listed row.

Left Front Shoulder

Row 37: Ch 3. [Ch 1, dc in next dc] 23 times. Turn, leaving centre 2 cells and other shoulder unworked. 23 cells.

Row 38: Sl st across the first cell to its second post, ch 3, then work mesh to end. Turn. 22 cells.

Row 39: Work mesh until 1 cell remains at neck edge. Leave that cell unworked. Turn. 21 cells.

Row 40: Sl st across the first cell to its second post, ch 3, then work mesh to end. Turn. 20 cells.

Row 41: Work mesh until 1 cell remains at neck edge. Leave that cell unworked. Turn. 19 cells.

Row 42: Sl st across the first cell to its second post, ch 3, then work mesh to end. Turn. 18 cells.

Row 43: Work mesh until 1 cell remains at neck edge. Leave that cell unworked. Turn. 17 cells.

Row 44: Sl st across the first cell to its second post, ch 3, then work mesh to end. Turn. 16 cells.

Row 45: Work mesh until 1 cell remains at neck edge. Leave that cell unworked. Turn. 15 cells.

Row 46: Sl st across the first cell to its second post, ch 3, then work mesh to end. Turn. 14 cells.

Row 47: Work mesh until 1 cell remains at neck edge. Leave that cell unworked. Turn. 13 cells.

Row 48: Sl st across the first cell to its second post, ch 3, then work mesh to end. Turn. 12 cells.

Right Front Shoulder

Rejoin yarn at opposite outer edge of front Row 36, RS facing.

Repeat Rows 37 through 48 mirrored: always omit one cell at the neck edge, never at the armhole edge. 12 cells on each final shoulder.

Checkpoint: Each bodice panel measures about 44 cm wide x 40 cm long. Final shoulder width is about 11 cm. Back neck opening is about 22 cm. Complete bodice seams before starting skirt.

Skirt (Joined Rounds from Waist)

After seaming bodice, distribute 192 sc evenly around lower waist edge: 96 per panel, skipping each duplicated seam-edge post. Join. This is foundation Round 0. 192 sc.

Round 1: Ch 3, [ch 1, skip 1 sc, dc in next sc] 95 times. Ch 1, skip final sc. Join. 96 cells; 96 dc + 96 ch-1 spaces.

Round 2 (First Increase): Work into the 96 old ch-1 spaces. Alternately work [dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1] in one space and [dc, ch 1] in the next, 48 pairs in all. Replace the first dc with ch 3. Join. 144 dc + 144 ch-1 spaces; 144 cells.

Rounds 3 through 32: Work [dc in next dc, ch 1] around. Replace first dc with ch 3. Join. 144 dc + 144 ch-1 spaces; 144 cells.

Repeat this instruction on every listed round.

Round 33 (Second Increase): Into old ch-1 spaces work [(dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1) in next space, (dc, ch 1) in each of next 2 spaces] 48 times. Replace first dc with ch 3. Join. 192 dc + 192 ch-1 spaces; 192 cells.

Rounds 34 through 64: Work [dc in next dc, ch 1] around. Replace first dc with ch 3. Join. 192 dc + 192 ch-1 spaces; 192 cells.

Repeat this instruction on every listed round.

Round 65 (Third Increase): Into old ch-1 spaces work [(dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1) in next space, (dc, ch 1) in each of next 3 spaces] 48 times. Replace first dc with ch 3. Join. 240 dc + 240 ch-1 spaces; 240 cells.

Rounds 66 through 96: Work [dc in next dc, ch 1] around. Replace first dc with ch 3. Join. 240 dc + 240 ch-1 spaces; 240 cells.

Repeat this instruction on every listed round.

Sleeves (Make 2, Top Down)

Row 1: Ch 82. Dc in sixth ch from hook, [ch 1, skip 1 ch, dc in next ch] 38 times. Turn. 40 dc + 39 ch-1 spaces; 39 cells.

Rows 2 through 35: Work small mesh across. Turn. 39 cells; 40 dc + 39 ch-1 spaces.

Repeat this instruction on every listed row.

Row 36: Ch 3, (ch 1, dc) in same first dc, work mesh to last dc, then (ch 1, dc) again in last dc. Turn. 41 cells; 42 dc + 41 ch-1 spaces.

Row 37: Ch 3, (ch 1, dc) in same first dc, work mesh to last dc, then (ch 1, dc) again in last dc. Turn. 43 cells; 44 dc + 43 ch-1 spaces.

Row 38: Ch 3, (ch 1, dc) in same first dc, work mesh to last dc, then (ch 1, dc) again in last dc. Turn. 45 cells; 46 dc + 45 ch-1 spaces.

Row 39: Ch 3, (ch 1, dc) in same first dc, work mesh to last dc, then (ch 1, dc) again in last dc. Turn. 47 cells; 48 dc + 47 ch-1 spaces.

Row 40: Ch 3, (ch 1, dc) in same first dc, work mesh to last dc, then (ch 1, dc) again in last dc. Turn. 49 cells; 50 dc + 49 ch-1 spaces.

Row 41: Ch 3, (ch 1, dc) in same first dc, work mesh to last dc, then (ch 1, dc) again in last dc. Turn. 51 cells; 52 dc + 51 ch-1 spaces.

Row 42: Ch 3, (ch 1, dc) in same first dc, work mesh to last dc, then (ch 1, dc) again in last dc. Turn. 53 cells; 54 dc + 53 ch-1 spaces.

Row 43: Ch 3, (ch 1, dc) in same first dc, work mesh to last dc, then (ch 1, dc) again in last dc. Turn. 55 cells; 56 dc + 55 ch-1 spaces.

Checkpoint: Sleeve top width is about 36 cm. Length is about 36 cm. The top edge fits the 36 cm armhole perimeter. Bell shaping adds 16 cells across the final 8 rows.

Sunburst Rosettes (Make 46)

Round 1: Into an adjustable ring, ch 1, 10 sc. Join to first sc. 10 sc.

Round 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in same st. 2 dc in each remaining st. Join to top of ch 3. 20 dc.

Round 3: Ch 1, [sc in next dc, ch 3, skip next dc] 10 times. Join to first sc. 10 sc + 10 ch-3 spaces.

Round 4: In each ch-3 space work [sc, hdc, 3 dc, hdc, sc]. Join and fasten off. 70 sts; 10 petals.

Block each motif flat. Rosettes should measure 7 to 8 cm across after blocking.

Assembly

Seam Pass 1: Sew the outer 12 cells of each front shoulder to the corresponding back shoulder. 2 seams, 12 cells each.

Seam Pass 2: Mark 18 cm down from each shoulder on both front and back panels. Sew side seams from waist up to markers. Leave upper edges open for armholes. 2 armholes, each about 36 cm around.

Seam Pass 3 (If Sleeves Present): Seam each sleeve lengthwise. Match sleeve-top seam to underarm and sew sleeve top evenly around armhole opening. 2 sleeves attached, or 0 for sleeveless version.

Checkpoint: Try the bodice over your intended slip before adding the skirt. The neckline should lie flat. Shoulders and armholes should not pull. Waist measures about 88 cm before gathering.

Edgings and Details

Hem Edging

Hem Round 1: Sc in each dc and each ch-1 space around skirt bottom. 480 sc.

Hem Round 2: Work shell trim 80 times, or picot trim 160 times where picot is specified. Join. 480 base sc consumed.

Neckline Edging

Neck Round 1: Sc evenly around neckline. Work 1 sc per top stitch position and 2 sc per dc row end. Use 3 sc at each outward corner and sc2tog across each inward corner. Record your count as N. N sc.

Neck Round 2: Sl st in every neckline sc without tightening. Join. N sl sts.

Sleeve Edging

Sleeve Edge Round 1: Work 1 sc in each dc and each ch-1 space. Record count as C. For sleeveless versions, work 2 sc per dc row end around each armhole. C sc per opening.

Sleeve Edge Round 2: Work shell trim over complete 6-st repeats, then sc in remaining 0 to 5 sts. Join. C base sts consumed.

Waist Cord

Waist Cord Row 1: Ch 241. Sl st in second ch and each remaining ch. Fasten off. 240 sl sts.

Thread waist cord through alternate waist mesh cells and tie to fit 80 to 84 cm.

Centre-Neck Bow (Optional)

Make two 60-chain cords with 59 return sl sts each. Attach at the front neck point.

For pearl versions, sew beads onto cord tips using doubled thread.

Rosette Placement

Arrange 46 rosettes as follows:

• 8 around neckline
• 16 above skirt Round 33
• 22 above skirt Round 65

Sew each rosette at four or more points onto the underlying mesh. These are decorative overlays, not structural inserts.

Checkpoint: Motifs should not bridge or close the wearing openings. Check that decoration is balanced and the skirt hangs evenly without tight horizontal bands.

Finishing

Finishing Pass 1: Weave each yarn end through at least 5 cm of stitches and reverse direction. 0 loose tails.

Finishing Pass 2: Wash gently and block flat to listed dimensions. Support all wet fabric. Do not hang to dry. 1 finished dress.

Final Checkpoint:

• Finished bust: approximately 88 cm
• Total length: approximately 120 cm before optional trim
• Sleeve length: approximately 36 cm
• Hem circumference: approximately 218 cm

Let dry fully, then recheck length over your intended slip.

Care Instructions

Follow the yarn label for specific care requirements. Unless it specifies otherwise:

• Hand-wash cool with mild detergent
• Support the wet fabric at all times
• Dry flat away from direct heat
• Do not wring, tumble dry, or iron acrylic components

Safety Notes

This is an adult item only.

Beads, tassels, and appliques are small parts and potential snagging hazards. Attach securely and inspect before each wear. Keep away from babies and young children. Avoid loose cords around machinery.

Open mesh fabric does not provide sun protection or opaque coverage. A separate opaque slip is required when wearing this dress.

Tips for Success

Take your time with gauge. This dress uses a lot of yarn, and being off by even half a stitch per 10 cm can add up to several centimeters over the full width. Make your swatch, wash it, block it, and measure carefully.

Count your cells at checkpoints. The pattern includes cell counts for a reason. Catching a mistake on Row 10 is much easier than finding it after you have finished the entire bodice.

Block your rosettes before attaching. Wet block each one and let it dry completely. This ensures they are all the same size and lie flat against the mesh.

Use stitch markers generously. Mark the beginning of rounds, the center of panels, and the locations where you plan to place rosettes.

Try on the bodice before adding the skirt. This saves heartache. Make sure the fit works over your slip before committing to 96 more rounds of crochet.

Who This Pattern Is For

This pattern suits crocheters who are comfortable with basic stitches and ready for a larger, more involved project. The individual techniques are simple, but the dress requires organization, patience, and attention to detail.

It makes a stunning piece for weddings, garden parties, beach cover-ups, or photo shoots. The romantic silhouette and delicate lace texture photograph beautifully. Pair it with a simple satin slip in ivory, champagne, or blush for different looks.

Thank you so much for choosing this pattern. This dress is a true labor of love, and the finished result is absolutely worth every stitch. If you make it, I would love to see your version. Share your photos on Instagram or Facebook and tag the page so everyone can admire your work.

If you love this pattern, save it to your Pinterest boards so you can find it when you are ready to start. And please leave a comment below if you make this dress. I would love to hear how it turns out for you.

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