I don’t know about you, but I have been absolutely obsessed with 1970s fashion lately. Those bold earth tones, the dramatic silhouettes, the unapologetic statement pieces that turn heads without trying too hard.
This crochet dress captures everything I love about that era. The bell sleeves, the chevron hem, the warm autumn palette. It looks like something you would find in a vintage boutique and pay way too much for.
The best part? You can make it yourself. And yes, it is as satisfying to wear as it is to create.
About This Retro Bell Sleeve Crochet Dress Pattern
This gorgeous mini dress brings together several classic crochet techniques in one stunning garment. You will work horizontal stripes in granny stitch clusters, an open mesh yoke for breathability, and a dramatic chevron hem with scalloped edging. The bell sleeves mirror that same chevron detail at the cuffs, creating a cohesive and polished look.
The dress is constructed seamlessly in the round from the top down. This means minimal finishing work and no seaming at the end. You will start at the neckline, work the yoke with raglan-style increases, separate for the sleeves, continue down the body, and finish with that eye-catching chevron section.
Skill level: Intermediate to Advanced. You should be comfortable working in the round, managing multiple yarn colors, executing granny-stitch clusters, and reading stitch counts across different sections. If you are a patient beginner who has mastered these individual techniques, you can absolutely tackle this project.
Time estimate: Plan for approximately 40 to 60 hours depending on your speed and experience with colorwork.
Finished Measurements
This pattern is written for size Small/Medium, fitting US dress sizes 4 through 8.
Size customization guidance appears at the end of the pattern for those who need adjustments.
Materials You Will Need
Yarn
You will need approximately 1500 yards (1372 m) of worsted weight yarn total, divided among five colors:
Recommended Yarns
Lion Brand Wool-Ease works beautifully for this project. The 80% acrylic and 20% wool blend gives excellent stitch definition for both the granny and chevron sections. It is also machine washable, which is a huge plus for a garment you will want to wear often. Look for colors like Caramel, Goldenrod, Fisherman, Loden, and Paprika.
Paintbox Yarns Simply DK is another great option if you hold two strands together. This achieves a worsted weight effect with beautiful stitch clarity.
Malabrigo Rios is the premium choice if you want to splurge. This 100% superwash merino wool has a slight halo finish and wonderful stretch that aids garment fit.
Whatever you choose, prioritize smooth, plied yarns with good stitch definition. The granny clusters and chevron texture need to read clearly. Avoid single-ply or heavily textured yarns as they will obscure the patterning.
Hook and Notions
Gauge
Getting gauge right is critical for a garment. Please swatch before you begin.
In granny stitch panel (3-dc cluster pattern): 14 stitches and 8 rows = 4 inches (10 cm)
In chevron stitch: 14 stitches and 8 rows = 4 inches (10 cm)
Swatch both stitch patterns and adjust your hook size as needed. A larger hook produces a looser fabric while a smaller hook produces a denser fabric.
Abbreviations and Stitch Definitions
Let me walk you through every abbreviation you will encounter in this pattern. If you are newer to crochet, take a moment to familiarize yourself with these terms.
Special Stitches Explained
3-Double Crochet Cluster (3-dc cl)
This stitch creates one granny-style puff from three double crochets worked into the same space. Here is how to work it step by step:
1. Yarn over, insert hook into designated stitch or space.
2. Yarn over, pull up a loop. You now have 3 loops on hook.
3. Yarn over, draw through 2 loops. You have 2 loops remaining. Do not complete the dc.
4. Yarn over, insert hook into the same stitch or space again.
5. Yarn over, pull up a loop. You now have 4 loops on hook.
6. Yarn over, draw through 2 loops. You have 3 loops remaining.
7. Yarn over, insert hook into the same stitch or space a third time.
8. Yarn over, pull up a loop. You now have 5 loops on hook.
9. Yarn over, draw through 2 loops. You have 4 loops remaining.
10. Yarn over, draw through all 4 remaining loops. One 3-dc cl complete.
Granny Stripe Stitch
Worked flat per row. Each repeat consists of: (3-dc cl, ch 1, 3-dc cl) into designated ch-sp, ch 1 between repeats. This creates paired cluster units with chain gaps between them, forming the classic granny texture in horizontal stripe form.
Chevron Stitch
The chevron creates peaks and valleys by alternating increases and decreases at regular intervals.
Peak: Work 3 dc into the same stitch. This creates an outward point.
Valley: Skip 2 stitches. This creates an inward dip.
One full chevron repeat over 14 stitches: dc in 2, 3 dc in 1 (peak), dc in 2, skip 2 (valley), dc in 2, 3 dc in 1 (peak), dc in 2. This consumes 14 stitches and produces 14 stitches, maintaining the same count throughout.
Scallop Edge
This decorative final round creates a beautiful wavy finish.
1. Sl st into first st.
2. Ch 3, work 4 dc into same st.
3. Skip 2 sts, sl st into next st.
4. Ch 3, work 4 dc into same sl-st.
5. Rep steps 3 and 4 around.
6. Sl st to top of first ch-3 to join.
Mesh Yoke Row
Each mesh unit = (dc, ch 1, skip 1). This creates a regular grid of open spaces used across the yoke section.
Raglan Increase Round
At each of 4 raglan markers: work 2 dc into the st before the marker, sm, 2 dc into the st after the marker. This places 2 increases at each of 4 points, adding 8 dc per raglan round.
Pattern Notes Before You Begin
Read through these notes carefully. They will save you confusion later.
1. The dress is worked top-down in the round after a flat foundation chain sets the neckline circumference. The yoke uses raglan-style increases.
2. The body and sleeves separate at the underarm after the yoke is complete. Sleeve stitches go on holders while the body continues.
3. For stripe color sequences, carry unused colors up the wrong side when color changes are frequent (every 1-2 rounds). Cut and rejoin when colors are separated by 4 or more rounds.
4. The bell sleeve is picked up from the armhole after the body is complete and worked downward, widening through increases to the bell shape, then finished with chevron and scallop rows.
5. The chevron section begins approximately at hip level and continues to the hem. The same chevron and scallop are worked at the sleeve cuffs.
6. Important: The dress as pictured is worn over a skin-toned or nude slip or bodysuit. The crochet fabric is open-textured, so a lining slip is recommended for modesty.
7. Join rounds with a sl st to the top of the first dc of the round unless otherwise noted. Chain-3 at the beginning of a dc round counts as the first dc throughout.
8. Block pieces gently before final finishing to open up the mesh and chevron textures.
Crochet Dress Pattern Instructions
Yoke
Foundation: Using Color A and a US I-9 (5.5 mm) hook, ch 80. Being careful not to twist, sl st to first ch to join into a ring.
Rnd 1 (Mesh Yoke, Color A): Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in same st, (dc, ch 1, skip 1) across, ending with ch 1, sl st to top of beg ch-3. (80 dc, 40 ch-1 spaces)
Raglan marker placement: After Rnd 1, place 4 stitch markers to define raglan lines. Divide stitches as follows:
Total: 80 sts confirmed.
Rnd 2 (Raglan Increase Round, Color A): Ch 3, dc in each st and ch-1 sp around, working Raglan Increase at each of 4 markers (2 extra dc at each marker). (88 dc)
Rnd 3 (Mesh, Color A): Ch 3, (dc, ch 1, skip 1) around, sl st to join. (88 dc, 44 ch-1 sps)
Rnd 4 (Raglan Increase, Color B): Join Color B. Ch 3, dc in each st and ch-1 sp, working Raglan Increase at each of 4 markers. (96 dc)
Rnd 5 (Mesh, Color B): Ch 3, (dc, ch 1, skip 1) around, sl st to join. (96 dc)
Rnd 6 (Raglan Increase, Color A): Join Color A. Ch 3, dc in each st, working Raglan Increase at each of 4 markers. (104 dc)
Rnd 7 (Mesh, Color A): Ch 3, (dc, ch 1, skip 1) around, sl st to join. (104 dc)
Rnd 8 (Raglan Increase, Color C): Join Color C. Ch 3, dc in each st, Raglan Increase at each marker. (112 dc)
Rnd 9 (Mesh, Color C): Ch 3, (dc, ch 1, skip 1) around, sl st to join. (112 dc)
Rnd 10 (Raglan Increase, Color D): Join Color D. Ch 3, dc in each st, Raglan Increase at each marker. (120 dc)
Rnd 11 (Solid DC, Color D): Ch 3, dc in each st around, sl st to join. (120 dc)
Rnd 12 (Raglan Increase, Color A): Join Color A. Ch 3, dc in each st, Raglan Increase at each marker. (128 dc)
Rnd 13 (Mesh, Color A): Ch 3, (dc, ch 1, skip 1) around, sl st to join. (128 dc)
Rnd 14 (Raglan Increase, Color E): Join Color E. Ch 3, dc in each st, Raglan Increase at each marker. (136 dc)
Rnd 15 (Solid DC, Color E): Ch 3, dc in each st around, sl st to join. (136 dc)
Rnd 16 (Raglan Increase, Color B): Join Color B. Ch 3, dc in each st, Raglan Increase at each marker. (144 dc)
Rnd 17 (Mesh, Color B): Ch 3, (dc, ch 1, skip 1) around, sl st to join. (144 dc)
Rnd 18 (Raglan Increase, Color C): Join Color C. Ch 3, dc in each st, Raglan Increase at each marker. (152 dc)
Rnd 19 (Solid DC, Color C): Ch 3, dc in each st around, sl st to join. (152 dc)
Rnd 20 (Raglan Increase, Color A): Join Color A. Ch 3, dc in each st, Raglan Increase at each marker. (160 dc)
Yoke complete.
Yoke stitch distribution at end of Rnd 20:
CHECKPOINT: The piece should measure approximately 9 inches (23 cm) from neckline to underarm along the raglan line. The yoke should comfortably span across the shoulders.
Underarm Separation
Rnd 21 (Separation Round, Color A):
Ch 3, dc across 28 sts of right front.
Place next 30 sleeve sts on a stitch holder or scrap yarn.
Ch 4 (underarm chain bridge), dc across 44 back sts.
Place next 30 sleeve sts on a second stitch holder or scrap yarn.
Ch 4 (underarm chain bridge), dc across 28 left front sts, sl st to top of beg ch-3 to join.
Working stitch count for body: 28 (right front) + 4 (ch bridge) + 44 (back) + 4 (ch bridge) + 28 (left front) = 108 dc.
Rnd 22 (Color A): Ch 3, dc in each st and each ch around evenly. (108 dc)
From this point forward, the body is worked in the round with no more raglan markers.
Body Section
The body uses alternating stripe colors and stitch textures. Follow this color stripe sequence throughout:
Repeat this sequence continuously.
Granny Stripe Round format: Ch 4 (counts as dc + ch 1), skip 1 st, (3-dc cl into next st, ch 1, skip 1, 3-dc cl into next st, ch 1, skip 1) rep around, sl st to 3rd ch of beg ch-4.
Upper Body (Rnds 23-42)
Rnd 23 (Color D, solid dc): Ch 3, dc in each st around. (108 dc)
Rnd 24 (Color D, mesh): Ch 3, (dc, ch 1, skip 1) around, sl st to join. (108 dc units)
Rnd 25 (Color A, solid dc): Join Color A. Ch 3, dc in each st and ch-1 sp around. (108 dc)
Rnd 26 (Color A, granny stripe): Ch 4, skip 1, (3-dc cl, ch 1, skip 1) around, sl st to join. (108 cluster units)
Rnd 27 (Color C, solid dc): Join Color C. Ch 3, dc across. (108 dc)
Rnd 28 (Color C, mesh): Ch 3, (dc, ch 1, skip 1) around, sl st to join. (108 dc units)
Rnd 29 (Color E, solid dc): Join Color E. Ch 3, dc across. (108 dc)
Rnd 30 (Color E, mesh): Ch 3, (dc, ch 1, skip 1) around, sl st to join. (108 dc units)
Rnd 31 (Color B, solid dc): Join Color B. Ch 3, dc across. (108 dc)
Rnd 32 (Color B, granny stripe): Ch 4, skip 1, (3-dc cl, ch 1, skip 1) around, sl st to join. (108 cluster units)
Rnd 33 (Color D, solid dc): Join Color D. Ch 3, dc across. (108 dc)
Rnd 34 (Color D, mesh): (dc, ch 1, skip 1) around. (108 dc units)
Rnd 35 (Color A, solid dc): Join Color A. Ch 3, dc across. (108 dc)
Rnd 36 (Color A, granny stripe): Ch 4, (3-dc cl, ch 1, skip 1) around, sl st to join. (108 cluster units)
Rnd 37 (Color C, solid dc): Join Color C. Ch 3, dc across. (108 dc)
Rnd 38 (Color C, mesh): (dc, ch 1, skip 1) around. (108 dc units)
Rnd 39 (Color E, solid dc): Join Color E. Ch 3, dc across. (108 dc)
Rnd 40 (Color E, mesh): (dc, ch 1, skip 1) around. (108 dc units)
Rnd 41 (Color B, solid dc): Join Color B. Ch 3, dc across. (108 dc)
Rnd 42 (Color B, granny stripe): Ch 4, (3-dc cl, ch 1, skip 1) around, sl st to join. (108 cluster units)
CHECKPOINT: The body should measure approximately 18 inches (46 cm) from the underarm. The chest and waist sections should be relatively fitted.
Hip Flare Section (Rnds 43-48)
In this section, the stitch count increases to accommodate the hip and create the A-line skirt shape.
Rnd 43 (Color D, solid dc with increases): Join Color D. Ch 3, dc in each st around, inc 14 sts evenly spaced (work 2 dc in every 8th st approximately). (122 dc)
Rnd 44 (Color D, mesh): (dc, ch 1, skip 1) around. (122 dc units)
Rnd 45 (Color A, solid dc with increases): Join Color A. Ch 3, dc across, inc 12 sts evenly spaced. (134 dc)
Rnd 46 (Color A, granny stripe): Ch 4, (3-dc cl, ch 1, skip 1) around. (134 cluster units)
Rnd 47 (Color C, solid dc with increases): Join Color C. Ch 3, dc across, inc 8 sts evenly spaced. (142 dc)
Rnd 48 (Color C, mesh): (dc, ch 1, skip 1) around. (142 dc units)
CHECKPOINT: The body should measure approximately 22 inches (56 cm) from the underarm. The fabric should visibly flare outward from the waist.
Skirt Lower Body (Rnds 49-56)
Rnd 49 (Color E, solid dc with increases): Join Color E. Ch 3, dc across, inc 10 sts evenly spaced. (152 dc)
Rnd 50 (Color E, mesh): (dc, ch 1, skip 1) around. (152 dc units)
Rnd 51 (Color B, solid dc): Join Color B. Ch 3, dc across. (152 dc)
Rnd 52 (Color B, granny stripe): Ch 4, (3-dc cl, ch 1, skip 1) around. (152 cluster units)
Rnd 53 (Color D, solid dc): Join Color D. Ch 3, dc across. (152 dc)
Rnd 54 (Color D, mesh): (dc, ch 1, skip 1) around. (152 dc units)
Rnd 55 (Color A, solid dc with increases): Join Color A. Ch 3, dc across, inc 8 sts evenly. (160 dc)
Rnd 56 (revised, Color A, solid dc with increases): Ch 3, dc across, inc 8 sts evenly. (168 dc)
This brings you to 168 stitches, which is evenly divisible by 14 for the chevron section (168 ÷ 14 = 12 repeats).
Chevron Hem Section (Rnds 57-66)
The chevron uses a 14-stitch repeat: dc in 2, 3 dc in 1 (peak), dc in 2, skip 2 (valley), dc in 2, 3 dc in 1 (peak), dc in 2.
Rnd 57 (Color E, chevron): Join Color E. Ch 3, work chevron repeat 12 times around, sl st to join. (168 dc)
Rnd 58 (Color B, chevron): Join Color B. Ch 3, work chevron repeat 12 times, working peak into each peak st and valley at each valley. (168 dc)
Rnd 59 (Color D, chevron): Join Color D. Ch 3, work chevron repeat 12 times. (168 dc)
Rnd 60 (Color A, chevron): Join Color A. Ch 3, work chevron repeat 12 times. (168 dc)
Rnd 61 (Color C, chevron): Join Color C. Ch 3, work chevron repeat 12 times. (168 dc)
Rnd 62 (Color E, chevron): Join Color E. Ch 3, work chevron repeat 12 times. (168 dc)
Rnd 63 (Color B, chevron): Join Color B. Ch 3, work chevron repeat 12 times. (168 dc)
Rnd 64 (Color D, chevron): Join Color D. Ch 3, work chevron repeat 12 times. (168 dc)
Rnd 65 (Color A, chevron): Join Color A. Ch 3, work chevron repeat 12 times. (168 dc)
Rnd 66 (Color E, chevron): Join Color E. Ch 3, work chevron repeat 12 times. (168 dc)
Scallop Hem Edge (Rnd 67)
Using Color A, work scallop edge around the full 168-st hem, working each scallop unit over 3 sts (5 dc shell, skip 2, sl st, rep). 168 ÷ 3 = 56 scallops.
Fasten off and weave in end.
CHECKPOINT: Total dress length should measure approximately 32 inches (81 cm) from shoulder.
Sleeves (Make 2)
Return to held sleeve stitches. With RS facing, join Color A at underarm bridge center.
Setup Round (Color A): Ch 3, dc across 30 held sleeve sts, dc across 4 ch of underarm bridge. (34 dc)
Place marker to mark beginning of round.
Rnds 1-4 (Color A, mesh): Ch 3, (dc, ch 1, skip 1) around, sl st to join. (34 dc units per round)
Rnd 5 (Color D, solid dc): Join Color D. Ch 3, dc across. (34 dc)
Rnd 6 (Color D, mesh): (dc, ch 1, skip 1) around. (34 dc units)
Rnd 7 (Color B, solid dc): Join Color B. Ch 3, dc across. (34 dc)
Rnd 8 (Color B, granny stripe): Ch 4, (3-dc cl, ch 1, skip 1) around. (34 cluster units)
Rnd 9 (Color C, solid dc with sleeve increase): Join Color C. Ch 3, dc across, inc 4 sts evenly. (38 dc)
Rnd 10 (Color C, mesh): (dc, ch 1, skip 1) around. (38 dc units)
Rnd 11 (Color A, solid dc with sleeve increase): Join Color A. Ch 3, dc across, inc 4 sts evenly. (42 dc)
Rnd 12 (Color A, granny stripe): Ch 4, (3-dc cl, ch 1, skip 1) around. (42 cluster units)
Rnd 13 (Color E, solid dc): Join Color E. Ch 3, dc across. (42 dc)
Rnd 14 (Color E, mesh): (dc, ch 1, skip 1) around. (42 dc units)
Rnd 15 (Color D, solid dc with sleeve increase): Join Color D. Ch 3, dc across, inc 4 sts evenly. (46 dc)
Rnd 16 (Color D, mesh): (dc, ch 1, skip 1) around. (46 dc units)
Rnd 17 (Color B, solid dc with sleeve increase): Join Color B. Ch 3, dc across, inc 4 sts evenly. (50 dc)
Rnd 18 (Color B, granny stripe): Ch 4, (3-dc cl, ch 1, skip 1) around. (50 cluster units)
Rnd 19 (Color C, solid dc): Join Color C. Ch 3, dc across. (50 dc)
Rnd 20 (Color C, mesh): (dc, ch 1, skip 1) around. (50 dc units)
CHECKPOINT: Sleeve should measure approximately 12 inches (30 cm) from underarm.
Bell Sleeve Flare (Rnds 21-28)
Rnd 21 (Color A, solid dc with bell increase): Join Color A. Ch 3, dc across, inc 12 sts evenly. (62 dc)
Continue following the established stripe pattern, increasing 8 to 12 stitches every other round until you reach approximately 78 stitches for the bell cuff circumference of 22 inches.
Work 6 rounds of chevron stitch at the cuff using the same color sequence as the hem, then finish with a scallop edge in Color A.
Fasten off, weave in all ends, and repeat for second sleeve.
Finishing Your Retro Crochet Dress
Block your dress gently on blocking mats, pinning out the chevron points and scallops to open up the texture. Allow to dry completely.
Weave in any remaining ends securely. Try on the dress with a slip or bodysuit underneath to check the fit.
Final Thoughts on This Crochet Dress Pattern
This retro bell sleeve crochet dress is truly a labor of love. The combination of granny stitch stripes, open mesh, and dramatic chevron detailing creates a garment that looks far more complicated than it actually is. Yes, it takes time. But the result is a one-of-a-kind piece that you will reach for again and again.
Thank you so much for choosing this crochet pattern for your next project. I would absolutely love to see your finished dress, so please tag me on Instagram or share in our Facebook group. Your colorway choices always inspire me.
If this dress is calling your name, go ahead and save this pattern to your Pinterest boards so you can find it when you are ready to cast on. And if you make one, please leave a comment below. I read every single one, and nothing makes my day quite like seeing your beautiful creations come to life.
