When I sat down to design this set, I had one goal in mind. I wanted to create something that looked absolutely adorable but also felt achievable for crocheters who have moved past the beginner stage and want a real project to sink their hooks into.
The cascading ruffles on the top needed to have that perfect floaty movement. The daisy appliques on the shorts had to pop without looking cartoonish. And everything needed to fit a wiggly toddler comfortably while still photographing like a dream.
I am SO pleased with how this turned out. The sage green and cream color palette feels fresh and modern. The construction methods are straightforward once you understand the flow. And the finished set? It looks like something you would pay serious money for at a boutique. Let me walk you through every single step.
About This Crochet Pattern
This coordinating outfit consists of two pieces. The tiered ruffle camisole top features three cascading layers of shell stitches finished with scalloped edges. It hangs from two simple spaghetti straps and has that breezy, feminine look that works perfectly for warm weather. The pull-on shorts have a stretchy ribbed waistband, a clean single crochet body, sweet daisy appliques scattered across the front, and matching scalloped edges at each leg opening.
Both pieces are sized for toddlers approximately 12 to 24 months old. I have included customization notes at the end if you need to size up or down.
The top is worked flat in two panels, seamed at the sides, and then the ruffle tiers are worked directly onto the bodice. The shorts are worked in the round from the waistband down. If you can handle shell stitches, working in the round, basic seaming, and making small applique motifs, you have all the skills you need.
Skill Level
This pattern is rated intermediate. You should be comfortable reading written patterns, counting stitches carefully, and following multi-step special stitch instructions. If you are a confident beginner who has completed a few projects, you can absolutely tackle this. Just work through the special stitch definitions before diving into the main pattern and take your time.
I estimate the complete set takes about 10 to 14 hours depending on your speed. The top runs roughly 5 to 7 hours, and the shorts take about the same.
Finished Measurements
Top
Shorts
Materials You Will Need
Yarn
You will need DK weight yarn (weight category 3) in four colors. I recommend smooth cotton or cotton-blend yarn because it shows the shell and scallop details beautifully. Avoid anything fuzzy or textured.
Recommended Yarn Options
1. Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton in Sage, Cream, White, and Goldenrod. This 100 percent mercerized cotton is smooth with excellent stitch definition and washes well for children’s clothing.
2. Paintbox Yarns Simply DK in Grass Green, Champagne White, Pure White, and Daffodil Yellow. A clean round yarn that shows shell stitches beautifully.
3. Cascade Ultra Pima in Sage, Natural, White, and Butter. A premium pima cotton with a slight sheen that elevates the finished look.
Hooks
Notions
Gauge
Getting gauge right is critical for fit. Work a 4 inch (10 cm) swatch in each stitch pattern and block before measuring.
Top (shell stitch pattern with Color A and US E-4 hook):
One shell repeat (5 double crochet stitches) plus the 2 chain-1 spaces between equals approximately 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) wide. Five rows of shell/single crochet pattern equals approximately 2 inches (5 cm) tall.
Shorts body (single crochet with Color B and US E-4 hook):
18 single crochet stitches equals 4 inches (10 cm). 20 rows of single crochet equals 4 inches (10 cm).
Adjust your hook size up or down as needed to match gauge.
Abbreviations
Let me define every abbreviation before we start. This way you will not get stuck mid-row wondering what something means.
Special Stitches
Read through these definitions before starting. They will make the pattern instructions much clearer.
Shell Stitch
A shell stitch is 5 double crochet stitches all worked into the same stitch or space. To work a shell: yarn over, insert hook into the indicated stitch or space, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops. You have made 1 double crochet. Repeat 4 more times in the exact same location so that 5 double crochet stitches are completed in that single spot. This creates a pretty fan shape.
Scallop Edge
This decorative edge creates those lovely waves you see on the ruffles and leg openings.
Step 1: Slip stitch into first stitch.
Step 2: Chain 1, single crochet in same stitch.
Step 3: Skip 2 stitches, work 5 double crochet into next stitch (shell made).
Step 4: Skip 2 stitches, single crochet into next stitch.
Step 5: Repeat steps 3 and 4 across or around to end.
Step 6: Join or fasten off as instructed.
The scallop edge requires a stitch count divisible by 6 for rounds, or divisible by 6 plus 1 for flat edges. Do not worry if that sounds confusing. The pattern tells you exactly when to adjust your stitch count.
Daisy Applique
These sweet flowers have a yellow center and white petals. You will make 6 total.
Center ring (Color D): Chain 4, slip stitch to first chain to form a ring.
Round 1: Chain 1, work 8 single crochet into ring, slip stitch to first single crochet. Fasten off Color D. (8 sc)
Join Color C to any single crochet with a slip stitch.
Round 2 (petals): (Chain 6, slip stitch in 2nd chain from hook, single crochet in next chain, half double crochet in next chain, double crochet in next chain, half double crochet in next chain, slip stitch into same single crochet at base of chain-6) repeat 8 times, slip stitch to join. Fasten off Color C.
You will have 8 petals total. Flatten and pin in a circular daisy shape. Use your yarn needle and Color C tail to tack the petal tips lightly if needed to keep the shape flat.
Ribbed Waistband
This stretchy ribbed fabric is worked flat with Color B and the US D-3 hook.
Foundation: Chain 9.
Row 1: Single crochet in 2nd chain from hook and in each chain across, chain 1, turn. (8 sc)
Row 2: Working in back loops only, single crochet in each stitch across, chain 1, turn. (8 sc)
Repeat Row 2 for the length of the waistband. The back loop only technique creates that nice stretchy rib texture. Seam the short ends together to form a band.
Pattern Notes
Before you begin, here are a few things to keep in mind.
The top is worked in two flat panels (front and back), seamed at the sides, and then three tiers of ruffles are worked directly onto the bodice. Straps are worked separately.
The shorts are worked in the round from the waistband down. The crotch is joined using a simple seam, and the legs are finished with scallop edging.
All turning chains count as follows: chain 1 does NOT count as a stitch throughout. For the shell rows, chain 3 at the beginning of a double crochet row DOES count as the first double crochet.
Right side is always facing out. Mark the RS at the beginning with a stitch marker on the first row.
Join all rounds with a slip stitch to the first stitch of the round unless otherwise specified.
Weave in ends as you complete each section. Trust me, it saves so much time at finishing.
Sage Ruffle Top Pattern Instructions
Top Front Panel
Using Color A and US E-4 hook.
Foundation Chain: Chain 37. This gives you 36 working stitches.
Row 1 (RS): Single crochet in 2nd chain from hook and in each chain across. Chain 1, turn. (36 sc)
Row 2: Single crochet in each stitch across. Chain 1, turn. (36 sc)
Row 3: Single crochet in each stitch across. Chain 1, turn. (36 sc)
These 3 rows form the bodice base. Your piece should be approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) tall at this point.
Row 4: Single crochet in first stitch. (Chain 2, skip 2 stitches, single crochet in next stitch) repeat 11 times to end. Chain 1, turn. (12 sc, 11 ch-2 spaces)
This row creates the chain-space mesh that Tier Two attaches into later. Count carefully: 1 single crochet at start plus 11 groups of (chain-2, skip 2, single crochet) uses 1 + (11 x 3) = 34 stitches, then 1 final single crochet = 36 stitches consumed with 12 single crochet visible on the row.
Row 5: Single crochet in first single crochet, (2 single crochet in next chain-2 space, single crochet in next single crochet) repeat 11 times. Chain 1, turn. (36 sc)
Row 6: Single crochet in each stitch across. Chain 1, turn. (36 sc)
Rows 7 to 8: Repeat Row 6. (36 sc each row)
Fasten off. This is your top front panel. Set it aside.
Top Back Panel
Work exactly as the Top Front Panel from Foundation Chain through Row 8. Fasten off.
Seaming the Top Panels
Hold front and back panels with right sides facing each other. Using Color A and your yarn needle, seam the two side edges together using a whip stitch or mattress stitch. Leave the top edge and bottom edge open. The side seams run along the short ends (the 8-row edges).
When seamed and turned right side out, the piece forms a tube approximately 18 inches (46 cm) in circumference and approximately 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) tall at the bodice.
Checkpoint: After seaming, the bodice tube should measure approximately 18 inches (46 cm) around and 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) tall. The top raw edge and bottom raw edge are both open.
Tier One (Bottom Ruffle)
This tier attaches to the bottom edge of the bodice.
Join Color A with a slip stitch to any stitch along the bottom edge of the bodice tube.
Working into the bottom edge, pick up 36 stitches evenly around (18 on front, 18 on back). Place a stitch marker to mark beginning of round.
Round 1 (increase round): (2 double crochet in each stitch) around. Join with slip stitch to first double crochet. (72 dc)
This doubling creates that lovely ruffle volume.
Round 2: Chain 3 (counts as first double crochet), double crochet in same stitch, (double crochet in next stitch, 2 double crochet in next stitch) repeat around, end double crochet in last stitch, join. (108 dc)
Round 3 (Scallop Edge): Chain 1, single crochet in first stitch, (skip 2 stitches, 5 double crochet in next stitch, skip 2 stitches, single crochet in next stitch) repeat around. Work 18 repeats total. Join with slip stitch to first single crochet. Fasten off. (18 shells, 18 sc)
Tier Two (Middle Ruffle)
This tier attaches to Row 4’s chain spaces of the bodice.
Join Color A with a slip stitch into the first chain-2 space of Row 4 on the front panel.
Work into all chain-2 spaces along the front Row 4 and back Row 4. You have 11 chain-2 spaces on front and 11 on back, which is 22 chain-2 spaces total.
Into each chain-2 space, work 3 double crochet. Total stitches after pickup: 22 x 3 = 66 double crochet.
Join and place marker.
Round 1: You now have 66 double crochet as your foundation for this tier.
Round 2: Chain 3, double crochet in same stitch, (double crochet in next 2 stitches, 2 double crochet in next stitch) repeat around. Join. (88 dc)
Round 3: Chain 3, double crochet in same stitch, (double crochet in next 3 stitches, 2 double crochet in next stitch) repeat 21 times, double crochet in last 3 stitches, join. (110 dc)
Round 4 (adjustment round): Since 110 does not divide evenly by 6 for scallops, we need to adjust. Single crochet across evenly, working single crochet 2 together at 2 evenly spaced points to bring total to 108. Work (single crochet in 54 stitches, single crochet 2 together) twice. Join. (108 sc)
Round 5 (Scallop Edge): Chain 1, single crochet in first stitch, (skip 2 stitches, 5 double crochet in next stitch, skip 2 stitches, single crochet in next stitch) repeat 18 times. Join. Fasten off. (18 shells)
Tier Three (Top Ruffle)
This tier attaches to the top edge of the bodice.
The top edge of the bodice tube has 36 stitches (18 on front, 18 on back).
Join Color A with slip stitch to top edge.
Round 1: Chain 3, 2 double crochet in each stitch around, join. (72 dc)
Round 2: Chain 3, (double crochet in next stitch, 2 double crochet in next stitch) repeat around, join. (108 dc)
Round 3 (Scallop Edge): Chain 1, single crochet in first stitch, (skip 2 stitches, 5 double crochet in next stitch, skip 2 stitches, single crochet in next stitch) repeat 18 times. Join. Fasten off.
Checkpoint: All three tiers should cascade beautifully. Tier Three is the smallest and sits at the top shoulder area. Tier Two falls at mid-chest. Tier One is the widest and falls at the waist. Each tier has 18 scallop shells.
Straps (Make 2)
Using Color A and US E-4 hook.
Foundation: Chain 3.
Row 1: Single crochet in 2nd chain from hook, single crochet in next chain. Chain 1, turn. (2 sc)
Row 2: Single crochet in each stitch across. Chain 1, turn. (2 sc)
Repeat Row 2 until strap measures 6 inches (15 cm) from beginning. Fasten off, leaving a 10 inch (25 cm) tail for sewing.
Sew one end of each strap to the back top edge of the bodice tube, placing straps approximately 3 inches (7.5 cm) apart and centered. Sew the other end of each strap to the front top edge at corresponding positions. The straps can cross slightly at the back for a subtle detail. Adjust length before sewing if needed for fit.
Daisy Shorts Pattern Instructions
Waistband
Using Color B and US D-3 hook.
Foundation: Chain 9.
Row 1: Single crochet in 2nd chain from hook and in each chain across. Chain 1, turn. (8 sc)
Row 2: Working in back loops only, single crochet in each stitch across. Chain 1, turn. (8 sc)
Repeat Row 2 until waistband strip measures 16 inches (41 cm) unstretched. This will require approximately 72 rows. Count rows as you go.
Seam short ends together using slip stitch or yarn needle to form a ring. Do not fasten off. Pivot and work along the long edge of the waistband to pick up stitches for the shorts body.
Shorts Body
Change to US E-4 hook. Join Color B if you fastened off.
The long edge of the waistband has approximately 72 row-end edges. Pick up and single crochet evenly: work 1 single crochet into each row-end edge along the top of the waistband ring, working in the round. You should pick up 72 single crochet. Place marker at beginning of round. (72 sc)
Round 1: Single crochet in each stitch around. (72 sc)
Round 2: Single crochet in each stitch around. (72 sc)
Continue working single crochet in the round, increasing to shape the hips:
Round 3: (Single crochet in 11 stitches, 2 single crochet in next stitch) repeat 6 times. (78 sc)
Round 4: Single crochet in each stitch around. (78 sc)
Round 5: (Single crochet in 12 stitches, 2 single crochet in next stitch) repeat 6 times. (84 sc)
Round 6: Single crochet in each stitch around. (84 sc)
Round 7: (Single crochet in 13 stitches, 2 single crochet in next stitch) repeat 6 times. (90 sc)
Round 8: Single crochet in each stitch around. (90 sc)
Round 9: Single crochet in each stitch around. (90 sc)
Round 10: Single crochet in each stitch around. (90 sc)
Continue even with no increases for Rounds 11 through 18. (90 sc each round)
Checkpoint: After Round 18, the shorts body from top of waistband pickup to current row should measure approximately 5.5 inches (14 cm). The hip circumference should be approximately 20 inches (51 cm). If you need more length, add plain single crochet rounds here before dividing for the legs.
Divide for Legs
At the end of Round 18, the 90 stitches represent the full hip circumference. Divide for front and back:
Mark stitch 1 through stitch 45 as the front. Mark stitch 46 through stitch 90 as the back.
Round 19: Work single crochet in each of the first 45 stitches, then stop. Do not continue around. The back 45 stitches will be held while you work the front leg opening separately.
Crotch Seam
Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Fold the shorts so the front 45 and back 45 are aligned. Using yarn needle, seam the center front and center back together at the crotch using approximately 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) of seaming on each side (front crotch and back crotch), leaving the two leg openings open.
The two leg openings each have approximately 45 stitches around their circumference after the seam.
Leg Finishing (Work each leg the same)
Join Color B to any stitch of leg opening with a slip stitch.
Round 1: Single crochet around leg opening, picking up 45 single crochet evenly. Place marker. (45 sc)
Since 45 is not divisible by 6 for the scallop edge, work 1 more round to adjust.
Round 2: Single crochet around, working 3 evenly spaced single crochet 2 together to reduce count. Place single crochet 2 together at stitches 15, 30, and 45. (42 sc)
Round 3 (Scallop Edge): Chain 1, single crochet in first stitch, (skip 2 stitches, 5 double crochet in next stitch, skip 2 stitches, single crochet in next stitch) repeat 7 times. Join. Fasten off.
Repeat for second leg opening.
Daisy Appliques
Make 6 Daisy Appliques total using the special stitch instructions provided earlier. Each daisy has a Color D center and Color C petals.
Placement: Pin 3 daisies across the front of the shorts at the upper portion of the body, approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) below the waistband, evenly spaced. Pin 3 daisies across the front at the lower portion of the shorts body, approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the scallop hem.
Using Color C and yarn needle, sew each daisy to the shorts fabric using small whip stitches around the outer edge of the center circle and at the base of each petal. Keep stitches on the wrong side as invisible as possible.
Size Customization Tips
To size up to 2T to 3T: Work the bodice foundation chain as Chain 43 (42 working stitches) for the top. Adjust the waistband to 17 inches (43 cm) unstretched and pick up 78 single crochet for the shorts body. Add 2 extra plain rounds at the hip before dividing for legs.
To size down to 6 to 12 months: Work the bodice foundation chain as Chain 31 (30 working stitches). Adjust waistband to 14 inches (36 cm) unstretched and pick up 66 single crochet for the shorts body. The scallop row stitch counts must remain divisible by 6. Adjust by working single crochet 2 together rounds as shown in the pattern.
For all size adjustments, always verify gauge first, then recalculate stitch counts so that all shell and scallop repeats remain divisible by 6.
Finishing and Blocking
Weave in all remaining ends securely using a yarn needle. Work tail ends back and forth through the fabric in different directions for security.
Wet blocking is recommended for cotton yarn. Soak the completed pieces in cool water with a small amount of gentle soap for 15 minutes. Press out excess water gently without wringing. Lay flat on a blocking mat and pin to finished measurements. Allow to dry completely before wearing or storing.
Blocking opens up the shell stitches and defines the scallop edging beautifully. Daisy appliques can be lightly steamed with a pressing cloth after being sewn on to help them lie flat.
Care Instructions
Machine wash cold on gentle cycle inside a mesh laundry bag. Lay flat to dry. Do not tumble dry as heat may shrink cotton yarn and distort the shell stitch work. Do not iron directly. Steam lightly if needed with a pressing cloth. Store folded to avoid stretching the straps.
Thank you so much for choosing this pattern. I truly hope you love making this set as much as I loved designing it. There is something so satisfying about seeing those ruffles stack up and those little daisies come together.
If you make this Sage Ruffle Top and Daisy Shorts set, I would absolutely love to see it. Tag me on Instagram or share your photos in my Facebook group. Seeing your creations is honestly the best part of my day.
Go ahead and save this crochet pattern to your Pinterest boards so you can find it when you are ready to start. And if you do make it, please drop a comment below. I read every single one, and I would love to hear how your set turns out!
