Ocean Vista Dress

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The Ocean Vista Dress is a beautiful and breezy crochet dress pattern, perfect for summer days by the sea or a casual day out. Inspired by the colors and fluidity of the ocean, this dress combines airy lace motifs with a relaxed fit. Here’s a detailed guide to help you crochet your own Ocean Vista Dress.

Materials:

Yarn: Choose a lightweight cotton, bamboo, or linen yarn. These fibers are breathable, perfect for summer. Opt for a sport weight (2-ply) or light worsted (3-ply) yarn.
- Approx. 500-700 yards, depending on your size and desired length.
Crochet Hook: Size H (5mm) or I (5.5mm), depending on your yarn choice.
Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends.
Stitch Markers: To mark rounds or sections.
Measuring Tape: For checking your measurements as you go.

Abbreviations:

ch = chain
dc = double crochet
sc = single crochet
sl st = slip stitch
sp = space
st(s) = stitch(es)
rep = repeat
sk = skip
tr = treble crochet
fpdc = front post double crochet
bpdc = back post double crochet

Basic Stitches:

Chain (ch): Basic starting stitch.
Double Crochet (dc): Yarn over, insert hook into stitch, yarn over again, pull through (three loops on hook), yarn over, pull through the first two loops, yarn over, pull through the last two loops.
Single Crochet (sc): Insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull through (two loops on hook), yarn over, pull through both loops.
Treble Crochet (tr): Yarn over twice, insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull through (four loops on hook), yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over, pull through the last two loops.
Shell Stitch: Work 5 dc into the same stitch or space.
Post Stitches: Front post (fpdc) or back post (bpdc) stitches are worked around the post of the stitch rather than into the top, giving texture and depth.

Ocean Vista Dress Pattern

1. Bodice (Top Section):

The bodice of the Ocean Vista Dress uses a combination of basic stitches and lace motifs to create a fitted, flattering top.

Starting the Foundation Chain: Begin by chaining a number that fits comfortably around your bust. For a standard small size, a chain of 80-100 should work, but you can adjust this based on your measurements.

Row 1: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), work 1 dc in each chain across the row. Turn.

Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc), work 1 dc in each dc across. Turn.

Row 3: Ch 3, work a shell stitch (5 dc) in the next dc. Skip 2 dc, shell stitch (5 dc) in next dc. Repeat across. Turn.

Row 4: Ch 3, work 1 dc in each dc and shell stitch (5 dc) in the spaces from the previous row. Turn.

Repeat Rows 3 and 4 for the desired length of the bodice, typically about 6–8 inches. You want a snug, but comfortable fit here, so adjust the length based on your torso.

2. Shaping the Waist:

Once you’ve finished the bodice, the waist can be shaped by working the next section in a more open lace pattern or slightly increasing stitches to give a loose, airy effect.

Round 1 (Joining in the Round): Ch 3 (counts as first dc), join the ends of your bodice to form a circle using a sl st. Work 1 dc in each stitch around, joining with a sl st to the first dc.

Round 2: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), work 1 dc in each of the next 2 dc, then skip 2 dc, shell stitch (5 dc) in the next dc. Repeat around. Join with a sl st to the first dc.

Round 3: Ch 3 (counts as dc), work 1 dc in the next 3 dc, skip 2 dc, shell stitch (5 dc) in the next dc. Repeat around. Join with a sl st.

You can repeat this pattern to shape the waist, adding more open lace as you go. Continue working in the round until you reach the desired waist width.

3. Skirt (Bottom Section):

The skirt of the Ocean Vista Dress features a flowing, open stitch pattern, giving it an elegant, airy look.

Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as dc), work 1 dc in each dc around. Join with a sl st.

Round 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc), skip 2 dc, shell stitch (5 dc) in the next dc. Repeat around. Join with a sl st.

Round 3: Ch 3 (counts as dc), work 1 dc in the next 4 dc, skip 2 dc, shell stitch (5 dc) in the next dc. Repeat around. Join with a sl st.

Round 4: Ch 3, work 1 dc in the next 5 dc, skip 2 dc, shell stitch (5 dc) in the next dc. Repeat around. Join with a sl st.

Continue adding rounds until the skirt is the desired length. If you want a fuller skirt, you can add more stitches between the shell stitches.

4. Edging and Finishing:

Once the skirt reaches your desired length, you can add a simple, elegant edging.

Bottom Edge: For a scalloped edge, work the following around the bottom of the skirt:

Ch 3, skip 2 stitches, sl st in the next stitch. Repeat around.

Top Edge (Neckline): You can add a simple finishing edge using single crochet or a more elaborate lace design to create a soft neckline.

Straps: For the straps, crochet long chains (about 40-50 chains, depending on your preferred strap length). Attach the straps to the front and back of the bodice, either with sl st or by crocheting directly into the stitch.
Optional: Waist Tie or Belt: If you’d like to add a waist tie or belt, chain 100-150 stitches (depending on your waist size), and work single crochet along the chain for a sturdy, textured belt.

Additional Tips:

Fit and Size: Keep trying on the bodice and skirt sections to make sure the fit is right as you go along. Adjust the width of the bodice by increasing or decreasing stitches if necessary.
Yarn Choice: Choose a cotton, linen, or bamboo yarn for breathability. The yarn should feel soft against your skin but also sturdy enough to hold the stitch patterns.
Color Variations: Consider using ombre or gradient yarn to reflect the “ocean” theme, or go for classic beachy colors like blues, sandy tones, or coral.

The Ocean Vista Dress is designed to be a comfortable, stylish, and customizable crochet project. With its flowing, lightweight design, it’s perfect for a day by the sea or a casual summer outing. You can adjust the length, fit, and detailing to make it uniquely yours!

Let me know if you’d like any additional help with modifications or clarifications!

FREE PATTERN HERE