Vintage Crochet 1954 Lace Evening Dress – FREE Crochet Pattern

Blue crochet dress

This is a vintage crochet lace evening dress originally published in “Knit and Crochet Style Parade” in 1954 by Coats & Clark’s. It is now presumptively in the public domain as the original copyright was never renewed. I have re-written the pattern using modern terms and made the pattern more reader friendly.

I’m not going to get into the ins and outs of copyright laws. But if this is something you’re interested in, Purple Kitty Yarns has an excellent article that deep dives into the specifics: Click here.

Crochet Lace Evening Dress Pattern

Yarn: CHADWICK’S RED HEART ORLON FASHION YARN, 3-ply, 16 skeins (1 oz each) in Navy (Color #858).
Hook: Size 2.0 mm (Clark’s O.N.T. Plastic Crochet Hook No. 2).
Additional Materials:

  • Navy 10-inch Crown Zipper (Style F.1).

Gauge:

  • 3 joint double crochets (dc) = 1 inch
  • 3 rows = 1 inch
  • Each motif measures approximately 1 1/4 inches in diameter.

Size: Bust 32–34 inches

Skirt

Starting Chain:

  1. Begin with a foundation chain that is 65 inches long.

Round 1 (Set-Up):

  1. Starting in the 6th chain from the hook, create a joint double crochet (dc) as follows:
    • Yarn over, insert the hook into the chain, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops (as if making a dc but stop here).
    • Skip 2 chains, yarn over, insert the hook into the next chain, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops (you now have 3 loops on the hook).
    • Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops on the hook to complete the joint dc.
  2. Chain 2, then make another joint dc:
    • Yarn over, insert the hook in the same stitch as the previous dc, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops.
    • Skip 2 chains, yarn over, insert the hook in the next chain, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops.
    • Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops.
  3. Repeat this pattern (joint dc, ch 2, joint dc) across the row until your work measures 56 inches, ending with a joint dc and ch 2.
  4. Join to the 3rd chain of the starting chain, being careful not to twist.
  5. Trim any extra foundation chain, leaving the last 2 chains intact, and attach these at the base of the first dc.

Round 2:

  1. Chain 5, then create a joint dc as follows:
    • Make 1 dc in the same stitch as the slip stitch join.
    • Make another dc in the next joint dc from the previous round.
    • Yarn over and pull through all loops on the hook to complete the joint dc.
  2. Chain 2, then repeat the joint dc pattern:
    • Make a joint dc by creating 1 dc in the same stitch as the previous dc and the next joint dc from the previous round.
    • Repeat joint dc, ch 2 around the round.
  3. End the round with a joint dc, ch 2, and join to the 3rd chain of the starting chain.

Round 3:

  1. Chain 3, then make a regular dc in the next joint dc from the previous round.
  2. Chain 2, then make a joint dc by:
    • Creating a dc in the same stitch as the last dc and the next joint dc from the previous round.
  3. Repeat ch 2, joint dc around the round.
  4. End the round with a joint dc and ch 2. Make the last joint dc by working into the same space as the last dc and the starting chain.
  5. Slip stitch into the top of the starting ch-3 to join.

Pattern Repeat:

  1. Continue repeating Rounds 2 and 3 alternately for the pattern.

Shaping:

  1. After completing one more round, decrease 3 joint dc evenly around as follows:
    • Make a joint dc decrease:
      • Yarn over, insert the hook into the same stitch as the previous dc, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops (leave on the hook).
      • Yarn over, insert the hook into the next 2 joint dc (one at a time), pulling up a loop and completing the first half of each dc.
      • When you have 4 loops on the hook, yarn over and pull through all 4 loops.
  2. Work evenly (no decreases) for 6 rounds.
  3. On the next round, decrease 3 joint dc evenly around again.
  4. Work one final round without decreasing.
  5. Join to finish, fasten off, and weave in ends.

Motif Insertion

Motifs are used to create decorative panels in the dress. They are joined as you go, forming a continuous pattern.

First Motif

  1. Starting Chain: Chain 8. Join with a slip stitch to form a ring.
  2. Round 1: Work 10 single crochets (sc) into the ring. Join to the first sc with a slip stitch.
  3. Round 2:
    • Single crochet (sc) into the same stitch as the join.
    • Chain 7, sc into the next sc. Repeat from * around.
    • At the end of the round, chain 3, then work a treble crochet (tr) into the first sc to position your hook for the next round.
  4. Round 3:
    • Chain 5, sc into the next loop. Repeat from * around.
    • Join with a slip stitch and fasten off.

Second Motif

  1. Follow the instructions for the First Motif through the first two rounds.
  2. Round 3:
    • Chain 5, sc into the next loop on the Second Motif.
    • Chain 2, slip stitch into any loop on the First Motif, chain 2, sc into the next loop on the Second Motif. Repeat this joining process once more, attaching two loops of the Second Motif to two loops of the First Motif.
    • Continue the round as for the First Motif, without any additional joinings. Fasten off.

Joining Additional Motifs

  1. Create and join 34 more motifs using the same method as for the Second Motif, ensuring:
    • Each new motif is joined to the previous one.
    • Leave 3 loops free on each side of the join for flexibility in the lace design.
  2. On the last motif, join it to the First Motif to complete the circle of motifs.

Heading

  1. Attach Yarn to the First Free Loop: On any motif, attach your yarn with a slip stitch in one of the free loops.
  2. Round 1 (Heading):
    • Chain 9, *sc in the next free loop, chain 5, work a joint treble crochet (tr) as follows:
      • Yarn over twice, insert the hook into the next free loop on the current motif, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops.
      • Yarn over twice, insert the hook into the first free loop of the next motif, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops. Repeat until only one loop remains on the hook.*
    • Repeat from * around, ending with a joint treble crochet.
    • Join to the 4th chain of the starting chain-9.
  3. Repeat the heading instructions along the opposite side of the motifs.

Attach Motif Insertion to Skirt

  1. Sew the Motif Insertion to the last round of the Skirt’s solid section.
  2. Reattach Yarn: On the opposite side of the Motif Insertion, attach yarn with a slip stitch and work as follows:
    • Work 1 round in the same pattern as the first round of the Skirt.
    • On the next round, decrease 6 joint double crochets evenly around.

Subsequent Sections

Second Insertion Round:

  1. Create 33 motifs and join them as before.
  2. Attach to the skirt and work the solid section, decreasing 5 joint double crochets on each decrease round.

Third Insertion Round:

  1. Create 30 motifs and join as before.
  2. Attach to the skirt and work the solid section, decreasing 5 joint double crochets in the first decrease round and 4 in the second.

Fourth Insertion Round:

  1. Create 28 motifs and join as before.
  2. Attach to the skirt and work the solid section, decreasing 7 joint double crochets on each decrease round.

Fifth Insertion Round:

  1. Create 24 motifs and join as before.
  2. Attach to the skirt and work the first round of the solid section.

Transition to Rows (Shaping the Bodice)

  1. Begin working in rows instead of rounds for the bodice.
  2. Row 1:
    • Work the pattern as established, decreasing 3 joint double crochets evenly across the row.
    • Chain 3 and turn.
  3. Continue working in rows, decreasing 3 stitches every other row for a total of 6 more times.
  4. Work 2 rows without decreasing.
  5. Fasten off at the end of the last row.

Bodice

Back

  1. Foundation Chain: Chain 15 inches long.
  2. Row 1: Work in the same pattern as the solid section of the Skirt until the row measures 12 inches. Trim any extra chain.
  3. Row 2 (Increase Row):
    • Chain 5, turn.
    • Make a joint double crochet (dc) by working into the first dc and the next joint dc (this increases 1 stitch at the beginning of the row).
    • Work in the established pattern across the row.
    • At the end of the row, make a joint dc in the top of the turning chain, chain 2, and dc in the same space (this increases 1 stitch at the end of the row).
    • Chain 3, turn.
  4. Increase Pattern:
    • Continue in the established pattern, increasing 1 stitch at both ends of every 3rd row, for a total of 5 more increase rows.
    • After the last increase row, the piece should measure 16 1/4 inches across.
  5. Work Evenly:
    • Continue without increasing until the piece measures 7 inches in height.

Shape Armholes:

  1. Row 1:
    • Slip stitch to the 3rd joint dc.
    • Chain 3 and continue working in pattern across, stopping 2 joint dc before the end of the row.
    • Chain 3, turn.
  2. Row 2:
    • Work in pattern across the row as established.
    • Chain 3, turn.
  3. Repeat Rows 1 and 2 once more for a total of 4 rows.
  4. Fasten off.

Front

Work the Front exactly as the Back, following all instructions.

Sleeves

  1. Foundation Chain: Chain 15 inches long.
  2. Row 1: Work in the same pattern as the solid section of the Skirt until there are 35 joint dc across. Trim any extra chain.
  3. Continue Evenly: Chain 3, turn, and work in the pattern until the piece measures 4 inches in height.

Shape Sleeve Cap (Top):

  1. Repeat the first 3 rows of armhole shaping from the Bodice Back.
  2. Fasten off.

Assembly

  1. Sew Bodice Sides:
    • Sew the side seams of the Bodice, leaving a 5-inch opening on the left side for the zipper.
  2. Sew Sleeves:
    • Sew the seam on each sleeve, and set the sleeves into the armholes.
  3. Attach Bodice to Skirt:
    • Sew the Bodice to the top edge of the Skirt.
  4. Insert Zipper:
    • Sew the zipper into the opening on the left side.

Neckline and Finishing

  1. Neckline Motif:
    • Create a row of motifs long enough to fit around the neckline.
    • Work a Heading (as described in the Motif Insertion section) along each side of the motif strip.
    • Sew the strip in place around the neckline.
  2. Single Crochet Edging (Neckline):
    • Attach yarn at the back of the neckline and work single crochets (sc) closely around the neck.
    • Decrease stitches evenly at the sides of the front and back to shape the neckline.
  3. Single Crochet Edging (Skirt):
    • Attach yarn to the bottom edge of the skirt and work single crochets (sc) closely around the hem.
  4. Finishing Touches:
    • Fasten off all loose ends.
    • Block the dress to measurements to set the shape.
Blue crochet dress
Blue crochet dress

The Original Pattern:

This is a crochet dress designed for late afternoon or evening. A charming dress of crochet lace.

CHADWICK’S RED HEART ORLON FASHION YARN, 3 Ply, Art. E.265: 16 skeins (1 oz. “Vangle-Proof’ Pull-Out Skceins) of No. 858 Navy.

Clark’s O.N.T. Plastic Crochet Hook No. 2.

A Navy Crown Zipper, 10 inches long, Style F.1.

GAUGE: 3 joint dc make 1 inch; 3 rows make 1 inch. Each motif measures 114 inches in diameter.

Bust Measurement: 32 to 34 inches.

SKIRT… Starting at lower edge make a chain 65 inches long. Ist rnd: Holding back on hook the last loop of each de, make de in 6th ch from hook, skip 2 ch, de in next ch, yarn over and draw through all loops on hook (joint de made), * ch 2, make a joint de by making dc in same place as last dc, skip 2 ch, de in next ch. Repeat from * until row measures 56 inches, ending with a joint de, ch 2, de in same place as last dc. Join to 3rd ch of starting chain, being careful not to twist. Cut off any remaining chain, leaving 2 chains free. Attach these 2 chains at base of first de. 2nd md: Ch 5, make a joint dc by making a dc in same place as sl st and in next joint dc, * ch 2, make a joint de by making dc in same place as last de and in next joint de. Repeat from around, ending with joint dc, ch 2, de in same place. Join to 3rd ch of starting chain. 3rd rnd: Ch 3, de in next joint dc, * ch 2, make a joint de by making dc in same place as last de and in next joint de. Repeat from * around, ending with ch 2, make last joint de by making dc in same place as last de and in same place as starting chain, ch 2, sl st in top of ch-3. Repeat last 2 rnds alternately for pattern. Work in pattern for one more rnd. On next rnd dec 3 joint de evenly around—so dec 1 joint dc. make ch 2, then. holding back on hook the last loop of each de make de in same place as last de and in next 2 joint de, yarn over and draw through all loops on hook. Work without decreasing for 6 more rnds. Dec 3 joint dc evenly on next rnd, then work one more rnd without decreasing. Join and break off.

MOTIF INSERTION—First Motif . . . Starting at center, ch 8. Join with sl st to form ring. Ist rnd: 10 sc in ring. Join to first sc. 2nd rnd: Sc in same place as sl st, * ch 7, sc in next sc. Repeat from around, ending with ch 3, tr in first sc. 3rd rnd: * Ch 5, sc in next loop. Repeat from * around. Join and break off.

SECOND MOTIF… Work as for First Motif until 2 rnds have been completed. 3rd rnd: Ch 5, sc in next loop, ch 2, sl st in any loop on First Motif, ch 2, sc in next loop on Second Motif, ch 2, sl st in next loop on First Motif, ch 2, sc in next loop on Second Motif. Complete rnd as for First

Motif, no more joinings.

4°

C-248 . .. designed for late afternoon or evening, a charming

dress of crocheted lace.

Illustrated in color on Page 3

Make 34 more motifs, joining as Second Motif was joined to First Motif, leaving 3 loops free on each side of joining. Join last motif to First Motif.

HEADING … Attach yarn to first free loop on any motif, ch 9, * sc in next loop, ch 5, make a joint tr by making tr in next loop and in first loop on next motif, ch 5. Repeat from * around, ending with tr. Join to 4th ch of ch-9. Work Heading along opposite side the same way.

Sew Motif Insertion to last rnd of Skirt. Attach yarn to opposite side of Insertion and work as for first rnd of solid section of Skirt. Dec 6 joint de evenly on next rnd. Work without decreasing for 4 more rnds. Dec 7 joint de on next rd, Work 1 rnd without decreasing. Break off.

SECOND INSERTION ROUND .. . Make 33 motifs and complete as before. Work next solid section same as before, decreasing 5 joint de on each dec rnd.

THIRD INSERTION ROUND… . Make 30 motifs and complete as before. Work next solid section same as before, decreasing 5 joint de on first dec rnd and 4 joint dc on second dec rnd.

FOURTH INSERTION ROUND .. . Make 28 motifs. Complete as before. Work solid section as before, decreasing 7 joint de on each dec rnd.

FIFTH INSERTION ROUND .. . Make 24 motifs. Complete as before. Work in pattern for solid section until first rnd has been completed. Now work in rows as follows: Ist row: Work in pattern to end of row, decreasing 3 joint de evenly across. Ch 3, turn. Continue to work in rows, decreasing 3 sts every other row 6 more times. Work 2 rows without decreasing. Break off at end of last row.

BODICE—Back . . . Starting at waist, make a chain 15 inches long. Ist row: Work as for solid section of Skirt until row measures 12 inches. Cut off remaining chain. Ch 5, turn. 2nd row: Make a joint de by making de in first de and in next joint dc (1 st increased at beginning of row), work in pattern across, ending with de in top of turning chain, ch 2, de in same place. Ch 3, turn (1 st increased at end of row). Continue in pattern, increasing 1 st at both ends of every 3rd row 5 more times. Last inc row should measure 1614 inches. Work without increasing until piece measures 7 inches.

To Shape Armholes: Ist row: SI st to 3rd joint de, ch 3, work in pattern across to within last 2 joint de. Ch 3, turn. 2nd row: Work in pattern across. Repeat last 2 rows once more.

Break off. FRONT . . . Work exactly as for Back.

SLEEVES .. . Starting at lower edge, make a chain 15 inches long. Ist row: Work as for solid section of Skirt until there are 35 joint de on row. Cut off remaining chain. Ch 3, turn. Work in pattern until piece measures 4 inches.

To Shape Top: Repeat first 3 rows of armhole shaping. Break

off.

Sew side seams of Bodice, leaving 5-inch opening at left side for zipper. Sew sleeve seams. Sew in sleeves. Sew bodice to skirt. Sew in zipper. Make a row of motifs to reach around neck. Work Heading along each side. Sew in place around neck. Attach yarn to back and sc closely around neck, decreasing at cach side of front and back. Attach yarn to bottom of skirt and sc closely around. Join and break off.

Block to measurements

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