Whether you’re an adventurous beginner or a seasoned expert, every single knitter should experience the wonder of knitting their own dress. If you’re bored of simple scarves and socks, it’s the perfect project to break the monotony and create something you actually want to wear.
The beauty of dress knitting projects is in their versatility. There’s not just one shape, style, or purpose – you can find hundreds of dress patterns for every body shape, season, and silhouette.
That’s why we’ve curated this collection of 15 dress knitting patterns for all body types and occasions.
If you need something cozy, we’ve chosen patterns for chunky sweater dresses with ribbing, bulky wool yarn, and thick sleeves. If you want something lighter, we’ve collected patterns for fitted summer dresses with straps and slips, too.
We’ve focused on flexibility in this collection. Many of the knitting patterns listed here can also be knitted as long or short dresses, skirts, tops, and even sweaters.
The majority of these dresses are knitted from the top down, which means it’s easy to work them to your desired length and knit them longer or shorter if you’d like to. You can pick the pattern that suits you best and decide whether to keep it as a cute summer mini dress or work it all the way down to your ankles.
15 Stylish Dress Knitting Patterns (For All Seasons)
In this list, you’ll find 15 dress knitting patterns for adults which require a beginner or intermediate skill level. They use basic techniques including knitting in the round, increasing and decreasing, and some minimal colorwork. Some can even be knitted flat using straight needles.
Choose from a range of classic silhouettes and more modern shapes. If you want something completely unique, you’ll find some vintage knitted dress patterns from the 1950s and 1970s, too.
1. The “Oh My Figure” Dress
| Price | $12.17/£9.02 |
|---|---|
| Techniques Required | Rib Stitch Raglan Increasing Tubular Cast On |
| Suggested Yarn | Bamboo Tencel Double – Go Handmade Kid Silk – Drops |
| Designer’s Website | The “Oh My Figure” Dress – Oh My Knits |
Knitted with two strands of yarn held together, the “Oh My Figure” dress pattern is worked in the round using rib stitch from the top down. From here, you’ll use raglan increases and decreases to shape the fitted dress to its end.
The fine details and ribbing on this dress pattern are designed to create a feminine, hourglass shape that will enhance the curves on any body type. The knitting pattern includes instructions for a long dress, short dress, skirt, sweater, and a top, which means you get five dress patterns for the price of one!
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | US Size 4/3.5mm Circular Needles (40-80cm Cable) |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | 50g = 130m (Yarn A) 25g = 210m (Yarn B) |
| Yarn Quantity | 500g-800g |
2. “To the Nines” Dress Knitting Pattern
| Price | $8.00/£6.61 |
|---|---|
| Techniques Required | Provisional Cast-On Stockinette Stitch Shaping |
| Suggested Yarn | Simply Aran – Paintbox Yarns |
| Designer’s Website | “To the Nines” Dress – KarasKnitEng on Etsy |
Ideal for spring and summer, this easy knitting pattern is for a fitted mini dress that you can adjust to fit your own style. You’ll find instructions for multiple lengths along with a YouTube tutorial to guide you through the knitting process.
Using DK, aran, or worsted weight yarn, the dress is knit in the round with some basic shaping, stockinette stitch, and the provisional cast-on method.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | US Size 9/5.5mm Circular Needles |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | DK, Worsted, or Aran Weight |
| Yarn Quantity | 350m-1150m |
3. Three-Tiered Summer Dress
| Price | $5.60/£4.65 |
|---|---|
| Techniques Required | Linen Stitch Decreasing |
| Suggested Yarn | Simply Aran – Paintbox Yarns |
| Designer’s Website | Three-Tiered Summer Dress – TheSnuggleryPatterns on Etsy |
Another perfect pattern for summer, this dress is knitted using linen stitch, circular needles, and 600m of worsted weight yarn to create an A-line shape that’s flattering on all figures. It’s worked from the bottom up in one singular piece, which means there’s no seaming required at the end.
The instructions included are for a short-length dress. If you’re looking to knit a longer dress than the one pictured, we recommend purchasing more yarn than the quantity estimated above.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | N/A – See Pattern |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | 100g = 184m (Worsted/Aran Weight) |
| Yarn Quantity | 600m |
4. “Lunch at Tiffany’s” Knitted Dress Pattern
| Price | $9.58/£7.93 |
|---|---|
| Techniques Required | Rib Stitch Double Rib Stitch |
| Suggested Yarn | Shiny Yak – Knitloop |
| Designer’s Website | Lunch at Tiffany’s Dress – Annkathrinknits |
This knitting pattern includes instructions for a close-fitting dress in 8 different sizes. It’s worked seamlessly from the top down in double rib stitch, with single rib details throughout.
Along with a size chart, the pattern includes several different customization options. You can adjust the length, fit, and the length of the slit in the front – as well as choose from three different sleeve styles.
To knit the dress you’ll need knowledge of round knitting, left and right leaning decreases, and up to 900g of yarn depending on the sleeve style you choose. The example pictured here is knitted by eugeknits on Instagram.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | US Size 4/3.5mm Circular Needles (80cm Cable) US Size 4/3.5mm Double Pointed Needles US Size 2/2.75mm Double Pointed Needles |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | 100g = 466m |
| Yarn Quantity | 600g-900g |
5. Augustins “No. 21” Dress
| Price | $6.74/£5.03 |
|---|---|
| Techniques Required | Stockinette Stitch Lace Knitting |
| Suggested Yarn | Double Soft Merino – Knitting for Olive Soft Silk Mohair – Knitting for Olive |
| Designer’s Website | Augustins No. 21 Dress – Augustins |
The “No. 21” knitted dress pattern from Danish designer Augustins creates a classic, vintage-style dress with puffy sleeves, a fitted i-cord waist, and a gentle drape. Simple to construct, the dress is worked in the round from the top down in stockinette stitch, while lace panels are knitted for decoration around the sleeves and skirt.
If you like the style of this dress, take a look at our list of skirt knitting patterns for more patterns by Augustins.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | US Size 11/8mm Circular Needles US Size 13/9mm Circular Needles US Size 15/10mm Circular Needles |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | 50g = 125m (Yarn A) 25g = 225m (Yarn B) |
| Yarn Quantity | 400g-700g (Yarn A) 125g-200g (Yarn B) |
6. “Boring A-Shaped Dress” Pattern
| Price | $8.37/£6.20 |
|---|---|
| Techniques Required | Stockinette Stitch |
| Suggested Yarn | N/A – See Pattern |
| Designer’s Website | “Boring Dress” – Boring Knit |
This knitting pattern creates a cotton strap dress that sits just above the knees, between 115cm and 119cm in length. With instructions for 6 sizes, you’ll need two sets of circular needles and 400g to 600g of yarn in a cotton and wool blend. If you like this aesthetic, you can also check out our list of knitted pants patterns for more designs by Boring Knit.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | US Size 7/4.5mm Circular Needles (80cm Cable) US Size 8/5mm Circular Needles (60cm Cable) |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | 50g = 100m |
| Yarn Quantity | 400g-600g |
7. Vintage Ladies Polo Neck Dress
| Price | $2.12/£1.57 |
|---|---|
| Techniques Required | N/A – See Pattern |
| Suggested Yarn | N/A – See Pattern |
| Designer’s Website | Vintage Ladies Polo Neck Dress – Hobohooks on Etsy |
The first vintage dress knitting pattern in this list, this pattern includes instructions for a sleeveless polo neck dress that’s worked up using DK weight cotton yarn. If the yarn you need is discontinued, simply check the recommended needle size and find a substitute that knits to the same tension.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | US Size 3/3.25mm Circular Needles US Size 6/4mm Circular Needles |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | DK Weight |
| Yarn Quantity | N/A – See Pattern |
8. “Maid You Fall” Dress Knitting Pattern
| Price | $12.00/£9.42 |
|---|---|
| Techniques Required | Mattress Stitch German Short Rows Increasing & Decreasing |
| Suggested Yarn | N/A – See Pattern |
| Designer’s Website | “Maid You Fall” Dress – OshenKnits on Etsy |
This dress is knitted seamlessly from the top down. It’s designed with a dropped neckline, wide sleeves, and a simple cord to tighten the fit around your bust. The pattern includes instructions to knit the dress to fit your exact size and shape, which means you can choose to knit it longer or shorter if you’d like to knit a cropped sweater instead.
Suitable for beginners, this is an easy pattern that only requires some worsted weight yarn and knowledge of basic knitting stitches including stockinette, mattress stitch, and some shaping.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:| Needle Size | US Size 8/5mm Circular Needles US Size 6/4mm Circular Needles |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | 50g = 130m |
| Yarn Quantity | 910m-2080m |
9. The “Chestnut” Dress by PetiteKnit
| Price | $6.85/£5.08 |
|---|---|
| Techniques Required | Short Rows Round Knitting |
| Suggested Yarn | Pelsuld 8/2 – Hjelholts Uldspinderi Brushed Lace – Mohair by Canard |
| Designer’s Website | The “Chestnut” Dress – PetiteKnit |
The “Chestnut” dress pattern from PetiteKnit creates a comfortable, oversized dress with a turtleneck collar. Worked from the top down, the back and shoulders of the dress are knitted back and forth and shaped with short rows. Each section is then joined together, while the body and sleeves are simply worked in the round on circular needles.
Using stockinette stitch and a combination of wool and mohair yarn, the pattern comes with instructions for a dress approximately 130cm in length, with additional instructions to lengthen the dress to your preference.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | US Size 6/4mm Circular Needles (40-100cm Cable) US Size 2.5/3mm Circular Needles (40cm Cable) |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | 100g = 400m (Yarn A) 25g = 210m (Yarn B) |
| Yarn Quantity | 600g-800g (Yarn A) 250g-400g (Yarn B) |
10. Vintage Chunky Sweater Dress Pattern
| Price | $2.12/£1.57 |
|---|---|
| Techniques Required | N/A – See Pattern |
| Suggested Yarn | Diana – Patons |
| Designer’s Website | Vintage Chunky Dress – Hobohooks on Etsy |
Another vintage design, this chunky sweater dress is worked up in fisherman’s rib to create a ladies knitted dress approximately 82cm to 97cm in length. Ideal for the colder seasons, you’ll need some bulky yarn and two pairs of circular needles.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | US Size 9/5.5mm Circular Needles US Size 10/6mm Circular Needles |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | Bulky/Chunky |
| Yarn Quantity | N/A – See Pattern |
11. The “Peppermint” Dress
| Price | $6.48/£4.80 |
|---|---|
| Techniques Required | N/A – See Pattern |
| Suggested Yarn | Cuddle Me Cotton – HipKnitShop |
| Designer’s Website | The “Peppermint” Dress – HipKnitShop |
The “Peppermint” dress is knitted from the bottom up with 8 to 12 balls of light merino or cotton yarn, creating a breathable dress that’s great for spring and summer. With instructions for sizes from XS to XXXL, the dress measures from 64cm to 88cm in length. Designed to fit tightly over your bust, the knitting pattern also includes instructions to adjust the dress to fit any body type.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | US Size 6/4mm Circular Needles |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | 50g = 132m |
| Yarn Quantity | 8-12 Balls |
12. “All of a Kind” Sweater Dress Knitting Pattern
| Price | $11.83/£8.77 |
|---|---|
| Techniques Required | N/A – See Pattern |
| Suggested Yarn | N/A – See Pattern |
| Designer’s Website | “All of a Kind” Dress – KnitricotDesign on Etsy |
This knitting pattern is for a sweater dress we see all over Instagram, and we absolutely love it. Knitted from the top down, the pattern is written in four sections: three for the body, and one for the sleeves. The instructions in each section are all based on your own measurements, which means you’ll finish with a dress that fits your body perfectly.
The amount of yarn you’ll need can vary between 500m and 1500m depending on how long you’d like to knit the sleeves and skirt of the dress. You can use any yarn you’d like as long as it meets the gauge specified in the pattern.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | US Size 11/8mm Circular Needles (60-100cm Cable) |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | N/A – See Pattern |
| Yarn Quantity | 500m-1000m |
13. Spring Dress by Josefine Dyring
| Price | $7.09/£5.57 |
|---|---|
| Techniques Required | Shaping Stockinette Stitch |
| Suggested Yarn | Amira – Lang Yarns Carly – Lang Yarns |
| Designer’s Website | Spring Dress – Josefine Dyring Knit |
The body of this spring dress is knitted from the bottom up with some basic shaping around the neckline and armholes. The pattern creates an elegant, tight-fitting sweater dress with a round neckline and a soft cabling effect.
The pattern for this knitted dress is ideal for beginners with some experience. It’s available in three colorways and includes detailed pictures and step-by-step written instructions to take you through the most difficult parts.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:| Needle Size | US Size 10/6mm Circular Needles (60-80cm Cable) |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | 50g = 100m (Yarn A) 50g = 130m (Yarn B) |
| Yarn Quantity | 250g (Yarn A) 250g (Yarn B) |
14. Nordic Summer Dress Pattern
| Price | $6.48/£4.80 |
|---|---|
| Techniques Required | N/A – See Pattern |
| Suggested Yarn | Pelini – Rauma |
| Designer’s Website | Nordic Summer Dress Pattern – Witre Design |
This is a summer dress knitting pattern with shoulder straps and a slightly looser, wide fit. Knitted from the bottom up, the dress uses a blend of cotton and linen yarn to create a highly-breathable fabric that will be soft and cool against your skin.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | US Size 10.5/7mm Circular Needles |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | 50g = 100m |
| Yarn Quantity | 450g-800g |
15. Vogue 1950’s “Champagne Spritzer” Dress
| Price | $1.50/£1.11 |
|---|---|
| Techniques Required | N/A – See Pattern |
| Suggested Yarn | N/A – See Pattern |
| Designer’s Website | “Champagne Spritzer” Dress – TheStarShop on Etsy |
If you want to knit a dress that makes you feel like a Bond girl, this pattern is for you. Named “Champagne Spritzer” for its luxurious and elegant design, this vintage dress knitting pattern comes straight out of the 1955 Spring/Summer edition of Vogue Knitting Magazine. You’ll need light, fingering weight yarn that will knit to the gauge specified in the pattern.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | N/A – See Pattern |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | Light Fingering Weight (3 Ply) |
| Yarn Quantity | N/A – See Pattern |
How Do You Knit a Dress?
A knitted dress is an excellent project for those looking to develop their skills and expand their repertoire. Depending on your skill level and the complexity of the pattern you’re using, you can knit a simple dress with light worsted yarn in approximately 20 hours.
The amount of yarn you will need will depend entirely on your bust measurements and your preferences in sleeve and skirt length. This amount usually ranges between 500g and 1000g, which is a refreshingly large amount if you’re used to following small projects like mitten knitting patterns.
It’s usually safest to use the yarn that’s recommended in your chosen knitting pattern, but you can use whatever yarn you’d like as long as it meets the specified gauge.
The easiest way to knit a dress is to work the garment from the top down in the round using stockinette stitch for the body. Knit each sleeve separately to join at the end, and use simple increases and decreases to shape the waist. From here, you can keep knitting the body of the dress down to your desired length.
The most difficult part of knitting a dress in the round is usually the shoulders. These will have to be shaped properly for the dress to fit well – a process that often involves reading charts.
If you’re more comfortable using straight needles, you can also knit a dress flat and seam it together. To do this, work the dress in three sections: a front panel, a back panel, and then the sleeves.
You can use a simple rib or stockinette knitting stitch to finish each panel and then sew them together at the end.
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