Home  >  Caron Openwork Dress


Caron Openwork Dress
enlargeenlarge

Caron Openwork Dress

Caron’s Simply Soft openwork dress can double as a tunic over a long dress or leggings.
Designed by Doris Chan
  
Project #:
e06094
  
 
 Crafting Time: Varies with experience
 Skill Level:
 1 being the easiest
 Crafters Rating:
  Review this project
  Add to My Michaels
  Printer friendly version
  Email to friend
Pattern Required
Download the pattern file (.pdf)
 
  • Caron International's Simply Soft (100% acrylic; 7 oz/199 g, 330 yds/302 m skein): Autumn Red 4 (4,5,5)skeins (MC);
  • US H/8 (5mm) Crochet Hook or Size Needed to Obtain Gauge
  • Yarn Needle
  • Split-Ring Markers or Scraps of Yarn

Cost of each project will vary depending on materials used.

Due to the seasonal nature of some merchandise, actual availability of some products pictured may vary.
 
     FINISHED MEASUREMENTS:
 
     Bust 32 (36, 38, 40)"/81.5 (91.5, 96.5, 101.5) cm
 
     Length 36 (37, 38, 38)"/91.5 (94, 96.5, 96.5) cm
 
     Note: Fabric of dress is stretchy and will fit busts larger than finished measurements.
 
     GAUGE
 
     In single crochet, using size US H/8 (5 mm) hook, 13 sts = 4"/10 cm;
 
     One panel, before assembly, using size US H/8 (5 mm) hook, measures 3 1/2 (4, 4 1/4, 4 1/4)"/9 (10, 11, 11) cm at narrowest point, and 5 1/2 (5 3/4, 6, 6)"/ 14 (14.5, 15, 15) cm at widest point;
 
     One motif, as joined, measures 7 (7 1/2, 8, 8)"/18 (19, 20.5, 20.5) cm diameter.

 
     STITCHES USED
 
     Chain (ch)
 
     Double crochet (dc)
 
     Reverse single crochet (rev sc)
 
     Single crochet (sc)
 
     Slip stitch (slip st)
 
     PATTERN STITCH
 
     Griddle stitch (worked on even number of sts) – Sc in each dc and dc in each sc across row.
 
     SPECIAL TERM
 
     Fsc: Foundation single crochet (This technique creates a foundation chain and a row of single crochet stitches in one, for a sturdy elastic waistline) –
 
     Step 1: Place a slip knot on hook, ch 2, insert hook in 2nd ch from hook and draw up a loop; yarn over and draw through one loop on hook (the "chain"); yarn over and draw through 2 loops on hook (the "single crochet").
 
     Step 2: The following stitch is worked under the forward 2 loops of the stem of the previous stitch (into the "chain"). Insert hook into the face of the "chain" and under the nub at the back of the "chain", draw up a loop, yarn over and draw through one loop on hook (the "chain"), yarn over and draw through 2 loops on hook (the "single crochet"). Repeat for the length of foundation.
 
     2dc-Cl: 2 double crochet-Cluster – Yarn over, insert hook in indicated st or space and draw up a loop, yarn over and draw through 2 loops on hook; yarn over and insert hook in same st or space and draw up a loop, yarn over and draw through 2 loops on hook; yarn over and draw through all 3 loops on hook.
 
     3dc-Cl: 3 double crochet-Cluster – Yarn over, insert hook in indicated st or space and draw up a loop, yarn over and draw through 2 loops on hook, [yarn over and insert hook in same st or space and draw up a loop, yarn over and draw through 2 loops on hook] twice, yarn over and draw through all 4 loops on hook.
 
     Dtr: Double treble crochet – Yarn over 3 times, insert hook in indicated stitch and draw up a loop (5 loops on hook), [yarn over and draw through 2 loops on hook] 4 times.
 
     Picot: After making a sc as instructed, ch 3, insert hook from top to bottom under front loop of sc and under one forward strand of the stem directly below, yarn over and draw through all loops on hook (slip st made and picot completed).
 
     Picot-join: After making sc as instructed, ch 1, slip st in indicated st of dress or picot of previous motif, ch 1, insert hook from top to bottom under front loop of sc and under one forward strand of the stem directly below, yarn over and draw through all loops on hook (slip st made and picot-join completed).
 
     NOTE
 
     1) Fabric of dress is stretchy and will "give" in width when worn.
 
     2) Dress consists of six panels, like shaped scarves, with rounded ends. Two full panels, rounded at both ends, go over the shoulders to form the straps. Four short panels, rounded at one end and notched at one end, are joined between the full panels to form the center front, center back and both sides.
 
     3) To create the different sizes, the panels begin with different foundation rounds/rows then are worked in the same manner.
 
     4) The panels for sizes L and XL are the same; later they are joined differently to create the two different sizes.
 
     5) The motif border is added after the dress is assembled from the panels.
 
     HELPFUL
 
     If desired, omit the lower border motifs for a scallop-edged mini dress.
 
     FULL PANEL (make 2)
 
     Size S only:
 
     Foundation Row: Fsc 193, turn—193 sts.
 
     Round 1 (WS): Working along "sc" side of foundation, ch 5, [dc, ch 2, dc] in first sc, *[ch 2, skip next 2 sts, dc in next st] 8 times, [ch 2, skip next 2 sts, hdc in next st] 8 times, [ch 2, skip next 2 sts, sc in next st] 31 times, [ch 2, skip next 2 sts, hdc in next st] 8 times, [ch 2, skip next 2 sts, dc in next st] 8 times, skip next 2 sts*; [ch 2, dc] 5 times in end of row; pivot and work along "chain" side of foundation; repeat between * and *, ch 2, [dc, ch 2] 2 times in same sc as beginning; join with slip st in 3rd ch of beginning ch, turn—136 ch-sp.
 
     Size M only:
 
     Foundation Round: Fsc 191; pivot to work along "chain" side of foundation, 2 sc in same ch of last Fsc worked, sc in next 189 ch, 2 sc in last ch; join with slip st in first sc, turn—384 sts.
 
     Round 1 (WS): Ch 5, [dc, ch 2, dc] in first sc, *[ch 2, skip next 2 sts, dc in next st] 8 times, [ch 2, skip next 2 sts, hdc in next st] 8 times, [ch 2, skip next 2 sts, sc in next st] 31 times, [ch 2, skip next 2 sts, hdc in next st] 8 times, [ch 2, skip next 2 sts, dc in next st] 8 times, skip next 2 sts*, [ch 2, dc] 5 times in end of row; pivot and work along "chain" side of foundation; repeat between * and *, ch 2, [dc, ch 2] 2 times in same sc as beginning; join with slip st in 3rd ch of beginning ch, turn—136 ch-sp.
 
     Sizes L and XL only:
 
     Foundation Round: Fsc 197, ch 3; pivot to work along "chain" side of foundation, dc in same ch of last Fsc worked, dc in next 195 ch, dc in last ch; join with ch 1, hdc in first sc, turn—394 sts.
 
     Round 1 (WS): Ch 5, [dc, ch 2, dc] in same ch-sp (space formed by ch 1, hdc join), *[ch 2, skip next 2 sts, dc in next st] 8 times, [ch 2, skip next 2 sts, hdc in next st] 8 times, [ch 2, skip next 2 sts, sc in next st] 33 times, [ch 2, skip next 2 sts, hdc in next st] 8 times, [ch 2, skip next 2 sts, dc in next st] 8 times, skip next 2 sts*, [ch 2, dc] 5 times in end of row; pivot and work along "single crochet" side of foundation; repeat between * and *, ch 2, [dc, ch 2] 2 times in same ch-sp as beginning; join with slip st in 3rd ch of beginning ch, turn—140 ch-sp.
 
     All Sizes
 
     Round 2 (RS): Ch 2, 2dc-Cl in sp formed by join, [ch 2, 3dc-Cl in next ch-sp] 135 (135, 139) times, ch 1; join with sc in top of beginning 2dc-Cl, turn—136 (136, 140, 140) clusters.
 
     Note: In Round 3, the first and last dc of the rounded ends is marked for later use (when joining panels).
 
     Round 3: Ch 5 (counts as dc, ch 2), [dc, ch 2] 2 times in each of next 2 ch-sp, mark last dc made, *[dc in next ch-sp, ch 2] 8 times, [hdc in next ch-sp, ch 2] 8 times, [sc in next ch-sp, ch 2] 31 (31, 33) times, [hdc in next ch-sp, ch 2] 8 times, [dc in next ch-sp, ch 2] 8 times*, mark next dc made, [dc, ch 2] 2 times in next 5 ch-sps, mark last dc made; repeat between * and *, mark next dc made, [dc, ch 2] 2 times in next 2 ch-sps, dc in same sp as beginning, ch 1; join with sc in 3rd ch of beginning ch, turn—146 (146, 150, 150) ch-sp, 4 markers.
 
     Round 4: Ch 3, dc in next dc, [2 dc in next ch-sp, dc in next st] around, moving markers up, end with dc in same sp as beginning; join with slip st in top of beginning ch—438 (438, 450, 450) dc.
 
     Fasten off.
 
     SHORT PANEL (make 4)
 
     Note: Short panels are worked in rows around a foundation, with one end rounded like the full panels, and the other end worked with increases to form a notched V.
 
     Size S only:
 
     Foundation Row: Fsc 76, turn—76 sts.
 
     Size M only:
 
     Foundation Row: Fsc 75; pivot to work along "chain" side of foundation, 2 sc in same ch of last Fsc worked, sc in next 74 ch, turn—151 sts.
 
     Sizes L and XL only:
 
     Foundation Row: Fsc 78, ch 3 (counts as first dc); pivot to work along "chain" side of foundation, dc in same ch of last Fsc worked, dc in next 77 ch, turn—157 sts.
 
     All Sizes
 
     Row 1 (WS): Ch 1, sc in first st, [ch 2, skip next 2 sts, sc in next st] 8 (8, 9) times, [ch 2, skip next 2 sts, hdc in next st] 8 times, [ch 2, skip next 2 sts, dc in next st] 8 times, skip next 2 sts, [ch 2, dc] 5 times in last st at end of row; pivot to work along other side of foundation, [ch 2, skip next 2 sts, dc in next st] 8 times, [ch 2, skip next 2 sts, hdc in next st] 8 times, [ch 2, sc in next st] 8 (8, 9) times, ch 2, sc in last st, turn—54 (54, 56, 56) ch-sp.
 
     Row 2 (RS): Ch 5 (counts as dc, ch 2), [3dc-Cl in next ch-sp, ch 2] 54 (54, 56) times, dc in last sc, turn—55 (55, 57, 57) ch-sp.
 
     Row 3: Ch 1, sc in first dc, [ch 2, sc in next ch-sp] 9 (9, 10) times, [ch 2, hdc in next ch-sp] 8 times, [ch 2, dc in next ch-sp] 8 times, mark next dc made, [ch 2, dc] 2 times in next 5 ch-sps, mark last dc made, [ch 2, dc in next ch-sp] 8 times, [ch 2, hdc in next ch-sp] 8 times, [ch 2, sc in next ch-sp] 9 (9, 10) times, ch 2, sc in 3rd ch of turning ch, turn—61 (61, 63, 63) ch-sp, 2 markers.
 
     Row 4: Ch 3, 2 dc in first sc, [2 dc in next ch-sp, dc in next st] 61 (61, 63) times, moving markers up, end by working 2 more dc in last sc—188 (188, 194, 194) dc.
 
     Fasten off.
 
     PANEL ASSEMBLY
 
     Weave in ends.
 
     Notes:
 
     1) Panels are joined with slip stitch "zig-zag" seams, from lower edge to top. Full panels are folded in half, with the folds forming the tops of the shoulders. Short panels become left side, front, right side and back, with notches forming V's at neck and underarms.
 
     2) Sizes S and M are seamed in exactly the same manner. Begin seaming of sizes L and XL immediately above the markers. Size XL has a wider seam than size L (ch-2 instead of ch-1 zig-zag seam). Leave markers in place for later.
 
     3) With RS of panels facing, work clockwise (from left side, to front, to right side and back) beginning at left side.
 
     Sizes S and M only (seam is 1/2"/1.5 cm wide):
 
     1) Hold left side short panel alongside one full panel, matching markers and stitches. Join with slip st in marked dc of short panel, ch 1, slip st in marked dc of full panel, [ch 1, skip next dc of short panel, slip st in next dc of short panel, ch 1, skip next dc of full panel, slip st in next dc of full panel] for length of short panel, ending with slip st in turning ch of short panel, ch 1, skip next dc of full panel, slip st in next dc of full panel. Fasten off.
 
     2) Hold front short panel along free edge of same full panel, seam panels together in same manner.
 
     3) Hold second full panel along free edge of front short panel, seam panels together in same manner.
 
     4) Hold right side short panel along free edge of same full panel, seam panels together in same manner.
 
     5) Fold same full panel in half, bring free end to meet free edge of right side short panel, seam panels together in same manner.
 
     6) Hold back short panel along free edge of same full panel, seam panels together in same manner.
 
     7) Fold other full panel in half, bring free end to meet back short panel, seam panels together in same manner.
 
     8) Hold same full panel along free edge of the beginning left side short panel, seam panels together in same manner to close side of dress.
 
     Size L only (seam is 1/2"/1.5 cm wide)
 
     Note: Assembly begins above markers.
 
     1) To join yarn each time, skip marked dc, skip next dc, join with slip st in next dc.
 
     2) Work seams in same manner as for sizes S and M.
 
     Size XL only (seam is 3/4"/2 cm wide)
 
     Note: Assembly begins above markers.
 
     1) To join yarn each time, skip marked dc, skip next dc, join with slip st in next dc.
 
     2) Work seams in same manner as for sizes S and M, except replace ch-1 with ch-2 between slip stitches, for a wider seam.
 
     Weave in all ends.
 
     MOTIF BORDER
 
     Notes:
 
     1) Eight motifs are joined, as you go, between rounded ends of panels.
 
     2) Motifs are made in joined rounds, with RS always facing.
 
     3) Sizes L and XL motifs are exactly the same.
 
     Motif #1
 
     Ch 8; join with slip st in first ch to form a ring.
 
     Size S only:
 
     Round 1: Ch 1, work 16 sc in ring; join with slip st in first sc—16 sts.
 
     Size M only:
 
     Round 1: Ch 2, work 16 hdc in ring; join with slip st in top of beg ch—16 sts.
 
     Size L and XL only:
 
     Round 1: Ch 3, work 16 dc in ring; join with slip st in top of beg ch—16 sts.
 
     Round 2: Ch 8 (counts as dtr, ch 3), sk same st as join, [dtr in next st, ch 6, dtr in next st, ch 3] 7 times, dtr in last st ch 2, dc in 5th ch of beginning ch (join forms ch-6 sp)—8 ch-3 sp and 8 ch-6 sp.
 
     Round 3: Ch 3, 2dc-Cl in same ch-sp (ch-6 sp formed by join), ch 5 (5, 6, 6), sc in next ch-3 sp, ch 5 (5, 6, 6), [3dc-Cl in next ch-6 sp, ch 5 (5, 6, 6), sc in next ch-3 sp, ch 5 (5, 6, 6)] 7 times; join wih slip st in top of beginning 2dc-Cl—8 clusters.
 
     With RS of motifs and panels facing, work next round to join motifs to lower edges of panels, working clockwise in the same progression as panel assembly, beginning at left side short panel.
 
     Round 4 (motif joining round): Ch 1, sc in same 2dc-Cl as join, picot, [ch 6 (6, 7, 7), sc in next sc, ch 6 (6, 7, 7), sc in top of next cluster, picot] 4 times; repeat between [ and ] except omit picot, instead skip marked dc of panel, skip back 8 (8, 7, 7) dc of panel, picot-join in next dc of panel; repeat between [ and ] except omit picot, instead picot-join in middle zig-zag seam between panels; repeat between [ and ] except omit picot, instead skip marked dc of next panel, skip next 8 (8, 7, 7) dc of panel, picot-join in next dc of panel, ch 6 (6, 7, 7), sc in next sc, ch 6 (6, 7, 7); join with slip st in beginning sc. Fasten off.
 
     Motif #2
 
     Ch 8; join with slip st in first ch to form a ring.
 
     Work Rounds 1–3 of Motif #1.
 
     Round 4 (motif joining round): Ch 1, sc in same 2dc-Cl as join, picot, [ch 6 (6, 7, 7) sc in next sc, ch 6 (6, 7, 7), sc in top of next cluster, picot] 3 times; repeat between [ and ] except omit picot, instead picot-join in next free picot of previous motif, repeat between [ and ] except omit picot, instead go to next marked dc of same panel, skip marked dc of panel, skip back 8 (8, 7, 7) dc of panel, picot-join in next dc of panel; repeat between [ and ] except omit picot, instead picot-join in middle zig-zag seam between panels; repeat between [ and ] except omit picot, instead skip marked dc of next panel, skip next 8 (8, 7, 7) dc of panel, picot-join in next dc of panel, ch 6 (6, 7, 7), sc in next sc, ch 6 (6, 7, 7); join with slip st in beginning sc. Fasten off.
 
     Motifs #3–7
 
     Work and join as for Motif #2.
 
     Motif #8
 
     Ch 8; join with slip st in first ch to form a ring.
 
     Work Rounds 1–3 of Motif #1.
 
     Round 4 (motif joining round): Ch 1, sc in same 2dc-Cl as join, picot, [ch 6 (6, 7, 7) sc in next sc, ch 6 (6, 7, 7), sc in top of next cluster, picot] 2 times; repeat between [ and ] except omit picot, instead picot-join in next free picot of previous motif, repeat between [ and ] except omit picot, instead go to next marked dc of same panel, skip marked dc of panel, skip back 8 (8, 7, 7) dc of panel, picot-join in next dc of panel; repeat between [ and ] except omit picot, instead picot-join in middle zig-zag seam between panels; repeat between [ and ] except omit picot, instead skip marked dc of next panel, skip next 8 (8, 7, 7) dc of panel, picot-join in next dc; repeat between [ and ] except omit picot, instead picot-join in next free picot of Motif #1, ch 6 (6, 7, 7), sc in next sc, ch 6 (6, 7, 7); join with slip st in beginning sc. Fasten off.
 
     SASH
 
     Work as for Full Panel.
 
     FINISHING
 
     Using yarn needle, weave in all yarn ends. Lightly steam block dress and sash.
Tip: Wear all white under the tunic for a super holiday look.
 
The information on this instruction sheet is presented in good faith, but no warranty is given, nor results guaranteed. Quantities and selections may vary at each store. Michaels® Stores, Inc. disclaims all liability from any injury to anyone undertaking the construction of this project as a result of improper safety precautions. Since we have no control over physical conditions surrounding the application of information herein contained, MSI disclaims any liability for untoward results. © 2009 MSI.
  Add to My Michaels   Printer friendly version   Email to friend   Rate this project   More like this project