Coral Dream

Coral Dream Dress by Brandi Isham

What is Being Made

The Coral Dream Dress is a downloadable crochet pattern designed by Brandi Isham for creating a fitted, feminine dress. This intermediate-level project produces a dress with an approximate length of 35-37 inches, available in four sizes to fit bust measurements of 34, 36, 38, and 40 inches. The design showcases delicate lacework and textured stitching, making it suitable for warm-weather wear or special occasions.

Techniques Used

This crochet dress employs several key techniques to achieve its distinctive appearance. The pattern features the 3-DC Block Stitch, which creates structured blocks of double crochet stitches that form the foundation of the garment's fabric. A signature technique in this design is the Wrapped Stitch, a special stitch that adds dimensional texture and visual interest to the dress. The wrapped stitch is created by yarning over, inserting the hook behind previously made double crochet stitches, pulling up a loop, and completing the stitch through two loops twice. The pattern also incorporates strategic stitch skipping and chain spaces to create openwork sections that add elegance and breathability to the finished garment.

Stitches Used

• Double Crochet (dc) – The primary stitch forming the base structure and density of the fabric
• Chain Stitch (ch) – Used for foundation chains and to create open spaces within the pattern
• Wrapped Stitch – A special decorative stitch that wraps yarn around previously completed double crochet posts for textural effect
• Chain Spaces (ch-1 sp) – One-chain spaces that create lacy openwork sections throughout the dress

Materials

The Coral Dream Dress is designed to be worked with thread-weight yarn rather than traditional yarn, specifically requiring Artiste 100% Mercerized Egyptian Cotton Size 10 thread in the color #129 Salmon. The pattern calls for 3 to 5 spools of thread depending on size (3 spools for Small, 3 for Medium, 4 for Large, and 5 for X-Large), with each spool containing 350 yards. A 0/3.25mm size steel crochet hook is used throughout the project. The use of mercerized Egyptian cotton thread creates a smooth, lustrous finish with excellent stitch definition, ideal for showcasing the intricate stitch work and special techniques featured in this dress design.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for crocheters who have mastered basic stitches and are ready to tackle special techniques and more complex stitch patterns. The inclusion of the wrapped stitch and the precision required when working with fine thread and a small steel hook require patience and attention to detail, but the pattern provides clear instructions for successful completion.