How to Crochet a Victorian Christening Gown
Victorian era lace crochet is especially appealing for a christening gown, with its combination of filet motifs, lacy edgings and traditional Irish crochet techniques. The bodice of this crocheted gown incorporates two subtle crosses worked into the granny-square motif. The skirt is worked in an open shell pattern. The openwork filet crochet gown is meant to be worn over a simple white chemise or slip. Lacy and delicate, this labor of love is destined to become a treasured heirloom.
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Things You'll Need
- Size 10 crochet thread, 1,500 yards
- Size 6 steel crochet hook
- 5 pearl buttons
- 3 yds 1/2-inch white satin ribbon
Instructions
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Bodice
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1
Make a loop with thread. Work 16 single crochet into the loop. Pull the end of the loop tightly to close the circle. Slip stitch into first single crochet.
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2
Chain 6, 2 double crochet in same single crochet. This forms the first 3 stitches of the corner turn. **Double crochet in next 3 single crochet. Make 2 double crochets, chain 3, 2 double crochet in next single crochet.** Repeat the stitches between the **'s until you reach the starting chain.
Double crochet in base of chain 6. Slip stitch into the third chain of starting chain. Slip stitch into chain 3 space.
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3
Repeat the last round, increasing 4 stitches at each corner.
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4
Work 4 double crochet, then work 2 filet stitches as follows: chain 1, skip1 double crochet, double crochet in next double crochet--1 filet stitch made. Chain 1, skip 1 double crochet, double crochet in next double crochet--2 filet stitches made. Double crochet to end of side, turn corner and repeat for remaining sides.
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5
Work 3 double crochet in first 3 double crochet. Work 1 filet, 2 double crochet, 2 filet, 2 double crochet, 1 filet, 3 double crochet. Turn corner and work the remaining sides to match.
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6
Continue working in granny-square rounds as established, keeping 3 stitches at start and end of each side in double crochet and working center of row in filet crochet until square measures 9 inches across.
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7
Work first side of next round, but do not turn corner. Instead, chain 6, turn. Work 3 rows of filet stitches.
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8
On next row, work 3 double crochet, 12 filet. Chain 6, turn to begin underarm shaping. Decrease 2 filets at underarm edge of next 2 rows. Work 6 rows even on 8 filets. Increase 2 filets at underarm edge of next 2 rows.
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9
At underarm edge of next row, chain 32. Double crochet in third chain from hook and in next 5 double crochet. Work remainder of chain in filet, then work in filet to end of row. Work even on 21 filet stitches until back measures 4 1/2 inches. Work 3 rows of double crochet. End and break thread.
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10
Attach thread at bottom of opposite side of the square. Work the second half of the back to correspond with the first half. End and break thread.
Skirt.
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11
Attach thread at one edge of bodice bottom. Chain 4. Single crochet into edge of 2 row from hook. Work 150 chain 3, single crochet spaces evenly spaced along bottom of bodice. Chain 4, turn.
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12
Work 2 double crochet, chain 3, 3 double crochet in first chain 3 space. Single crochet in next chain 3 space. Make 3 double crochet, chain 3, 3 double crochet in next chain 3 space--1 shell made. Single crochet in next chain 3 space, shell in next chain 3 space across entire row. Chain 4, turn.
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13
For next row and each succeeding row, single crochet in each chain 3 space, work a shell stitch in each single crochet across. Continue working in shell stitch pattern until the skirt measures 18 inches from the bodice. Break thread and end.
Finishing the Christening Gown
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14
Sew shoulder seams, leaving the center 6 inches of the neck open. Sew the center back seam to the bodice.
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15
Work a picot edging around the neck and armholes. Weave in loose threads.
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16
Sew the pearl buttons to the right side of the bodice back. Work buttonhole loops along left edge of bodice back.
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17
Weave ribbon through chain 3 spaces at waist, tying in a bow at the front.
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1
References
Resources
- Photo Credit crochet background image by Adrian Hillman from Fotolia.com
