Adorable Granny Square Tutu Dress: Free Crochet Pattern for Girls

This charming granny square tutu dress combines a warm-toned crochet bodice with a soft peach tulle skirt, creating a perfect blend of handmade craftsmanship and whimsical style. The bodice features five sunburst-style granny hexagons in autumn shades of brown, rust, coral, cream, and burnt orange, joined seamlessly and finished with satin ribbon ties at the shoulders. Here is the complete free pattern to make this dress in toddler sizes 2T to 4T.

Materials Needed

Worsted weight cotton yarn (approximately 150 yards total):

– Color A: Mocha brown (80 yards, main color and joins)

– Color B: Cream (15 yards)

– Color C: Burnt orange (20 yards)

– Color D: Rust (20 yards)

– Color E: Coral pink (15 yards)

5.0mm (H/8) crochet hook
2 yards of soft tulle fabric (54 inches wide) in peach or blush
1.5 yards of 5/8 inch satin ribbon in burgundy or brown
Yarn needle
Scissors
Elastic thread (optional, for waist)

Gauge and Finished Measurements

Gauge: Each hexagon measures approximately 3.5 inches across (point to point) after blocking.

Finished bodice: 10 inches wide at chest, 6 inches long from top edge to waist. Fits chest 20 to 22 inches (sizes 2T to 4T). Tulle skirt adds 10 to 12 inches of length.

Abbreviations

ch: chain
sl st: slip stitch
sc: single crochet
dc: double crochet
sp: space
st(s): stitch(es)
rnd: round

Sunburst Hexagon Pattern (Make 5)

You will make five hexagons with varying color combinations as shown in the image. The center puff creates that raised sunburst effect visible in the bodice.

Rnd 1: With Color B or C (vary for each hexagon), make a magic ring. Ch 3 (counts as dc), 11 dc into ring. Sl st to top of ch-3 to join. (12 dc)

Rnd 2: Ch 3, dc in same st. 2 dc in each st around. Sl st to join. (24 dc)

Rnd 3: Change to Color C, D, or E (contrasting shade). Ch 2, puff stitch in next st (yarn over, insert hook, pull up loop) 3 times, yarn over, pull through all 7 loops, ch 1. Skip 1 st. Repeat around. Sl st to join. (12 puff stitches)

Rnd 4: Change to Color A (brown). Ch 3, 2 dc in ch-1 sp, dc in top of puff. 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, dc in top of puff. Repeat around. Sl st to join. (48 dc)

Rnd 5: Ch 3. Dc in next 7 sts, 2 dc in next st (corner made). Repeat 5 more times, working 2 dc increase every 8th st to create 6 corners. Sl st to join. (54 dc, 6 corners)

Rnd 6: Ch 3. Dc in each st around, working 3 dc in each corner st. Sl st to join. Fasten off. (66 dc)

Color Arrangement for Five Hexagons

Hexagon 1 (center top): Cream center, burnt orange puffs
Hexagon 2 (left top): Cream center, rust puffs
Hexagon 3 (right top): Cream center, burnt orange puffs
Hexagon 4 (left bottom): Cream center, coral puffs
Hexagon 5 (right bottom): Cream center, rust puffs

Joining the Hexagons

Arrange hexagons in a 2-3 pattern: three across the top row, two centered below. The bodice forms a shallow V-shape at the neckline.

Using Color A and a yarn needle, whip stitch hexagons together along adjoining edges. Join only along flat sides, leaving the pointed edges free at the top (these become the neckline shape) and bottom (waist shaping).

Bodice Edging

Top edge: Join Color A at upper left corner. Sc evenly around the entire neckline and armhole edges, working 2 sc in corners and 1 sc in each st along straight edges. Work one complete round. Fasten off.

Waist edge: Join Color A at center back. Sc evenly across the bottom edge of all hexagons, creating a straight waist edge approximately 20 inches around. Ch 1, turn. Work 2 more rows of sc. On the final row, create tulle attachment holes: sc 3, ch 2, skip 2. Repeat across. Fasten off.

Ribbon Straps

Cut two 18-inch pieces of satin ribbon. Thread one through each top corner of the bodice front, then through the corresponding back corner. Tie in bows at the shoulders as shown in the image. Adjust length to fit child.

Tulle Skirt Assembly

Cut tulle into strips 6 inches wide and 24 inches long. You will need approximately 40 to 50 strips for full coverage.

Fold each strip in half. Insert the folded loop through one ch-2 space on the waist edge from front to back. Pull the loose ends through the loop and tighten to create a lark’s head knot. Repeat in each ch-2 space, then fill remaining spaces between. Push strips close together for fullness.

Trim the bottom edge evenly once all strips are attached.

Finishing Tips

Block hexagons before joining for crisp edges and easier assembly
Steam the bodice lightly after joining to flatten seams
For extra security, hand-stitch ribbon ends inside the bodice corners
Add a small button or snap at center back if needed for fit
For washability, hand wash the bodice separately and spot clean tulle

Size Adjustments

For 12 to 18 months: Use a 4.5mm hook and make hexagons slightly smaller. Use 4 hexagons instead of 5 (2 on top, 2 below).

For size 5 to 6: Add a sixth hexagon at center bottom for extra length and use a 5.5mm hook. Increase tulle strip length to 28 inches.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Joining hexagons too tightly, which causes puckering
Cutting tulle strips too narrow, resulting in a sparse skirt
Forgetting to weave in ends before attaching tulle (they will show through)
Making ribbon straps too long, causing the bodice to sag

This granny square tutu dress makes a beautiful gift for birthdays, flower girl occasions, or fall photo sessions. The earthy color palette pairs perfectly with boots and cardigans for cooler weather wear. Once you have mastered the sunburst hexagon, try experimenting with different color combinations to match any season or celebration.