purlJam

3T Sleeveless Mesh Sundress with Adjustable Straps Intermediate Crochet Pattern
Sport Weight • US Terms • Imperial (metric)

Sizes
One size: 3T (toddler).
Finished chest circumference: 26" (66 cm) with 5" (12.5 cm) positive ease.
Finished length (shoulder to hem): 18" (45.5 cm) — easily lengthened or shortened.
To scale for other sizes or pets: adjust foundation sts by gauge and desired circumference; keep all lengths proportional.

Materials

• Sport weight yarn: 450 yd (410 m) main color (cotton or cotton-blend recommended for summer)
• Hook: US E-4 / 3.5 mm (or size needed to obtain gauge)
• Stitch markers
• Yarn needle
• Scissors
• Optional: 2 small beads or cord stops for strap ends

Gauge
16 sts and 9 rows = 4" (10 cm) in Mesh Pattern, blocked.
Swatch: Ch 20, work Mesh Pattern for 12 rows. Measure center 4". Adjust hook if needed — drape is critical.

Abbreviations (US)
ch – chain
st(s) – stitch(es)
sl st – slip stitch
sc – single crochet
dc – double crochet
sp – space
sk – skip
pm – place marker
rep – repeat
RS – right side
WS – wrong side
beg – beginning

Special Stitches & Pattern
Mesh Pattern (multiple of 2 sts)
Rnd/Row: Ch 3 (counts as dc), *ch 1, sk 1, dc in next st; rep from * to end, join if in rnd.
(On subsequent rnds/rows work dc in each dc and ch-1 sp alternately to maintain mesh.)

Notes

• Dress is worked bottom-up in joined rounds to underarms, then flat for front and back.
• Ch-3 at beg of rnd/row counts as dc.
• Join rnds with sl st to top of beg ch-3; turn only when working flat panels.
• Keep mesh multiple of 2 when decreasing.
• Length is customizable: work more/fewer body rnds before underarm split.
• Blocking opens the mesh — do not skip.

Finished Measurements (3T)

• Chest: 26" (66 cm)
• Hip (A-line): 28" (71 cm)
• Armhole depth: 5" (12.5 cm)
• Neckline width: 5" (12.5 cm)
• Strap length (each): 18" (45.5 cm) adjustable
• Total length: 18" (45.5 cm)

PATTERN

Body (worked in the round)
Foundation: Make 104 fsc (or ch 104, join with sl st to form ring being careful not to twist, ch 1, sc in each ch around, join).
Join with sl st to first st. Pm for beg of rnd. (104 sts)
Rnd 1 (RS): Ch 3 (counts as dc), *ch 1, sk 1 sc, dc in next sc; rep from * around, ending ch 1, sk last sc, join to top of beg ch-3. (52 dc + 52 ch-1 sps = 104 sts)
Rnd 2: Ch 3, *ch 1, dc in next dc; rep from * around, ch 1, join.
Rep Rnd 2 for Mesh Pattern until piece measures 12" (30.5 cm) from foundation edge (or desired length to underarm).
Do not fasten off.

A-line note (optional gentle flare): Every 4th rnd for first 8 rnds only, work (dc, ch 1, dc) in one ch-1 sp at each side “seam” (2 increase points) — adds ~2" total hip ease. Return to plain Mesh after.

Divide for Armholes
Place markers: 52 sts for Front, 52 sts for Back (26 dc + 26 ch-sps each).

Back Panel
Row 1 (RS): Continue Mesh across 52 sts (26 dc), turn. Leave remaining sts unworked for Front.
Row 2 (WS): Ch 3, Mesh across, turn.
Armhole shaping
Row 3: Ch 3, sk first ch-1 sp (dec), Mesh to last ch-1 sp, sk last ch-1 sp, dc in last dc, turn. (24 dc)
Row 4: Ch 3, Mesh across, turn.
Row 5: Rep Row 3. (22 dc)
Rows 6–11: Work even in Mesh on 22 dc (44 sts total).
Piece should measure 5" (12.5 cm) from divide.
Back neck shaping
Row 12: Mesh across first 6 dc (left shoulder), turn, leaving center 10 dc unworked for neck.
Rows 13–14: Work even on these 6 dc. Fasten off.
With WS facing, sk center 10 dc, join yarn in next dc, ch 3, Mesh across remaining 6 dc.
Rows 13–14: Work even. Fasten off.

Front Panel
With RS facing, join yarn at right underarm of remaining 52 sts.
Rows 1–5: Work identical to Back armhole shaping (end with 22 dc).
Rows 6–8: Work even in Mesh.
Front scoop neck
Row 9: Mesh across first 7 dc, turn.
Row 10: Ch 3, sk first ch-sp (neck dec), Mesh to end, turn. (6 dc)
Rows 11–14: Work even on 6 dc. Fasten off.
With RS facing, sk center 8 dc, join yarn in next dc, ch 3, Mesh to end (7 dc).
Row 10: Mesh to last ch-sp, sk last ch-sp, dc in last dc, turn. (6 dc)
Rows 11–14: Work even. Fasten off.

Shoulder Seams (minimal)
With RS together, whipstitch or sl-st seam the 6-dc shoulder sections of Front to Back (½" / 1.3 cm seam). This creates stable strap anchors while leaving neck open.

Adjustable Straps (make 2)
Join yarn at outer edge of one Front shoulder seam.
Ch 70 (or 18" / 45.5 cm).
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. Fasten off, leaving 6" tail.
Rep for second strap on opposite Front shoulder.
Optional: thread bead/cord stop on each tail and knot end for easy sliding adjustability.
To wear: cross or straight-thread each strap through corresponding Back shoulder opening (or sew small chain loops on Back shoulders if preferred) and tie or slide to adjust.

Finishing Edging
Bottom hem: Join yarn at any foundation st, ch 1, sc evenly around (1 sc per st), join. Optional picot: *sc in next 3 sts, ch 3, sl st in first ch of ch-3; rep from * around. Fasten off.
Armholes: Join at underarm, sc evenly around armhole (approx 2 sc per row end + 1 sc per st), working 2–3 sc at underarm curve for smoothness. Join, fasten off. Rep other armhole.
Neckline: Join at shoulder, sc evenly around entire neck edge (1 sc per st/row end), keeping edge flat — do not pull tight. Join, fasten off.

Weave in all ends securely on WS.

Blocking
Wet block or steam block to finished measurements. Pin A-line shape, open mesh fully, and shape scoop neck and armholes. Allow to dry completely. This step is essential for drape and size accuracy.

Custom Length

• Mini: stop body at 8–9" before divide.
• Midi/longer: add rnds before divide (each 9 rnds ≈ 4").
  Yarn amounts scale linearly with length.

Fit Tips for 3T

• Chest ease allows layering and movement.
• Straps adjust 12–18" for growth and different tops.
• If hips need more room, add the optional A-line increases.
• Check armhole depth on child; add/subtract 1–2 even rows if needed before neck shaping.

Care
Hand wash cold, lay flat to dry. Cotton blends may grow slightly when wet — block back to size.

Enjoy your little one’s breezy summer sundress!