purlJam

<pattern>

# Glamorous Fitted Sleeveless Dress

A stunning body-hugging sleeveless dress perfect for special occasions. This beginner-friendly pattern uses simple stitches worked in the round from the top down, with waist shaping to create a flattering silhouette. The textured stitch pattern adds elegance while remaining easy to execute.

## SIZES
Small (Medium, Large, X-Large)
- **Bust circumference**: 32 (36, 40, 44)" / 81 (91, 102, 112) cm
- **Waist circumference**: 24 (28, 32, 36)" / 61 (71, 81, 91) cm
- **Hip circumference**: 34 (38, 42, 46)" / 86 (97, 107, 117) cm
- **Finished length**: Approximately 36 (37, 38, 39)" / 91 (94, 97, 99) cm from shoulder

*Instructions are written for smallest size with larger sizes in parentheses. When only one number is given, it applies to all sizes.*

## MATERIALS

**Yarn**: 
- Worsted weight yarn (#4 Medium)
- Yardage: 1200 (1400, 1600, 1800) yards / 1097 (1280, 1463, 1646) meters
- Suggested: Smooth, drapey worsted weight with good stitch definition
- Sample shown in solid color for maximum glamour

**Hook**: 
- US Size H/8 (5.0 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge

**Notions**:
- Stitch markers (4)
- Tapestry needle
- Measuring tape
- Optional: 1 yard of 1/4" elastic for waist

## GAUGE
18 hdc and 13 rows = 4" (10 cm) in half double crochet

**IMPORTANT**: Gauge is critical for proper fit. Take time to make a swatch and measure carefully. A fitted dress requires accurate gauge.

## ABBREVIATIONS
- ch = chain
- sl st = slip stitch
- sc = single crochet
- hdc = half double crochet
- dc = double crochet
- BLO = back loop only
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- rep = repeat
- dec = decrease (hdc2tog)
- inc = increase (2 hdc in same st)
- RS = right side
- WS = wrong side

## SPECIAL STITCHES

**hdc2tog (half double crochet 2 together)**: Yo, insert hook in next st, yo and pull up loop, yo, insert hook in next st, yo and pull up loop, yo and pull through all 5 loops on hook. (Decrease made)

## PATTERN NOTES

1. Dress is worked from top down in joined rounds.
2. Ch 2 at beginning of round does NOT count as a stitch throughout.
3. Join each round with sl st to first hdc unless otherwise stated.
4. Use stitch markers to mark beginning of round and side "seams" (opposite side from beginning).
5. Stitch count is given at end of each round in parentheses.
6. Try on dress periodically during construction to check fit.
7. For a very close fit, you may want to work one size smaller than your actual measurements since worsted weight has some stretch.
8. Waist shaping begins approximately 8" down from underarm.

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## INSTRUCTIONS

### BODICE

**Foundation Round**: Ch 144 (160, 176, 192), being careful not to twist chain, sl st to first ch to join in the round. (144, 160, 176, 192 sts)

**Round 1**: Ch 2 (does not count as st here and throughout), hdc in same st as joining, hdc in each ch around, join with sl st to first hdc. (144, 160, 176, 192 hdc)

**Setup for side markers**: Place marker (PM) in first st (beginning of round), count 36 (40, 44, 48) sts and PM (left side), count 36 (40, 44, 48) more sts and PM (opposite side), count remaining 36 (40, 44, 48) sts to complete round.

**Rounds 2-4**: Ch 2, hdc in each st around, join with sl st to first hdc. (144, 160, 176, 192 hdc)

**Round 5 (Bust Shaping)**: Ch 2, hdc in each st around to 1 st before first side marker, inc in next st, slip marker, inc in next st, hdc to 1 st before second side marker, inc in next st, slip marker, inc in next st, hdc to end of round, join with sl st to first hdc. (148, 164, 180, 196 hdc)

**Rounds 6-8**: Ch 2, hdc in each st around, join with sl st to first hdc. (148, 164, 180, 196 hdc)

**Rounds 9-16**: Rep Rounds 5-8 twice more. (156, 172, 188, 204 hdc after all increases)

**Rounds 17-22**: Ch 2, hdc in each st around, join with sl st to first hdc. (156, 172, 188, 204 hdc)

*Bodice should measure approximately 8-9" from foundation chain.*

### WAIST SHAPING

**Round 23 (Decrease Round)**: Ch 2, hdc in each st to 2 sts before first side marker, hdc2tog, slip marker, hdc2tog, hdc to 2 sts before second side marker, hdc2tog, slip marker, hdc2tog, hdc to end of round, join with sl st to first hdc. (152, 168, 184, 200 hdc)

**Rounds 24-25**: Ch 2, hdc in each st around, join with sl st to first hdc. (152, 168, 184, 200 hdc)

**Round 26**: Rep Round 23 (Decrease Round). (148, 164, 180, 196 hdc)

**Rounds 27-28**: Ch 2, hdc in each st around, join with sl st to first hdc. (148, 164, 180, 196 hdc)

**Round 29**: Rep Round 23 (Decrease Round). (144, 160, 176, 192 hdc)

**Rounds 30-31**: Ch 2, hdc in each st around, join with sl st to first hdc. (144, 160, 176, 192 hdc)

**Round 32**: Rep Round 23 (Decrease Round). (140, 156, 172, 188 hdc)

**Rounds 33-34**: Ch 2, hdc in each st around, join with sl st to first hdc. (140, 156, 172, 188 hdc)

**Round 35**: Rep Round 23 (Decrease Round). (136, 152, 168, 184 hdc)

**Rounds 36-37**: Ch 2, hdc in each st around, join with sl st to first hdc. (136, 152, 168, 184 hdc)

**Round 38**: Rep Round 23 (Decrease Round). (132, 148, 164, 180 hdc)

**Rounds 39-40**: Ch 2, hdc in each st around, join with sl st to first hdc. (132, 148, 164, 180 hdc)

**Round 41**: Rep Round 23 (Decrease Round). (128, 144, 160, 176 hdc)

**Rounds 42-43**: Ch 2, hdc in each st around, join with sl st to first hdc. (128, 144, 160, 176 hdc)

**Round 44**: Rep Round 23 (Decrease Round). (124, 140, 156, 172 hdc)

**Round 45**: Ch 2, hdc in each st around, join with sl st to first hdc. (124, 140, 156, 172 hdc)

*Waist should measure approximately 18-19" from foundation chain. This is the narrowest point.*

### RIBBED WAIST BAND (Optional but recommended)

**Rounds 46-48**: Ch 1, sc BLO in each st around, join with sl st to first sc. (124, 140, 156, 172 sc)

This creates a ribbed texture and adds stretch at the waist.

**Round 49**: Ch 2, hdc in each st around, join with sl st to first hdc. (124, 140, 156, 172 hdc)

### HIP SHAPING

**Round 50 (Increase Round)**: Ch 2, hdc in each st to first side marker, inc in next st, slip marker, inc in next st, hdc to second side marker, inc in next st, slip marker, inc in next st, hdc to end of round, join with sl st to first hdc. (128, 144, 160, 176 hdc)

**Rounds 51-52**: Ch 2, hdc in each st around, join with sl st to first hdc. (128, 144, 160, 176 hdc)

**Round 53**: Rep Round 50 (Increase Round). (132, 148, 164, 180 hdc)

**Rounds 54-55**: Ch 2, hdc in each st around, join with sl st to first hdc. (132, 148, 164, 180 hdc)

**Round 56**: Rep Round 50 (Increase Round). (136, 152, 168, 184 hdc)

**Rounds 57-58**: Ch 2, hdc in each st around, join with sl st to first hdc. (136, 152, 168, 184 hdc)

**Round 59**: Rep Round 50 (Increase Round). (140, 156, 172, 188 hdc)

**Rounds 60-61**: Ch 2, hdc in each st around, join with sl st to first hdc. (140, 156, 172, 188 hdc)

**Round 62**: Rep Round 50 (Increase Round). (144, 160, 176, 192 hdc)

**Rounds 63-64**: Ch 2, hdc in each st around, join with sl st to first hdc. (144, 160, 176, 192 hdc)

**Round 65**: Rep Round 50 (Increase Round). (148, 164, 180, 196 hdc)

**Rounds 66-67**: Ch 2, hdc in each st around, join with sl st to first hdc. (148, 164, 180, 196 hdc)

**Round 68**: Rep Round 50 (Increase Round). (152, 168, 184, 200 hdc)

**Rounds 69-70**: Ch 2, hdc in each st around, join with sl st to first hdc. (152, 168, 184, 200 hdc)

**Round 71**: Rep Round 50 (Increase Round). (156, 172, 188, 204 hdc)

**Rounds 72-73**: Ch 2, hdc in each st around, join with sl st to first hdc. (156, 172, 188, 204 hdc)

### SKIRT

**Rounds 74-115**: Ch 2, hdc in each st around, join with sl st to first hdc. (156, 172, 188, 204 hdc)

*Work more or fewer rounds to adjust length. Dress should measure approximately 35" from foundation chain at this point.*

**Round 116 (Hem Round)**: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join with sl st to first sc. (156, 172, 188, 204 sc)

**Round 117**: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join with sl st to first sc. (156, 172, 188, 204 sc)

Fasten off and weave in end.

### ARMHOLE EDGING (make 2)

With RS facing, join yarn at center underarm point of armhole opening.

**Round 1**: Ch 1, work approximately 60 (66, 72, 78) sc evenly spaced around armhole opening, join with sl st to first sc. *Exact number may vary; aim for a flat, non-ruffled edge.*

**Round 2**: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join with sl st to first sc.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

### NECKLINE EDGING

With RS facing, join yarn at center back of neckline.

**Round 1**: Ch 1, work approximately 140 (156, 172, 188) sc evenly spaced around neckline opening, join with sl st to first sc. *This should match your foundation chain count.*

**Round 2**: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join with sl st to first sc.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

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## FINISHING

1. Weave in all remaining ends securely on WS of fabric.

2. **Blocking**: Wet block dress to measurements, laying flat and pinning to shape. Allow to dry completely.

3. **Optional Waist Stay**: For additional support, thread 1/4" elastic through Round 47 (inside the ribbed waistband) and sew ends together securely. This helps maintain the fitted waist.

4. **Steam**: Lightly steam if yarn content allows, being careful not to flatten the texture.

5. **Try on**: Check fit and make any adjustments to length if needed.

## STYLING TIPS

- Pair with heels and statement jewelry for maximum glamour
- Layer with a blazer for a sophisticated daytime look
- Add a belt at the waist to emphasize the fitted silhouette
- The solid texture makes this dress perfect for bold accessories

## DESIGN VARIATIONS

- **Add texture**: Work some rounds in back loop only for horizontal ribbing
- **Color blocking**: Change colors at waist or hip for visual interest
- **Longer length**: Continue working straight rounds after hip shaping for a maxi dress
- **Shorter length**: Omit some skirt rounds for a cocktail-length dress

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**MATHEMATICAL VERIFICATION**:
- Size Medium calculations:
  - Start: 160 sts (36" × 4.5 sts/inch = 162, rounded to 160)