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# Plunging V-Neck Kimono Wrap Dress

A flowing, elegant dress featuring a dramatic deep V-neckline, wide kimono sleeves, and a flattering wrap silhouette. The open shell stitch pattern creates beautiful drape while the wrap styling allows for adjustable fit.

## MATERIALS

**Yarn**: Worsted weight (#4) yarn
- Small: 1,800 yards
- Medium: 2,000 yards
- Large: 2,200 yards
- X-Large: 2,400 yards

*Sample shown in cotton/acrylic blend for drape and structure*

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

**Notions**:
- Tapestry needle
- Stitch markers
- Measuring tape

## GAUGE

16 sts and 9 rows = 4" (10 cm) in shell stitch pattern, blocked

**To check gauge**: Ch 26. Work shell pattern for 10 rows. Block and measure. Gauge is critical for proper fit.

## SIZES

- Small: 32-34" bust, finished garment 40" circumference
- Medium: 36-38" bust, finished garment 44" circumference  
- Large: 40-42" bust, finished garment 48" circumference
- X-Large: 44-46" bust, finished garment 52" circumference

**Finished Measurements**:
- Length (shoulder to hem): 36" (all sizes)
- Sleeve length: 18" (all sizes)
- Back width: S: 18", M: 20", L: 22", XL: 24"

*Pattern is written for Small, with changes for (Medium, Large, X-Large) in parentheses.*

## ABBREVIATIONS

- ch = chain
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- sc = single crochet
- dc = double crochet
- sk = skip
- sp = space
- RS = right side
- WS = wrong side
- rep = repeat
- beg = beginning
- [] = work instructions in brackets as directed
- () = stitch count at end of row/round

## SPECIAL STITCHES

**Shell**: [3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc] in same st or sp

**V-stitch (V-st)**: [dc, ch 1, dc] in same st or sp

## PATTERN NOTES

1. Dress is worked flat in rows from back center, then split for left and right fronts.
2. Kimono sleeves are worked as extensions from body.
3. Turning chain 3 counts as first dc throughout.
4. Shell pattern is a 6-st repeat plus 2 edge sts.
5. All stitch counts given at end of rows.
6. Wrap fronts should overlap by approximately 6" at bust.
7. Block finished piece for best drape.

## INSTRUCTIONS

### BACK BODY

**Foundation**: Ch 74 (80, 92, 98).

**Row 1 (RS)**: Dc in 4th ch from hook (skipped chs count as first dc), dc in next ch, *sk 2 ch, shell in next ch, sk 2 ch, dc in next ch; rep from * across to last 2 ch, dc in last 2 ch. (72, 78, 90, 96 sts)

**Row 2 (WS)**: Ch 3 (counts as dc here and throughout), turn, dc in next 2 dc, *ch 2, sc in ch-1 sp of shell, ch 2, sk 3 dc of shell, dc in next dc; rep from * across to last shell, ch 2, sc in ch-1 sp of last shell, ch 2, sk 3 dc, dc in last 3 dc. (72, 78, 90, 96 sts and sps)

**Row 3**: Ch 3, turn, dc in next 2 dc, *shell in sc, dc in next dc; rep from * across to last sc, shell in sc, dc in last 3 dc. (72, 78, 90, 96 sts)

**Row 4**: Rep Row 2.

**Rows 5-36**: Rep Rows 3-4 sixteen times. Piece should measure approximately 16" from foundation.

**Do not fasten off.** Place stitch marker in last st made.

### DIVIDE FOR FRONTS AND SLEEVES

**Row 37 (RS)**: Ch 3, turn, dc in next 2 dc, [shell in sc, dc in next dc] 2 (2, 3, 3) times, shell in next sc. **For sleeve extension: Ch 50, turn work, sk first ch, dc in 2nd ch from hook and in next 48 ch (sleeve extension made - 49 dc).** Continue across back: dc in same dc before last shell made, [shell in sc, dc in next dc] across back to last 3 (3, 4, 4) shells, [shell in sc, dc in next dc] 2 (2, 3, 3) times, shell in next sc. **For second sleeve: Ch 50, turn work, sk first ch, dc in 2nd ch from hook and in next 48 ch (49 dc).** Continue on front: dc in same dc, [shell in sc, dc in next dc] 2 (2, 3, 3) times, shell in sc, dc in last 3 dc. (170, 176, 188, 194 sts)

**Row 38**: Ch 3, turn, dc in next 2 dc, *ch 2, sc in ch-1 sp of shell, ch 2, sk 3 dc, dc in next dc; rep from * across entire row including sleeve extensions, ending with dc in last 3 dc. (170, 176, 188, 194 sts and sps)

**Row 39**: Ch 3, turn, dc in next 2 dc, *shell in sc, dc in next dc; rep from * across, ending shell in last sc, dc in last 3 dc. (170, 176, 188, 194 sts)

**Rows 40-54**: Rep Rows 38-39 seven times, then Row 38 once more. Piece should measure approximately 22" from foundation at center back.

### RIGHT FRONT

**Row 55 (RS)**: Ch 3, turn, dc in next 2 dc, [shell in sc, dc in next dc] 11 (11, 12, 12) times, shell in sc, dc in next dc. **Leave remaining sts unworked.** (75, 75, 81, 81 sts)

**V-Neck Shaping:**

**Row 56**: Ch 3, turn, dc in next 2 dc, [ch 2, sc in ch-1 sp of shell, ch 2, sk 3 dc, dc in next dc] across to last shell, ch 2, sc in ch-1 sp of last shell, ch 2, sk 3 dc, dc in last 2 dc only (decrease made). (74, 74, 80, 80 sts and sps)

**Row 57**: Ch 3, turn, dc in next dc, [shell in sc, dc in next dc] across to last sc, shell in sc, dc in last 3 dc. (72, 72, 78, 78 sts)

**Row 58**: Ch 3, turn, dc in next 2 dc, [ch 2, sc in ch-1 sp, ch 2, dc in next dc] across to last shell, ch 2, sc in ch-1 sp, ch 2, sk 3 dc, dc in last dc only (decrease made). (71, 71, 77, 77 sts and sps)

**Row 59**: Ch 3, turn, [shell in sc, dc in next dc] across to last sc, shell in sc, dc in last 3 dc. (69, 69, 75, 75 sts)

**Row 60**: Ch 3, turn, dc in next 2 dc, [ch 2, sc in ch-1 sp, ch 2, dc in next dc] across to last shell, ch 2, sc in ch-1 sp, ch 2, sk 3 dc, dc in last 2 dc, dc2tog over last dc and tch (decrease made). (67, 67, 73, 73 sts and sps)

**Rows 61-72**: Continue in established shell pattern, decreasing 1 st at neck edge (end of RS rows) every row. (55, 55, 61, 61 sts at end of Row 72)

**Rows 73-80**: Work even in shell pattern without decreases. 

**Fasten off.**

### LEFT FRONT

With RS facing, sk 20 (26, 26, 32) sts at center back, join yarn in next dc.

**Row 55 (RS)**: Ch 3, dc in same st, [shell in sc, dc in next dc] 11 (11, 12, 12) times, shell in sc, dc in last 3 dc. (75, 75, 81, 81 sts)

**V-Neck Shaping:**

**Row 56**: Ch 3, turn, dc in next dc only (decrease made), [ch 2, sc in ch-1 sp, ch 2, dc in next dc] across, ch 2, sc in ch-1 sp of last shell, ch 2, dc in last 3 dc. (74, 74, 80, 80 sts and sps)

**Row 57**: Ch 3, turn, dc in next 2 dc, [shell in sc, dc in next dc] across to last sc, shell in sc, dc in last 2 dc. (72, 72, 78, 78 sts)

**Row 58**: Ch 3, turn, [ch 2, sc in ch-1 sp, ch 2, dc in next dc] across, ending dc in last 3 dc. (71, 71, 77, 77 sts and sps)

**Row 59**: Ch 3, turn, dc in next 2 dc, [shell in sc, dc in next dc] across to last sc, shell in sc, dc in last dc. (69, 69, 75, 75 sts)

**Row 60**: Sl st in first 3 dc, ch 3 (counts as first dc), [ch 2, sc in ch-1 sp, ch 2, dc in next dc] across, ending dc in last 3 dc. (67, 67, 73, 73 sts and sps)

**Rows 61-72**: Continue in established shell pattern, decreasing 1 st at neck edge (beginning of RS rows) every row. (55, 55, 61, 61 sts at end of Row 72)

**Rows 73-80**: Work even in shell pattern without decreases.

**Fasten off.**

### BELT/TIE (make 2)

**Ch 10.**

**Row 1**: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (9 sc)

**Row 2**: Ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across. (9 sc)

**Rows 3-200**: Rep Row 2 until tie measures approximately 60" or desired length.

**Fasten off.**

## FINISHING

### Edging

With RS facing, join yarn at bottom right front corner.

**Round 1**: Work sc evenly around entire outer edge of dress, working 3 sc in each corner and adjusting stitch count to keep edges flat. At sleeve cuffs, work sc evenly around openings. Join with sl st to first sc.

**Round 2**: Ch 1, sc in each sc around, working 3 sc in corner sts. Join with sl st to first sc.

**Fasten off.**

### Assembly

1. Fold dress with RS together, matching underarm and side seams.
2. Starting at bottom hem, sew side seams up to underarm (approximately 16").
3. Sew sleeve seams from cuff to underarm.
4. Weave in all ends.
5. Block dress to measurements, pinning V-neck edges to create smooth lines.
6. Attach one tie at right side seam at natural waist (approximately 28-30" from shoulder).
7. Attach second tie at left side seam at same position.

### Wearing Instructions

Cross right front over left front (or reverse for personal preference), wrap ties around waist and tie at side or back as desired. The deep V-neck should create a flattering plunging neckline while the wrap style allows for adjustable coverage.

## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Hand wash in cool water and lay flat to dry. Block lightly after washing to maintain shape and drape.

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**Design Notes**: The shell stitch pattern creates a beautiful flowing fabric perfect for a kimono-style dress. The wrap construction is forgiving for fit and the deep V is both elegant and flattering. Consider using a fiber with good drape such as cotton, bamboo, or rayon blends for best results.