Care Bear crochet dress pattern
This Care Bear crochet dress pattern turns a colorful baby dress into a playful costume-inspired outfit with a rainbow appliqué on the front and a heart appliqué on the back. With five sizes from 0–3 through 18–24 months, it’s a fun handmade choice for Halloween, photos, dress-up, or special occasions.
Quick answer
This intermediate Care Bear crochet dress pattern is worked top down in joined rounds using worsted weight (#4) yarn and an I-9 (5.5 mm) crochet hook. It includes five sizes from 0–3 months through 18–24 months and is finished with separately crocheted rainbow and heart appliqués made with an H-8 (5 mm) hook.
Care Bear crochet dress pattern details
Skill level
Intermediate — This pattern includes garment shaping, color changes, multiple dress sizes, and separately crocheted appliqués.
Materials needed
- I-9 (5.5 mm) crochet hook for the dress
- H-8 (5 mm) crochet hook for the sleeve trim, rainbow, and heart appliqués
- Worsted weight yarn (#4) in pink, dark pink, white, blue, green, orange, and yellow
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
Baby dress size guide
The measurements below are body measurements for the intended size range.
0–12 months
| Measurement | 0–3 months | 3–6 months | 6–12 months |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chest | 16 in (40.6 cm) | 17 in (43.2 cm) | 18 in (45.7 cm) |
| Waist | 18 in (45.7 cm) | 19 in (48.3 cm) | 20 in (50.8 cm) |
| Hips | 19 in (48.3 cm) | 20 in (50.8 cm) | 20 in (50.8 cm) |
| Back length | 6 in (15.2 cm) | 7 in (17.8 cm) | 7.5 in (19.1 cm) |
| Crossback | 7.25 in (18.4 cm) | 7.75 in (19.7 cm) | 8.25 in (21 cm) |
| Armhole depth | 3.25 in (8.3 cm) | 3.5 in (8.9 cm) | 3.75 in (9.5 cm) |
12–24 months
| Measurement | 12–18 months | 18–24 months |
|---|---|---|
| Chest | 19 in (48.3 cm) | 20 in (50.8 cm) |
| Waist | 20.5 in (52.1 cm) | 21 in (53.3 cm) |
| Hips | 21 in (53.3 cm) | 22 in (55.9 cm) |
| Back length | 8 in (20.3 cm) | 8.5 in (21.6 cm) |
| Crossback | 8.5 in (21.6 cm) | 8.75 in (22.2 cm) |
| Armhole depth | 4 in (10.2 cm) | 4.25 in (10.8 cm) |
Gauge
15 dc × 11 rows = 4 inches (10 cm)
My guide to crochet gauge explains how to measure your stitches and adjust your hook size.
Crochet abbreviations
- dc = double crochet stitch
- sc = single crochet stitch
- hdc = half double crochet stitch
- tr = treble crochet
- ch/chs = chain/chains
- st/sts = stitch/stitches
- sl st = slip stitch
Pattern notes
- The dress is worked from the top down in joined rounds.
- The beginning ch 1 or ch 2 does not count as a stitch.
- Work the first stitch of each round in the same stitch as the join unless otherwise stated.
- Join each round with a sl st to the first stitch made in that round.
- Repeat instructions between the asterisks (*) as indicated.
- The rainbow and heart appliqués are crocheted separately and sewn onto the finished dress.
- The pattern is written in US crochet terms.
V-stitch
V-stitch: Work (dc, ch 1, dc) in the indicated stitch or ch-1 space.
Care Bear crochet dress instructions
Starting chains
With dark pink yarn, ch the number listed for your size. Join with a sl st to the first ch, taking care not to twist.
| Size | Starting chain |
|---|---|
| 0–3 and 3–6 months | Ch 64 |
| 6–12 months | Ch 72 |
| 12–18 and 18–24 months | Ch 76 |
0–3 and 3–6 months: shared rounds
Rounds 1–9 are the same for both sizes.
Dark Pink – Round 1: Ch 2. Dc in the same ch as the join and in the next 7 chs, V-stitch in next ch, dc in next 14 chs, V-stitch in next ch, dc in next 16 chs, V-stitch in next ch, dc in next 14 chs, V-stitch in next ch, dc in last 8 chs. Join. (68 dc, 4 ch-1 spaces)
Dark Pink – Round 2: Ch 2, dc in next 9 sts, V-stitch in next ch-1 space, dc in next 16 sts, V-stitch in next ch-1 space, dc in next 18 sts, V-stitch in next ch-1 space, dc in next 16 sts, V-stitch in next ch-1 space, dc in last 9 sts. Join. (76 dc, 4 ch-1 spaces)
Dark Pink – Round 3: Ch 2, dc in next 10 sts, V-stitch in next ch-1 space, dc in next 18 sts, V-stitch in next ch-1 space, dc in next 20 sts, V-stitch in next ch-1 space, dc in next 18 sts, V-stitch in next ch-1 space, dc in last 10 sts. Join. (84 dc, 4 ch-1 spaces)
Dark Pink – Round 4: Ch 2, dc in next 11 sts, dc in next ch-1 space, ch 1, skip all sts to the next ch-1 space and dc in that space, dc in next 22 sts, dc in next ch-1 space, ch 1, skip all sts to the next ch-1 space and dc in that space, dc in last 11 sts. Join. (48 dc, 2 ch-1 spaces)
Fasten off dark pink. Join pink yarn in the first st.
Pink – Round 5: Ch 2, dc in next 12 sts, work 2 dc in the first underarm ch-1 space, dc in next 24 sts, work 2 dc in the second underarm ch-1 space, dc in last 12 sts. Join. (52 sts)
Pink – Round 6: Ch 2, dc in next 13 sts, 2 dc in next st, dc in next 25 sts, 2 dc in next st, dc in last 12 sts. Join. (54 sts)
Pink – Round 7: Ch 2, dc in next 13 sts, 2 dc in next st, dc in next 26 sts, 2 dc in next st, dc in last 13 sts. Join. (56 sts)
Pink – Round 8: Ch 2, dc in next 14 sts, 2 dc in next st, dc in next 27 sts, 2 dc in next st, dc in last 13 sts. Join. (58 sts)
Pink – Round 9: Ch 2, dc in next 14 sts, 2 dc in next st, dc in next 28 sts, 2 dc in next st, dc in last 14 sts. Join. (60 sts)
0–3 months
Pink – Rounds 10–12: Ch 2, dc in each st around. Join. (60 sts)
Pink – Round 13: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next st; repeat from * around. Join. (90 sts)
Pink – Rounds 14–24: Ch 2, dc in each st around. Join. (90 sts)
Fasten off pink. Join dark pink yarn in the first st.
Dark Pink – Rounds 25–28: Ch 2, dc in each st around. Join. (90 sts)
Dark Pink – Round 29: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join and fasten off. (90 sts)
3–6 months
Pink – Round 10: Ch 2, dc in next 15 sts, 2 dc in next st, dc in next 29 sts, 2 dc in next st, dc in last 14 sts. Join. (62 sts)
Pink – Round 11: Ch 2, dc in next 15 sts, 2 dc in next st, dc in next 30 sts, 2 dc in next st, dc in last 15 sts. Join. (64 sts)
Pink – Rounds 12–13: Ch 2, dc in each st around. Join. (64 sts)
Pink – Round 14: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next st; repeat from * around. Join. (96 sts)
Pink – Rounds 15–26: Ch 2, dc in each st around. Join. (96 sts)
Fasten off pink. Join dark pink yarn in the first st.
Dark Pink – Rounds 27–30: Ch 2, dc in each st around. Join. (96 sts)
Dark Pink – Round 31: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join and fasten off. (96 sts)
6–12 months
Dark Pink – Round 1: Ch 2. Dc in the same ch as the join and in the next 8 chs, V-stitch in next ch, dc in next 16 chs, V-stitch in next ch, dc in next 18 chs, V-stitch in next ch, dc in next 16 chs, V-stitch in next ch, dc in last 9 chs. Join. (76 dc, 4 ch-1 spaces)
Dark Pink – Round 2: Ch 2, dc in next 10 sts, V-stitch in next ch-1 space, dc in next 18 sts, V-stitch in next ch-1 space, dc in next 20 sts, V-stitch in next ch-1 space, dc in next 18 sts, V-stitch in next ch-1 space, dc in last 10 sts. Join. (84 dc, 4 ch-1 spaces)
Dark Pink – Round 3: Ch 2, dc in next 11 sts, V-stitch in next ch-1 space, dc in next 20 sts, V-stitch in next ch-1 space, dc in next 22 sts, V-stitch in next ch-1 space, dc in next 20 sts, V-stitch in next ch-1 space, dc in last 11 sts. Join. (92 dc, 4 ch-1 spaces)
Dark Pink – Round 4: Ch 2, dc in next 12 sts, dc in next ch-1 space, ch 1, skip all sts to the next ch-1 space and dc in that space, dc in next 24 sts, dc in next ch-1 space, ch 1, skip all sts to the next ch-1 space and dc in that space, dc in last 12 sts. Join. (52 dc, 2 ch-1 spaces)
Fasten off dark pink. Join pink yarn in the first st.
Pink – Round 5: Ch 2, dc in next 13 sts, work 2 dc in the first underarm ch-1 space, dc in next 26 sts, work 2 dc in the second underarm ch-1 space, dc in last 13 sts. Join. (56 sts)
Pink – Round 6: Ch 2, dc in next 14 sts, 2 dc in next st, dc in next 27 sts, 2 dc in next st, dc in last 13 sts. Join. (58 sts)
Pink – Round 7: Ch 2, dc in next 14 sts, 2 dc in next st, dc in next 28 sts, 2 dc in next st, dc in last 14 sts. Join. (60 sts)
Pink – Round 8: Ch 2, dc in next 15 sts, 2 dc in next st, dc in next 29 sts, 2 dc in next st, dc in last 14 sts. Join. (62 sts)
Pink – Round 9: Ch 2, dc in next 15 sts, 2 dc in next st, dc in next 30 sts, 2 dc in next st, dc in last 15 sts. Join. (64 sts)
Pink – Round 10: Ch 2, dc in next 16 sts, 2 dc in next st, dc in next 31 sts, 2 dc in next st, dc in last 15 sts. Join. (66 sts)
Pink – Round 11: Ch 2, dc in next 16 sts, 2 dc in next st, dc in next 32 sts, 2 dc in next st, dc in last 16 sts. Join. (68 sts)
Pink – Rounds 12–14: Ch 2, dc in each st around. Join. (68 sts)
Pink – Round 15: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next st; repeat from * around. Join. (102 sts)
Pink – Rounds 16–31: Ch 2, dc in each st around. Join. (102 sts)
Fasten off pink. Join dark pink yarn in the first st.
Dark Pink – Rounds 32–35: Ch 2, dc in each st around. Join. (102 sts)
Dark Pink – Round 36: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join and fasten off. (102 sts)
12–18 and 18–24 months: shared rounds
Rounds 1–12 are the same for both sizes.
Dark Pink – Round 1: Ch 2. Dc in the same ch as the join and in the next 9 chs, V-stitch in next ch, dc in next 17 chs, V-stitch in next ch, dc in next 19 chs, V-stitch in next ch, dc in next 17 chs, V-stitch in next ch, dc in last 9 chs. Join. (80 dc, 4 ch-1 spaces)
Dark Pink – Round 2: Ch 2, dc in next 11 sts, V-stitch in next ch-1 space, dc in next 19 sts, V-stitch in next ch-1 space, dc in next 21 sts, V-stitch in next ch-1 space, dc in next 19 sts, V-stitch in next ch-1 space, dc in last 10 sts. Join. (88 dc, 4 ch-1 spaces)
Dark Pink – Round 3: Ch 2, dc in next 12 sts, V-stitch in next ch-1 space, dc in next 21 sts, V-stitch in next ch-1 space, dc in next 23 sts, V-stitch in next ch-1 space, dc in next 21 sts, V-stitch in next ch-1 space, dc in last 11 sts. Join. (96 dc, 4 ch-1 spaces)
Dark Pink – Round 4: Ch 2, dc in next 13 sts, dc in next ch-1 space, ch 1, skip all sts to the next ch-1 space and dc in that space, dc in next 25 sts, dc in next ch-1 space, ch 1, skip all sts to the next ch-1 space and dc in that space, dc in last 12 sts. Join. (54 dc, 2 ch-1 spaces)
Fasten off dark pink. Join pink yarn in the first st.
Pink – Round 5: Ch 2, dc in next 14 sts, work 2 dc in the first underarm ch-1 space, dc in next 27 sts, work 2 dc in the second underarm ch-1 space, dc in last 13 sts. Join. (58 sts)
Pink – Round 6: Ch 2, dc in next 14 sts, 2 dc in next st, dc in next 28 sts, 2 dc in next st, dc in last 14 sts. Join. (60 sts)
Pink – Round 7: Ch 2, dc in next 15 sts, 2 dc in next st, dc in next 29 sts, 2 dc in next st, dc in last 14 sts. Join. (62 sts)
Pink – Round 8: Ch 2, dc in next 15 sts, 2 dc in next st, dc in next 30 sts, 2 dc in next st, dc in last 15 sts. Join. (64 sts)
Pink – Round 9: Ch 2, dc in next 16 sts, 2 dc in next st, dc in next 31 sts, 2 dc in next st, dc in last 15 sts. Join. (66 sts)
Pink – Round 10: Ch 2, dc in next 16 sts, 2 dc in next st, dc in next 32 sts, 2 dc in next st, dc in last 16 sts. Join. (68 sts)
Pink – Round 11: Ch 2, dc in next 17 sts, 2 dc in next st, dc in next 33 sts, 2 dc in next st, dc in last 16 sts. Join. (70 sts)
Pink – Round 12: Ch 2, dc in next 17 sts, 2 dc in next st, dc in next 34 sts, 2 dc in next st, dc in last 17 sts. Join. (72 sts)
12–18 months
Pink – Rounds 13–15: Ch 2, dc in each st around. Join. (72 sts)
Pink – Round 16: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next st; repeat from * around. Join. (108 sts)
Pink – Rounds 17–36: Ch 2, dc in each st around. Join. (108 sts)
Fasten off pink. Join dark pink yarn in the first st.
Dark Pink – Rounds 37–40: Ch 2, dc in each st around. Join. (108 sts)
Dark Pink – Round 41: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join and fasten off. (108 sts)
18–24 months
Pink – Round 13: Ch 2, dc in next 18 sts, 2 dc in next st, dc in next 35 sts, 2 dc in next st, dc in last 17 sts. Join. (74 sts)
Pink – Round 14: Ch 2, dc in next 18 sts, 2 dc in next st, dc in next 36 sts, 2 dc in next st, dc in last 18 sts. Join. (76 sts)
Pink – Rounds 15–16: Ch 2, dc in each st around. Join. (76 sts)
Pink – Round 17: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next st; repeat from * around. Join. (114 sts)
Pink – Rounds 18–38: Ch 2, dc in each st around. Join. (114 sts)
Fasten off pink. Join dark pink yarn in the first st.
Dark Pink – Rounds 39–42: Ch 2, dc in each st around. Join. (114 sts)
Dark Pink – Round 43: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join and fasten off. (114 sts)
Crochet the sleeve trim
Using the H-8 (5 mm) crochet hook and dark pink yarn, join yarn at one armhole.
Ch 2. Work 2 hdc in each st around the armhole. Along the bottom of the armhole, also work 2 hdc in each space between the stitches.
Join with a sl st to the first hdc and fasten off.
Repeat for the second armhole.
Crochet the rainbow appliqué
Using the H-8 (5 mm) crochet hook:
Blue – Row 1: Make a magic circle. Ch 2, work 8 dc into the ring. Turn. (8 sts)
Change to green yarn.
Green – Row 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each st across. Turn. (16 sts)
Change to yellow yarn.
Yellow – Row 3: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next st; repeat from * across. Turn. (24 sts)
Change to orange yarn.
Orange – Row 4: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 2 sts; repeat from * across. Turn. (32 sts)
Change to pink yarn.
Pink – Row 5: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 3 sts; repeat from * across. Turn. (40 sts)
Change to white yarn.
White – Row 6: Ch 2, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 4 sts; repeat from * across. (48 sts)
Ch 1 and turn to work along the bottom edge of the rainbow.
Work 3 dc into the end of each colored row down the first side of the rainbow. Work 3 dc into the magic circle at the center bottom, then work 3 dc into the end of each colored row up the opposite side.
Ch 1 and turn. Join with a sl st to the first dc.
White – Row 7: Ch 2 and work dc loosely around the entire outer edge of the rainbow. In each of the two bottom corner ch-1 spaces, work (dc, ch 1, dc). Join and fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Sew the rainbow appliqué securely to the front of the dress.
Crochet the heart appliqué
Using the H-8 (5 mm) crochet hook and dark pink yarn:
Make a magic circle.
Ch 2, work 4 dc, 2 tr, ch 3, sl st into the ring, ch 3, 2 tr, and 4 dc into the ring. Join with a sl st to the first dc.
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Sew the heart appliqué securely to the lower back of the dress.
Finishing
Fasten off and weave in all remaining yarn ends. Make sure the rainbow and heart appliqués are securely sewn to the dress.
More crochet baby dress patterns
Looking for another colorful costume-style outfit? Try my crochet unicorn dress pattern, baby fairy dress crochet pattern, or Cinderella crochet dress pattern for more whimsical baby designs.
You can also browse my crochet baby dress patterns or explore my complete collection of crochet baby patterns.
Let’s connect!
I’d love to see what you’re making! Share your finished project and follow along for more free crochet patterns and tutorials.
📌 Don’t forget to pin this pattern for later!
Happy crocheting! 🧶
— Melissa
