Easy Boho Crochet Maxi Dress Pattern (All Sizes Included)

There is something undeniably magical about a crochet maxi dress. The way the fabric moves, the breezy open stitches, the effortless bohemian energy — it is the kind of garment that makes you feel like you wandered off a sun-drenched festival grounds or a coastal cliff somewhere beautiful. And the best part? You can make one yourself, even if you are not an advanced crocheter.

This easy boho crochet maxi dress pattern walks you through every step, from yarn selection to final finishing touches, with sizing included for XS through 3XL. Whether you are crocheting for yourself or making one as a gift, this pattern is designed to be approachable, customizable, and genuinely fun to work up.

So grab your hook, pour yourself something cold, and let’s get started.

What Makes a Crochet Dress “Boho”?

Before we dive into the pattern itself, it helps to understand the aesthetic we are going for. Bohemian style in crochet is characterized by a few key elements: flowing silhouettes, open lacework or mesh stitches, fringe or tassel details, earthy or sun-bleached colorways, and an overall sense of relaxed, handcrafted beauty.

A boho crochet maxi dress leans into all of these. The length hits the floor or close to it. The stitches allow light and air to pass through. The fit is forgiving and comfortable rather than structured and rigid. It pairs beautifully with sandals, layered necklaces, a wide-brimmed hat, or literally nothing else — just the dress and good energy.

This pattern uses a combination of a simple bodice construction and a flowy skirt worked in a classic mesh or granny-style stitch, giving you that quintessential boho look without requiring you to learn a dozen new techniques.

Materials You Will Need

Getting your materials together before you start is one of the best habits you can build as a crocheter. Here is what this pattern calls for.

Yarn: Approximately 800–1,600 yards of lightweight cotton or cotton-blend yarn (DK or light worsted weight works beautifully). The exact amount depends on your size. Earthy tones like terracotta, sage, cream, oat, and dusty rose are all stunning choices for this style. For a more dramatic beachy look, try white or ecru.

Hook: A 4.0mm to 5.0mm crochet hook, depending on your gauge and yarn weight. The pattern is written for a 4.5mm hook.

Notions: Stitch markers, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors, and a measuring tape.

Optional: 1–2 yards of satin ribbon or cotton cord for a waist tie, and small wooden beads or fringe trim for embellishment.

Gauge: 14 stitches and 16 rows = 4 inches in single crochet with a 4.5mm hook. Always check your gauge before starting, especially for a garment. A half-stitch difference over four inches becomes several inches of difference across a full dress.

Sizing Chart

This pattern is written to fit the following measurements. Choose your size based on your bust measurement, then check the hip column to make sure the skirt will fit comfortably. If you are between sizes, size up for the best fit.

XS — Bust: 30–32 inches, Hip: 34–36 inches, Finished Dress Bust: 33 inches

S — Bust: 33–35 inches, Hip: 37–39 inches, Finished Dress Bust: 36 inches

M — Bust: 36–38 inches, Hip: 40–42 inches, Finished Dress Bust: 39 inches

L — Bust: 39–41 inches, Hip: 43–45 inches, Finished Dress Bust: 42 inches

XL — Bust: 42–44 inches, Hip: 46–48 inches, Finished Dress Bust: 45 inches

2XL — Bust: 45–47 inches, Hip: 49–51 inches, Finished Dress Bust: 48 inches

3XL — Bust: 48–50 inches, Hip: 52–54 inches, Finished Dress Bust: 51 inches

The finished dress includes 2–3 inches of ease at the bust for a relaxed, flowy fit. The skirt is designed to have generous ease through the hips and gradually flares toward the hem.

Abbreviations and Stitches Used

This pattern uses US crochet terminology. Here is a quick reference for the stitches involved.

ch — chain

sl st — slip stitch

sc — single crochet

hdc — half double crochet

dc — double crochet

sk — skip

sp — space

rep — repeat

RS — right side

WS — wrong side

[…] — work instructions within brackets the number of times indicated

The Mesh Stitch: For the skirt section, you will work a simple mesh pattern. Chain 5, skip 2 stitches, single crochet into the next stitch. This creates an open, lacy grid that gives the skirt its boho floating quality.

Pattern Notes Before You Begin

This dress is worked in two main sections: the bodice and the skirt. The bodice is worked flat in rows, then seamed at the sides. The skirt is worked in the round from the waist down. This construction method is beginner-friendly and allows you to easily adjust the length of either section.

The bodice uses simple single crochet and half double crochet to create a close-fitting but stretchy top section. The skirt uses an open mesh stitch and increases strategically to create that beautiful flared, flowing silhouette.

If you are a visual learner, it helps to lay out all your stitch markers and work through the gauge swatch before diving in. The more familiar you are with the tension of your chosen yarn, the smoother this project will go.

The Bodice

Foundation: Chain the following number of stitches based on your size.

XS: 46 chains | S: 50 chains | M: 54 chains | L: 58 chains | XL: 62 chains | 2XL: 66 chains | 3XL: 70 chains

Row 1 (RS): Starting in the second chain from the hook, single crochet across. Turn. (XS: 45 sc | S: 49 sc | M: 53 sc | L: 57 sc | XL: 61 sc | 2XL: 65 sc | 3XL: 69 sc)

Rows 2–4: Chain 1, single crochet across. Turn.

Row 5: Chain 2, half double crochet across. Turn.

Rows 6–8: Chain 1, single crochet across. Turn.

Row 9: Chain 2, hdc across. Turn.

Repeat this 9-row sequence (alternating bands of sc with hdc rows) until your bodice measures the following length from the starting chain:

XS and S: 12 inches | M and L: 13 inches | XL, 2XL, and 3XL: 14 inches

This creates a stretchy, textured bodice that has gentle vertical definition. The hdc rows act as subtle ridges that give shape and visual interest without complicated stitching.

Armhole and Strap Shaping:

Once your bodice reaches the correct length, you will divide it for the straps. Fold your bodice in half to find the center, and mark the center 10 (XS/S), 12 (M/L), or 14 (XL/2XL/3XL) stitches with a stitch marker on each side. These center stitches form the neckline.

For the left strap, attach yarn at the left edge and work sc across the first 10 (XS/S), 12 (M/L), or 14 (XL and above) stitches only. Continue working in sc rows on these stitches for 6–8 inches, or until the strap reaches your desired length when folded over the shoulder. Fasten off.

Repeat for the right strap on the opposite side.

Make a second identical bodice piece. You will seam both pieces together at the sides using a slip stitch seam or a simple whip stitch with your tapestry needle, leaving the top open (the straps will cross at the back for a classic boho look, or tie at the shoulders for an adjustable fit).

The Skirt

Once your bodice is seamed at the sides, it is time to begin the skirt. This is where the magic really happens.

Waistband Join: With RS facing, attach your yarn at one side seam. You will work in the round along the bottom edge of the bodice to create a foundation row for the skirt.

Round 1 (Waistband): Chain 1, single crochet evenly around the entire bottom edge of the bodice. Join with a slip stitch to the first sc. The number of stitches in this round will vary slightly depending on how your bodice turned out, but aim for the following stitch counts:

XS: 90 sc | S: 98 sc | M: 106 sc | L: 114 sc | XL: 122 sc | 2XL: 130 sc | 3XL: 138 sc

Round 2: Chain 1, sc in each stitch around. Join with sl st. (This round locks in your waistband before transitioning to mesh.)

Transition Round: Chain 3 (counts as first dc), dc in next stitch. [Ch 1, skip 1, dc in next 2 stitches] around, ending with ch 1, join to top of beginning ch-3.

The Mesh Skirt

Round 1 (Mesh begins): Sl st into the ch-1 space, ch 4 (counts as dc + ch 1), [dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1] around. Join to third chain of beginning ch-4.

Round 2: [Sc in ch-1 space, ch 5, skip next dc and ch-1 sp] around. Join.

Round 3: [In next ch-5 arch: sc, ch 3, sc (shell made), ch 5] around. Join.

Round 4: [Ch 5, sc in next ch-5 arch] around. Join.

Repeat Rounds 3 and 4 for the main body of the skirt, incorporating increases as described below.

Increase Rounds: To create the flare of the skirt, you will add a simple increase every 4–6 rounds by working two mesh arches into one. This means instead of “ch 5, sc in next arch,” you will occasionally work “ch 5, sc in same arch, ch 5, sc in next arch” to add an extra column of mesh.

Increase rounds occur at the following intervals: after Round 6, Round 12, Round 18, and Round 26 of the mesh section. For larger sizes (XL and above), add one additional increase round at Round 34.

These increases will make the skirt flow beautifully and flare naturally from the hips downward.

Continue working the mesh pattern with increases until the skirt reaches your desired length. A true maxi length typically means the skirt section alone is 36–42 inches, but you can make it shorter for a midi length or longer for a dramatic floor-sweeping hem.

The Hem

The hem is one of the most satisfying parts of this dress because it is where you get to add some extra boho personality.

Simple Shell Hem: Work [sc, ch 2, 4 dc, ch 2, sc] into each mesh arch around the final round. This creates a lovely scalloped shell border that catches the light and moves beautifully.

Fringe Hem (Optional): For a true festival look, cut 12-inch lengths of yarn in groups of four strands. Fold each group in half and use your hook to pull the folded end through a mesh arch, then pull the loose ends through the loop and tighten. Add fringe to every arch around the entire hem. Trim for evenness if needed.

Picot Hem: Work [sc, ch 3, sl st into first ch of the ch-3, sc] into each arch for a delicate, lacy edge that keeps the dress feeling light and elegant.

Finishing Touches

Weave in all your ends carefully using your tapestry needle. For a garment, it is worth taking the extra time to weave through several directions to make sure nothing comes loose with wear and washing.

Block your finished dress if possible. Even a gentle hand-wash and lay-flat dry will open up the mesh stitches beautifully and give the dress that polished, ethereal look. If you are working with cotton yarn, a light steam can really elevate the final result.

For the waist tie, cut two lengths of satin ribbon or cotton cord, each about 24 inches long. Attach them at the side seams of the bodice by weaving them through the crochet stitches or simply tying them on. When wearing the dress, tie them in a loose bow at the front for an adorable gathered-waist effect.

If you added straps that cross at the back, you can sew a small button or attach a hook-and-eye closure to keep them in place. Alternatively, the crossed straps can simply tie at the back of the neck for a fully adjustable, no-sew solution.

Styling Your Boho Crochet Maxi Dress

Half the fun of making a garment is getting to wear it. Here are a few ideas for styling your finished dress.

For a beach look, wear it over a swimsuit with rope sandals and a woven tote bag. The open mesh makes it the perfect cover-up that is also gorgeous enough to wear to dinner afterward.

For a festival look, layer a fitted slip dress underneath in a contrasting color — a dusty rose slip under a cream crochet dress is absolutely stunning. Add leather sandals, stacked rings, and a floppy hat.

For a summer evening, wear the dress over a plain cotton bodysuit or fitted tank top for a bit more coverage, add heeled mules, and keep jewelry minimal to let the texture of the crochet speak for itself.

For a casual everyday look, a denim jacket thrown over the shoulders and a pair of white sneakers instantly ground the dress for running errands or a farmers market morning.

Tips for Success

Always swatch. It takes twenty minutes and it can save you from making a dress two sizes too small.

Count your stitches at the end of each round in the mesh section. It is easy to accidentally skip an arch or add an extra one, and catching it early saves a lot of frogging.

If you want to make the dress more modest, simply line the bodice with a cotton fabric sewn in by hand, or pair the dress with a slip of your choice underneath.

Do not be afraid to customize the length. A crochet maxi dress can easily become a mini or midi simply by stopping the skirt earlier and working the hem finish at any point you like.

If your yarn is splitting on you during the mesh section, try a hook that is slightly larger. Cotton yarn in particular can be stubborn, and a roomier hook makes the work much more enjoyable.

A Few Final Thoughts

Making a crochet maxi dress is one of those projects that feels ambitious at the start and deeply satisfying at the end. There is a real sense of accomplishment that comes from wearing something you made with your own hands — something that fits your body, reflects your style, and carries the particular energy of handmade craft.

This pattern is designed to grow with you. Once you have made it once, you will find it easy to tweak the silhouette, experiment with color, adjust the mesh stitch, or add embellishments that make it entirely your own. Crochet is endlessly adaptable, and this dress is the kind of foundation pattern you will come back to again and again.

Whether you are a beginner building confidence or a seasoned crocheter looking for something breezy and beautiful to wear this season, this easy boho crochet maxi dress pattern is for you.

Happy hooking — and happy wearing.