Melina Dress Top Crochet Pattern

Melina Dress by Marie Wallin

What Is Being Made

The Melina Dress is a crocheted garment designed to fit bust measurements ranging from 71-76 cm to 152-157 cm (approximately 28-30 inches to 60-62 inches). This intermediate-level crochet project creates a fitted dress with an actual bust measurement at the garment of 30¼ to 64½ inches depending on the chosen size.

Craft and Technique Overview

This design uses crochet as its primary construction method. The Melina Dress features a filet mesh pattern, which is a traditional crochet technique that creates an open, lacy fabric through strategic placement of stitches and chain spaces. This technique is ideal for creating lightweight, breathable garments, particularly when working with fine yarns.

Stitches Used

The pattern employs several fundamental crochet stitches:

• Double crochet (dc) – the primary stitch used throughout the construction
• Chain stitches (ch) – used to create the open spaces characteristic of filet mesh patterns and for turning chains
• Treble crochet (tr) – incorporated into the stitch sequence to build the filet mesh structure

The pattern instructions show complex stitch sequences, such as working multiple double crochets into chain spaces (4 dc into next ch sp, 1 dc into next tr, 3 dc into next ch sp) to create the dimensional texture and shaping of the dress.

Materials and Tools

The Melina Dress requires two complementary Rowan yarns:

• Rowan Cotton Glacé in Dawn Grey 831 – quantities vary by size from 5 to 12 balls of 50 grams each
• Rowan Fine Lace in Cobweb 922 – quantities vary by size from 3 to 6 balls of 50 grams each

The combination of Cotton Glacé and Fine Lace creates a sophisticated blend of structure and delicate lacework. Cotton Glacé provides a smooth, lustrous finish with excellent stitch definition, while Fine Lace adds an ethereal quality to the overall fabric.

A 2.00mm (US B1) crochet hook is required for this project. This fine hook size is essential for working with the delicate yarns and achieving the proper tension for the filet mesh pattern.

Tension and Gauge

The pattern specifies a tension of 44 stitches to 10 centimeters and 20 rows to 12 centimeters, measured over the filet mesh pattern. Achieving accurate gauge is critical for this project to ensure the dress fits properly across all size options.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, the Melina Dress is suitable for crocheters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle more complex stitch patterns and garment shaping. The filet mesh technique and the detailed row-by-row instructions require attention to pattern reading and consistent stitch placement, but the repetitive nature of the pattern makes it manageable for experienced beginners advancing their skills.