Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

Vintage Striped Afghan Stitch Dress Crochet Pattern Review

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There is something wonderfully nostalgic about a proper vintage crochet dress pattern, especially one that feels more like a tailored garment than a quick weekend project. This Vintage Striped Afghan Stitch Dress Crochet Pattern caught my eye because it has that beautifully structured, old-fashioned charm we just do not see enough of anymore.

This is not your throw-it-over-jeans beach dress sort of crochet pattern. This one has a shaped yoke, front button band, collar, sleeves, skirt, elastic waist casing, and a matching belt. In other words, it is a real garment project — the kind that asks you to slow down, swatch properly, and maybe clear the dining table before you start spreading out your pieces.

The pattern is based on a vintage dress design and has been rewritten and cleaned up into a printable PDF format, which is a blessing because anyone who has worked from old crochet instructions knows they can be a little… let’s call them “character building.” The original vintage style is still preserved, but the instructions have been reformatted to make them easier to follow.

You can find the Vintage Striped Afghan Stitch Dress Crochet Pattern on Etsy.

What Makes This Crochet Dress Pattern Special?

The main feature of this dress is the use of Afghan stitch, which many modern crocheters will recognise as Tunisian simple stitch. It creates a lovely firm fabric with a woven look, making it especially suited to structured vintage garments.

The listing notes that the original dress was worked in beige and navy, while the updated mockup shows a softer tan and white colourway. I quite like that because it proves the design does not have to feel costume-like. In the right cotton yarn or crochet thread, this could look beautifully wearable in a neutral palette, a classic navy-and-cream combination, or even a very modern olive-and-ivory stripe if you wanted to give it a fresh twist.

If you are new to this technique, you may want to browse a few Tunisian crochet tutorials before starting. Afghan stitch is not difficult once your hands get used to the motion, but it does behave differently from regular crochet, especially when it comes to gauge, drape, and curl.

Skill Level: Best for Confident Crocheters

This is listed as intermediate to advanced, and that feels right. It is not a beginner “learn to crochet” project. You will need to be comfortable with shaping, increasing and decreasing, garment construction, seams, finishing, and working from vintage-style instructions.

That said, I do think it would be very satisfying for a crocheter who has already made shawls, cardigans, or fitted tops and wants to try something with a bit more vintage dressmaking flair.

Have you read?

Book Review: Granny Square Along by Lori Holt

If you love colourful granny squares, vintage-inspired crochet and anything designed by Lori Holt, the new Granny Square Along Crochet Book deserves a spot on your wish list.

This is Lori Holt’s first crochet book, inspired by the granny squares her grandmother taught her to make. Inside are 13 creative granny square crochet projects, all presented in Lori’s wonderfully cheerful, scrappy style. Expect plenty of colourful cushions, bags, blankets and useful accessories that make the most of those little squares we can never resist making.

The spiral-bound format is a practical touch because the book should sit flat beside you while you crochet. Partial crochet diagrams are also included alongside the written instructions.

This book is best for confident beginners and intermediate crocheters. You should already understand basic crochet stitches, including chains, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, treble crochet and slip stitches.

Most projects use Lori Holt’s #2-weight Chunky Thread with a 3.5 mm crochet hook, although some designs worked with two strands require a 4.5 mm hook.

What I love most is the book’s nostalgic, collected-over-time look. It is colourful without being garish and scrappy without looking as though every leftover yarn ball was thrown at it in a moment of desperation. The finished projects have that cozy handmade charm Lori Holt does so well.

The book is expected to ship in September 2026. The current reservation requires a $1.50 non-refundable fee, with the remaining preorder price charged when the book ships.

You can reserve the Granny Square Along Crochet Book by Lori Holt here.

If this book inspires you to keep experimenting, take a look at our 15 unusual granny square crochet patterns and these 20 other ways to use granny squares.