Victorian Sage Crochet Dickie with Vintage Button Detail - Free Pattern
Introduction
The Victorian Sage Dickie is a cozy, romantic little accessory that gives you all the charm of a vintage high collar without the bulk of a full sweater. It's made for anyone who loves that old-fashioned, storybook look but wants something quick and practical to crochet. The sage green turtleneck sits snugly at the neck, while the cream main part flares gently outward like a short cape, finished with three vintage-style buttons along one side. Worked in soft super bulky yarn with simple single crochet, it feels warm and plush against the skin and slips on easily over a favorite top.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Super Bulky (weight 6), acrylic or wool blend. Color A (sage green): 100 g / 60 yds. Color B (cream): 150 g / 90 yds.
- Hook: 11.5 mm (US P/16).
- Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch marker, three 1-inch vintage-style buttons, sewing needle and thread.
- Finished size: Turtleneck height 6 inches (15 cm), width 9.5 inches (24 cm). Main part width 14.6 inches (37 cm), height 8.3 inches (21 cm).
Abbreviations
- ch – chain: make a loop of yarn and pull it through the loop on your hook.
- sc – single crochet: insert hook, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.
- 2 sc – two single crochet worked into the same stitch (an increase).
- st(s) – stitch(es).
- sk – skip: leave the next stitch unworked.
- R / Rnd – row / round.
Gauge
9 single crochet stitches and 10 rows = 4 inches (10 cm). Work a small swatch in single crochet and measure a 4-inch section to check that your stitch count matches before starting.
Tips Before You Start
- Place a stitch marker at the start of each round so you always know where the turtleneck and main part begin and end.
- Keep your single crochet tension even and relaxed; super bulky yarn can pull tight and make the neck opening stiff.
- Try the turtleneck on as you go to confirm the 22-stitch ring fits comfortably around the neck.
- Count your increases carefully in the flare rounds so the main part stays balanced all the way around.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Turtleneck (Color A)
Setup: Ch 22, join with a slip stitch to form a ring, being careful not to twist.
Rnd 1: Sc in each ch around (22 sts).
Rnds 2-15: Sc in each st around (22 sts).
Fasten off A.
Main Part (Color B)
Setup: Join B to the bottom edge of the turtleneck.
Rnd 1: Sc in each st around (22 sts).
Rnd 2: [Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st] around (29 sts).
Rnd 3: [Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st] around (36 sts).
Rnd 4: [Sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st] around (43 sts).
Rnd 5: [Sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st] around (50 sts).
Rnds 6-20: Sc in each st around (50 sts).
Fasten off B.
Button Band (Color B)
Setup: Join B at the right front edge of the main part.
Row 1: Sc in each st along the front edge (20 sts).
Row 2: Sc in each st across (20 sts).
Fasten off.
Buttonhole Band (Color B)
Setup: Join B at the left front edge.
Row 1: Sc in each st along the front edge (20 sts).
Row 2: Sc in next 3 sts, [ch 2, sk 2 sts, sc in next 4 sts] 3 times, sc in last st (20 sts).
Fasten off.
Edging (Color A)
Edging: Join A at the bottom edge of the main part. Sc evenly around the entire bottom edge, up both front edges, and around the turtleneck top. Fasten off.
Assembly and Finishing
Lay the dickie flat with the button bands facing you. Sew the three 1-inch vintage-style buttons onto the plain button band, spacing them to line up with the three buttonholes on the opposite band. Weave in all ends neatly on the wrong side. Block lightly by misting with water and patting into shape, then let it dry flat so the flare and edging lie smooth.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap the cream main part for a soft dusty rose or ivory for a different vintage palette.
- Use a contrasting button color, like brass or pearl, to make the detail pop.
- Add one extra plain round to the turtleneck for a taller, snugger collar if you prefer more coverage.
