I’ve been looking for the perfect toddler outfit pattern for months now. Something that combines cute with cozy, playful with practical. This panda pinafore dress is my absolute favourite find, and I’m thrilled to share it with you today.
The design features a crocheted pinafore overlay with an adorable dimensional panda face on the bib, a full black skirt with decorative white pocket circles, and sweet bow embellishments on the straps. It’s meant to be worn over a simple gray long-sleeve sweater, creating that layered look you see in the photo. The black and white colour combination is classic, and that little panda face is guaranteed to make everyone smile.
If you’re comfortable with basic single crochet and working in the round, you can absolutely make this. The construction is straightforward once you break it down into parts. You’ll work the skirt from the bottom up, add a flat bib, create separate straps, then make all the applique pieces and sew everything together. Let’s walk through it step by step.
About This Crochet Pattern
This panda pinafore dress fits toddler sizes 2T to 3T, which works for a chest measurement of 20 to 21 inches and a height of approximately 34 to 38 inches. The finished pinafore has a skirt length of 10 inches from waist to hem, a skirt circumference of 26 inches at the hem tapering to 20 inches at the waist, and a bib that measures 7 inches wide by 5.5 inches tall.
Skill level: Intermediate. You should be comfortable with working in joined rounds, counting stitches carefully, making colour changes, and assembling multiple pieces. If you’re a confident beginner who takes your time, you can definitely complete this project.
Time estimate: Plan for 12 to 18 hours total. The skirt takes about 4 to 5 hours, the bib about 2 hours, straps about 1 hour, the panda face and ears about 3 hours, pocket circles about 1 hour, and assembly plus finishing about 1 to 2 hours.
Materials You’ll Need
Yarn:
Recommended yarns:
1. Lion Brand Pound of Love in White, Black, and Heather Gray. This 100% acrylic yarn is machine washable, durable for children’s wear, and holds stitch definition beautifully.
2. Paintbox Yarns Simply DK in Paper White, Pure Black, and Light Grey Mix. If you use this DK weight option, switch to a US size E-4 (3.5 mm) hook and check your gauge. You’ll need approximately 4 balls white, 2 balls black, and 1 ball gray.
3. Drops Safran in White, Black, and Light Grey. This 100% cotton option gives crisp stitch definition and breathability. Use a US size E-4 (3.5 mm) hook.
Substitution note: Any smooth worsted weight yarn that meets gauge will work. Avoid fuzzy or textured yarns because they’ll obscure the panda’s facial details.
Hook: US size G-6 (4.0 mm)
Additional supplies:
Gauge
18 single crochet stitches x 20 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) worked in the round with single crochet, using a US size G-6 (4.0 mm) hook and worsted weight yarn, blocked.
Gauge matters here because it affects the fit. Work a swatch of at least 5 inches square, block it, and measure the center 4 inches. If you have more stitches than listed, go up a hook size. Fewer stitches means go down a hook size.
Abbreviations
Here are all the abbreviations you’ll need, with plain-English explanations:
Special Techniques
Magic Ring (MR)
Make a loop with the yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Insert your hook through the loop, pull up the working yarn, chain 1 (or as directed), then work the required number of stitches into the ring. Pull the tail to close the ring tightly before continuing.
If magic rings intimidate you, you can substitute by chaining 2 and working your stitches into the first chain. The center won’t close as tightly, but it works.
Invisible Join
This eliminates the visible jog where rounds meet. Cut your yarn leaving a 6-inch tail and thread it onto your tapestry needle. Insert the needle under the front loop of the second stitch of the round (the stitch after the beginning stitch), then insert the needle down through both loops of the last stitch you made. Pull snug to simulate a stitch.
Surface Slip Stitch
With the right side facing, make a slip knot and place it on your hook. Insert your hook through the fabric at your desired starting point, catch the working yarn from behind the fabric, and pull up a loop. Continue inserting your hook through the fabric at even intervals, pulling a loop through the fabric and through the loop on your hook. This creates a chain on the surface and is used for facial detail lines if desired.
Pattern Notes
Before you begin, read through these important notes:
1. The skirt is worked in joined rounds from the bottom hem up. After each round, join with a slip stitch to the first stitch of the round, chain 1, then begin the next round in the same stitch as the join (not in the chain). The chain 1 does NOT count as a stitch.
2. The bib is worked flat in rows, attached to the waist edge of the skirt at the front only.
3. The straps are worked as long flat strips and cross at the back.
4. The panda face, ears, and pocket circles are worked as separate flat pieces and sewn on after blocking.
5. Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round and move it up as you work to keep track of round beginnings.
6. Stitch counts given at the end of each row or round in parentheses represent the total stitch count in that row or round.
7. All increases (inc) are worked as 2 sc in the indicated stitch unless otherwise noted.
8. The white circular pockets on the skirt are purely decorative appliques. They are not functional pockets.
9. Safety eyes should be inserted and secured before sewing the panda face pieces together or before the face is fully stuffed and closed.
10. Lightly stuff the panda face with a small amount of fiberfill or scrap yarn before closing if you want a dimensional effect, or leave it flat by not stuffing.
Panda Pinafore Dress Instructions
Skirt
The skirt is worked in the round from the bottom hem upward to the waist using Color B (black). The hem begins wider and is shaped to taper slightly to the waist.
Foundation: With Color B and G-6 hook, ch 118. Being careful not to twist, join with a sl st to first ch to form a ring.
Rnd 1: Ch 1 (does not count as st here and throughout), sc in same st as join, sc in each ch around, join with sl st to first sc. (118 sc)
Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join. (118 sc)
Rnds 3 through 42: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join. (118 sc each round)
You now have 42 rounds of even single crochet, building approximately 8.4 inches of length.
Begin waist shaping (decreases to taper from 118 to 90 sts):
Rnd 43: Ch 1, [sc in next 13 sts, sc2tog] 8 times, sc in rem 6 sts, join. (110 sc)
Rnd 44: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join. (110 sc)
Rnd 45: Ch 1, [sc in next 12 sts, sc2tog] 7 times, sc in rem 14 sts, join. (103 sc)
Rnd 46: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join. (103 sc)
Rnd 47: Ch 1, [sc in next 11 sts, sc2tog] 7 times, sc in rem 12 sts, join. (96 sc)
Rnd 48: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join. (96 sc)
Rnd 49: Ch 1, [sc in next 14 sts, sc2tog] 6 times, join. (90 sc)
Rnd 50: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join. (90 sc)
Fasten off Color B. Leave a long tail for weaving.
Checkpoint: Your skirt should measure approximately 10 inches tall and 20 inches in circumference at the top (waist) edge. The bottom hem should measure approximately 26 inches in circumference.
Waist Border
With Color A (white) and G-6 hook, join yarn at any st of the waist edge (Rnd 50 top loops).
Rnd 1: Ch 1, sc in each st around the waist edge, join with sl st. (90 sc)
Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join. (90 sc)
Fasten off. This creates a clean white waistband border approximately 0.5 inches tall.
Bib
The bib is worked flat in rows with Color A (white). It is attached to the front center of the waist and covers the front 35 stitches.
Identify the center front 35 sts of the waist. Mark the first and last of these 35 sts with stitch markers.
Row 1 (RS): Join Color A in the marked first st at center front. Ch 1, sc in same st, sc in next 34 sts. Turn. (35 sc)
Rows 2 through 12: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (35 sc each row)
Row 13 (neckline shaping, divide for shoulder straps):
Left strap section: Ch 1, sc in first 8 sts. Turn. Leave rem sts unworked. (8 sc)
Rows 14 through 16: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (8 sc each row)
Fasten off.
Center neckline section: Rejoin Color A at the 9th stitch of Row 12. Ch 1, sc in next 19 sts. Fasten off. These 19 sts form the neckline opening edge. (19 sc)
Right strap section: Rejoin Color A at the 28th stitch of Row 12.
Row 13R: Ch 1, sc in next 8 sts. Turn. (8 sc)
Rows 14R through 16R: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (8 sc each row)
Fasten off.
Bib edging: With Color A, work 1 rnd of sc evenly around all edges of the bib (sides, top neckline curve, and strap tops), joining with sl st. Work 3 sc in each corner of the bib sides to turn corners neatly.
Checkpoint: Your bib should measure approximately 5.5 inches tall from waist to top of strap and approximately 7 inches wide.
Back Straps (Make 2)
With Color A and G-6 hook, ch 7.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across. Turn. (6 sc)
Rows 2 through 50: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (6 sc each row)
After Row 50, fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing.
Each strap measures approximately 10 inches long and 1.25 inches wide. Adjust row count if needed after measuring.
Strap flower embellishment: With Color A, make a small crochet flower or loop knot at each strap top. To make a simple loop bow, cut a 12-inch length of Color A. Fold in half. Wrap a short separate piece of yarn around the center several times and tie off. Sew to top of strap.
Panda Face
The face is worked in the round as a flat circle using Color A (white).
Face Circle:
Rnd 1: MR, ch 1, 6 sc in ring, pull tail to close, join with sl st to first sc. (6 sc)
Rnd 2: Ch 1, inc in each st around, join. (12 sc)
Rnd 3: Ch 1, [sc in next st, inc in next st] 6 times, join. (18 sc)
Rnd 4: Ch 1, [sc in next 2 sts, inc in next st] 6 times, join. (24 sc)
Rnd 5: Ch 1, [sc in next 3 sts, inc in next st] 6 times, join. (30 sc)
Rnd 6: Ch 1, [sc in next 4 sts, inc in next st] 6 times, join. (36 sc)
Rnd 7: Ch 1, [sc in next 5 sts, inc in next st] 6 times, join. (42 sc)
Rnd 8: Ch 1, [sc in next 6 sts, inc in next st] 6 times, join. (48 sc)
Rnd 9: Ch 1, [sc in next 7 sts, inc in next st] 6 times, join. (54 sc)
Rnd 10: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join. (54 sc)
Fasten off with invisible join. This circle measures approximately 4.5 inches in diameter.
Eye Patches (Make 2 in Color B)
Rnd 1: MR, ch 1, 6 sc in ring, pull to close, join. (6 sc)
Rnd 2: Ch 1, inc in each st around, join. (12 sc)
Rnd 3: Ch 1, [sc in next st, inc] 6 times, join. (18 sc)
Fasten off with invisible join. Each eye patch measures approximately 1.25 inches in diameter.
Insert 12 mm safety eyes into the center of each eye patch before sewing patches to the face. Position the safety eye in the center of each circle, insert through the circle, and attach the backing on the wrong side.
Sew eye patches onto the face circle, positioning them in the upper-center portion of the face, approximately 0.75 inches apart and 1.5 inches from the top of the face circle. Use Color B yarn and a tapestry needle to whipstitch around the perimeter of each eye patch.
Nose: With black yarn and tapestry needle, embroider a small oval or triangular nose at the center of the face, approximately 1 inch below the eye patches. Use 4 to 6 straight stitches worked in a T or oval shape.
Mouth: With black yarn, embroider a small curved smile below the nose using backstitch or chain stitch.
Eye shine: With white yarn, add a small highlight stitch to the upper right of each safety eye (one or two straight stitches).
Panda Ears (Make 2)
Outer Ear (Color A):
Rnd 1: MR, ch 1, 6 sc in ring, pull to close, join. (6 sc)
Rnd 2: Ch 1, inc in each st around, join. (12 sc)
Rnd 3: Ch 1, [sc in next st, inc] 6 times, join. (18 sc)
Fasten off.
Inner Ear (Color B):
Rnd 1: MR, ch 1, 6 sc in ring, pull to close, join. (6 sc)
Rnd 2: Ch 1, inc in each st around, join. (12 sc)
Fasten off.
Place the black inner ear circle centered on the white outer ear circle. Whipstitch the inner ear to the outer ear around its perimeter using Color B.
Sew completed ears (outer ear facing up, inner ear visible) to the top of the face circle, one on each upper side. Position the bottom edge of each ear at approximately Rnd 2 of the face circle, spaced so the ears sit at the 10 o’clock and 2 o’clock positions. Whipstitch securely.
Pocket Circles (Make 2 in Color A)
Rnd 1: MR, ch 1, 6 sc in ring, pull to close, join. (6 sc)
Rnd 2: Ch 1, inc in each st around, join. (12 sc)
Rnd 3: Ch 1, [sc in next st, inc] 6 times, join. (18 sc)
Rnd 4: Ch 1, [sc in next 2 sts, inc] 6 times, join. (24 sc)
Rnd 5: Ch 1, [sc in next 3 sts, inc] 6 times, join. (30 sc)
Fasten off with invisible join. Each circle measures approximately 2.5 inches in diameter.
Block circles flat before sewing. Pin them flat while damp or steam block to prevent curling.
Assembly
Step 1: Weave in all ends on all separate pieces.
Step 2: Block all pieces. Wet block the skirt by soaking in cool water, pressing out water in a towel, and pinning to finished measurements. Block the bib flat. Block the panda face flat (or allow slight dimension if stuffed). Block the pocket circles flat.
Step 3: Position the panda face on the center of the bib, centering it horizontally and placing the bottom edge of the face approximately 0.5 inches above the waistband. Pin in place. Whipstitch around the entire perimeter of the face circle using Color A yarn and a tapestry needle, leaving the bottom 1 inch open if you wish to add a small amount of fiberfill for dimension before closing.
Step 4: If adding fiberfill, stuff lightly through the opening, then close with whipstitch.
Step 5: Position pocket circles on the skirt front, one on the left side and one on the right side, approximately 2 inches below the waistband and 2 inches from the center front on each side. Pin in place and whipstitch around the full perimeter of each circle.
Step 6: Sew the back straps to the inside back waist of the pinafore. Place the end of each strap at the side seams of the waistband, right and left. The left strap crosses over the back and attaches to the top of the right bib strap. The right strap crosses over the back and attaches to the top of the left bib strap. Sew or button the strap ends to the bib strap tops. For a permanent version, simply whipstitch. For adjustability, sew a button to each bib strap top and work a ch-4 button loop at the end of each back strap.
Step 7: Add strap flower/bow embellishments at the junction of each front strap top as shown, using Color A.
Step 8: Try the pinafore on over the gray long-sleeve underlayer sweater to check fit. Adjust strap length if needed by adding or removing rows from the back straps before the final attachment.
Final checkpoint: The completed pinafore should have a waist circumference of approximately 20 inches, a skirt length of 10 inches, a bib height of 5.5 inches, and lay flat with the panda face centered on the bib and pocket circles evenly placed on the skirt front.
Size Customization Tips
To size up to 4T (chest 22 to 23 inches): Add 10 sts to the foundation chain (ch 128). Adjust decrease rounds to end at 100 sts at the waist instead of 90. Add 2 more rows to the bib and 10 rows to the back straps.
To size down to 18M to 2T (chest 18 to 19 inches): Reduce the foundation chain to ch 108. Adjust decreases to end at 80 sts at waist. Reduce bib to 30 sts wide and reduce bib rows by 2.
General rule: Each additional inch of circumference requires approximately 4 to 5 additional stitches at gauge. Each additional inch of length requires approximately 5 additional rows at gauge.
For a longer dress that falls below the knee on a 3T toddler: Add 10 to 12 rounds to the even-stitch section of the skirt before beginning waist shaping, and adjust the starting stitch count and decrease rounds proportionally to maintain the same waist size.
Finishing and Blocking
After all pieces are assembled, weave in any remaining ends with a tapestry needle, pulling ends through several stitches in different directions for security. Trim ends to 0.25 inches.
Wet blocking is recommended for acrylic or acrylic blend yarns. Submerge the finished pinafore in cool water for 10 to 15 minutes. Press out excess water by rolling in a clean towel. Do not wring. Lay flat on blocking mats and pin to the finished measurements listed above. Allow to air dry completely before removing pins, approximately 24 hours.
For cotton yarn: Wet block as above or steam block by holding a steam iron 0.5 inches above the surface and allowing the steam to penetrate the fabric. Do not press the iron directly onto the crochet.
Care Instructions
Machine wash cold on gentle cycle. Lay flat to dry. Do not tumble dry, as heat may distort the dimensional panda face applique and cause acrylic yarn to lose its shape. Do not iron directly. Remove safety eyes before washing if concerned about small children or rough machine cycles. For infants under 3 years, replace safety eyes with embroidered eyes as a safety precaution. Store flat or folded rather than hanging to preserve the shape of the bib and skirt.
About the Underlayer Sweater
The gray long-sleeve sweater shown beneath the pinafore is a standard commercial or handmade knit piece in light heather gray. Instructions for it are not included in this pattern, but any simple crew-neck sweater in a coordinating gray works beautifully. Look for a fitted style that won’t bunch up under the pinafore.
Thank you so much for choosing this panda pinafore crochet pattern for your next project. I hope you love making it as much as I loved designing it. If you finish one, I would absolutely love to see it! Tag me on Instagram or share it in the Facebook group.
If this pattern made you smile, go ahead and save it to your Pinterest boards so you can find it again later. And please leave a comment below if you make this adorable little dress. I read every single one, and seeing your finished projects is the best part of sharing patterns. Happy crocheting!
