This is a three-piece baby set with a romper, sun bonnet, and booties. It uses basic stitches plus a shell stitch pattern. The sunflower appliques add charm without complicated colorwork. If you can single crochet and double crochet, you can make this set.
The romper features a white bib panel with a crocheted sunflower, wide shoulder straps with button closures, and a bloomer-style body worked in a scalloped shell pattern. The matching bonnet has a ruffled brim and ribbon ties. The booties complete the set with their own tiny sunflowers.
This pattern fits newborn to three months. I have included size customization tips at the end if you need to adjust for older babies.
Why This Baby Set Works So Well
The shell stitch creates that beautiful scalloped texture you see in the bloomer portion of the romper. Each shell is simply five double crochet stitches worked into the same stitch. The layered effect happens naturally as you alternate between shell rows and chain rows.
The construction is straightforward. You work flat pieces, seam them together, and add the appliques at the end. The bonnet crown is worked in the round, which goes quickly once you get into the rhythm.
Skill level: Intermediate. You need comfort with shell stitches, working in the round, basic shaping, seaming, and making small applique pieces. A confident beginner who has tackled a few projects can absolutely complete this set with patience.
Time estimate: The romper takes about 10 to 14 hours. The bonnet takes 3 to 4 hours. The booties take 2 to 3 hours. Total project time is approximately 15 to 21 hours spread across multiple crafting sessions.
Finished Measurements
Romper (fits newborn to 3 months):
Bonnet: Fits head circumference 13 to 14 inches / 33 to 35.5 cm
Booties: Sole length approximately 3.5 inches / 9 cm
Materials You Will Need
Yarn:
Hook: US size E-4 / 3.5 mm (or size needed to obtain gauge)
Notions:
Yarn Suggestions
Lion Brand Pound of Love (100% acrylic) is soft, washable, and widely available in yellow and white. Paintbox Yarns Simply DK (100% acrylic) offers excellent stitch definition and is machine washable. Drops Safran (50% cotton, 50% viscose) provides a softer drape ideal for baby skin contact.
Any smooth DK weight yarn with good stitch definition will work. Avoid fuzzy or textured yarns because the shell stitch requires clear stitch identification. Always work a gauge swatch when substituting yarn.
Gauge
18 sc x 22 rows = 4 inches / 10 cm in single crochet (sc) with US E-4 / 3.5 mm hook
1 shell repeat (5 dc) x 3 shell rows = approximately 1.25 inches wide x 1 inch tall / 3.2 cm x 2.5 cm
Gauge matters for fit. If your swatch is too big, try a smaller hook. If it is too small, try a larger hook. Check your gauge on the shell stitch specifically, not just the single crochet gauge, because the bloomer drape depends on it.
Abbreviations and Stitch Definitions
Before we dive in, let me explain every stitch you will use:
Special Stitches Explained
Shell Stitch
Work 5 dc all into the same stitch or space. This creates a fan or scallop shape. Each shell counts as one shell unit. The shell stitch pattern in this romper is worked over a multiple of 6 stitches plus 2.
Scallop Layered Shell (for romper bloomer body)
Row setup (RS): Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in same st (half-shell at edge), sk 2 sts, sc in next st, sk 2 sts, shell (5 dc) in next st, sk 2 sts, sc in next st; repeat from sk 2, shell across, end with 3 dc in last st (half-shell).
Following row: Ch 1, turn, sc in first dc, ch 2, sc in center dc of first shell, ch 2, sc in sc between shells, ch 2; repeat sc in center dc of each shell, ch 2, sc in sc between, end sc in top of ch-3.
Shell row: Ch 3, 2 dc in first st, sk ch-2 sp, sc in next sc, sk ch-2 sp, shell in next sc (which was center dc of previous shell), repeat across, end 3 dc in last sc.
Repeat the last two rows for the pattern.
Sunflower Applique
Center (Yarn D brown): MR, ch 3 (counts as dc), 11 dc in ring, sl st to top of ch-3, pull ring closed. (12 dc)
Petals (Yarn C orange): Join orange to any st, (ch 3, 2 tr in same st, ch 3, sl st in same st, sl st in next st) around, working one petal per stitch. (12 petals)
Leaves (Yarn E green): Make 2. Ch 8, sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in next ch, dc in next 3 ch, hdc in next ch, sc in last ch, ch 1, sl st to form point, working back along opposite side: sc, hdc, dc in next 3, hdc, sc. Fasten off, leave tail for sewing.
Ruffle Stitch (for bonnet brim)
In each stitch around the brim edge, work (sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc). This creates a full ruffle.
Pattern Notes Before You Begin
1. The romper is constructed in pieces: two shoulder straps, a front bib panel, a back panel, and a joined shell-stitch bloomer body. Pieces are seamed and then the crotch is closed.
2. The shell stitch bloomer is worked flat and seamed at the sides, then the crotch is shaped.
3. The bib is worked in Yarn B (white), the bloomer body in Yarn A (yellow). Straps are worked in Yarn A.
4. Turn at the end of every flat row unless otherwise noted.
5. Stitch counts appear in parentheses at the end of each row or round.
Romper Instructions
Front Bib Panel (Yarn B, white)
Foundation: Ch 23.
Row 1 (RS): Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. (22 sc)
Rows 2 through 20: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (22 sc each row)
Fasten off. The bib panel measures approximately 5 inches / 12.7 cm wide x 3.6 inches / 9 cm tall.
Checkpoint: After completing the bib panel, it should measure approximately 5 inches wide x 3.5 to 4 inches tall. If it is significantly larger or smaller, adjust your hook size and re-swatch before continuing.
Back Panel (Yarn A, yellow)
Foundation: Ch 23.
Row 1 (RS): Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. (22 sc)
Rows 2 through 20: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (22 sc each row)
Fasten off.
The back panel is the same dimensions as the front bib but worked entirely in yellow.
Shoulder Straps (make 2, Yarn A yellow)
Foundation: Ch 7.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. (6 sc)
Rows 2 through 40: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (6 sc each row)
At Row 40, work buttonhole as follows:
Buttonhole Row: Ch 1, sc in first 2 sts, ch 2, sk 2 sts, sc in last 2 sts. Turn. (4 sc, 1 ch-2 sp = 6 st equivalents)
Next Row: Ch 1, sc in first 2 sts, 2 sc in ch-2 sp, sc in last 2 sts. Turn. (6 sc)
Work 3 more rows of sc. Fasten off. (6 sc)
Total strap length: approximately 7.5 to 8 inches / 19 to 20 cm.
Make two straps.
Bloomer Body (Yarn A, yellow)
The bloomer is worked flat in the layered shell stitch over 62 stitches (a multiple of 6 plus 2: 6 x 10 = 60 plus 2 = 62). It is worked as a rectangle, then seamed at sides and shaped at the crotch.
Foundation: Ch 63.
Row 1 (RS): Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. (62 sc)
Row 1 establishes the waist edge. We will work downward toward the crotch.
Row 2 (setup for shell pattern): Ch 3 (counts as first dc here and throughout), 2 dc in first st (half shell at edge), sk next 2 sts, sc in next st, sk next 2 sts, [shell (5 dc) in next st, sk next 2 sts, sc in next st, sk next 2 sts] 9 times, 3 dc in last st (half shell at edge). Turn. (2 half-shells at edges + 9 full shells + 10 sc = 62 stitch equivalents)
Row 3 (chain row): Ch 1, sc in first dc, [ch 2, sc in center (3rd) dc of next shell, ch 2, sc in next sc] across, ending ch 2, sc in top of ch-3. Turn. (22 sc, 20 ch-2 sps)
Row 4 (shell row): Ch 3, 2 dc in first sc (half shell), sk ch-2 sp, sc in next sc (center of prev shell position), sk ch-2 sp, [shell in next sc, sk ch-2 sp, sc in next sc, sk ch-2 sp] 9 times, 3 dc in last sc. Turn. (2 half-shells + 9 full shells + 10 sc = 62 stitch equivalents)
Rows 5 through 20: Repeat Rows 3 and 4 alternately. (62 stitch equivalents each row)
After Row 20, the bloomer body measures approximately 6.5 to 7 inches / 16.5 to 17.8 cm tall in shell pattern.
Checkpoint: The bloomer rectangle should measure approximately 13.5 inches / 34.3 cm wide and 7 inches / 17.8 cm tall at this point.
Row 21: Ch 1, sc evenly across all sts and sps to create an even edge for the crotch. Work approximately 1 sc per dc and 1 sc per ch-2 sp as encountered. (62 sc)
Fasten off.
Bloomer Crotch Shaping
Fold the bloomer rectangle in half widthwise (so the 62-stitch sides meet). The fold line becomes the center front and center back. Seam the side edges using a sl st seam or mattress stitch for approximately 4 inches / 10 cm down from the waist edge on each side. Leave the lower 3 inches / 7.6 cm open for leg openings.
After side seaming, you will have a tube with two open leg holes at the bottom.
Crotch Panel (worked separately, Yarn A yellow)
Foundation: Ch 19.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. (18 sc)
Rows 2 through 12: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (18 sc each row)
Fasten off. This creates a crotch gusset measuring approximately 4 inches / 10 cm wide x 2.2 inches / 5.5 cm tall.
Sew the crotch panel between the two front and back lower edges, enclosing the leg openings partially and leaving appropriate leg holes. The crotch panel edges align with the inner leg seam allowances. Sew 3 buttons along the bottom edge of the crotch panel (or attach snaps) to allow for diaper changes.
Leg Opening Edging (Yarn A yellow)
Work around each leg opening:
Join yarn at inner crotch seam, work sc evenly around entire leg opening. Join with sl st. Fasten off. Work 1 round sc for each leg. (Approximately 40 to 44 sc around each leg opening depending on tension.)
Attaching Bib and Back Panels
Center the front bib panel (white) on the front of the bloomer body, aligning the bottom edge of the bib with the waist edge of the bloomer. Sew the bottom edge of the bib to the waist edge of the bloomer front using a whip stitch through both layers.
Center the back panel on the back of the bloomer, aligning and sewing in the same manner.
The bib top edge and back panel top edge each have 22 sts exposed.
Attaching Straps
Position one strap at the left outer top edge of the back panel, approximately 1 inch / 2.5 cm in from the side edge. Sew the non-buttonhole end of the strap securely to the back panel top edge with yarn needle and yarn, stitching through multiple rows for security.
Repeat for the right side.
Bring straps over the shoulders and button through the buttonholes down onto buttons sewn to the front bib top corners, approximately 1 inch / 2.5 cm in from each top corner of the bib.
Sew 2 buttons to the front bib top, left and right, at the corresponding strap crossing points.
Waist Edging
Join Yarn A at any point along the waist where the bib meets the bloomer body. Work 1 round of sc around the entire waist joining seam, working through both bib/back panel and bloomer waist edge together to reinforce the join. Join with sl st. Fasten off. (Approximately 88 sc around full waist perimeter.)
Sunflower Applique for Romper
Make one sunflower following the Special Stitches section above. Make 2 leaves.
Position the sunflower center in the middle of the white bib panel, approximately 1.75 inches / 4.5 cm from the bottom of the bib and centered widthwise. Tuck the two leaves slightly beneath and to either lower side of the sunflower before sewing. Sew leaves first with yarn needle, then sew sunflower center firmly through the bib panel. Make sure all threads are secured on the WS of the bib.
Ruffled Sun Bonnet Instructions
Bonnet Crown (Yarn A yellow, worked in the round)
Round 1: MR, ch 2 (counts as hdc), 11 hdc in ring, sl st to top of ch-2, pull ring closed. (12 hdc)
Round 2: Ch 2, hdc in same st, 2 hdc in each st around, sl st to top of ch-2. (24 hdc)
Round 3: Ch 2, hdc in same st, hdc in next st, [2 hdc in next st, hdc in next st] around, sl st to top of ch-2. (36 hdc)
Round 4: Ch 2, hdc in same st, hdc in next 2 sts, [2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 2 sts] around, sl st to top of ch-2. (48 hdc)
Round 5: Ch 2, hdc in same st, hdc in next 3 sts, [2 hdc in next st, hdc in next 3 sts] around, sl st to top of ch-2. (60 hdc)
Rounds 6 through 12: Ch 2, hdc in each st around, sl st to top of ch-2. (60 hdc each round)
Checkpoint: After Round 10, the crown diameter should measure approximately 5 inches / 12.7 cm and the crown depth approximately 2.5 inches / 6.3 cm.
Do not fasten off. The crown opening will now have the brim worked.
Bonnet Brim (worked flat)
The brim is worked back and forth on the front two-thirds of the bonnet opening (approximately 40 stitches), leaving the back one-third (20 stitches) unworked as the neck opening.
Mark the center front stitch of Round 12. Count 20 stitches to each side of center front. Place markers at st 20 to the left and st 20 to the right of center front. The 40 stitches between markers form the brim base.
Row 1 (RS): Join Yarn A at right marker, ch 2, hdc in each of the 40 marked sts. Turn. (40 hdc)
Row 2: Ch 2, 2 hdc in first st, hdc across to last st, 2 hdc in last st. Turn. (42 hdc)
Row 3: Ch 2, hdc in each st across. Turn. (42 hdc)
Row 4: Ch 2, 2 hdc in first st, hdc across to last st, 2 hdc in last st. Turn. (44 hdc)
Row 5: Ch 2, hdc in each st across. Turn. (44 hdc)
Row 6: Ch 2, 2 hdc in first st, hdc across to last st, 2 hdc in last st. Turn. (46 hdc)
Do not fasten off.
Bonnet Brim Ruffle
Join Yarn A at bottom right corner of brim (where brim meets neck edge, right side). Work (sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc) in first st (ruffle shell), work (sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc) in each of the 46 sts along outer brim edge. Then sc along side edges and neck back edge without ruffle. Join with sl st. Fasten off.
Total ruffle sts: 46 shells x 5 sts = 230 ruffle stitches (they fan and overlap to create the ruffle).
Bonnet Tie Attachment
Cut two lengths of ribbon, each 18 inches / 45.7 cm. Fold one end under 0.5 inch / 1.3 cm and sew firmly to the inside left corner of the neck edge. Repeat for right side. Tie in a bow to close under baby’s chin.
Bonnet Sunflower Applique
Make one smaller sunflower: MR, ch 3, 9 dc in ring, join (10 dc). Then 10 petals for a slightly smaller flower.
Sew to the left front side of the bonnet brim, approximately 0.75 inch / 2 cm from the outer edge of the brim.
Booties Instructions (make 2)
Bootie Sole (Yarn A yellow)
Foundation: Ch 12.
Round 1: 3 sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 9 ch, 3 sc in last ch. Do not turn. Working back along opposite side of foundation chain: sc in next 9 ch. Join with sl st to first sc. (24 sc)
Round 2: Ch 1, 3 sc in first st (corner), sc in next 9 sts, 3 sc in next st (corner), sc in next 9 sts, 2 sc in last st, join with sl st. (28 sc)
Round 3: Ch 1, sc in first st, 3 sc in next st, sc in next 11 sts, 3 sc in next st, sc in next 11 sts, sc in last st, join with sl st. (32 sc)
Round 4: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join with sl st. (32 sc)
The sole measures approximately 3.5 inches / 9 cm long.
Bootie Sides and Toe
Round 5: Ch 1, work in BLO: sc in each st around, join with sl st. (32 sc)
Rounds 6 and 7: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join with sl st. (32 sc each round)
Round 8 (toe shaping): Ch 1, sc in first 11 sts, [sc2tog] 5 times, sc in last 11 sts, join with sl st. (27 sc)
Round 9: Ch 1, sc in first 9 sts, [sc2tog] 4 times, sc in last 10 sts, join with sl st. (23 sc)
Round 10: Ch 1, sc in first 8 sts, [sc2tog] 3 times, sc in last 9 sts, join with sl st. (20 sc)
Rounds 11 through 13: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join with sl st. (20 sc each round)
Fasten off, leaving tail for any needed finishing.
Bootie Ribbon Tie
Using yarn needle, thread ribbon through the sts of Round 12 or Round 13, weaving in and out every 2 sts around the cuff. Leave equal lengths on each side. Tie in a bow at the front center of the bootie.
Bootie Sunflower Applique
Make 2 tiny sunflowers: MR, ch 3, 7 dc in ring, join (8 dc). Join orange, work (ch 2, dc in same st, ch 2, sl st in same st, sl st in next st) around for 8 small petals. Fasten off.
Sew one sunflower to the center front toe area of each bootie over Round 7 to 8.
Finishing and Blocking
Romper: Weave in all yarn ends on the WS. Check all button attachments are secure by tugging gently. Ensure the crotch panel is sewn firmly on all edges. Check that leg opening edges are smooth and even.
Bonnet: Weave in all ends. Check sunflower is secure.
Booties: Weave in all ends. Check sunflowers are secure.
Steam block all pieces very lightly, holding the iron 1 to 2 inches / 2.5 to 5 cm above the surface. Do not press down on the shell stitch as it will flatten the texture. Allow to dry flat. Alternatively, mist with water and pin to measurements on a blocking board, then allow to air dry.
The sunflower appliques may be gently hand-shaped while damp to cup slightly for a dimensional look.
Care Instructions
Hand wash in cool water with a gentle baby-safe detergent or machine wash on delicate cycle in a mesh laundry bag. Lay flat to dry. Do not tumble dry. Do not iron directly. If acrylic yarn was used, a light steam is acceptable but do not apply direct heat.
Size Customization Tips
For 3 to 6 months: Increase the bib foundation chain to 27 (26 sc) and add 4 rows to the bib. Increase bloomer foundation chain to 75 (74 sc, or adjust to nearest shell multiple: 6 x 12 = 72 plus 2 = 74). Add 4 more rows to the bloomer body. Add 3 rows to each strap. Increase sole foundation chain to 14 for booties. Increase bonnet increase rounds by one more round (add Round 6 with 4 hdc between increases = 72 hdc).
For 6 to 9 months: Increase bib to 31 sts, bloomer to 86 sts (6 x 14 = 84 plus 2 = 86), add 6 rows to bloomer, 5 rows to straps. Sole chain 16. Bonnet to 80 hdc.
General rule: Every additional 6 sts in width adds approximately 1.3 inches / 3.3 cm in width. Every 5 additional rows in the bloomer adds approximately 0.9 inch / 2.3 cm in length.
Thank you so much for choosing this pattern for your little one or for a special gift. I hope you love making this sunny set as much as I loved designing it. If you make this baby romper set, I would absolutely love to see your finished project. Tag me on Instagram or share a photo in my Facebook group.
If this pattern is going on your project list, go ahead and save it to your Pinterest boards so you can find it easily when you are ready to start. And please drop a comment below if you make it. I read every single one and your photos make my day!
