This dress is opening the new year 2026. For some time I wanted to make a hoodie sweater and it just didn't land somehow. Maybe because it had to be a dress. And because you all love my dresses, I think this one should be the one to start the year proper.
Why a hooded dress?
I wanted something cozy that doesn't look like pajamas. Something you can wear around the house but also throw on to run errands without thinking twice. The hood makes it feel intentional, like you chose comfort, not like comfort chose you.
And let's be honest: oversized can go sloppy fast. The ribbing on the cuffs and hem gives this dress structure. It holds the shape without restricting movement. You get the relaxed fit without looking like you're drowning in fabric.
The perfect beginner garment
If you've been intimidated by garment construction, this is your entry point. The stitch pattern is simple, wide half double crochet creates beautiful drape without any complicated textures to track. You work in rows, not rounds, so you can see your progress clearly.
The ribbing uses herringbone single crochet, which sounds fancy but clicks after the first few rows. It's rhythmic. Meditative. The kind of crochet where you stop thinking and just work.
And the hood? It's worked directly onto the neckline. No seaming a separate piece. No guessing if it'll sit right. You build it right where it belongs.
Adjustable everything
This is where the pattern really shines. Both the dress length and sleeve length are fully adjustable. You decide when to stop. Want it longer? Keep going. Prefer it shorter? Stop earlier. The construction stays the same, you just work more or fewer rows.
The cuff sizing is independent of the body sizing. If you're making a size L body but have smaller wrists, you make a smaller cuff. The cuff needs to fit snugly because the sleeves are designed to be longer than your arms. That snug fit keeps them from sliding over your hands. It's intentional, not accidental.
This adjustability means you're not locked into standard sizing. You're making something that fits YOUR body, not a generic measurement chart.
Fine weight cotton for year-round wear
I used Friends Cotton 8/6 in bottle green for the sample. Fine weight cotton is my favorite for garments like this because it breathes. It layers well. It works in spring, summer with AC, fall, and even mild winter days.
The drape is softer than worsted weight, and the fabric doesn't get heavy or stiff. If you have fine weight cotton sitting in your stash, this is the pattern for it.
What you'll learn
Even if you've never made a garment with sleeves and a hood, the video tutorial walks you through every step. You'll learn how to work ribbing and attach it to the body, how to join shoulders, how to set in sleeves, and how to construct a hood that actually fits well.
These are skills that translate to other garment patterns. Once you understand the construction, you can adapt and modify with confidence.
The result
You'll have a dress that feels like a hug but looks put-together. Something you reach for on lazy mornings and busy afternoons. Something that works alone or layered over leggings and a tee. It's the kind of piece that justifies the hours you put into it because you actually wear it.
👀 Want all the pattern details?
See the pattern page for all available information for this design, like tutorial, photos, materials list, gauge, size guide, finished measurements, stitch key, specialty stitches, notes, FAQs and reviews.
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