It’s been a while since I’ve worked intarsia into a garment, but the Meow Dress brought me back—and I’m so glad it did.

This idea sparked from the love you showed for my Peek-a-Boo Kitty Top. That pattern got so much support, and I couldn’t shake the thought: what if I did a whole dress with cats? So here we are.

The Meow Dress is a simple, relaxed design—with a surprise. Bold intarsia cats lounge across the front panel, adding just the right touch of fun. It’s worked with basic half double crochet, which makes it approachable for advanced beginners ready to try something new, and satisfying for experienced makers who want a mindful, rhythmic project.

And it works up fast. The body is just straight panels, and the shaping is minimal. The only “next-level” part is the intarsia section on the front, but I walk you through it in the video tutorial.

🛒 Grab the Pattern

• Etsy
• Ravelry

🎥 Watch the Video Tutorial

Pattern Detailes

Difficulty

Intermediate.

Materials

yarn

A: DROPS LOVES YOU 9, recycled cotton, Yarn group A (sport weight), color 105 (sand); 

500 (550, 650, 700, 750, 850) g / 1250 (1375, 1625, 1750, 1875, 2125) m

17.6 (19.4, 22.9, 24.7, 26.5, 30) oz / 1367 (1504, 1777, 1913, 2051, 2325) yd

B: DROPS LOVES YOU 9, recycled cotton, Yarn group A (sport weight), color 101 (white); 

100 (100, 100, 150, 150, 150) g / 250 (250, 250, 375, 375, 375) m

3.5 (3.5, 3.5, 5.3, 5.3, 5.3) oz / 273 (273, 273, 410, 410, 410) yd

C: DROPS LOVES YOU 9, recycled cotton, Yarn group A (sport weight), color 107 (mustard);  

2 m / 2.2 yd for the eyes 

other

• 4  mm hook
• Yarn Needle, Scissors, Measuring Tape, Stitch Markers

Gauge

16 hdc x 10 rows = 10 x 10 cm 

Finished Measurements

XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL)

Shoulder to Shoulder:
45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70 cm / 17¾, 19¾, 21¾, 23½, 25½, 27½ in

Bust Circumference:
90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140 cm / 35½, 39¼, 43¼, 47¼, 51¼, 55 in

Body Panel Width:
75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100 cm / 29½, 31½, 33½, 35½, 37½, 39¼ in

Length:
76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96 cm / 30, 31½, 33, 34¾, 36¼, 37¾ in

Armhole Depth:
20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26 cm / 7¾, 8¼, 8¾, 9½, 9¾, 10¼ in

Specialty Stitch & Technique Key

Invisible Half Double Crochet Decrease

Yarn over (as you normally would for a hdc).

Insert your hook into the front loop only (FLO) of the next stitch.

Then insert your hook into the front loop only of the stitch after that.

You now have three loops on the hook: the original yarn over, and two front loops.

Yarn over again, and pull through all loops on the hook.

Stitch Key (US terminology)

• ch = chain
• dc = double crochet
• hdc = half double crochet
• hdc2tog = half double crochet two stitches together
• RS = right side
• slst = slip stitch
• st = stitch
• sts = stitches
• yo = yarn over
• WS = wrong side

Notes

• This pattern includes a full video tutorial designed to clarify any techniques or steps that are better demonstrated visually than explained in writing.
• You’ll begin by making two bust panels (front and back), followed by two body panels that you’ll attach to the bust. Next, sew the shoulders together. Work the pockets directly onto the body panels, then seam the sides of the dress and the pockets. Finish with a bottom band, and add one round of hdc around the neckline and armholes.
• This pattern uses intarsia crochet. Intarsia crochet involves using separate yarn bobbins or small balls for each color block, ensuring that yarn is not carried across the back of the work. Follow the color chart carefully and manage yarn changes neatly to maintain a clean finish.
• Row 1 on Body – Front Panel is foundation half double crochet.
• Ch 2 doesn’t count as a stitch.
• You will be working with hdc: when instructions say “(B) x 7” it means 1 hdc in the next 7 sts with yarn B. 
• Each size has a link to the “Progress Tracker” for easy to follow instructions.
• For hdc2tog make invisible hdc2tog.

Whether you’re a cat lover, a colorwork fan, or just here for the cozy-meets-cute vibe—this one’s for you.

The Meow Dress is a wearable canvas with attitude.
Can’t wait to see your version 🐱💛

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