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Sage green romper pattern in single crochet with mint colourwork

A sage green DK cotton romper worked in single crochet (UK double crochet); covers shaping, colourwork and finishing.

Sage green romper pattern in single crochet with mint colourwork
Skill
Intermediate
Time
4-6 hours
Yarn weight
DK (Light 3)
Hook
3.5 mm

Intermediate

What the original write-up called it. Nothing here is graded again.

DK (Light 3)

What the sample was worked in. Any weight works; the size moves with it.

4-6 hours

What the original page reckoned. Your own pace is the one that matters.

About this pattern

A sage green DK cotton romper top built from two single crochet (UK double crochet) bodice pieces -- a 34-round shaped front with a mint contrast panel and a 17-round plain back -- worked flat with a 3.5 mm hook. It needs roughly 800 to 950 yards of main colour and 150 to 200 yards of contrast, plus six stitch markers.

This romper bodice is built entirely from single crochet (UK double crochet), the dense, firm fabric that gives sage green cotton the structure it needs to hold a fitted trapezoid shape without curling at the edges. The front panel pairs sage green main colour with a light mint contrast block down the centre, while the back is worked in a single solid colour throughout. Both pieces share the same foundation width, so the finished garment reads as one coherent unit once the pieces are joined.

Each bodice section begins with a long foundation chain and is worked flat in turned rows, despite the pattern labelling these rows as rounds. The front is shaped as a trapezoid -- wider across the bust and narrowing toward the waist -- with a strap point at the upper left corner, and the main body is left unfastened at the end ready for finishing. The back mirrors that silhouette but stays in main colour throughout, decreasing at both edges on set rows until the shoulders reach full width at the top.

Materials

Yarn

  • Approximately 800 to 950 yards of DK weight (Light 3) cotton or cotton-blend yarn in sage green (this is your Main Color, or MC)
  • Approximately 150 to 200 yards of DK weight cotton yarn in light mint green (this is your Contrast Color, or CC)

Hook

  • US size E-4 / 3.5 mm crochet hook

Notions

  • Yarn needle for seaming and weaving in ends
  • At least 6 stitch markers
  • Scissors
  • Rust-proof straight pins for blocking
  • Measuring tape

Great Yarn Options

  • Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton in "Sage" and "Mint" works beautifully here. It’s 100 percent mercerized cotton with excellent stitch definition. Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK in "Grass Green" and "Seafoam Blue" is a budget-friendly alternative that performs well.

Important

  • Choose a cotton or cotton-blend with low stretch and good stitch definition. Avoid fuzzy yarns or anything with significant elasticity. This structured silhouette needs yarn that holds its shape.

The list is the pattern's own wording.

Instructions

Every round is printed as the pattern wrote it, brackets and all. Open the key beside a round to see only the short forms that round uses.

Bodice Front

The bodice front is shaped like a trapezoid, wider at the bust and narrowing at the waist. The upper left corner has the strap attachment. The CC panel fills the center while MC frames the edges.

Begin with MC. Foundation chain: Ch 86.

The bodice front main body is complete. Don't fasten off yet.

Place stitch markers at each corner of the shoulder line for strap attachment.

Now return to the unworked 23 stitches on Row 38. Rejoin MC with RS facing at the inner edge.

This right upper panel forms the armhole facing.

Checkpoint: Your bodice front should measure approximately 8 inches tall from foundation to shoulder and approximately 14.6 inches wide at the widest point.

The bodice back mirrors the front shaping but is worked entirely in MC. Both shoulders are full width to the top.

  1. Round 1

    (RS): Sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across. Ch 1, turn. (85 sc)Step by step: to 16: Sc across each row. Ch 1, turn. (85 sc each row).

    Key3
    ch
    chain
    RS
    right side
    sc
    single crochet (insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)
  2. Round 2

    Sc across in MC. Ch 1, turn. (85 sc)

    Key3
    ch
    chain
    MC
    main color (sage green)
    sc
    single crochet (insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)
  3. Round 3

    Change to CC. Sc across. Ch 1, turn. (85 sc)

    Key3
    CC
    contrast color (light mint)
    ch
    chain
    sc
    single crochet (insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)
  4. (85)
    Round 4

    through 14: Continue in CC, sc across each row. Ch 1, turn. (85 sc each row)

    Key3
    CC
    contrast color (light mint)
    ch
    chain
    sc
    single crochet (insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)
  5. Round 15

    Change to MC. Sc across. Ch 1, turn. (85 sc)

    Key3
    ch
    chain
    MC
    main color (sage green)
    sc
    single crochet (insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)
  6. Round 16

    MC. Sc across. Ch 1, turn. (85 sc)

    Key3
    ch
    chain
    MC
    main color (sage green)
    sc
    single crochet (insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)
  7. Round 17

    Sc2tog, sc to last 2 sts, sc2tog. Ch 1, turn. (83 sc)

    Key3
    sc2tog
    single crochet two together (a decrease: insert hook in first stitch, pull up a loop, insert hook in next stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through all 3 loops on hook)
    ch
    chain
    sc
    single crochet (insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)
  8. (83)
    Round 18

    to 20: Sc across. Ch 1, turn. (83 sc each row)

    Key2
    ch
    chain
    sc
    single crochet (insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)
  9. Round 21

    Sc2tog, sc to last 2 sts, sc2tog. Ch 1, turn. (81 sc)

    Key3
    sc2tog
    single crochet two together (a decrease: insert hook in first stitch, pull up a loop, insert hook in next stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through all 3 loops on hook)
    ch
    chain
    sc
    single crochet (insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)
  10. (81)
    Round 22

    to 24: Sc across. Ch 1, turn. (81 sc each row)

    Key2
    ch
    chain
    sc
    single crochet (insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)
  11. Round 25

    Sc2tog, sc to last 2 sts, sc2tog. Ch 1, turn. (79 sc)

    Key3
    sc2tog
    single crochet two together (a decrease: insert hook in first stitch, pull up a loop, insert hook in next stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through all 3 loops on hook)
    ch
    chain
    sc
    single crochet (insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)
  12. (79)
    Round 26

    to 28: Sc across. Ch 1, turn. (79 sc each row)

    Key2
    ch
    chain
    sc
    single crochet (insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)
  13. Round 29

    Sc2tog, sc to last 2 sts, sc2tog. Ch 1, turn. (77 sc)

    Key3
    sc2tog
    single crochet two together (a decrease: insert hook in first stitch, pull up a loop, insert hook in next stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through all 3 loops on hook)
    ch
    chain
    sc
    single crochet (insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)
  14. (77)
    Round 30

    to 32: Sc across. Ch 1, turn. (77 sc each row)

    Key2
    ch
    chain
    sc
    single crochet (insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)
  15. Round 33

    Sc2tog, sc to last 2 sts, sc2tog. Ch 1, turn. (75 sc)

    Key3
    sc2tog
    single crochet two together (a decrease: insert hook in first stitch, pull up a loop, insert hook in next stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through all 3 loops on hook)
    ch
    chain
    sc
    single crochet (insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)
  16. (75)
    Round 34

    to 36: Sc across. Ch 1, turn. (75 sc each row)

    Key2
    ch
    chain
    sc
    single crochet (insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)
  17. Round 37

    Sc2tog, sc to last 2 sts, sc2tog. Ch 1, turn. (73 sc)

    Key3
    sc2tog
    single crochet two together (a decrease: insert hook in first stitch, pull up a loop, insert hook in next stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through all 3 loops on hook)
    ch
    chain
    sc
    single crochet (insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)
  18. Round 38

    Sc across. Ch 1, turn. (73 sc)Step by step: Sc across first 43 sts. Ch 1, turn. (43 sc); to 49: Sc across. Ch 1, turn. (43 sc each row); Sc across. Fa.

    Key2
    ch
    chain
    sc
    single crochet (insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)
  19. Round 39

    Sc across first 50 sts only. Leave remaining 23 sts unworked. Ch 1, turn. (50 sc)

    Key2
    ch
    chain
    sc
    single crochet (insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)
  20. Round 40

    Sc2tog, sc to end. Ch 1, turn. (49 sc)

    Key3
    sc2tog
    single crochet two together (a decrease: insert hook in first stitch, pull up a loop, insert hook in next stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through all 3 loops on hook)
    ch
    chain
    sc
    single crochet (insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)
  21. Round 41

    Sc to last 2 sts, sc2tog. Ch 1, turn. (48 sc)

    Key3
    sc2tog
    single crochet two together (a decrease: insert hook in first stitch, pull up a loop, insert hook in next stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through all 3 loops on hook)
    ch
    chain
    sc
    single crochet (insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)
  22. Round 42

    Sc2tog, sc to end. Ch 1, turn. (47 sc)

    Key3
    sc2tog
    single crochet two together (a decrease: insert hook in first stitch, pull up a loop, insert hook in next stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through all 3 loops on hook)
    ch
    chain
    sc
    single crochet (insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)
  23. Round 43

    Sc to last 2 sts, sc2tog. Ch 1, turn. (46 sc)

    Key3
    sc2tog
    single crochet two together (a decrease: insert hook in first stitch, pull up a loop, insert hook in next stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through all 3 loops on hook)
    ch
    chain
    sc
    single crochet (insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)
  24. Round 44

    Sc2tog, sc to end. Ch 1, turn. (45 sc)

    Key3
    sc2tog
    single crochet two together (a decrease: insert hook in first stitch, pull up a loop, insert hook in next stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through all 3 loops on hook)
    ch
    chain
    sc
    single crochet (insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)
  25. Round 45

    Sc across. Ch 1, turn. (45 sc)

    Key2
    ch
    chain
    sc
    single crochet (insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)
  26. Round 46

    Sc2tog, sc to end. Ch 1, turn. (44 sc)

    Key3
    sc2tog
    single crochet two together (a decrease: insert hook in first stitch, pull up a loop, insert hook in next stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through all 3 loops on hook)
    ch
    chain
    sc
    single crochet (insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)
  27. Round 47

    Sc across. Ch 1, turn. (44 sc)

    Key2
    ch
    chain
    sc
    single crochet (insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)
  28. Round 48

    Sc2tog, sc to end. Ch 1, turn. (43 sc)

    Key3
    sc2tog
    single crochet two together (a decrease: insert hook in first stitch, pull up a loop, insert hook in next stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through all 3 loops on hook)
    ch
    chain
    sc
    single crochet (insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)
  29. Round 49

    Sc across. Fasten off. (43 sc)

    Key1
    sc
    single crochet (insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)
  30. Round 39

    B: Sc across 23 sts. Ch 1, turn. (23 sc)

    Key2
    ch
    chain
    sc
    single crochet (insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)
  31. Round 40

    B: Sc2tog, sc to last 2 sts, sc2tog. Ch 1, turn. (21 sc)

    Key3
    sc2tog
    single crochet two together (a decrease: insert hook in first stitch, pull up a loop, insert hook in next stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through all 3 loops on hook)
    ch
    chain
    sc
    single crochet (insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)
  32. Round 41

    B: Sc across. Ch 1, turn. (21 sc)

    Key2
    ch
    chain
    sc
    single crochet (insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)
  33. Round 42

    B: Sc2tog, sc to last 2 sts, sc2tog. Ch 1, turn. (19 sc)

    Key3
    sc2tog
    single crochet two together (a decrease: insert hook in first stitch, pull up a loop, insert hook in next stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through all 3 loops on hook)
    ch
    chain
    sc
    single crochet (insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)
  34. Round 43

    B: Sc across. Fasten off. (19 sc)

    Key1
    sc
    single crochet (insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops)

Making up

  1. Step 1Step 1: Block all individual pieces before assembly. Wet blocking is recommended for cotton yarns.
  2. Step 2Step 2: Side seams. Place the bodice front and back with RS together. Whipstitch the side seams from waist to underarm on both sides. Leave the armhole open on the no-strap side.
  3. Step 3Step 3: Shoulder seam. Align the right shoulder of the bodice front (the 19-stitch panel) with the corresponding shoulder of the bodice back. Seam together.
  4. Step 4Step 4: Strap attachment. Position the strap along the left shoulder edge of the bodice front. Pin it, checking the diagonal drape. Sew the front end securely, then carry the strap across to the back and sew that end to the left shoulder edge of the bodice back.
  5. Step 5Step 5: Attach shorts to bodice. Align the waist edge of the shorts with the lower edge of the bodice. Pin evenly around, easing any fullness. Whipstitch together.
  6. Step 6Step 6: Thread the belt through the belt loop on the back. Position across the front waist and secure through the buckle.
  7. Step 7Step 7: Weave in all ends on the WS. Trim to approximately 0.5 inches after weaving.
  8. Step 8Step 8: Optional: Add a single crochet edging around the armhole and neckline to neaten the edges.

Notes from the pattern

  • The hook called for is a US E-4 / 3.5 mm; mercerised cotton shows stitch definition clearly at this size, so uneven tension will be visible on the finished bodice.
  • least six stitch markers are needed to track row edges and the colour-change points between MC and CC sections on the front panel, particularly useful since the shaping and the colourwork don't always land on the same row.
  • Standard sc gauge (20 sc x 22 rows per 10 cm) and BLO sc gauge (20 sc x 24 rows per 10 cm) differ, so swatch separately for any section worked in back loop only rather than relying on one gauge check for the whole piece.
  • Colour changes between MC and CC should be made at the last stitch of the previous row so the new colour starts clean on the turn; weave in ends as each colour section finishes rather than leaving them until the end.
  • Standard single crochet gauge: 20 sc x 22 rows = 4 inches / 10 cm worked flat.
  • Back loop only single crochet gauge: 20 sc x 24 rows = 4 inches / 10 cm worked flat.
  • Make a 6-inch swatch in each stitch pattern. Wash and dry it the way you plan to care for the finished piece. Then measure. Adjust your hook size up or down as needed to match gauge.
  • BLO sc (Back Loop Only Single Crochet): Instead of inserting your hook under both loops at the top of the stitch, go under only the back loop. This creates a visible horizontal ridge on the right side of the fabric, giving the shorts their ribbed texture.
  • sc2tog (Single Crochet Two Together): Insert hook into the first stitch and pull up a loop (2 loops on hook). Without finishing, insert hook into the next stitch and pull up another loop (3 loops on hook). Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops, turning 2 stitches into 1.
  • Surface Slip Stitch: With the right side facing you, insert hook through the fabric from front to back. Place a slip knot on the hook at the back and draw the loop through to the front. Work slip stitches along the surface at regular intervals. This creates the belt loop detail.
  • The romper is worked flat in separate pieces and seamed. All seams go on the wrong side.
  • Chain 1 at the beginning of a sc row does NOT count as a stitch throughout this pattern.
  • Stitch counts in parentheses at the end of each row show your total working stitches after any shaping.
  • Block all pieces before seaming for best results. Blocking makes a huge difference.
  • The shoulder strap crosses the body from the left shoulder to the right underarm in the front.

The essentials

Rounds
34
Level
Intermediate
Time
4-6 hours
Hook
3.5 mm
Yarn
DK (Light 3)

Stitches you will use

  • Shaped single crochet (UK double crochet) decreasing Appears on the bodice back waist rows, where sc2tog brings the count from 85 down through 83 and 81 stitches; keep the decrease at both ends of the row to avoid an uneven shoulder line.
  • Back loop only single crochet (BLO sc) Has its own gauge in the notes (20 sc x 24 rows per 10 cm), separate from standard sc gauge, so it is worked where stretch or a ribbed texture is wanted; check which loop is picked up before starting the row.

Troubleshooting

The bodice front edges roll or cup instead of lying flat.

This usually means the swatch tension was tighter than the stated gauge; re-check gauge with a fresh 6-inch swatch, wash and dry it as planned, and block the finished panel with rust-proof pins while damp.

The back's two shoulders come out at different widths.

This points to a missed or uneven sc2tog decrease row; after each decrease row, count stitches against the stated total (85, then 83, then 81) before continuing.

Substituting yarn

Acrylic or acrylic-cotton blend, DK weight
Softer and more elastic than mercerised cotton, with less crisp stitch definition; hook size stays close to 3.5 mm but the fabric will stretch more at the shoulder straps.
Linen-cotton blend, DK weight
Drapes more loosely and softens with washing, so the trapezoid shaping relaxes rather than holding a firm edge; a slightly larger hook may be needed to keep the fabric from stiffening.
Bamboo-cotton blend, sport weight
Lighter and finer than DK, so more yardage is needed to reach the same width and a smaller hook (closer to 3.25 mm) keeps gauge from loosening.

Washing and care

  • Hand wash the finished piece in cool water, since the mercerised cotton named in the materials list holds its shape well but can lose definition with hot water or a machine cycle.
  • Lay flat to dry and re-pin the edges if they've shifted out of shape; store folded rather than hung, as cotton has little recovery and hanging can stretch the shoulder straps over time.

FAQs

Questions

What hook size does this pattern use?

A US size E-4 / 3.5 mm hook is used throughout both bodice pieces. The gauge notes assume this hook with DK weight cotton; swatch first and adjust up or down if the stitch count doesn't match.

How much yarn is needed for the whole bodice?

Roughly 800 to 950 yards of sage green main colour and 150 to 200 yards of light mint contrast colour are required, both in DK weight cotton or a cotton blend. The ranges allow for differences in individual tension.

What's the difference between the bodice front and bodice back?

The front is 34 rows long, shaped like a trapezoid, and carries the mint contrast panel down the centre with sage green framing the edges. The back is 17 rows, worked entirely in main colour, and mirrors the front's waist shaping without the colour block.

Where is back loop only (BLO) single crochet used?

The notes give BLO sc its own gauge, separate from the standard sc gauge, which signals it's used somewhere the fabric needs more stretch or a ribbed look rather than a flat panel. Check which loop the instructions call for before starting that section, since it changes the row count needed to match gauge.

Can a different cotton yarn be used instead of the named brands?

Yes, any DK weight cotton or cotton-blend yarn that matches the stated gauge will work in place of the specific yarns listed. Mercerised cotton gives the crispest stitch definition, while a cotton blend will soften the drape slightly.

These answers came from whoever first published the pattern, kept word for word.