Can I skip the buttons and just sew the straps

Absolutely, sewing the straps together permanently is the simpler of the two finishing options. The button route is only worth the extra step if you want easier on-and-off dressing.

What does the back loop only technique actually do here

It creates those horizontal ridges you see across the chest of the bodice. It's a purely textural choice, so your stitch count stays the same throughout.

How many ruffle tiers does the skirt have

The skirt builds in layered tiers, each one edged with a white trim round before starting the next. That repetition is what gives the skirt its dimension.

Is this a good pattern for my first baby garment

It's better suited to someone who already feels comfortable with increasing, decreasing, and working in rows. If you've made a hat or a simple sweater before, this is a reasonable next challenge.

Navy nautical baby romper crochet pattern with ruffle skirt

LevelIntermediate
Time4-6 hours
Hook4.0 mm
YarnWorsted

About This Pattern

There's something about navy and white together that just says clean, crisp, put-together. This romper leans into that feeling from the first stitch. It's the kind of piece that makes you want to hum while you work, because the color story alone does half the styling.

Your hands get a nice mix here, so nothing drags. You'll settle into the ribbed texture across the bodice, shift gears for the ruffle tiers, then finish up with a little bow that feels like dessert after dinner. Shaping the straps asks for a bit of attention, but nothing that will trip up an intermediate maker.

Picture this folded on a shelf, navy and white catching the light, anchor buttons winking from the front. It reads finished the second you set it down. This is the piece guests pick up first and ask who made it.

Start the front bodice by working straight rows in back loop only to build that ribbed chest texture.
Work the back panel the same way, then split the stitches to shape two separate straps.
Seam the front and back panels together at the sides, leaving the armholes open above.
Join navy yarn around the bottom edge and build the ruffle skirt tier by tier in double crochet.
Cap off each ruffle tier with a round of white single crochet for that crisp trim look.
Decide whether to sew the straps shut or add buttons and buttonholes for easy dressing.
Finish with the decorative bow and anchor buttons, then weave in every loose end.

On the desk

Yarn

Navy blue worsted weight yarn, approximately 200 yards (I recommend a soft acrylic or cotton blend for easy washing)
White worsted weight yarn, approximately 50 yards for trim and bow details

Hook

4.0mm (G/6) crochet hook
3.5mm (E/4) crochet hook for trim work

Notions

Yarn needle for weaving ends
Stitch markers (at least 4)
Scissors
Two small buttons for shoulder straps (optional)
Three small anchor buttons or appliqués for decoration

Finished Measurements

Gauge
Getting your gauge right matters for fit, especially with baby garments. Using the 4.0mm hook and worsted weight yarn:
14 stitches and 16 rows = 4 inches in single crochet
Take time to make a gauge swatch. If your swatch is too small, go up a hook size. If it is too large, go down a hook size. This extra step saves frustration later.

Stitch shorthand

Ch — Chain. Wrap yarn over hook and pull through the loop on your hook. This creates the foundation for most crochet projects.
Sl st — Slip stitch. Insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook in one motion. Used for joining rounds and creating invisible seams.
Sc — Single crochet. Insert hook into stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (2 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through both loops. A short, tight stitch that creates sturdy fabric.
Hdc — Half double crochet. Yarn over, insert hook into stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through all 3 loops. Slightly taller than single crochet.
Dc — Double crochet. Yarn over, insert hook into stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through 2 loops, yarn over and pull through remaining 2 loops. Creates a taller, more open fabric.
Inc — Increase. Work 2 stitches into the same stitch. Adds one stitch to your count.
Dec — Decrease (sc2tog). Insert hook into first stitch, pull up a loop, insert hook into next stitch, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through all 3 loops. Removes one stitch from your count.
BLO — Back loop only. Work into just the back loop of the stitch instead of both loops. Creates a ribbed texture.