My previous and much used favourite free PDF pattern (used for the yellow dress above) was the Climbing the Willow (CTW) Basic A-line Dress. (My reference, which you can ignore, is D24.) I used to scoop the armholes a bit deeper, as my grand-daughters like something very easy to get on and off over their athletic shoulders, but other than that, I used it in all the sizes from 18 months to age 5. However, the links I had originally (and which you may still find on Pinterest etc) no longer work. CTW still exists but only for adult patterns (paid for). I've still got my digital copy, so I can still use it if I need those smaller sizes. However, at the time of writing this, I have found another link through Bloglovin', which does still have the pattern available on Dropbox. So you can give that a try. How long it will continue to exist there, I don't know. Such a shame when old favourites disappear.
So - what else is there that you can try? Let's start with the youngest sizes. The first that I can suggest is from Small Dream Factory. (My ref: D17) It's a Toddler Dress with a Peter Pan Collar, and that is an A-line shape. It comes in sizes from baby to about 3-4 years.
Another one with a Peter Pan Collar is from the Frills and Flares Blog, and comes in sizes 3-5. (My ref: D135)
One possibility for you to try in age 0-4, is the Twig and Tale Petal dress. On their web site, you can download a front wrap dress (the Petal Dress) and an Art Smock, which has the Petal opening at the back. By using the back of the Petal Dress and the front of the Art Smock, you could adapt this to an A-line dress! You would need to ensure there was an adequate neck opening. You can do this either by splitting the back at the fold and adding a seam allowance, then leaving an opening at the top; or you can make a facing and a key hole neckline or placket. This post may help you with closures.
Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom have an A-line pattern and tutorial for ages 3-7, which has a narrower profile than some. However, I often tend to widen A-line dresses, or add a frill anyway. (My ref: D93)
They also do an A-line pullover dress which is an A-line profile with cap sleeves, designed for knits, not woven fabrics. That comes in ages 4-10. (My ref: D134)
There are a couple of other possibilities that produce an A-line styling, though they are not true A-line patterns. One is from Oh Mother Mine, in ages 1-7, which has a pleated front. The web site is in Spanish but you can used Google Translate to translate the instructions. However, I believe that their patterns do not include seam allowance, so you need to add that on before cutting out. (My ref D156)
The other, which has a gathered front, is from Craft Foxes. It's for an A-line sleeveless dress. It's not a true A line, but a cross between an A-line and a peasant style. Range of sizes 2,4,6,8,10. The patterns all appear to be printed over each other and I'm not sure how you print it - on A0? But other people have more sophisticated computers and printing options than mine, so I've included it anyway - a great range of sizes.
If all else fails, you could design your own A-line pattern. The Frills and Flares blog referred to above also has some instructions for designing your own A-line pattern from measurements - try it if you like. I didn't find it very easy to use, but I may just be a bit stupid.
Here's another DIY pattern from measurements, from Burda Style. This seems straightforward enough, but it doesn't have a curved hem, it's just drawn straight across. An A-line dress should have a curved hem, or it will effectively be longer at the sides than the front and back.
And finally - there's my pattern in progress! I hope to be able to put this on the blog before Easter. It will have 4 sizes, 4-5, 6, and 7-8.
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