Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Baby knickers a.k.a. boy bloomers


Little guy just took his first few independent steps a week ago. It is really amazing to see him stand up and move around. He is still a ways from walking though and spends most of his time crawling. He has perfected a crawl run which is really cute to watch. However, it is very hard on his little knees. I like to keep his knees protected, but also want him to be comfortable since it is summer. The perfect solution is knickers. I have already made a few pairs of the boy bloomers. The pair in the picture was made with two skeins of Lily Sugar & Creme Stripes cotton yarn. The baby knicker pattern is the same as the baby shorties, but easier since you don't have to shape the legs or pick up stitches.

Baby Shorties

Size: small (medium, large). Hip size: 17 in. (20 in., 23 in.)

Materials: 175 (200, 225) yards of cotton worsted weight yarn. I used 2 skeins of Love it
by Berroco. Elastic to use for the waistband.

Gauge: 4 sts = 1 in. stockinet stitch for main body.

Needles: US size 6 - 16 in circular needle, US size 8 - 16 in. circular needle or sizes need to get gauge.

Notes: w&t - Slip the next stitch purl-wise with the yarn in front. Turn work and wrap
yarn around to the back of the stitch. Slip the stitch purl-wise with the yarn in front.

Main Body
Cast on 68 (80, 92) sts using US size 6 circular needle and join in the round being careful
not to twist stitches. Place a marker for the beginning of the round.
Knit 6 rounds.
Purl 1 round.
Knit 6 rounds in knit two, purl two ribbing. Change to US size 8 circular needle.

Begin Short Rows

Size small only:
Knit 23 sts, w&t.
Purl 12 sts, w&t.
Knit 15 sts, w&t.
Purl 18 sts, w&t.
Knit 21 sts, w&t.
Purl 24 sts, w&t.
Knit to the end of the round.

Size medium only:
Knit 26 sts, w&t.
Purl 12 sts, w&t.
Knit 15 sts, w&t.
Purl 18 sts, w&t.
Knit 21 sts, w&t.
Purl 24 sts, w&t.
Knit 27 sts, w&t.
Purl 30 sts, w&t.
Knit to the end of the round.

Size large only:
Knit 29 sts, w&t.
Purl 12 sts, w&t.
Knit 15 sts, w&t.
Purl 18 sts, w&t.
Knit 21 sts, w&t.
Purl 24 sts, w&t.
Knit 27 sts, w&t.
Purl 30 sts, w&t.
Knit 33 sts, w&t.
Purl 36 sts, w&t.
Knit 39 sts, w&t.
Purl 42 sts, w&t.
Knit to the end of the round.

For all sizes:
Knit in rounds until piece measures 6 in. (7 in., 8 in) from the purl ridge.

Split for legs
Knit 17 sts (20 sts, 23 sts). Place these stitches on a holder and knit 34 sts (40 sts, 46 sts).
Place the remaining stitches on a holder and turn work. Purl one row.
Knit in stockinette stitch until leg measures 1.5 in. (2.0 in., 2.5 in.).
Change back to US size 6 circular needle and knit rows in knit two, purl two ribbing for 1 in. (1.5 in., 2.0 in.). Bind off stitches loosely.

Attach yarn to the remaining 34 sts (40 sts, 46 sts) and knit in stockinette stitch until leg measures 1.5 in. (2.0 in., 2.5 in.).
Change back to US size 6 circular needle and knit rows in knit two, purl two ribbing for 1 in. (1.5 in., 2.0 in.). Bind off stitches loosely.

Finishing
Sew the leg seam. Sew in all the loose strings. Fold over the waistband at the purl ridge and stitch in place leaving space open to put in the elastic. Cut half inch elastic to 15 in. (18 in., 21 in) or to size needed for the waistband. Insert the elastic in the casing. Stitch the rest of the casing
closed.


2 comments:

Heidi said...

Those are so cute!! I think my favorite part of this pattern is "but easier since you don't have to shape the legs or pick up stitches." I'll probably give it a try this fall, after I knit William's sweater (must discipline myself to finish the project I already bought yarn for before I start a new one. . .). Thanks for posting the pattern!!

Natural Violet said...

Thanks Heidi! It is my favorite part also. I have been making quite a few of the shorties lately so it was great to make the knickers. Glad you like the pattern!

Natural Soap Making and Himalayan Salt Soaps

I have been making natural soaps and shampoo bars for a few years now. I started making soaps for the local Halo Salt Spa back in 2015. I...