Free Knitting Pattern for a Meadowflower Dress and Beanie.
This free knitting pattern presents a charming “Meadowflower Dress and Beanie” set, perfect for babies from newborn to 12 months. The set is designed with a delicate and sweet aesthetic, using a soft blend of merino wool and Egyptian cotton yarn (Lille Lerke).
The dress features a skirt worked in the round from the bottom up, beginning with a patterned section (likely floral, based on the name) detailed in a separate chart (“diagram A”). Above the pattern, the skirt transitions to plain stocking stitch, creating a simple contrast. The bodice is worked in a K1, P1 rib, providing a snug and comfortable fit.
Raglan armholes are shaped with decreases, and the front and back pieces are worked separately and flat after the armhole stitches are cast off. A rounded neckline is shaped with further decreases, and button closures are incorporated at the shoulders for easy dressing. Simple knitted edgings finish the neckline and armholes.
The matching beanie is also worked in the round, starting with a garter stitch brim. An eyelet row adds a decorative touch and is followed by a section of shaping that creates two points, or “ears,” at the top of the beanie. I-cord ties are knitted separately and attached to these “ears,” adding both a functional and whimsical element.
The pattern is classified as intermediate due to the chart reading, shaping techniques, working in the round, picking up stitches, and I-cord knitting. It uses two needle sizes (2mm and 2.5mm) to achieve the desired texture and fit. The finished set is a beautiful and practical outfit for a little one, with a touch of handmade charm.
Skill Level:
Intermediate. Here’s why:
- Patterned Skirt (Dress): Working from a chart (“diagram A”) requires chart-reading skills.
- Shaping (Dress and Beanie): Both pieces involve increases and decreases for shaping.
- Working in the Round: Both pieces are primarily worked in the round.
- Picking Up Stitches: The dress requires picking up stitches for the edgings.
- I-cord: Knitting I-cord can be fiddly.
- Multiple Needle Sizes: The pattern uses two different needle sizes.
Sizing:
- Dress: 0 (3) 6 (9-12) months
- Beanie: 0-3 (6-9) 12 months
Garment measurements (chest size and full length) are provided for the dress.
Materials:
- Yarn:
- Lille Lerke (53% merino wool, 47% Egyptian cotton; 50g = approx. 142m)
- Dress: 2 (3) 3 (4) balls
- Beanie: 1 ball (for all sizes)
- Color: Old pink 8123
- Yarn alternatives: SOFT MERINO, BABY ULL
- Needles:
- Long and short circular needles: 2mm and 2.5mm
- Double-pointed needles (DPNs): 2.5mm
- Other:
- Stitch markers
- Buttons (4)
- Yarn needle (for weaving in ends and sewing)
Yarn Considerations:
- Weight: The Lille Lerke yarn is likely a DK (Double Knitting) weight, given the yardage and needle sizes.
- Fiber: The merino wool and cotton blend is soft and suitable for baby garments.
- Substitution: If substituting yarn, choose a DK-weight yarn with similar fiber content and be sure to check your gauge.
