Enchanted Rosebud Baby Dress Free Pattern – Knit a Fairytale Heirloom
Step-by-Step Instructions
Abbreviations
Before you begin, familiarize yourself with these standard knitting abbreviations:
- k = knit
- p = purl
- k2tog = knit two stitches together (decrease)
- yo = yarn over (increase that creates an eyelet hole)
- ssk = slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
- pm = place marker
- sm = slip marker
- m1 = make one (increase by lifting the bar between stitches and knitting into the back of it)
Bodice (Worked Top-Down)
Cast On: Cast on 60 (66) [72] stitches using your preferred method. Join in the round, being careful not to twist your stitches. Place a marker at the beginning of the round to mark the center back.
Round 1: Knit all stitches.
Round 2: Purl all stitches. This creates a subtle rolled edge at the neckline.
Round 3: Knit all stitches.
Round 4: *K2, yo, k2tog, k1, pm* repeat to end of round. This creates eyelet holes for threading the ribbon through later. The markers you place here will help you keep track of your increases in the next section.
Round 5: Knit all stitches.
Yoke Increases
Now we'll increase stitches to shape the yoke and create room for the chest and sleeves. Work these increase rounds carefully, knitting one plain round between each increase round.
Round 6: *K3, m1* repeat to end of round. You should now have 80 (88) [96] stitches.
Round 7: Knit all stitches.
Round 8: *K4, m1* repeat to end of round. You should now have 100 (110) [120] stitches.
Round 9: Knit all stitches.
Round 10: *K5, m1* repeat to end of round. You should now have 120 (132) [144] stitches.
Round 11: Knit all stitches.
Round 12: *K6, m1* repeat to end of round. You should now have 140 (154) [168] stitches.
Round 13: Knit all stitches.
Your yoke is now complete. The piece should measure approximately 4-5 inches from the cast-on edge, depending on your gauge.
Divide for Sleeves
Now we'll separate the body from the sleeves. This is a crucial step, so take your time and count your stitches carefully.
Knit 20 (22) [24] stitches (this is the front left), then place the next 30 (33) [36] stitches on a stitch holder or waste yarn for the sleeve. Cast on 4 (5) [6] stitches under the arm using the backward loop method or your preferred cast-on technique. Knit 40 (44) [48] stitches (this is the back), then place the next 30 (33) [36] stitches on another holder for the second sleeve. Cast on 4 (5) [6] stitches under the arm. Finally, knit the remaining 20 (22) [24] stitches (front right).
Your total body stitch count should now be 88 (98) [108] stitches. Place a marker at the beginning of the round if you don't already have one there.
Skirt
Now for the fun part—the flared, fairytale skirt! We'll start with dramatic increases to create the A-line silhouette.
Round 1: *K1, yo* repeat to end of round. This doubles your stitch count. You should now have 176 (196) [216] stitches.
Round 2: Knit all stitches.
Round 3: *K2, yo* repeat to end of round. You should now have 264 (294) [324] stitches.
Round 4: Knit all stitches.
Rosebud Lace Pattern
This is the signature pattern that gives the dress its name. The lace is worked in multiples of 6 stitches, and the pattern repeat is 8 rounds. The combination of yarn overs and decreases creates a beautiful, dimensional floral motif.
Round 5: *K3, yo, ssk, k1* repeat to end of round.
Round 6: Knit all stitches.
Round 7: *K1, k2tog, yo, k3* repeat to end of round.
Round 8: Knit all stitches.
Round 9: *K3, yo, ssk, k1* repeat to end of round.
Round 10: Knit all stitches.
Round 11: *K1, k2tog, yo, k3* repeat to end of round.
Round 12: Knit all stitches.
Repeat rounds 5-12 two more times, so you have three total lace repeats. Your skirt should now measure approximately 6-7 inches from the underarm, depending on your gauge.
Skirt Increases
To continue the flare and add more fullness to the skirt, we'll work another set of increases.
Round 37: *K4, m1* repeat to end of round. You should now have 330 (368) [405] stitches.
Round 38: Knit all stitches.
Round 39: *K5, m1* repeat to end of round. You should now have 396 (442) [486] stitches.
Round 40: Knit all stitches.
Ruffle Edge
The final flourish is a wide, airy ruffle that catches the light and gives the dress its fairytale quality. This is achieved with two rounds of dramatic increases.
Round 41: *K2, yo* repeat to end of round. You should now have 594 (663) [729] stitches.
Round 42: Knit all stitches.
Round 43: *K1, yo, k1* repeat to end of round. You should now have 1188 (1326) [1458] stitches.
Round 44: Knit all stitches.
Round 45: Bind off loosely. This is crucial—if you bind off too tightly, the ruffle won't flare properly. Consider using a larger needle for the bind-off or using a stretchy bind-off method like the Jenny's Surprisingly Stretchy Bind-Off.
Sleeves
Now let's finish the sleeves. Transfer the held sleeve stitches from one holder to your double-pointed needles. Pick up and knit 4 (5) [6] stitches from the underarm cast-on edge. Your total sleeve stitch count should be 34 (38) [42] stitches. Place a marker at the beginning of the round and join in the round.
Round 1: Knit all stitches.
Round 2: *K2, k2tog* repeat to end of round. You should now have 26 (29) [32] stitches.
Rounds 3-10: Knit all stitches. This creates a short, puffed sleeve.
Round 11: *K1, k2tog* repeat to end of round. You should now have 18 (20) [22]
