Butterfly Kisses Baby Frock Free Pattern – A Knitted Lullaby of Lace Wings and Garter Stitch

Wrap your little one in a cloud of softness with this heirloom-quality frock, where delicate butterfly-wing lace meets the cozy simplicity of garter stitch. This timeless design turns every snuggle into a gentle flutter of warmth, making it the perfect gift for a newborn or infant. The top-down construction means you can try it on as you go, and the seamless finish ensures comfort against delicate skin. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or a confident beginner ready for a beautiful challenge, this pattern will guide you through creating a cherished keepsake.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. Using the recommended yarn will ensure the best drape and stitch definition, but any DK weight (light worsted) yarn will work beautifully.

• Yarn: DK weight (light worsted) cotton-bamboo blend, approximately 300-350 yards. A great choice is Lion Brand Coboo in 'Powder Pink' or 'Buttercream' for a soft, subtle sheen.
• Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) circular knitting needles with a 24-inch cable, plus a set of US 6 double-pointed needles for the sleeves.
• Notions: Stitch markers (at least 4), stitch holders or waste yarn, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and optionally, a satin ribbon for the yoke.

Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (blocked). Always check your gauge to ensure the correct fit.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This frock is knitted top-down in one piece, with a lace yoke, then split for the skirt and sleeves. All increases are worked into the lace pattern for a seamless finish. Take your time, read through the pattern once, and enjoy the process.

Abbreviations

• k = knit
• p = purl
• yo = yarn over
• k2tog = knit two together (right-leaning decrease)
• ssk = slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
• pm = place marker
• sm = slip marker
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side

Lace Pattern (multiple of 6 + 1)

This 8-row repeat creates the delicate butterfly-wing effect. Work it exactly as written, paying attention to the yarn overs and decreases.

• Row 1 (RS): k1, *yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k1; repeat from * to end.
• Row 2 (WS): purl all stitches.
• Row 3 (RS): k2, *yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k1; repeat from * to last 3 sts, yo, ssk, k1.
• Row 4 (WS): purl all stitches.
• Row 5 (RS): k1, *k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, k1; repeat from * to end.
• Row 6 (WS): purl all stitches.
• Row 7 (RS): k2, *k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, k1; repeat from * to last 3 sts, k2tog, yo, k1.
• Row 8 (WS): purl all stitches.

Yoke

The yoke is worked in the round from the neckline down. The increases create a gentle A-line shape that will eventually form the armholes.

1. Cast on: Cast on 72 stitches. Join in the round, being careful not to twist. Place a marker at the beginning of the round.
2. Garter edge: Work 4 rounds of garter stitch (knit 1 round, purl 1 round, knit 1 round, purl 1 round). This creates a neat, non-rolling neckline.
3. Increase round 1: *k6, yo, k1, yo, k6* – repeat to end. You now have 84 stitches.
4. Stockinette: Work 2 rounds of stockinette (knit all stitches).
5. Increase round 2: *k7, yo, k1, yo, k7* – repeat to end. You now have 96 stitches.
6. Stockinette: Work 2 rounds of stockinette.
7. Increase round 3: *k8, yo, k1, yo, k8* – repeat to end. You now have 108 stitches.
8. Stockinette: Work 2 rounds of stockinette.
9. Increase round 4: *k9, yo, k1, yo, k9* – repeat to end. You now have 120 stitches.
10. Stockinette: Work 2 rounds of stockinette.
11. Increase round 5: *k10, yo, k1, yo, k10* – repeat to end. You now have 132 stitches.
12. Stockinette: Work 2 rounds of stockinette.
13. Increase round 6: *k11, yo, k1, yo, k11* – repeat to end. You now have 144 stitches.
14. Stockinette: Work 2 rounds of stockinette.
15. Lace yoke: Now begin the lace pattern. Work rounds 1-8 of the lace pattern once. The yoke should now measure approximately 4 inches from the cast-on edge.

Divide for Sleeves

This is where the magic happens – you'll separate the body from the sleeves, creating the armholes.

1. Next round: k20 (front right), place next 32 stitches on a holder (right sleeve), cast on 4 stitches underarm, k40 (back), place next 32 stitches on a holder (left sleeve), cast on 4 stitches underarm, k20 (front left).
2. You now have 88 stitches on your needle for the body. The sleeve stitches are safely held aside.

Skirt

The skirt flares beautifully with a series of increase rounds, followed by more lace bands. This creates the graceful, twirly silhouette.

1. Stockinette: Work in the round in stockinette stitch for 2 inches.
2. Increase round 1: *k10, yo, k1, yo, k10* – repeat to end. You now have 104 stitches.
3. Stockinette: Work 2 rounds of stockinette.
4. Increase round 2: *k11, yo, k1, yo, k11* – repeat to end. You now have 120 stitches.
5. Stockinette: Work 2 rounds of stockinette.
6. Increase round 3: *k12, yo, k1, yo, k12* – repeat to end. You now have 136 stitches.
7. Stockinette: Work 2 rounds of stockinette.
8. Increase round 4: *k13, yo, k1, yo, k13* – repeat to end. You now have 152 stitches.
9. Stockinette: Work 2 rounds of stockinette.
10. Increase round 5: *k14, yo, k1, yo, k14* – repeat to end. You now have 168 stitches.
11. Stockinette: Work 2 rounds of stockinette.
12. Lace bands: Now work the lace pattern rounds 1-8 twice more. The skirt will be approximately 7 inches from the underarm.
13. Garter edge: Work 4 rounds of garter stitch (knit 1 round, purl 1 round, knit 1 round, purl 1 round).
14. Bind off: Bind off loosely on the last purl round. This prevents a tight, puckered hem.

Sleeves

These sweet cap sleeves are worked in the round from the armhole down, with gentle decreases for a perfect fit.

1. Set up: Transfer 32 held stitches to double-pointed needles. Pick up and knit 4 stitches from the underarm cast-on. You now have 36 stitches total. Place a marker at the underarm to mark the beginning of the round.
2. Stockinette: Work in stockinette stitch in the round for 1 inch.
3. Decrease round 1: k2tog, k to last 2 stitches, ssk. You now have 34 stitches.
4. Stockinette: Work 1 round of stockinette.
5. Decrease round 2: k2tog, k to last 2 stitches, ssk. You now have 32 stitches.
6. Stockinette: Work 1 round of stockinette.
7. Garter edge: Work 4 rounds of garter stitch (knit 1 round, purl 1 round, knit 1 round, purl 1 round).
8. Bind off: Bind off loosely.
9. Repeat: Repeat the entire sleeve process for the second sleeve.

Finishing

The final touches make all the difference in creating a polished, heirloom piece.

1. Weave in ends: Use a tapestry needle to carefully weave in all loose yarn ends on the wrong side of the fabric.
2. Block gently: Block the frock to open up the lace pattern and even out the stitches. Lay it flat on a towel, pin it to shape if desired, and mist with water. Allow it to dry completely.
3. Optional ribbon: Thread a satin ribbon through the eyelets of the yoke lace pattern, and tie a delicate bow at the front for an extra touch of charm.

Your Butterfly Kisses Baby Frock is now complete! This beautiful, handmade garment is sure to be treasured for years to come. The soft, breathable cotton-bamboo blend is gentle on baby's skin, and the timeless design makes it a perfect gift for baby showers or a special addition to your own little one's wardrobe. Happy knitting!