The Butterfly Kisses Baby Frock: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Delicate, Lace-Trimmed Dress
The Butterfly Kisses Baby Frock: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Delicate, Lace-Trimmed Dress
Knit an heirloom-quality baby dress with a simple, elegant lace yoke and a soft, A-line skirt. This pattern is perfect for a special gift or a cherished addition to your little one's wardrobe. The delicate lace pattern creates tiny, openwork butterfly-like shapes, giving the dress a light, airy feel. Made with fine, soft yarn, this classic baby frock features short, puffed sleeves and a simple picot edge, making it a timeless piece for spring and summer.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Fingering weight (4-ply) baby yarn, such as a soft merino/cotton blend. Approximately 400-500 yards for 0-3 months size.
- Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm) knitting needles (or size to obtain gauge), US 3 (3.25 mm) circular needle (16-inch) for yoke, US 3 (3.25 mm) double-pointed needles for sleeves (optional).
- Gauge: 28 stitches and 36 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch, blocked.
- Notions: Stitch markers, stitch holders or waste yarn, tapestry needle for weaving ends.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Sizes
0-3 months (3-6 months, 6-12 months)
Abbreviations
- k = knit
- p = purl
- k2tog = knit two together
- ssk = slip slip knit
- yo = yarn over
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- RS = right side
- WS = wrong side
- kfb = knit front and back (increase)
Pattern Notes
- The dress is knit top-down in one piece.
- The yoke is worked flat, then joined in the round for the skirt.
- The lace pattern is a simple 4-row repeat.
Yoke
Cast on 60 (66, 72) sts.
- Row 1 (RS): Knit.
- Row 2 (WS): Purl.
- Row 3: K2, *yo, k2tog, k2; repeat from * to last 2 sts, k2.
- Row 4: Purl.
- Row 5: Knit.
- Row 6: Purl.
- Row 7: K2, *k2tog, yo, k2; repeat from * to last 2 sts, k2.
- Row 8: Purl.
Repeat Rows 1-8 twice more (total of 3 lace repeats).
Increase Row
Increase Row (RS): K3, *kfb, k4; repeat from * to last 3 sts, kfb, k3. (72, 80, 88 sts)
Work 4 rows stockinette (knit RS, purl WS).
Divide for Sleeves
Next Row (RS): K12 (13, 14) for right front, place next 14 (16, 18) sts on holder for right sleeve, cast on 2 sts, k20 (22, 24) for back, place next 14 (16, 18) sts on holder for left sleeve, cast on 2 sts, k12 (13, 14) for left front. (48, 52, 56 sts)
Skirt
Join in the round, being careful not to twist. Place marker for beginning of round.
Knit 1 round.
Skirt Lace Pattern
- Round 1: *K2, yo, k2tog, k2; repeat from * around.
- Round 2: Knit.
- Round 3: *K2, k2tog, yo, k2; repeat from * around.
- Round 4: Knit.
Repeat these 4 rounds until skirt measures 5 (6, 7) inches from underarm, or desired length.
Edging
- Round 1: *K2tog, yo; repeat from * around.
- Round 2: Knit.
Bind off loosely.
Sleeves (optional)
Transfer held sleeve sts to double-pointed needles. Pick up and knit 2 sts from cast-on underarm. (16, 18, 20 sts)
Knit 4 rounds.
Bind off loosely.
Finishing
Weave in all ends. Block gently to open lace pattern. Sew buttons or add a ribbon at the back opening if desired (the pattern as written has a simple back opening, but you can add buttonholes by working a yarn over and k2tog on the first row of the yoke).
