I named these sweet baby pants for a children’s game in which one child hops over another’s back. The cable reminds me of braided hair and the color reminds me of all things spring, most especially the frogs! Appropriate for a boy or a girl, soft enough to sleep in, and sturdy enough for play.

Technical editing by Joeli Caparco and Joan Beebe. Originally published in Petite Purls.

Pattern Info
SIZE
Newborn/Preemie 3-6, 6-12, 12-24 months
MEASURES
Waist/Hip: 16 18, 20, 22 inches
TO FIT
With 1-4 inches positive ease. See pattern notes below.
GAUGE
16 stitches and 22 rows equal 4 inches in stockinette stitch

Pattern Notes
Cloth diapered babies may need to size up to accommodate bulk. If in doubt, go up one size; the baby will grow into the pants! Shown in size 3-6 months on 7­week­old baby in a cloth diaper.

Worked without purl stitches to delineate them, the braided cables grow organically down the sides out of ribbing and stockinette.

Knit from the top down in one piece with just one small seam at the crotch. Legs are intended to hit below the knee. Buy extra yarn for full-length pants. Stitches should always be slipped as if to purl.

SKILLS REQUIRED
casting on, knitting and purling in the round, yarn over increases, k2tog decreases, cabling, short rows, seaming

YARN
Blue Sky Alpacas Dyed Cotton, Color #607 “Lemongrass” 1 2, 2, 3 skeins

NEEDLES
US #8, 16-inch circular US #8 DPNs or long circular, for legs Or needle size to obtain gauge

NOTIONS
5 stitch markers Cable needle tapestry needle (to weave in ends)