This kid sized pinafore is a recreation of a design my mum thought up back in the early 1970s when she started her knitwear business, The Shetland Trader. There are images of my sister wearing this garment over some knitted trousers and it was one of a number of kids knitwear
items that my mum sold. I decided to call it Lizzie after a neighbor of my parent’s during the time they lived in Bigton. Lizzie (Laurenson) was one of the first people my mum employed to knit up items when her business was getting started and she was also a bit of a surrogate grandmother
figure to my two older siblings. There is a good chance she knit up one of these lacy pinafores!

This pattern was part of the Shetland Wool Week Annual for 2021. It is now available as an individual pattern.

Sizes
18 ¼ (20 ½, 23, 25 ¼) in / 46.5 (52, 58.5, 64) cm (at chest, taken from the ribbed bodice section)
Note: The sizes above roughly correspond to ages 1 (2, 4, 6) years, with zero ease included. You should measure the intended recipient to help choose the correct size. The 2x2 rib used in the bodice is very stretchy, and even with zero ease included, is intended to be worn over a layer as the stretch in the rib can easily accommodate it.

Needles
US 4 / 3.5mm 24 in / 60cm circular needle
US 3 / 3.25mm 16 in / 40cm circular needle

Yarn
Jamieson & Smith 2 ply Jumper Weight Yarn (100% Real Shetland Wool; 125 yds / 25g)

Yarn A: Shade 202; 2 (2, 3, 3) balls
Yarn B: Shade 32; 1 (1, 1, 2) balls
Yarn C: Shade FC46; 1 (1, 1, 2) balls
Yarn D: Shade 125; 1 (1, 1, 1) ball

Gauge
27 sts and 32 rounds to 10cm over Razor Shell Pattern using 3.50mm needles, blocked and slightly stretched.
Note: The hem is stretched more and has a gauge closer to 26 sts to 10cm.

28 sts and 34 rounds to 10cm over rib pattern using 3.25mm needles, blocked and slightly stretched.
Please check your tension carefully and adjust your needle size accordingly.

Notions
Stitch markers, Scrap yarn or stitch holders, Tapestry needle

Construction
This pinafore is knit bottom up in the round, separating at the underarm to work the remainder of the ribbed bib section. The straps of the upper body are joined together with a three-needle bind off.
It is recommended to use the spit splicing technique for changing colors.
Stripe sequences are only suggested possibilities. If changing the sequence at all make sure to give each color an even number of rounds so that the color changes happen on knit rounds. You can increase or decrease the number of rounds worked to alter the length.