Adapted from the pattern “Reins for Children” from Weldon’s Practical Needlework, Fifth Series (Volume 2). Original pattern states, “These reins are quickly and easily knitted, and afford a great deal of amusement to children, besides being capital exercise.”

The reins consist of a rectangular front panel embellished with embroidery and four jingle bells, with padded loops on each end to slip over the child’s arms, and a long strap (the ‘reins’) which the adult holds onto while the child runs about.

Materials
2 skeins DK weight wool yarn (pattern calls for color #5858 Red of Classic Elite Yarns St-Denis Nordique)
Needles, US size 7
1 yd (.9m) of cord, nonstretchy cotton or linen, about 1/4” (6mm) thick, such as Venetian blind cord
Sewing thread, cotton, dark red or black (or color to match your yarn)
Embroidery thread, silk, gold
Twill, cotton or wool, red (or color to match yarn), 1/3 yd (.3m)
Batting, cotton or wool
4 jingle bells, gold-finished, 12mm
Pins (silk, straight, or dress-maker’s), 1 doz.
Safety pins or bamboo marking pins
Sewing needle
Tapestry needle

Finished Size

Chest panel - about 5 1/4” (13cm) tall x 8 1/2” (22cm) wide
Strap - about 2” (5cm) wide x 90” (2.29m) long