Going with a zipper. Crossing my fingers this turns out. LOL

Gauge: 4 sts per inch, 5.5 rows per inch

I cast on a size 8-9 and after one ball of yarn realized this will fit me. So I frogged and cast on for size 4-5.

My niece measured 26 inches around and my gauge was 4 sts per inch. That would give me a finished measurement of 31.25” giving this 5.25” of ease which I figured would be a good amount of growing room.

I knit the body around in size 4-5, but followed the pattern for size 8-9 for lengths.

Followed pattern for rounded hood.
A = 5.5 rows
B = 56 sts
C = 44 sts

The zipper TOOK ALL DAY!!! I will never do that again. I was so careful to try and make sure the edges would meet and cover the zipper but nope. Oh well. It’s done. Oh, and after blocking, the zipper was too short. I ordered the zipper from here, and had it shortened to 17.5”. This is a high quality zipper. It slides nicely/easily and hooks together really easily. Perfect for young, little hands.