The pattern is out of print, but you can read the directions here. Be sure to read the Ravelry project notes of Skyebek. They are very helpful. What she did is what I did, including substituting SSK for all Ktbls (because it looks nicer/flatter).

This was originally a free pattern. It only includes two sizes:

6 - 12 months
12 - 18 months

However, Bean (Nayllij on Ravelry) created a great chart that will allow knitters to expand on the range of sizes available for this design. But you’ll still need the pattern.

I did not follow the instructions for the 12 - 18 month size because I chose to use heavier, sport weight yarn. In addition, I’m a loose knitter. Therefore, to achieve the desired 12 - 18 month size I did the following:

I cast on 101 sts using size 2.5 US Addi circular needle (for Magic Loop). Placed markers every 20 sts. You must cast on multiples of 20+1. Then after you finish the seed stitch hem band, you knit 2 together to get back to an even number of sts. The extra stitch (not mentioned in the pattern) is necessary for knitting seed stitch in the round. You’ll also need an odd number of stitches for the seedstitch waistband. I used one less stitch for the waistband and then increased one stitch when I was finished with it. You’ll also need 1 extra stitch for each of the sleeves. Then decrease 1 on the last round before binding off with Jeny’s Surprisingly Stretchy Bind-Off.

Due to my little dress having 201 cast-on stitches, it would normally come out looking like this one. However, I wanted my points to be in the center front and back, so I had to change the order of the directions when I started knitting the bodice. (Also, I moved the marker to line up with the nearest skirt “line” before starting the waistband. So mine came out looking like this one. Depending on the number of cast on stitches, your dress may have the point in the center or offset as in this one. But you can adjust this to your preference by moving your BOR marker at certain points in the knitting. Both ways look cute. But I’d line up the skirt “lines” with the “leaf points” in the lace pattern of the bodice/yoke.

If you cast on 201 sts as I did, your little dress will have 10 panels in the skirt and 7 leaves in the bodice/yoke area - 3 leaves in front, 1 on each sleeve and 2 in the back. At least that’s how I arranged mine.

Also, in order to have the lines go straight up from the points at the bottom border, you’ll have to move your markers 1 stitch to the right before starting that part. After finishing the seedstitch waistband, I had to move my markers a different number of stitches in order to get the points/skirt lines at center front and back.

Cotton Fair is a 5-ply yarn, sport weight. I wish it came in more sophisticated colors because I really like working with it. The store only had 2 balls with different dye lots. I could not see any difference in color. I knitted the skirt until I ran out of yarn with the first ball. This was about 9.5 inches of skirt length. Then I joined the 2nd ball for the waistband and upper part. I had 2.2 ounces (62.4 grams = 198 yds) of yarn left from the 2nd ball after finishing.

The directions for the crocheted edging (back neck opening) are a bit confusing, but it was pretty clear to me what I should do. I just did the single crochet stitch all around the back opening and made a little button loop (3 chain sts) on one end of the seed stitch neck band. I bound off the neckband in seed stitch using Jeny’s Surprisingly Stretchy Bind-Off.

This is an adorable design. I’m sure I’ll knit it again in various sizes and weights of yarn. However, I may try doing it like this next time. I think the neckline may fit better without all the yoke leaf decreases. The similar design is actually a vintage pattern that is no longer available in print. A big “thank you” to Stacey for sharing how she knitted her vintage baby dress. Haley- Frabbits on Ravelry was a big help with her notes too.