Dress and Tunic in Stylecraft Special DK - 9399 - Downloadable PDF

Stylecraft Special DK Pattern 9399 – Dress and Tunic for Girls (Ages 2–11)

Pattern 9399 from Stylecraft is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern offering two distinct designs — a Dress and a Tunic — both worked in Stylecraft Special DK yarn. Sized to fit children aged 2 to 11 years, with chest measurements ranging from 56 cm (22 in) to 76 cm (30 in), this is an intermediate-level knitting pattern that produces beautifully textured, elegant garments suitable for everyday wear or special occasions.

What Is Being Made

The pattern includes instructions for two related but distinct garments:

• The Dress — a longer garment with full lengths ranging from 46 cm (18 in) for age 2–3 up to 64 cm (25¼ in) for age 10–11, with sleeves measuring 24 cm to 41 cm depending on size. The sample shown uses Stylecraft Special DK in Silver 1203.
• The Tunic — a shorter version of the design, with full lengths from 38 cm (15 in) to 56 cm (22 in) and shorter sleeves of 8 cm to 14 cm. The sample is worked in Stylecraft Special DK in Mushroom 1832.

Both designs share the same elegant stitch structure and construction method, making this an excellent pattern for knitters who wish to make one or both garments, or experiment with different colourways.

Sizes Available

• Age 2–3: To fit 56 cm (22 in) chest, actual measurement 57 cm (22½ in)
• Age 4–5: To fit 61 cm (24 in) chest, actual measurement 63 cm (24¾ in)
• Age 6–7: To fit 66 cm (26 in) chest, actual measurement 68 cm (26¾ in)
• Age 8–9: To fit 71 cm (28 in) chest, actual measurement 72 cm (28¼ in)
• Age 10–11: To fit 76 cm (30 in) chest, actual measurement 77 cm (30¼ in)

Techniques Used

This pattern is rated intermediate, meaning it is well suited to knitters who have moved beyond basic knit and purl and are comfortable working with multiple stitch types within a single row. Key techniques include:

• Casting on and working a structured ribbed border to begin each piece
• 1x1 rib — alternating knit one, purl one — used for the welts and cuffs to create a neat, elasticated edge
• Lace knitting — open, decorative eyelets are formed using yarn-over increases combined with decrease stitches, creating a delicate, feminine texture throughout the body of the garment
• Cable knitting — the pattern features a C4F (cable four front) stitch, where stitches are held on a cable needle at the front of the work before being knitted, creating a classic twisted rope effect that runs vertically through the fabric
• Shaping — increases and decreases are worked at key points to shape the body, armholes, and sleeves appropriately for each size
• Working from stitch holders to manage live stitches during construction

Stitches Used

The combination of stitches gives both the Dress and Tunic their distinctive textured appearance:

• Knit (k) and Purl (p) — the foundation stitches used throughout
• 1x1 Rib — k1, p1 alternating, used for borders and cuffs
• Yarn forward (yfwd