Berrie Pie

Berrie Pie Baby Dress by Rachel Molenaar

What is Being Made

The Berrie Pie is a sleeveless baby dress designed by Rachel Molenaar, featuring an optional built-in nappy cover. This knitted garment combines practical functionality with decorative details, making it suitable for everyday wear or special occasions. The dress includes a button-up back closure for easy dressing and undressing of infants.

Design Features

This intermediate to advanced knitting project showcases several distinctive design elements that elevate it beyond a basic baby garment. The dress features a decorative hem and collar that frame the neckline beautifully. Short-row scalloped edges create an elegant, finished appearance along the garment's edges. Knit-as-you-go flower stitches are integrated throughout the design, adding visual interest and texture to the finished piece.

Rachel Molenaar specifically recommends this pattern for hand-painted sock yarn, which allows the main color variations to shine through the stitch work. The optional built-in nappy cover adds practical value for parents while maintaining the dress's aesthetic appeal.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Short rows: Used to create the scalloped edges and shape specific areas of the dress
• Pick up and knit: Essential for constructing the collar and other picked-up sections
• Working in the round: Employed for seamless construction of cylindrical sections
• Three-needle cast off: Creates secure, finished seams where pieces are joined
• Knit-as-you-go flower stitches: Decorative motifs worked simultaneously with the main fabric

Yarn Specifications

The pattern calls for Wild Fire Fibres Tempo yarn in two colorways: Blueberry Ice Cream for the main color (MC) and Berry Pie for the contrast color (CC). This 4-ply weight yarn is composed of 75% Wool and 25% Nylon, providing durability and machine-washability essential for baby garments. Each 100g skein yields 384 meters or 420 yards, with a yarn weight index (WPI) of 14, confirming its 4-ply classification.

According to designer Rachel Molenaar, the wool and nylon blend creates a hard-wearing fabric that remains soft enough for sensitive baby skin. The yarn is noted as smooth and pleasant to work with throughout the knitting process. For crafters seeking alternatives, Garnstudio DROPS Fabel and The Knitting Goddess 4-ply are suggested as suitable yarn substitutes.

Skill Level and Difficulty

This pattern is rated as advanced difficulty, making it suitable for experienced knitters with solid foundational skills. The combination of short-row shaping, working in the round, and decorative stitch techniques requires intermediate to advanced knitting knowledge. The intricate flower stitch details and precise shaping demand attention to detail and comfort with complex pattern instructions.

Tools and Materials Required

Knitters will need appropriate needles for 4-ply yarn (typically US 1-3 / 2.25-3.25mm depending on desired gauge), along with stitch markers, a tapestry needle for finishing, and buttons for the back closure. The downloadable PDF format provides detailed instructions, abbreviations, and guidance for all techniques employed in this design.