Doodad

DOODAD Seamless Knit Dress by Justyna Lorkowska

What Is Being Made

DOODAD is a children's seamless knit dress designed by Justyna Lorkowska and created in collaboration with Red Riding Hood Yarns for Winter Club 2015. This top-down construction dress features a distinctive round cabled yoke and short sleeves, making it an elegant yet practical garment for young children. The design is available in five sizes ranging from 2 to 10 years, with finished chest measurements from 52 cm (20.5") to 70 cm (27.5").

Knitting Techniques

DOODAD employs several key knitting techniques that make it suitable for beginner knitters while creating visual interest:

• Top-down seamless construction: The dress is knit from the top down in the round, eliminating the need for seaming and creating a smooth, professional finish
• Cable yoke: A round cabled yoke forms the decorative upper portion of the dress, adding texture and sophistication to the design
• Circular knitting: The garment is worked in the round using circular needles and double-pointed needles (dpns), which is an efficient method for creating seamless cylindrical garments
• Stockinette stitch: The main fabric is worked in stockinette stitch (St st) in the round, creating a smooth, classic knit surface

Materials and Tools Required

DOODAD is designed to be worked in DK weight yarn, a medium-light yarn that creates a fabric with good drape and stitch definition. The pattern calls for specific needle sizes to achieve proper gauge:

• 3.25 mm/US #3 circular needle (60 cm/24" length) for the main body
• Needles two sizes larger than the gauge needles for the yoke
• Double-pointed needles (dpns) for working the sleeves in the round
• Five stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping
• Two cable needles for executing cable stitches in the yoke
• Tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends
• Stitch holders for holding stitches during construction
• Scrap yarn for provisional cast-on or stitch holders

Gauge and Sizing

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for this pattern. The target gauge is 21 stitches and 32 rows over 10 cm (4") in stockinette stitch worked in the round using the largest needles specified. The pattern includes five children's sizes with corresponding yoke depths and finished chest measurements, allowing for a customized fit across a wide age range from toddlers to older children.

Design Features

The round cabled yoke serves as both a functional and decorative element, providing structure at the shoulders while creating an eye-catching textured detail. The short sleeves offer versatility for layering or wearing in transitional seasons. The seamless, top-down construction method means knitters can try on the dress as they work and easily adjust the length before binding off, making it a forgiving pattern for those new to garment knitting.