Double the love

Double the Love Reversible Baby Bib by Kathleen Sperling

Project Overview

Double the Love is a downloadable knitting pattern designed by independent designer Kathleen Sperling for creating a charming, functional baby bib. This intermediate-level project combines practical design with decorative heart motifs, making it an ideal handmade gift for infants and toddlers. The finished bib measures approximately 8.25" x 11" when laid flat and is sized to fit head circumferences up to about 17.5".

What Makes This Bib Special

• Reversible Design: The bib features two distinct sides, allowing caregivers to flip it to a clean surface when one side becomes soiled during feeding or teething
• Double-Thick Construction: The double-knitting technique creates an extra-absorbent fabric ideal for catching food spills and drool
• Secure Fit: The bib pulls on over baby's head, making it difficult for little ones to remove themselves during wear
• Heart Motif: Decorative hearts are incorporated throughout the design, adding a sweet, loving touch perfect for gift-giving

Knitting Techniques and Skills Required

This pattern is suitable for knitters with intermediate experience. The techniques required include fundamental knitting and purling stitches, chart reading for the heart pattern, and working in the round using double-pointed needles (DPNs). The pattern notes that two circular needles or the magic loop technique are also acceptable alternatives for working in the round. The most advanced technique featured is double knitting, which creates the reversible, double-thick fabric. This involves picking up stitches along edges and managing two layers of fabric simultaneously.

Materials and Gauge

The pattern calls for worsted weight yarn, with approximately 62 yards required of each color used. The model shown was created using Bernat yarn. Knitters should work to a gauge of 28 stitches (14 per side) over the pattern, with 21 rows in the specified stitch pattern. Appropriate needles for worsted weight yarn at this gauge are required; the pattern specifies using DPNs or circular needles suitable for working small circumferences in the round.

Pattern Details

This is a one-size-fits-all pattern with finished measurements of approximately 8.25" x 11" when laid flat. The pattern includes detailed instructions for the double knitting technique, chart reading for the heart design, and techniques for picking up stitches along edges—all essential components for completing the reversible construction successfully.