Jordan - 12ply baby overalls

Jordan Baby Overalls by Jennifer Lee

What is Being Made

Jordan is a pair of striped baby overalls designed by Jennifer Lee, featuring a classic shoulder-buttoning construction. These overalls are knitted as a single coordinated garment suitable for newborns through nine-month-old infants. The design includes contrasting stripes created by alternating between a main colour and a contrast colour throughout the piece, offering visual interest while maintaining the simplicity appropriate for beginner knitters.

Sizes and Fit

The pattern is available in four sizes:

• 0 months: Fits chest 35cm (13¾ ins), actual measurement 45cm (17¾ ins), length 40cm (15¾ ins)
• 3 months: Fits chest 40cm (15¾ ins), actual measurement 50cm (19¾ ins), length 47cm (18½ ins)
• 6 months: Fits chest 45cm (17¾ ins), actual measurement 55cm (21¾ ins), length 53cm (21 ins)
• 9 months: Fits chest 50cm (19¾ ins), actual measurement 60cm (23¾ ins), length 57cm (22½ ins)

Knitting Techniques Used

This beginner-level pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques including stocking stitch as the primary fabric structure. The striped effect is achieved through colour work, alternating between the main colour and contrast colour at regular intervals. The overalls feature shoulder buttoning, which requires shaping at the armholes and neck area to accommodate the button bands. Decreasing stitches is used to create proper garment shaping, and the pattern utilizes stitch holders to manage stitches during construction.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout Jordan is stocking stitch (knit on right-side rows, purl on wrong-side rows), which creates a smooth, classic fabric suitable for baby garments. Garter stitch (knitting every row) may be incorporated for edgings or button bands to provide a more textured, stable finish. The pattern also includes decreasing techniques to shape the garment at the armholes and neckline, and slipping stitches as indicated in the abbreviations list for various shaping methods.

Materials and Specifications

Yarn: The pattern calls for Panda Brushed Wool in 12ply weight, a chunky yarn that knits quickly and creates a soft, brushed fabric ideal for delicate baby skin. Yarn quantities required are 2 balls of main colour (with 2–3 balls needed for the largest size) and 2 balls of contrast colour, with each 50g ball providing approximately 70 metres of yardage. The pattern notes that quantities may vary depending on individual knitter tension and yarn characteristics.

Needles: A pair of 5.50mm knitting needles (UK size 5, US size 9) are required for the main fabric, paired with a wool needle for sewing seams and finishing.

Notions and Accessories: The pattern requires 2 stitch holders for managing stitches during construction, and 2 buttons for the shoulder fastening.

Tension

Achieving the correct tension is essential for proper fit. The pattern specifies a tension of 17 stitches and 23 rows over 10cm (4 inches) measured over stocking stitch using 5.50mm needles. Knitters should swatch before beginning to ensure their tension matches this specification, as variations will affect the final garment size.

Difficulty Level

Jordan is rated as an Easy pattern, making it suitable for beginner knitters. The straightforward construction using basic stitches, combined with the chunky yarn weight that knits quickly and forgivingly, allows new knitters to complete a wearable garment while developing fundamental skills.