Red Pockets

Red Pockets Dress by Boadicea Binnerts

What Is Being Made

The Red Pockets Dress is an airy spring knitting project designed for transitioning into summer. This top-down constructed dress features a relaxed silhouette that skims rather than clings to the body, offering ease of movement and comfort. The design incorporates horizontal striping throughout and includes functional red pockets as a decorative and practical finishing element. Available in five sizes ranging from XS to XL (86–106cm bust), the dress is suitable for various body types and offers finished bust measurements from 89–109cm with intentional ease built into the pattern.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key construction techniques. The dress is worked from the top down, a method that allows knitters to try on the garment as it progresses and adjust length easily. Yarnovers are strategically incorporated throughout the design to create an open, airy fabric ideal for warm weather wear. The neckband is attached separately to ensure a polished, professional finish. Pockets are sewn on after the main garment is complete, allowing them to be positioned precisely and secured durably. The horizontal striping pattern is achieved by alternating between yarn colors, making this an excellent project for using up partial skeins or yarn remnants that are insufficient for larger garments like cardigans.

Stitches Used

While specific stitch names are not detailed in the pattern notes provided, the construction relies on fundamental knitting stitches combined with yarnover techniques to create the characteristic openwork and breathable fabric. The striping is achieved through color changes worked into the basic stitch pattern, and the pockets are likely constructed using standard knit and purl stitches before being sewn to the finished dress body.

Materials

This project uses RYC Cashcotton yarn in a DK (double knitting) weight, a blend that combines the softness of cashmere with the breathability and durability of cotton—ideal for a spring and summer dress. The yardage requirements vary by size: XS requires 376 yards in Grey (A) and 376 yards in Cream (B); S requires 441 yards Grey and 376 yards Cream; M requires 490 yards Grey and 376 yards Cream; L requires 539 yards Grey and 376 yards Cream; and XL requires 584 yards Grey and 376 yards Cream. One additional skein of red yarn is required for the pockets across all sizes. Knitters will need appropriate needles for DK-weight yarn to achieve the intended gauge and fabric drape.

Finished Measurements

• Bust: 89–109cm (35½–43½ inches) depending on size
• Length from neck to hem: 90cm (35 inches) on the sample garment
• Armpit to armpit (laid flat and closed): 49cm (19 inches)

The sample garment shown is size M, modeled on a person 1.8m (5'11") tall, providing a helpful reference for how the dress proportions appear on a taller frame.