The Clock Struck One vest and toy mouse

The Clock Struck One Vest and Toy Mouse by Kirsten McTeer

Project Overview

The Clock Struck One is a charming knitted tank top designed by Kirsten McTeer, inspired by the classic nursery rhyme "Hickory Dickory Dock." This intermediate-level knitting project features a decorative clock face motif and includes an adorable detachable toy mouse in a patch pocket, making it an engaging and playful garment for young children. The design combines functional wearability with whimsical storytelling elements that appeal to both children and parents.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a sleeveless tank top vest suitable for children approximately 1 to 3 years old, offered in three graduated sizes: 12-18 months (S), 18-24 months (M), and 2-3 years (L). The garment features an actual chest size of 22.5" for the smallest size, 24" for the medium, and 25.5" for the largest size. The length from shoulder to hem ranges from approximately 12.5" to 15" depending on size. The design includes a patch pocket that holds a small knitted toy mouse, adding an interactive element to the finished garment.

Construction Techniques

• Flat Construction: The tank top is worked entirely flat rather than in the round, allowing for easier colorwork management and seaming
• Bottom-Up Assembly: The garment is constructed from the hem upward, providing intuitive sizing adjustments as you work
• Seaming: Pieces are seamed together after completion, creating clean, finished edges
• Intarsia Colorwork: The clock face motif is created using the intarsia method, a technique that allows for large areas of contrasting colors without carrying yarn across the back of the work. This method is ideal for creating detailed pictorial designs and prevents the fabric from becoming overly thick or stiff
• Patch Pocket Application: A functional patch pocket is incorporated to house the accompanying toy mouse

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

• Stocking Stitch: The primary stitch pattern used throughout the garment, creating a smooth, classic knit fabric with a flat appearance on the right side
• Intarsia Stitches: Stocking stitch is maintained while working the intarsia colorwork, ensuring the clock design integrates seamlessly with the base fabric

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for DK weight yarn, a versatile mid-weight yarn that provides excellent stitch definition for both the base garment and the intarsia colorwork. The recommended gauge is 22 stitches and 30 rows to 4 inches in stocking stitch, worked on 4mm (US 6) needles. This gauge ensures the fabric has appropriate drape and structure for a children's garment while maintaining the clarity of the clock face design.

Sizing and Fit

The pattern is designed with positive ease built in, recommending 2.5" to 3.5" of positive ease for comfortable wear. This allows for layering and movement appropriate for active toddlers. Sizing is based on actual chest measurements rather than age alone, as the suggested ages serve only as a general guide. Knitters are encouraged to measure the child's actual chest and select the size that provides the desired ease rather than relying solely on age recommendations.

Difficulty Level

Rated as an intermediate project, The Clock Struck One requires knitters to be comfortable with fundamental techniques including flat construction, seaming, and notably, the intarsia colorwork method. While not a beginner project, it remains accessible to knitters with basic skills who are ready to expand their colorwork capabilities. The intarsia technique, though requiring attention to detail, is well-suited to creating the pictorial clock design without the bulk that other colorwork methods might produce.