Purple Bellicious

Purple Bellicious Knitted Dress by B H Design

Project Overview

Purple Bellicious is an elegant autumn and winter dress designed as a pinafore-style garment for toddlers, specifically sized for children aged 2-3 years old. This downloadable knitting pattern features a gorgeous cable design combined with bell-shaped frills, offering simple construction that delivers maximum visual impact. The finished dress measures 45cm (17½ inches) in length and 32cm (12½ inches) wide at the hips, making it an ideal size for young children.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

Purple Bellicious employs straightforward knitting construction methods suitable for intermediate-level knitters. The pattern features an easy cable design as a primary decorative element, paired with bell-shaped frills that create visual interest and movement. The design emphasizes simple construction principles while achieving sophisticated results through thoughtful stitch placement and shaping.

The garment is constructed using circular knitting needles, which the designer recommends for ease of working, though this is noted as a preference rather than a requirement. The neckline and shoulders feature a plaited band detail, and the pattern includes button hole construction integrated into the design. Two buttons (½ inch size) are used as functional closures, with button holes worked directly into the knitted fabric during construction.

Stitches and Stitch Details

The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches including knit stitches, purl stitches, and cable stitches. Stitch markers are essential tools for this project, with five stitch markers recommended to track pattern sections and maintain proper stitch placement throughout construction. The cable design elements provide textural depth and visual appeal characteristic of classic knitted garments.

Yarn and Materials

Yarn: Malabrigo Arroyo in colorway 058 Borrajas (purple), a pure superwash merino wool. The total yardage required is 335 yards (305 meters), equivalent to 200 grams or approximately 100 grams per skein.

Needles and Notions: Size 4mm knitting needles (US size 6, UK size 8) are specified for this project. Circular needles measuring 80cm are recommended by the designer. Additional materials include two ½-inch buttons for closures and five stitch markers for tracking pattern sections.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked at a gauge of 20 stitches and 29 rows over a 10x10cm (4x4 inch) square in stockinette stitch. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements. The pattern is sized for children aged 2-3 years old, with the model (Chloe) being 2 years old at the time of photography.

Yarn Weight and Difficulty Level

This pattern uses sport weight yarn, a lightweight option that creates delicate, refined fabric suitable for children's garments. The intermediate difficulty level indicates that knitters should have foundational skills including cable knitting, button hole construction, and the ability to work from written pattern instructions with stitch marker placement.

Pattern by Beata Higham Design. Intended for personal use only. Reproduction or sale of this pattern is prohibited.