Bunting Bloomers

Bunting Bloomers by Fox and Folk

What is Being Made

Bunting Bloomers is a knitted shorts pattern designed for babies in four sizes: newborn, 3-6 months, 6-12 months, and 18 months. This downloadable PDF pattern from independent designer Fox and Folk creates a classic bloomer-style garment with a decorative textured design, suitable for everyday wear or special occasions.

Knitting Techniques

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several fundamental techniques to construct the bloomers. The pattern begins with a cast-on foundation and uses circular needles or double-pointed needles (DPNs) to work in the round, which creates a seamless construction. The garment features a ribbed waistband worked in knit and purl combinations for elasticity and fit. Stitch markers are used throughout to track pattern repeats and maintain proper stitch placement as you work circularly.

The pattern incorporates shaping techniques including decreases using knit two together (K2tog) and slip, slip, knit (SSK) methods to achieve the fitted bloomer silhouette. Working in the round eliminates the need for seaming, making this an efficient construction method for small garments.

Stitches Used

• Knit (K) - the fundamental stitch creating the base fabric
• Purl (P) - used in combination with knit stitches to create textured patterns and ribbing
• K1, P1 Ribbing - alternating knit and purl stitches in the waistband for stretch and recovery
• Knit Two Together (K2tog) - a right-leaning decrease for shaping
• Slip, Slip, Knit (SSK) - a left-leaning decrease for balanced shaping
• Texture Repeat Pattern - a combination of knit and purl stitches arranged in specific rounds to create visual interest and dimension

Materials and Specifications

Yarn: DK weight yarn is used for this project, with yardage requirements ranging from 75 yards (68 meters) for the smallest newborn size to 175 yards (160 meters) for the 18-month size. DK weight provides a lightweight fabric appropriate for baby garments while maintaining good stitch definition for the textured pattern.

Needles: The pattern requires two needle sizes. US 5/3.75 mm needles are used for the ribbed waistband, while US 6/4.0 mm needles are used for the main body and texture sections. Needles can be either 9-inch circular needles or double-pointed needles (DPNs), both suitable for working small circumferences in the round.

Additional Notions: The pattern requires two stitch markers (one fixed marker and one slip marker), a yarn needle for weaving in ends, and a measuring tape for checking gauge and fit.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 12 stitches over 2 inches (5 centimeters) when measured over the stockinette stitch sections. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished size across all four size options. The cast-on numbers vary by size: 80 stitches for newborn, 88 stitches for 3-6 months, 96 stitches for 6-12 months, and 104 stitches for 18 months.

Pattern Structure

The Bunting Bloomers pattern begins with casting on the appropriate stitch count and joining in the round while being careful not to twist the stitches. The waistband is worked in K1, P1 ribbing for 1 to 1.75 inches depending on size. Following the ribbed cuff, the pattern transitions to larger needles and introduces a texture repeat section that alternates between different combinations of knit and purl stitches across multiple rounds, creating a decorative surface pattern that gives the bloomers their distinctive visual character.