Knickers

Knickers by Emma Sadler – Knitted Baby Shorts

What Is Being Made

These knickers are charming knitted shorts designed for babies and infants, created by independent designer Emma Sadler. The garment is a practical and adorable alternative to covering disposable nappies, suitable for newborns through 12-month-old babies. The design features optional ruffles at the bottom, allowing crafters to customize the finished look—ruffles can be included for a decorative finish or omitted for a simpler aesthetic.

Sizing

The pattern includes multiple size options to accommodate different ages and waist measurements:

• Preemie: 14 cm / 5.5 inches waist
• Newborn: 16 cm / 6.25 inches waist
• 0-3 Months: 18 cm / 7 inches waist
• 3-6 Months: 19 cm / 7.5 inches waist
• 6-12 Months: 20 cm / 8 inches waist

Knitting Techniques

These knickers are knitted flat in one piece, beginning at the back and finishing at the front. This construction method simplifies the building process and creates a seamless flow from back to front. The ruffles are added as a finishing detail at the end of the project, making them an optional embellishment that can be easily incorporated or skipped depending on preference. The pattern works up quickly, making it ideal for last-minute gifts or stash-busting projects.

Stitches and Stitch Work

While specific stitch abbreviations are not detailed in the provided content, the intermediate difficulty level indicates the pattern uses a combination of fundamental knitting stitches suitable for crafters with basic knitting experience. The ruffle detail likely employs increase techniques to create the gathered or flared edge at the leg openings.

Materials

The sample garment was knitted using Paintbox Yarns Baby DK in the colourway Ballet Pink 752. This yarn is composed of 45% Acrylic and 55% Nylon, making it a durable, washable, and soft choice for delicate baby skin. DK weight yarn is a medium-light yarn that knits at a moderate gauge, contributing to the quick knit-up time noted in the pattern. The pattern will require appropriate needles suitable for DK-weight yarn, though specific needle sizes are not included in the provided excerpt.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, this pattern is suitable for knitters who have mastered basic stitches and are comfortable following written instructions with some shaping and construction techniques. The flat, one-piece construction and optional ruffle finishing make this an accessible project for intermediate-level crafters looking to expand their garment-making skills.