Princess FrouFrou

Princess FrouFrou by Linda Day Morehouse

Project Overview

Princess FrouFrou is a knitted accessory design created by independent designer Linda Day Morehouse. This downloadable PDF pattern is suitable for advanced beginner to intermediate knitters seeking a decorative project with functional button details and textured construction.

What is Being Made

Princess FrouFrou is a knitted collar or neck accessory featuring a decorative ruffle construction. The design incorporates functional buttonholes and button closures, making it a versatile piece that can be fastened and worn as a statement accessory. The pattern includes provisions for both standard buttons and a decorative fancy button accent.

Materials Required

• Yarn: 90 yards of sport-weight bamboo or bamboo blend yarn (Caron Spa or Paton's Silk Bamboo recommended)
• Needles: US #6, #8, and #10 needles for various sections of the project
• Notions: One size F or G crochet hook for optional button loop construction, four 3/8" or 1/2" buttons, and one 5/8" fancy button for embellishment

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

Princess FrouFrou employs fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate-level crafters. The pattern utilizes the long-tail cast-on method to establish the foundation stitches, creating a strong and elastic edge suitable for a collar piece.

The primary stitch pattern is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a defined right side and reverse side. This stitch is achieved by alternating knit rows and purl rows, producing the characteristic V-pattern texture that knitters favor for refined garments and accessories.

Buttonhole construction is integrated into the design using the bind-off and cast-on method. This technique involves binding off stitches in specific locations to create openings, then casting new stitches back onto the needle in the following row to close the buttonhole. The pattern includes two pairs of buttonholes positioned strategically within the collar section.

Additional stitches employed include yarn overs (yo) for decorative increases and knit two together (k2tog) for decreases. The pattern references the Russian bind-off method for finishing edges, which creates a secure and professional-looking edge closure.

Gauge and Sizing

Proper gauge is essential for achieving the intended finished dimensions. The pattern specifies a gauge of 11 stitches and 16 rows per 2 inches in stockinette stitch on US #6 needles. Knitters should swatch and measure gauge before beginning the project to ensure accurate sizing and proper button alignment.

Construction Details

The collar section begins with 112 cast-on stitches using the long-tail method on US #6 needles. The initial rows establish garter stitch (knitting all stitches on every row) for structure and definition. Buttonholes are worked into the early rows, with the first pair positioned at 4 stitches and 16 stitches from the beginning edge. The pattern then transitions between stockinette stitch sections created by alternating knit and purl rows, building the decorative ruffle effect that defines this accessory.

Skill Level

Princess FrouFrou is rated as advanced beginner to intermediate difficulty, making it an excellent project for knitters who have mastered basic stitches and are ready to incorporate functional elements like buttonholes and multi-needle techniques into their work.