Rhubarb and Custard - Layette Knitting Pattern For Toddlers in Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino by Debbie Bliss

Rhubarb and Custard Layette Knitting Pattern for Toddlers by Debbie Bliss

The Rhubarb and Custard Set is a charming toddler layette knitting pattern by Debbie Bliss, worked in her beloved Baby Cashmerino yarn. Designed to fit ages 12–18, 18–24, and 24–36 months, this intermediate-level pattern encompasses multiple coordinating pieces that together create a complete, heirloom-quality wardrobe for little ones. The name "Rhubarb and Custard" is a nod to the warm, complementary colour pairing of Russet 315 and Rose Pink 94 — shades that run throughout the entire collection, giving every garment a cohesive and nostalgic feel.

Garments Included in the Set

Coat with Trellis Lining

The centrepiece of the collection is the Coat with Trellis Lining, a structured, seamed toddler coat that combines two distinct knitted fabrics — an outer shell and a decorative trellis-patterned lining — worked separately and brought together for a polished, fully finished interior. This is a sophisticated construction technique that elevates the garment well beyond a standard baby knit.

• Yarn: 5(6:6) 50g balls of Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino in Russet 315 for the outer coat, plus 5(5:6) 50g balls of Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino in Rose Pink 94 for the trellis lining.
• Needles: Pairs of 2.75mm (US 2), 3mm (US 2–3), and 3.25mm (US 3) straight knitting needles, as well as 2.75mm (US 2) and 3mm (US 2–3) circular knitting needles.
• Fastenings: 3 buttons.
• Techniques: Worked flat, seamed construction, buttonhole shaping, and button band finishing.

The use of circular needles alongside straight needles suggests that certain sections — such as collars, button bands, or edgings — are picked up and worked in the round or across a large number of stitches for a neat, professional finish. The trellis lining is a decorative lace or textured panel worked in the contrasting Rose Pink 94, visible when the coat is open and adding a delightful pop of colour against the warm Russet 315 exterior.

Bonnet

The Bonnet is a sweet, classic accessory that completes the layette set and coordinates perfectly with the coat. It is worked in Russet 315, tying the headwear directly to the outer coat for a pulled-together look.

• Yarn: One 50g ball of Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino in Russet 315.
• Needles: 3mm (US 2–3) and 3.25mm (US 3) knitting needles.

Traditional bonnet construction typically involves working the crown flat and seaming, with stitches picked up for a front brim or border. The single ball requirement makes this an excellent standalone project or a quick addition to complete the full set.

Waffle Coat

The Waffle Coat is a second coat design included in the pattern, offering a different texture and a slightly different yarn palette while remaining within the same warm colour family. The waffle stitch is a classic knitting texture formed by combining knit, purl, and slip stitches in a repeating grid pattern, creating a deeply textured, squishy fabric with excellent stitch definition — particularly well-suited to the smooth, fine fibres of Baby Cashmerino.

• Yarn: 4(5:5) 50g balls of Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino in Rose Pink 94 (A), plus additional balls of a second colour as specified in the full pattern.
• Techniques: Worked flat