Idas Kleid

Idas Kleid: Knitted Baby Dress by Mats&Ida

What Is Being Made

Idas Kleid is a charming knitted dress designed for babies and toddlers, available in four size options: 6-9 months, 12-18 months, 2 years, and 3-4 years. This downloadable knitting pattern from independent designer Mats&Ida creates a classic children's dress with a decorative butterfly motif. The dress features a button closure and is constructed from the bottom up, transitioning from circular knitting to flat knitting once the armholes are reached.

Construction and Techniques

The garment employs a two-stage knitting technique that combines both circular and flat knitting methods. The body of the dress is worked in the round from the lower edge up to the armhole shaping, then divided into front and back pieces that are completed using flat knitting (working back and forth in rows). This hybrid approach allows for seamless construction in the body while accommodating the armhole and neckline shaping that requires flat knitting.

The butterfly pattern is integrated throughout the design but requires different charting depending on the knitting method. The pattern includes two separate stitch diagrams: one for working the motif in the round and another for working it in rows. The actual pattern repeat stitches are clearly outlined in the diagrams for easy reference and accurate execution.

Stitches and Stitch Pattern

The foundation of Idas Kleid is worked in stockinette stitch (smooth knit stitch worked on the right side), which creates a clean, classic fabric base. The butterfly motif is worked as a decorative pattern element integrated into the stockinette background. The pattern uses standard knitting abbreviations including M (Masche/stitch), R (Reihe/row), and Rd (Runde/round).

Materials and Yarn Specifications

This intermediate-level pattern calls for DK weight yarn (also known as light worsted or 8-ply). The yardage requirements vary by size: 150-200 grams for the smallest size (6-9 months), 200 grams for the 12-18 month size, 200-250 grams for the 2-year size, and 250 grams for the 3-4 year size.

The pattern provides flexibility in yarn choice, recommending either Drops Cotton Merino (50g = 110 meters) or Sandnes Duo (50g = 124 meters). Both options are natural fiber blends suitable for baby garments. Specific yardage amounts are provided for each yarn option across all sizes.

Needles and Notions

The project requires circular needles in size 3.5mm, with both an 80cm length (for working the body in the round) and a 40cm length (for working smaller circumferences). A 3.5mm needle set (double-pointed needles) is also needed, or alternative needles of the appropriate size to achieve the specified gauge. Additional notions include one button for closure, six stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping, and two cable needles for any cable techniques that may be employed.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 22 stitches and 32 rows over 10 x 10 centimeters in stockinette stitch on size 3.5mm needles. Achieving this gauge is essential for proper fit. The four available sizes accommodate chest measurements of 24cm (6-9 months), 26cm (12-18 months), 28.5cm (2 years), and 30.5cm (3-4 years), with corresponding dress lengths of 40cm, 44cm, 48cm, and 52cm respectively.

Pattern sourced from Mats&Ida (@matsundida) on Instagram, referenced as #idaskleid2.