Madalena Dress

Madalena Dress by Alexis Hoy

What Is Being Made

The Madalena Dress is a knitted children's dress designed by independent designer Alexis Hoy. This garment was originally created as a gift for the designer's niece and is engineered to grow with the wearer, fitting comfortably from six months through two and a half years of age. The dress features a fitted bodice paired with a flowing skirt that extends to a petal point hem, making it a versatile piece suitable for multiple seasons and styling options.

Design Features and Versatility

The Madalena Dress showcases an open design with a laced back closure, providing exceptional adjustability and extended wearability. This construction allows the dress to accommodate growth while maintaining a flattering fit. The open back design and laced closure system make the garment adaptable enough to function as a lightweight summer dress in cotton yarn, and equally charming layered over long sleeves and leggings during cooler months. The petal-point skirt hem adds a decorative, feminine detail to the silhouette.

Finished Sizing

The pattern is offered in two size options:

• 6–12 months size: Bodice front measures 5 3/4 inches (14 centimeters) wide and 4 1/2 inches (11.5 centimeters) long from neck edge to waist; skirt length extends 8 inches (20 centimeters) from waist to petal point
• 12–24 months size: Bodice front measures 7 1/2 inches (19 centimeters) wide and 6 inches (15 centimeters) long from neck edge to waist; skirt length extends 10 inches (25.5 centimeters) from waist to petal point

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This advanced-level knitting project employs several key techniques to achieve its distinctive appearance. The dress incorporates eyelets in the front bodice, which serve both decorative and functional purposes in the overall design. The laced back closure is a structural feature that requires careful attention to stitch placement and tension. The petal-point hem on the skirt is created through strategic increases and decreases that form the characteristic pointed scallop edge. These techniques combine to create a garment with visual interest and practical adjustability.

Yarn and Materials

The Madalena Dress is designed to be worked in sport weight yarn, which provides an appropriate fabric weight for a children's dress that drapes elegantly while remaining lightweight and breathable. Sport weight yarn is ideal for the detailed stitch work required by the eyelets and laced closure, allowing for precise definition of these design elements. The pattern is presented as a downloadable PDF format, making it accessible for immediate use once purchased.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as advanced difficulty, reflecting the technical skills required to successfully execute the eyelet details, laced back closure, and petal-point shaping. Knitters undertaking this project should have solid foundational skills and experience working with shaping techniques and decorative stitch patterns.