How to Knit a Baby Dress

From the creator: When I was little, I loved dresses with wide gathered skirts that belled out when I twirled – I called them “Spinny Dresses.” I designed this dress for my friend Nicole’s daughter Emily, a delicate and sweet girl who deserves a simple and charming dress like this one.

Materials:
- 3 skeins Rowan Calmer, Slosh 479.
- US 7/4.5mm 40-cm circular needle
- 4 safety pins

Sizes:
- 0-3 (3-6, 6-12). Shown in 6-12.

Gauge:
26 sts X 38 rows = 10 cm in stockinette

Step 1

Pattern
Cast on 192(208, 224) stitches. Join to work in the round.
Purl 1 round.
Knit 1 round.
Scallop round: (P2, m1, k5, sl1-k2tog-psso, k5, m1, p1) around.
Round 2: *P2, k13. Repeat from * around.
Repeat last 2 rounds 3 (4, 5)X.

Step 2

Work Round 2 ONLY until piece measures 18 (22, 26) cm, measured from tip of scallop. (P2tog) around. (96, 104, 112) sts.
Knit 1 round.
Purl 1 round.
Knit 1 round.
Purl 1 round.
Knit even for 1(1, 1.5) cm.
Knit to 10 sts before end of round, cast off 20 sts (76, 84, 92 sts).

Step 3

Work in short rows
K to 1 stitch before end, wrap next stitch by slipping this stitch to your right hand needle, wrapping the yarn behind the stitch, and slipping the stitch back to left needle. Turn.
Purl to 1 stitch before end, wrap next stitch, and turn.
*Knit to 1 stitch before wrapped stitch, wrap next stitch,and turn.
Purl to 1 stitch before wrapped stitch, wrap next stitch, and turn.
Repeat from * until you have 6(8, 10) wrapped stitches.
Knit to wrapped stitch. *Pick up wrap, and knit wrap & stitch together. Repeat from * to end of row. Turn. Slip 1, purl to wrapped stitch. *Pick up wrap, and knit wrap and stitch together. Repeat from * to end of row.
Cast off all stitches.

Step 4

Finishing
Beginning at center back, pick up and knit 96 (104, 112) stitches. Join to work in the round.
Purl 1 round.
Knit 1 round.
Purl 1 round.

Step 5

Cast off 16 (18, 20) stitches, k3, cast off 13 (14, 15) stitches, k3, cast off 26 (28, 30) stitches, k3, cast off 13 (14, 15) stitches, k3, cast off 16 (18, 20) stitches.
Place all four sets of strap stitches on safety pins.
Place left front strap stitches on needles.
Row 1: P1, k1, p1.
Row 2: K1, p1, k1.
Repeat these 2 rows for 18 (19, 20) cm. Graft strap stitches to right back held stitches using kitchener stitch.
Repeat this process for right front strap.
Weave in ends.
Block lightly so as not to stretch out ribbing.