P083 Baby Shorties

Baby Shorties

We love these shorts for playtime or lounging around the house. Featuring a fitted twisted rib waistband and easy-fit through the leg. Pair with our P079 Denim Marle Baby Sweater and sneakers for a cute 80’s athleisure inspired set. Our two year old size is shown here.

MEASUREMENTS

Yarn Required:

Please use only the yarn specified. Another yarn is likely to yield different results. Quantities are approximate as knitting styles may vary between knitters. Check the ball bands to ensure all yarn is from the same dye lot.

NOTE: This pattern is written for our 1 year old size, all stitch counts and references for other sizes are written in brackets for easy reference. They are as follows, 1yo (2yo - 4yo - 6yo)

KNITTING NEEDLES & EQUIPMENT:

A 3.75mm pair of needles.
A 4.00mm pair of needles.
Wool needle for sewing in ends.

TENSION:

22 sts and 30 rows to 10cm over stocking st, using 4.00mm needles.

KNITTING ABBREVIATIONS:

• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• K2tog: Knit two stitches together
• K2togtbl: Knit two stitches together, through the back loop
• M1R: Make one stitch right, lifted leg increase
• M1L: Make one stitch left, lifted leg increase

SHORTS

Casting On:

Using 3.75mm needles, cast on 50 (56 - 64 - 70) sts, we recommend using a long tail cast on.

Row 1: K1, *P1, Ktbl, repeat from * until one stitch remains, P1.
Row 2: K1, *Ptbl, K1, repeat from * until one stitch remains, P1.
Rows 1 and 2 form a twisted rib, repeat this stitch pattern until piece measures 7 (7 - 8 - 8) cm from the beginning ending with a RS row.

Main Panel

Switch to using 4.00mm needles and begin to work in stocking st.
Work 1 row purl (WS).
Next Row (RS): *K3 (2 - 2 - 3), M1R, repeat from * to end ... 60 (70 - 80 - 84) sts

Continue to work in stocking stitch, without further shaping until piece measures 21 (22 - 23 - 24) cm from the beginning, ending with a WS row.

Leg Shaping:

Row 1: K27 (32 - 37 - 39), M1R, K2, M1L, knit to end ... 62 (72 - 82 - 86) sts
Row 2: Purl all stitches.
Row 3: K27 (32 - 37 - 39), M1R, K4, M1L, knit to end ... 64 (74 - 84 - 88) sts
Row 4: Purl all stitches.
Row 5: K27 (32 - 37 - 39), M1R, K6, M1L, knit to end ... 66 (76 - 86 - 90) sts
Row 6: Purl all stitches.
Work 2 rows.

Cast off 29 (32 - 36 - 37) sts, knit to end ... 37 (44 - 50 - 53) sts
Cast off 29 (32 - 36 - 37) sts, purl to end ... 8 (12 - 14 - 16) sts
Work 4 rows.

Decreasing for Back:

Cast on 29 (32 - 36 - 37) sts, knit to end ... 37 (44 - 50 - 53) sts
Cast on 29 (32 - 36 - 37) sts, purl to end ... 66 (76 - 86 - 90) sts
Work 2 rows.

Row 5: K27 (32 - 37 - 39), K2tog, K6, K2togtbl, knit to end ... 64 (74 - 84 - 88) sts
Row 6: Purl all stitches.
Row 7: K27 (32 - 37 - 39), K2tog, K4, K2togtbl, knit to end ... 62 (72 - 82 - 86)
Row 8: Purl all stitches.
Row 9: K27 (32 - 37 - 39), K2tog, K2, K2togtbl, knit to end ... 60 (70 - 80 - 84)
Row 10: Purl all stitches.

Work in stocking stitch, without further shaping until piece measures 23.5 (24.5 - 25.5 - 26.5) cm from the cast on edge, ending with a WS row.

Back Waistband

Next Row (RS): *K3 (2 - 2 - 3), K2tog, repeat from * to end ... 60 (70 - 80 - 84) sts

Work in twisted rib as for the front for 7 (7 - 8 - 8) cm, cast off in rib.

FINISHING

Using a wool needle or crochet hook, sew together side seams.

Weave in all ends and stretch gently into shape.

Alternative Yarns

The original pattern specifies Makr Denim Marle. When choosing an alternative, select a yarn that can achieve the pattern tension of 22 sts and 30 rows to 10cm over stocking st, using 4.00mm needles.

Suitable alternatives may include yarns with a similar weight, fibre content and drape. Because the waistband uses a twisted rib and the body is worked in stocking stitch, the substitute yarn should have enough elasticity to retain shape while remaining soft and comfortable for children’s wear.

Customisation Ideas

• Work the shorties in a solid colour for a simple everyday finish.
• Use a softly marled or tonal yarn to recreate the look of the original Denim Marle.
• Choose a contrasting colour for the waistband to add a colourblocked detail.
• Coordinate the shorties with a matching knitted sweater for a complete set.
• Use different colours for multiple sizes to create coordinating sibling sets.

Care Instructions

Follow the care instructions provided on the yarn label used for the project. Wash gently using a method suitable for the selected fibre and reshape while damp.

Dry flat where recommended to help maintain the waistband elasticity and overall shape. Store folded rather than hanging to avoid stretching the knitted fabric.