P133 Cotton 4ply Baby Bloomers

P133 Cotton 4ply Baby Bloomers

Layering is made that little bit easier with these bloomers, made up in our 100% cotton 4ply. These are soft and stretchy pieces, perfect for wearing over leggings and underneath dresses to keep little ones warm! Our cotton is so easy to care for and pairs well with everything!

How to Knit Cotton 4ply Baby Bloomers with Optional I-cord Tie

Create soft and comfortable baby bloomers using Lincraft Cotton 4ply yarn. These easy-knit bloomers feature a stretchy ribbed waistband, stocking stitch body, shaped leg openings and an optional i-cord tie.

Designed as a practical layering piece, these bloomers are perfect for wearing over leggings or underneath dresses to help keep little ones warm. The 100% cotton yarn creates a soft, breathable garment that is easy to care for.

Project: Cotton 4ply Baby Bloomers with Optional I-cord Tie

Pattern: P133

Craft type: Knitting

Difficulty: Easy Knit

Measurements

Size 1–3 Months 3–6 Months 6–12 Months 18 Months
Waist measures (cm) 17 18 19 20
Length measures (cm) 16 18 20 22

Yarn Required

  • Cotton 4ply 100g balls: 1 (1–1–1)

Knitting Needles & Equipment

  • A 3.25mm pair of needles.
  • A 3.00mm pair of needles.
  • A set of 3.00mm double pointed needles.
  • Wool needle for sewing in ends.

Tension (Stocking)

28 sts and 36 rows to 10cm over stocking stitch, using 3.25mm needles.

Knitting Abbreviations

  • K: Knit
  • K2tog: Knit 2 Together
  • Kfb: K1 into the fr of the next stitch on the needle but do not slide the stitch off, K1 into the bk of the same stitch on the needle and slide the stitch off the needle
  • P: Purl
  • P2tog: Purl 2 Together
  • YO: Yarn over
Pattern note: This pattern is written for the 1–3 months size. All stitch counts and references for other sizes are written in brackets for easy reference: 1–3 months (3–6 months – 6–12 months – 18 months).

Newborn Bloomers

Back

Casting On

Using 3.00mm needles and using a long tail cast on, cast on: 48 (52–56–60) sts.

Rib Pattern

  1. Row 1: *K2, P2, repeat from * to end of row.
  2. Row 1 forms a 2 x 2 rib pattern.
  3. Work in 2 x 2 rib until piece measures: 3cm from the beginning ending with a WS row.

1–3 Months Only

Next Row:

*K2, P2, K2, P2tog, YO, K2, P2, repeat from * to end of row.
4 holes made.

3–6 Months Only

Next Row:

*K2, P2, K2, P2tog, YO, repeat from * to last 4 sts, K2, P2.
6 holes made.

6–12 Months Only

Next Row:

*K2, P2, K2, P2tog, YO, K2, P2, K2tog, YO, P2, repeat from * to last 6 sts, K2, P2, K2.
6 holes made.

18 Months Only

Next Row:

*K2, P2, K2tog, YO, P2, K2, P2tog, YO, K2, P2, K2tog, YO, P2, K2, P2, repeat from * to last 12 sts, K2tog, YO, P2, K2, P2tog, YO, K2, P2, K2.
8 holes made.

All Sizes

Continue to work in 2 x 2 rib, until piece measures: 5cm from the beginning ending with a WS row.

Main Panel

Change to working with 3.25mm needles in stocking stitch until piece measures: 9.5 (11–13–15)cm from the beginning, ending with a WS row.

Taking note of how many rows this is.

Leg Shaping

  1. Cast off: 3 sts at the beginning of the next row and every row following until there are:
    24 (28–32–36) sts remaining.
  2. Cast off: 2 sts at the beginning of the next two rows, 2 (2–3–4) times.
    16 (20–20–20) sts.
  3. Work straight without further shaping until piece measures: 4cm from the last set of sts cast off.
  4. Beginning to increase for the leg shaping on the other side, cast on: 2 sts at the beginning of the next two rows, 2 (2–3–4) times.
    24 (28–32–36) sts.
  5. Cast on: 3 sts at the beginning of the next row and every row following until there are:
    48 (52–56–60) sts.

Front of Bloomers

Continuing to work in stocking st without further shaping until the front panel measures the same as the back. Working the same number of rows, ending with a WS row.

Ribbing

  1. Return to working with 3.00mm needles and begin working in 2 x 2 rib as for the back until ribbing measures: 2cm from the beginning.
  2. Work the i-cord holes, using the same row as for the back of the bloomers.
  3. Return to working in 2 x 2 rib until ribbing measures: 5cm in total from the beginning.
  4. Cast off in rib.

Leg Bands

  1. With RS facing of the bloomers, using 3.00mm needles to pick up and knit: 40 (44–48–48) sts along crotch and leg line, working from edge to edge.
  2. Begin working in 2 x 2 rib for: 2cm.
  3. Cast off loosely in rib.

I-cord Tie

To begin your i-cord, cast 4 stitches onto one of your double-pointed needles, if an i-cord tie is desired.

  1. Knit these 4 stitches normally, from the left needle to the right.
  2. The yarn is now at the left hand side of the work and all 4 stitches are on the right hand needle.
  3. Slide the stitches from one end of the needle to the other.
  4. Place the needle in your left hand without turning your work.
  5. Pull the yarn so that there is no slack and knit the 4 stitches.
  6. Repeat these steps, gently pulling on the piece to form the cord.
  7. Bind off normally.

Finishing

  1. Fold bloomers in half at the crotch, with right sides facing together.
  2. Using a wool needle and length of yarn, mattress stitch the side seams of the bloomers together, moving from the leg to the waist.
  3. Weave in all ends.
  4. Turn RS out and stretch gently into shape.
  5. Thread i-cord through the eyelets in the bloomers, starting at the hole to the right of the centre front and threading in and out to the side seam, around and across the back and back to the centre front.
  6. Tie in a bow.

Alternative Yarns

This pattern is designed using Lincraft Cotton 4ply yarn. For the best results, choose an alternative yarn with a similar 4ply weight, fibre content and tension.

Baby garments benefit from soft, breathable fibres that are gentle against delicate skin and comfortable for everyday wear.

  • Cotton 4ply Yarn
    Provides breathability, softness and easy care, making it ideal for baby clothing.
  • Bamboo Blend 4ply Yarn
    Creates a soft smooth fabric with excellent drape.
  • Merino 4ply Yarn
    Offers natural warmth and softness while remaining lightweight.
  • Baby Acrylic 4ply Yarn
    A practical easy-care option that is durable and machine washable where suitable.
  • Cotton Blend 4ply Yarn
    Combines cotton softness with additional durability and stretch.
Yarn substitution tip: Always check tension when substituting yarn. A different fibre or yarn thickness may change the finished measurements and fit.

Customisation Ideas

  • Use a contrasting colour for the waistband and leg bands.
  • Replace the i-cord tie with a ribbon or soft elastic waist finish.
  • Add small embroidered details such as flowers, initials or simple motifs.
  • Create matching cardigans, hats or sweaters using the same yarn colour.
  • Use pastel shades for a classic baby look or brighter colours for a modern handmade style.
  • Make additional pairs in different colours for everyday layering.

Care Instructions

Care instructions will depend on the yarn selected. Always follow the yarn manufacturer's recommendations.

  • Washing: Wash gently according to the yarn instructions. Baby garments should be washed before first use.
  • Drying: Reshape while damp and dry flat to maintain the garment shape.
  • Storage: Fold neatly when storing to prevent stretching.
  • Maintaining softness: Avoid harsh detergents and excessive heat.
  • Checking fit: Baby garments should be checked regularly as children grow quickly.
Helpful hint: After washing, gently reshape the waistband, leg openings and i-cord tie while damp to help maintain the original shape.
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