The construction for this and the following Dotted Swiss dress is the same, although the Dotted Swiss incorporates a contrast color yarn every few rows. Lace is knitted first, then stitches are picked up from the side edge of the lace to work the bottom tier of the dress. Make each layer in a different color, or mix and match layers and dots on either style.
Girls 6 (7, 8, 10, 12): Young Juniors 5/6 (7/8, 9/10, 11/12)
Instructions are written for size 6; all other sizes are in parentheses. Girls’ and young junior sizes are separated with a colon. For ease in knitting, circle your size before beginning.
Chest: 24 (25, 26, 28, 30): 28 (29, 31, 32) in. / 61 (63.5, 66, 71, 76): 71 (73.5, 78.5, 81.5) cm
Waist: 21 (22, 23, 24, 25): 22 (23, 24, 25) in. / 53.5 (56, 58.5, 61, 63.5): 56 (58.5, 61, 63.5) cm
Total length: 25½ (27½, 29½. 31½, 33½): 27½ (29½, 31½, 33½) in. / 65 (70, 75, 80, 85): 70 (75, 80, 85) cm.
Note: If you want a shorter dress, simply decrease the length of first three tiers by the same amount.
Knit Picks Shine Sport; 50 g each approx. 110 yd. / 100 m; 60% pima cotton, 40% modal
• 2 (3, 3, 3, 3): 3 (3, 3, 3) skeins #9437 White (Contrast Color)
• 8 (9, 10, 11, 12): 9 (10, 11, 12) skeins #6561 Green Apple (Main Color)
• Size US 3 / 3.25 mm 24 in. / 61 cm or longer circular needle (or size to obtain gauge)
• Size US 3 / 3.25 mm 16 in. / 40.5 cm circular needle (or size to obtain gauge)
• Size US 2 / 3 mm needles for lace edging (double-pointed needles work great)
• Blunt tapestry needle (for sewing seams)
• Sharp tapestry needle (for weaving in ends)
• Stitch holders or waste yarn
• 3 ring-type markers (if knitting in the round; see Pattern Note)
• 2 pin-type markers (optional)
24 sts and 32 rows to 4 in. / 10 cm in St st
Lace Edging
Cast on 8 sts.
Note: On all odd rows, slip the first st purlwise with yarn in front, then put yarn back between the two needles and proceed. To work a YO at the beginning of a row, either dip your needle under the working yarn before inserting into first 2 sts or insert needle into first 2 sts, then wrap yarn clockwise around right needle before finishing the k2tog.
Row 1 WS: Sl1, k5, YO, k2.
Row 2: YO, k2tog, k7.
Row 3: Sl1, k4, YO, k2tog, YO, k2.
Row 4: YO, k2tog, k8.
Row 5: Sl1, k3, [YO, k2tog] twice, YO, k2.
Row 6: YO, k2tog, k9.
Row 7: Sl1, k2, [YO, k2tog] 3 times, YO, k2.
Row 8: YO, k2tog, k10.
Row 9: Sl1, k2, k2tog, [YO, k2tog] 3 times, k1.
Row 10: YO, k2tog, k9.
Row 11: Sl1, k3, k2tog, [YO, k2tog] twice, k1.
Row 12: YO, k2tog, k8.
Row 13: Sl1, k4, k2tog, YO, k2tog, k1.
Row 14: YO, k2tog, k7.
Row 15: Sl1, k5, k2tog, k1.
Row 16: YO, k2tog, k6.
Repeat these 16 rows for pattern.
Note: Each lace repeat of 16 rows yields 8 chains that you can easily count and will use to pick up the skirt.
• If you want to enjoy no purling, you can easily knit this in the round by doubling the amount of chains to pick up. The lace will begin and end at the center back. Place a marker at each side edge. Directions are written for front and back knit separately.
Beginning with Contrast Color, White, and size US 2 needles, knit Lace Edging until you have 160 (168, 176, 184, 208): 184 (216, 232, 258) chains.
With Main Color, Green Apple, from the RS, pick up and knit 160 (168, 176, 184, 208): 184 (216, 232, 258) sts through both loops of chains on top of lace edging.
Work in St st for 6 (6½, 7, 7½, 8): 6½ (7, 7½, 8) in. / 15 (16.5, 18, 19, 20.5): 16.5 (18, 19, 20.5) cm, not including lace. End having completed a WS row.
Decrease row (RS): Follow directions for your size:
Girls 6: K5, [k2tog, k3] 30 times, k5 [130 sts rem].
Girls 7: K4, [k2tog, k3] 32 times, k4 [136 sts rem].
Girls 8: K3, [k2tog, k3] 34 times, k3 [142 sts rem].
Girls 10: K7, [k2tog, k3] 34 times, k7 [150 sts rem].
Girls 12: K4, [k2tog, k3] 40 times, k4 [168 sts rem].
Young jrs. 5/6: K7, [k2tog, k3] 34 times, k7 [150 sts rem].
Young jrs. 7/8: [K8, k2tog] twice, k8, [k2tog, k2] 40 times, k8, [k2tog, k8] twice [172 sts rem].
Young jrs. 9/10: K1, [k2tog, k3] 46 times, k1 [186 sts rem].
Young jrs. 10/12: K9, [k2tog, k8] twice, [k2tog, k2] 50 times, [k2tog, k8] twice, k9 [204 sts rem].
Do not cut Main Color. Change to Contrast Color and knit one row. Cut Contrast Color.
With Main Color, work in St st for 6 (6½, 7, 7½, 8): 6½ (7, 7½, 8) in. / 15 (16.5, 18, 19, 20.5): 16.5 (18, 19, 20.5) cm. End having completed a WS row.
Decrease row (RS): Follow directions for your size:
Girls 6: K5, [k2tog, k2] 30 times, k5 [100 sts rem].
Girls 7: K8, [k2tog, k2] 30 times, k8 [106 sts rem].
Girls 8: K7, [k2tog, k2] 32 times, k7 [110 sts rem].
Girls 10: K9, k2tog, [k2, k2tog] 32 times, k2tog, k9 [116 sts rem].
Girls 12: K6, k2tog, [k2, k2tog] 38 times, k2tog, k6 [128 sts rem].
Young jrs. 5/6: K9, k2tog, [k2, k2tog] 32 times; k2tog, k9 [116 sts rem].
Young jrs. 7/8: [K2tog, k11] twice, [K2tog, k1] 40 times, [k2tog, k11] twice [128 sts rem].
Young jrs. 9/10: K1, [k2, k2tog] 46 times, k1 [140 sts rem].
Young jrs. 10/12: [K2tog, k8] 3 times, [k2tog, k1] 48 times, [k2tog, k8] 3times [150 sts rem].
Do not cut Main Color. Change to Contrast Color and knit one row. Cut Contrast Color.
With Main Color, work in St st for 6 (6½, 7, 7½, 8): 6½ (7, 7½, 8) in. / 15 (16.5, 18, 19, 20.5): 16.5 (18, 19, 20.5) cm. End having completed a WS row.
Decrease row (RS): Follow directions for your size:
Girls 6: K8, [k2tog, k1] 28 times, k8 [72 sts rem].
Girls 7: K8, [k2tog, k1] 30 times, k8 [76 sts rem].
Girls 8: K7, [k2tog, k1] 32 times, k7 [78 sts rem].
Girls 10: K10, [k1, k2tog] 32 times, k10 [84 sts rem].
Girls 12: K7, [k2tog, k1] 38 times, k7 [90 sts rem].
Young jrs. 5/6: K10, [k1, k2tog] 32 times, k10 [84 sts rem].
Young jrs. 7/8: K1, [k2tog, k1] 42 times, k1 [86 sts rem].
Young jrs. 9/10: K1, [k2tog, k1] 46 times, k1 [94 sts rem].
Young jrs. 10/12: [K2tog, k1] 50 times [100 sts rem].
Do not cut Main Color. Change to Contrast Color and knit one row. Cut Contrast Color.
With Main Color, work in St st for 1 (1½, 2, 2½, 2½): 1½ (2, 2, 2½) in. / 2.5 (4, 5, 6.5, 6.5): 4 (5, 5, 6.5) cm. End having completed a WS row.
Note: If working in the round, divide for front and back here; place half the amount of sts on a holder or waste yarn and work in rows.
Bind off 6 sts at the beginning of the next 2 rows. Hang a pin-type marker somewhere in the middle of the first bind-off row to aid in measuring the armhole depth.
Next row (RS): K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
Next row: Purl.
Repeat last 2 rows 2 times more [54 (58, 60, 66, 72): 66 (68, 76, 82) sts rem].
Work even on these sts until armhole measures 3 (3, 3, 3, 3½): 3 (3, 3½, 3½) in. / 7.5 (7.5, 7.5, 7.5, 9): 7.5 (7.5, 9, 9) cm. End having completed a WS row.
Work across 42 (45, 46, 51, 55): 51 (53, 59, 63) sts; place last 30 (32, 32, 36, 38): 36 (38, 42, 44) sts just worked from right needle to a holder or waste yarn for front neck) and continue across rem 12 (13, 14, 15, 17): 15 (15, 17, 19) sts.
Working on these sts only, turn and work as follows:
Next row (WS): Purl to last 3 sts, p2tog-tbl, p1.
Next row (RS): Knit.
Repeat last 2 rows twice more [9 (10, 11, 12, 14): 12 (12, 14, 15) sts rem].
Continue until total length of armhole measures 5 (5, 5, 5, 5½): 5 (5, 5½, 5½) in. / 12.5 (12.5, 12.5, 12.5, 14): 12.5 (12.5, 14, 14) cm. Place sts on holder or waste yarn.
Join new yarn at neck edge on WS and purl across.
Next row (RS): Knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
Repeat last 2 rows twice more [9 (10, 11, 12, 14): 12 (12, 14, 15) sts rem].
Continue until total length of armhole measures 5 (5, 5, 5, 5½): 5 (5, 5½, 5½) in. / 12.5 (12.5, 12.5, 12.5, 14): 12.5 (12.5, 14, 14) cm. Place sts on holder or waste yarn.
Work same as for front until armholes measure 4 (4, 4, 4, 4½): 4 (4, 4½, 4½) in. / 10 (10, 10, 10, 11.5): 10 (10, 11.5, 11.5) cm. End having completed a WS row.
Work across 42 (45, 46, 51, 55): 51 (53, 59, 63) sts; place last 30 (32, 32, 36, 38): 36 (38, 42, 44) sts just worked from right needle to a holder or waste yarn for front neck, and continue across rem 12 (13, 14, 15, 17): 15 (15, 17, 19) sts.
Working on these sts only, turn and work as follows:
Next row (WS): Purl to last 3 sts, p2tog-tbl, p1.
Next row (RS): Knit.
Repeat last 2 rows twice more [9 (10, 11, 12, 14): 12 (12, 14, 15) sts rem].
Work even if necessary until armhole measures same as front.
Place sts on a holder or waste yarn.
Join new yarn at neck edge on WS and purl across.
Next row (RS): Knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
Repeat last 2 rows twice more [9 (10, 11, 12, 14): 12 (12, 14, 15) sts rem].
Work even if necessary until armhole measures same as front.
With RS together, use the three-needle bind-off to connect the shoulders.
With Contrast Color, work Lace Edging to fit around armhole edge (try 9 scallops, or 72 chains).
Beginning at underarm, stitch into place. Stitch lace ends together.
Work same for other side.
With 16 in. / 40.5 cm circular needle and Contrast Color, begin just behind left shoulder and pick up and knit 3 out of 4 sts from neck edge, including all live sts from waste yarn at center front and center back.
Work 6 purl rnds and then bind off knitwise.
Whipstitch neck roll to inside.
Sew side seams using mattress stitch from the RS, stitch lace ends together at bottom of dress, and steam lightly or block according to directions on ball band.
Following the same construction as the Green Apple Dress, the Dotted Swiss incorporates color changes and pretty dots. Think of other ways you might customize this adorable dress style; the possibilities are endless!
Girls 6 (7, 8, 10, 12): Young Juniors 5/6 (7/8, 9/10, 11/12)
Instructions are written for size 6; all other sizes are in parentheses. Girls’ and young junior sizes are separated with a colon. For ease in knitting, circle your size before beginning.
Chest: 24 (25, 26, 28, 30): 28 (29, 31, 32) in. / 61 (63.5, 66, 71, 76): 71 (73.5, 78.5, 81.5) cm
Waist: 21 (22, 23, 24, 25): 22 (23, 24, 25) in. / 53.5 (56, 58.5, 61, 63.5): 56 (58.5, 61, 63.5) cm
Total length: 25½ (27½, 29½. 31½, 33½): 27½ (29½, 31½, 33½) in. / 65 (70, 75, 80, 85): 70 (75, 80, 85) cm
Knit Picks Shine Sport; 50 g each approx. 110 yd. / 100 m; 60% pima cotton, 40% modal
• 5 (6, 7, 7, 8): 6 (7, 8, 9) skeins #9437 White (Color 1)
• 5 (5, 6, 6, 7): 6 (6, 7, 8) skeins #6557 Sky (Color 2)
• Size US 3 / 3.25 mm 24 or 29 in. / 61 or 63.5 cm circular needles (or size to obtain gauge)
• Size US 2 / 3 mm needles for lace edging (double-pointed needles work great)
• Blunt tapestry needle (for sewing seams)
• Sharp tapestry needle for weaving in ends
• Stitch holders or waste yarn
• 3 ring-type markers
• 2 pin-type markers (optional)
24 sts and 32 rows to 4 in. /10 cm in St st
Cast on 8 sts.
Note: On all odd rows, slip the first st purlwise with yarn in front, then put yarn back between the two needles and proceed. To work a YO at the beginning of a row, either dip your needle under the working yarn before inserting into first 2 sts or insert needle into first 2 sts, then wrap yarn clockwise around right needle before finishing the k2tog.
Row 1 (WS): Sl1, k5, YO, k2.
Row 2: YO, k2tog, k7.
Row 3: Sl1, k4, YO, k2tog, YO, k2.
Row 4: YO, k2tog, k8.
Row 5: Sl1, k3, [YO, k2tog] twice, YO, k2.
Row 6: YO, k2tog, k9.
Row 7: Sl1, k2, [YO, k2tog] 3 times, YO, k2.
Row 8: YO, k2tog, k10.
Row 9: Sl1, k2, k2tog, [YO, k2tog] 3 times, k1.
Row 10: YO, k2tog, k9.
Row 11: Sl1, k3, k2tog, [YO, k2tog] twice, k1.
Row 12: YO, k2tog, k8.
Row 13: Sl1, k4, k2tog, YO, k2tog, k1.
Row 14: YO, k2tog, k7.
Row 15: Sl1, k5, k2tog, k1.
Row 16: YO, k2tog, k6.
Repeat these 16 rows for pattern.
Note: Each lace repeat of 16 rows yields 8 chains that you can easily count and will use to pick up the skirt.
• Dress is worked in the round, then divided at armholes.
Beginning with Color 1 (C1), White, and size US 2 needles, knit Lace Edging until you have 320 (336, 352, 368, 416): 368 (432, 464, 516) chains.
With Color 2 (C2), Sky, from the RS, pick up and knit 320 (336, 352, 368, 416): 368 (432, 464, 516) sts through both loops of chains on top of lace edging (counts as Rnd 1). Place a marker being careful not to twist lace. This will be the center back.
Rnds 2, 3, and 4: Knit. On any of these rnds, place different color side markers as follows:
Girls 6: K80, PM, k160, PM, k80.
Girls 7: K84, PM, k168, PM, k84.
Girls 8: K88, PM, k176, PM, k88.
Girls 10: K92, PM, k184, PM, k92.
Girls 12: K104, PM, k208, PM, k104.
Young jrs 5/6: K92, PM, k184, PM, k92.
Young jrs. 7/8: K108, PM, k216, PM, k108.
Young jrs. 9/10: K116, PM, k232, PM, 116.
Young jrs. 10/12: K129, PM, k258, PM, k129.
Rnd 5: [K3 C2, k1 C1] repeat around. Drop C1 but do not cut; carry up loosely behind work.
Rnds 6, 7, 8, and 9: Knit.
Rnd 10: K1 C2, [k1 C1, k3 C2] repeat around, end k2 C2.
Repeat Rnds 1–10 (Rnd 1 is a knit round) until piece (not including lace) measures 6 (6½, 7, 7½, 8): 6½ (7, 7½, 8) in. / 15 (16.5, 18, 19, 20.5): 16.5 (18, 19, 20.5) cm.
Remove beginning of rnd marker and knit to first side marker. This is now the new beginning of round.
Decrease rnd: Follow directions for your size:
Girls 6: *K5, [k2tog, k3] 30 times, k5; repeat from * [260 sts rem].
Girls 7: *K4, [k2tog, k3] 32 times, k4; repeat from * [272 sts rem].
Girls 8: *K3, [k2tog, k3] 34 times, k3; repeat from * [284 sts rem].
Girls 10: *K7, [k2tog, k3] 34 times, k7; repeat from * [300 sts rem].
Girls 12: *K4, [k2tog, k3] 40 times, k4; repeat from * [336 sts rem].
Young jrs. 5/6: *K7, [k2tog, k3] 34 times, k7; repeat from * [300 sts rem].
Young jrs. 7/8: *[K8, k2tog] twice, k8, [k2tog, k2] 40 times, k8, [k2tog, k8] twice; repeat from * [344 sts rem].
Young jrs. 9/10: *K1, [k2tog, k3] 46 times, k1; repeat from * [372 sts rem].
Young jrs. 10/12: *K9, [k2tog, k8] twice, [k2tog, k2] 50 times, [k2tog, k8] twice, k9; repeat from * [408 sts rem]. Do not cut C2 (Sky).
For this tier, switch Colors 1 and 2, using White as C2 and Sky as C1 for the one-stitch dots.
Work Rnds 1–10 as for first tier (don’t worry if the dots don’t line up over the first tier; the decreased sts will throw things off, but it’ll look great) until second tier measures 6 (6½, 7, 7½, 8): 6½ (7, 7½, 8) in. / 15 (16.5, 18, 19, 20.5): 16.5 (18, 19, 20.5) cm.
Decrease rnd: Follow directions for your size:
Girls 6: *K5, [k2tog, k2] 30 times, k5; repeat from * [200 sts rem].
Girls 7: *K8, [k2tog, k2] 30 times, k8; repeat from * [212 sts rem].
Girls 8: *K7, [k2tog, k2] 32 times, k7; repeat from * [220 sts rem].
Girls 10: *K9, k2tog, [k2, k2tog] 32 times, k2tog, k9; repeat from * [232 sts rem].
Girls 12: *K6, k2tog, [k2, k2tog] 38 times, k2tog, k6; repeat from * [256 sts rem].
Young jrs. 5/6: *K9, k2tog, [k2, k2tog] 32 times, k2tog, k9; repeat from * [232 sts rem].
Young jrs. 7/8: *[K2tog, k11] twice, [K2tog, k1] 40 times, [k2tog, k11] twice; repeat from * [256 sts rem].
Young jrs. 9/10: *K1, [k2, k2tog] 46 times, k1; repeat from * [280 sts rem].
Young jrs. 10/12: *[K2tog, k8] 3 times, [k2tog, k1] 48 times, [k2tog, k8] 3times; repeat from * [300 sts rem].
Do not cut C2 (White).
For this tier (same as first tier), White will be C1 and Sky will be C2.
Work Rnds 1–10 as for first tier (dots in white) until tier measures 6 (6½, 7, 7½, 8): 6½ (7, 7½, 8) in. / 15 (16.5, 18, 19, 20.5): 16.5 (18, 19, 20.5) cm.
Decrease row: Follow directions for your size:
Girls 6: *K8, [k2tog, k1] 28 times, k8; repeat from * [144 sts rem].
Girls 7: *K8, [k2tog, k1] 30 times, k8; repeat from * [152 sts rem].
Girls 8: *K7, [k2tog, k1] 32 times, k7; repeat from * [156 sts rem].
Girls 10: *K10, [k1, k2tog] 32 times, k10; repeat from * [168 sts rem].
Girls 12: *K7, [k2tog, k1] 38 times, k7; repeat from * [180 sts rem].
Young jrs. 5/6: *K10, [k1, k2tog] 32 times, k10; repeat from * [168 sts rem].
Young jrs. 7/8: *K1, [k2tog, k1] 42 times, k1; repeat from * [172 sts rem].
Young jrs. 9/10: *K1, [k2tog, k1] 46 times, k1; repeat from * [188 sts rem].
Young jrs. 10/12: *[K2tog, k1] 50 times, repeat from * [200 sts rem].
For the remainder of the dress, White will be C2 and Sky will be C1 for the one-stitch dots.
Work pattern as established for 1 (1½, 2, 2½, 2½): 1½ (2, 2, 2½) in. / 2.5 (4, 5, 6.5, 6.5): 4 (5, 5, 6.5) cm. End at second side marker.
Leave both yarns here and place next 72 (76, 78, 84, 90): 84 (86, 94,100) sts on waste yarn or spare needle for bodice back (check to make sure this is the side where you first had the beginning of the rnd marker).
Working on front sts only, begin with a purl row and bind off 6 sts at the beginning of the next 2 rows. Hang a pin-type marker somewhere in the middle of the first bind-off row to aid in measuring the armhole depth.
Continue dots every 5th row as established.
Next row (WS): P1, p2tog-tbl, purl to last 3 sts, p2tog, p1.
Next row: Knit.
Repeat last 2 rows twice more [54 (58, 60, 66, 72): 66 (68, 76, 82) sts rem].
Work even on these sts until armhole measures 3 (3, 3, 3, 3½): 3 (3, 3½, 3½) in. / 7.5 (7.5, 7.5, 7.5, 9): 7.5 (7.5, 9, 9) cm. End having completed a WS row.
Work across 42 (45, 46, 51, 55): 51 (53, 59, 63) sts; place last 30 (32, 32, 36, 38): 36 (38, 42, 44) sts just worked from right needle to a holder or waste yarn for front neck and continue across rem 12 (13, 14, 15, 17): 15 (15, 17, 19) sts.
Working on these sts only, turn and work as follows:
Next row (WS): Purl to last 3 sts, p2tog-tbl, p1.
Next row (RS): Knit.
Repeat last 2 rows twice more [9 (10, 11, 12, 14): 12 (12, 14, 15) sts rem].
Continue until total length of armhole measures 5 (5, 5, 5, 5½): 5 (5, 5½, 5½) in. / 12.5 (12.5, 12.5, 12.5, 14): 12.5 (12.5, 14, 14) cm. Place sts on holder or waste yarn.
Join new yarn at neck edge on WS and purl across.
Next row (RS): Knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
Repeat last 2 rows twice more [9 (10, 11, 12, 14): 12 (12, 14, 15) sts rem].
Continue until total length of armhole measures 5 (5, 5, 5, 5½): 5 (5, 5½, 5½) in. / 12.5 (12.5, 12.5, 12.5, 14): 12.5 (12.5, 14, 14) cm. Place sts on holder or waste yarn.
Place held sts on needle, join yarn and work same as for front until armholes measure 4 (4, 4, 4, 4½): 4 (4, 4½, 4½) in. / 10 (10, 10, 10, 11.5): 10 (10, 11.5, 11.5) cm. End having completed a WS row.
Work across 42 (45, 46, 51, 55): 51 (53, 59, 63) sts; place last 30 (32, 32, 36, 38): 36 (38, 42, 44) sts just worked from right needle to holder or waste yarn for front neck and continue across rem 12 (13, 14, 15, 17): 15 (15, 17, 19) sts.
Working on these sts only, turn and work as follows:
Next row (WS): Purl to last 3 sts, p2tog-tbl, p1.
Next row (RS): Knit across.
Repeat last 2 rows twice more [9 (10, 11, 12, 14): 12 (12, 14, 15) sts rem].
Work even if necessary until armhole measures same as front.
Place sts on holder or waste yarn.
Join new yarn at neck edge on WS and purl across.
Next row (RS): Knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
Repeat last 2 rows twice more [9 (10, 11, 12, 14): 12 (12, 14, 15) sts rem].
Work even if necessary until armhole measures same as front.
With RS together, use the three-needle bind-off to connect the shoulders together.
With White and smaller needles, work Lace Edging to fit around armhole edge (try 9 scallops, or 72 chains).
Begin at underarm and stitch into place. Stitch lace ends together.
Work same for other side.
With 16 in. / 40.5 circular needle and White, begin just behind left shoulder and pick up and knit 3 out of 4 sts from neck edge, including all live sts from waste yarn at center front and center back.
Work 6 purl rnds and then bind off knitwise.
Whipstitch neck roll to inside, if desired.
Sew lace seam at back cast on edge and steam lightly or block according to directions on ball band.