The dress is designed in two versions, one with a bit of intarsia on the front and one plain version for those not yet ready to tackle intarsia and stripes at the same time. Make the easy bolero-style jacket to go over 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 follow. 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): 26 (28, 30, 32) in. / 61 (63.5, 66, 71, 76): 66 (71, 76, 81.5) cm
Waist: 21 (22, 23, 24, 25): 22 (24, 25, 26) in. / 53.5 (56, 58.5, 61, 63.5): 56 (61, 63.5, 66) cm
Skirt length from waist:13 (14, 15, 16½, 17): 14½ (15, 16½, 17) in. / 33 (35.5, 38, 42, 43): 37 (38, 42, 43) cm
Cascade Yarns Sunseeker; 3.5 oz. / 100 g each, approx. 237 yd. / 217 m; 47% cotton, 48% acrylic, 5% metallic
• 1 (1, 1, 2, 2): 2 (2, 3, 3) skeins #03 White (A)
• 1 (1, 1, 2, 2): 2 (2, 3, 3) skeins #05 Black or #06 Red (B)
• Size US 4 / 3.5 mm 24 in. / 61 cm circular needles (or size to obtain gauge)
• One double-pointed needle in same size for I-cord
• Tapestry needle (sharp yarn darner works best for tucking cotton ends)
• Waste yarn
• 2 ring-type markers
• Crochet hook (if desired) for provisional cast-on
22 sts and 28 rows to 4 in. / 10 cm in St st
• The skirt front and back are knitted separately to avoid color jogs where stripes would meet if working in the round. Sleeve edges are picked up and knitted in the round. The entire garment is worked in St st and finished with attached I-cord.
• Although any cast-on will work, the provisional cast-on allows for easy pick-up for the I-cord edge.
• Do not cut yarn after each color change, but carry up at opposite side edges. Slide work to other end of needle to pick up colors as needed. Adding the second color from the wrong side distributes the yarn evenly at the sides, eliminating all the carries up one side edge only.
• Follow the same instructions for the black or red version, except at bodice front.
Using a provisional cast-on and Color A (White), cast on 104 (112, 118, 126, 132): 110 (116, 122, 132) sts.
Knit one row.
Add B on RS and knit one row, then purl one row. Slide work to other end and purl one row with A.
On next row, work decrease row as follows with A:
Decrease row (RS): K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
Continue changing colors every 2 rows and at the same time, work decrease row every 4th row 22 (24, 26, 28, 29): 23 (25, 26, 29) times more. Note If you want a shorter skirt, decrease evenly across row to [58 (62, 64, 68, 72): 62 (64, 68, 72)] sts at any time for the waist. Continue to bodice, having completed a second row of Color A.
Work without further decreases until skirt from beginning measures 13 (14, 15, 16½, 17): 14½ (15, 16½, 17) in. / 33 (35.5, 38, 42, 43): 37 (38, 42, 43) cm or desired length. End having completed a second row of color A.
(skip ahead for directions for red and white version)
Note: Please read ahead; several things are going on at the same time. The central panel will continue with two-row stripes of each color, while the side stitches are worked in Fair Isle. Twist yarns when changing colors to avoid holes. The chart depicts the larger sizes; work numbers for your size as follows:
Row 1 (RS): [K2 with B, k2 with A] 4 (4, 4, 5, 5): 4 (4, 5, 5) times, k2 with B, PM, continue with B across center 22 (26, 28, 24, 28): 24 (28, 24, 28) sts, PM, k2 with B, [k2 with A, k2 with B] 4 (4, 4, 4, 5): 4 (4, 5, 5) times.
Row 2: Purl across, keeping same colors as previous row (black over black, white over white).
Continue working center panel between markers in horizontal stripes and sides in verticle stripes. At the same time, work increase row every 8th (8th, 8th, 8th, 8th): 8th (6th, 6th, 8th) row 4 (3, 4, 5, 5): 5 (7, 7, 7) times to 66 (68, 72, 78, 82): 72 (78, 82, 86) sts. Increases will remain in color B only (chart does not show increases).
Increase row on RS: K1, M1, knit to last st, M1, k1.
Increase row on WS: P1, M1, purl to last st, M1, p1.
At the same time, when section from waist measures 2½ (3, 3½, 4, 4½): 4½ (4½, 5½, 6) in. / 6.5 (7.5, 9, 10, 11.5): 11.5 (11.5, 14, 15) cm, ready to work a Color A (white) stripe through the middle section on the RS, continue with increases (not shown on chart) and work chart Row 63 and work (for your size) through Row 82 (intarsia complete).
Continue if necessary with stripes and increases until bodice measures 5½ (6, 6½, 7, 7½): 7½ (7½, 8½, 9) in. / 14 (15, 16.5, 18, 19): 19 (19, 21.5, 23) cm from beginning (or desired length to armholes).
Continue in two-row stripe pattern. At the same time, work increase row (work increases into colors for that row) every 8th (8th, 8th, 8th, 8th): 8th (6th, 6th, 8th) row 4 (3, 4, 5, 5): 5 (7, 7, 7) times to 66 (68, 72, 78, 82): 72 (78, 82, 86) sts.
Increase row on RS: K1, M1, knit to last st, M1, k1.
Increase row on WS: P1, M1, purl to last st, M1, p1.
Continue with stripes and increases until bodice measures 5½ (6, 6½, 7, 7½): 7½ (7½, 8½, 9) in. / 14 (15, 16.5, 18, 19): 19 (19, 21.5, 23) cm from beginning (or desired length to armholes).
Continue across all sts in two-row horizontal stripes as set.
Row 1 (RS): Bind off 3 (3, 4, 4, 5): 4 ( 5, 5, 5) sts at the beginning of the next 2 rows. Place a pin-type marker somewhere in the middle of this row for ease in measuring the armhole depth.
Next row (RS): K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
Purl one row.
Repeat last 2 rows 5 (4, 4, 5, 4): 6 (6, 6, 5) times more to 48 (52, 54, 58, 62): 50 (54, 58, 64) sts rem.
Work even until armhole depth measures 2½ (3, 3½, 3½, 3½): 3 (3½, 3½, 3½) in. / 6.5 (7.5, 9, 9, 9, 9): 7.5 (9, 9, 9) cm. End having completed a WS row.
Next row (RS): Work across 33 (37, 39, 41, 46): 35 (39, 41, 46) sts, place last 18 (22, 24, 24, 28): 20 (24, 24, 28) sts just worked on a holder or waste yarn for center front neck and continue across 15 (15, 15, 17, 17): 15 (15, 17, 18) sts for right shoulder. Purl back.
Next row, all sizes (RS): K1, ssk, work to end of row.
Next row: Purl.
Repeat last 2 rows 6 times more [8 (8, 8, 10, 10): 8 (8, 10, 11) sts rem].
Continue without further decreases until armhole measures 4½ (5, 5½ , 5½, 5½): 5 (5½, 5½, 5½) in. / 11.5 (12.5, 14, 14, 14): 12.5 (14, 14, 14) cm. Place sts on a holder or waste yarn.
Join new yarn at armhole edge.
Next row (RS): Work across to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
Next row: Purl.
Repeat last 2 rows 6 times more [8 (8, 8, 10, 10): 8 (8, 10, 11) sts rem].
Continue without further decreases until armhole measures 4½ (5, 5½ , 5½, 5½): 5 (5½, 5½, 5½) in. / 11.5 (12.5, 14, 14, 14): 12.5 (14, 14, 14) cm. Place sts on a holder or waste yarn.
Using a provisional cast-on and Color A (White), cast on 104 (112, 118, 126, 132): 110 (116, 122, 132) sts.
Knit one row.
Add B on RS and knit one row, then purl one row.
Slide work to other end and purl one row with A.
On next row, work decrease row as follows with A:
Decrease row (RS): K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
Continue changing colors every 2 rows. At the same time, work decrease row every 4th row 22 (24, 26, 28, 29): 23 (25, 26, 29) times more to 58 (62, 64, 68, 72): 62 (64, 68, 72) sts, same as for front.
Work without further decreases until skirt from beginning measures 13 (14, 15, 16½, 17): 14½ (15, 16½, 17) in. / 33 (35.5, 38, 42, 43): 37 (38, 42, 43) cm, or desired length. End having completed a second row of Color A.
Continue in two-row stripe pattern. At the same time, work increase row (work increases into colors for that row) every 8th (8th, 8th, 8th, 8th): 8th (6th, 6th, 8th) row 4 (3, 4, 5, 5): 5 (7, 7, 7) times to 66 (68, 72, 78, 82): 72 (78, 82, 86) sts.
Increase row on RS: K1, M1, knit to last st, M1, k1.
Increase row on WS: P1, M1, purl to last st, M1, p1.
Continue with stripes and increases until bodice measures 5½ (6, 6½, 7, 7½): 7½ (7½, 8½, 9) in. / 14 (15, 16.5, 18, 19): 19 (19, 21.5, 23) cm from beginning (or desired length to armholes).
Row 1 (RS): Bind off 3 (3, 4, 4, 5): 4 ( 5, 5, 5) sts at the beginning of the next 2 rows. Place a pin-type marker somewhere in the middle of this row for ease in measuring the armhole depth.
Next row (RS): K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
Purl one row.
Repeat last 2 rows 5 (4, 4, 5, 4): 6 (6, 6, 5) times more to 48 (52, 54, 58, 62): 50 (54, 58, 64) sts rem.
Work even until back measures 1½ in. / 4 cm past the front neck shaping. End having completed a WS row.
Next row (RS): Work across 34 (38, 40, 42, 46): 36 (40, 42, 47) sts, place last 20 (24, 26, 26, 30): 22 (26, 26, 30) sts just worked on a holder or waste yarn for center back neck and continue across 14 (14, 14, 16, 16): 14 (14, 16, 17) sts for right shoulder. Purl back.
Next row, all sizes (RS): K1, ssk, work to end of row.
Next row: Purl.
Repeat last 2 rows 5 times more [8 (8, 8, 10, 10): 8 (8, 10, 11) sts rem].
Continue without further decreases, if necessary, to match length of front. Place sts on a holder or waste yarn.
Join new yarn at armhole edge.
Next row (RS): Work across to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
Next row: Purl.
Repeat last 2 rows 5 times more [8 (8, 8, 10, 10): 8 (8, 10, 11) sts rem].
Continue without further decreases same as for right shoulder. Place sts on a holder or waste yarn.
Join shoulders with three-needle bind-off from the WS.
Sew side seams using a mattress stitch from the RS, being careful to line up stripes at the edges.
Beginning at center of underarm, with desired color for I-cord border, pick up and knit 3 out of 4 sts around (you can use your 24 in. / 61 cm needle). Work attached I-cord.
Repeat for other armhole, neck edge, and around skirt bottom.
Weave in all ends, splitting each stitch on the back with a sharp yarn needle. This will keep them in place.
Steam or block according to directions on ball band.
Girls 6 (7, 8, 10, 12): Young Juniors 5/6 (7/8, 9/10, 11/12)
Chest: 24 (25, 26, 28, 30): 26 (28, 30, 32) in. / 61 (63.5, 66, 71, 76): 66 (71, 76, 81.5) cm
Cascade Yarns Sunseeker; 3.5 oz. / 100 g each, approx. 237 yd. / 217 m; 47% cotton, 48% acrylic, 5% metallic
• 1 skein #05 Black (Girls and Young Juniors size 12 will need slightly more than 1 skein; you should have some left over from dress to complete jacket. Girls’ size 10 will use all of 1 skein.)
• Size US 4 / 3.5 mm 24 in. / 61 cm circular needle (or size to obtain gauge)
• Tapestry needle (sharp yarn darner works best for tucking cotton ends)
• Waste yarn
• 2 ring-type markers
22 sts and 28 rows to 4 in. / 10 cm in St st
Cast on 66 (68, 72, 78, 82): 72 (78, 82, 88) sts.
Work in St st for 2½ (2½, 3, 3, 3½): 3 (3½, 3½, 4) in. / 6.5 (6.5, 7.5, 7.5, 9): 7.5 (9, 9, 10) cm or desired length to armhole. End having completed a WS row.
Bind off 6 sts at the beginning of the next 2 rows.
Next row (RS): K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
Purl one row.
Repeat last 2 rows 3 times more to 46 (48, 52, 58, 62): 52 (58, 62, 68) sts.
Work even on these sts until armhole measures 4½ (5, 5½ , 5½, 5½): 5 (5½, 5½, 5½) in. / 11.5 (12.5, 14, 14, 14): 12.5 (14, 14, 14) cm from beginning.
Place 13 (14, 15, 16, 16): 15 (16, 18, 18) sts on separate holders or waste yarn for each shoulder and center 20 (24, 22, 26, 30): 22 (26, 26, 32) back neck sts on another holder.
Cast on 25 (27, 29, 31, 33): 29 (32, 34, 36) sts.
Purl first row.
Next row (RS): Knit to last st, M1, k1.
Next row: Purl.
Repeat last 2 rows 7 times more to 33 (35, 37, 39, 41): 37 (40, 42, 44) sts. Continue working even until piece measures 2½ (2½, 3, 3, 3½): 3 (3½, 3½, 4) in. / 6.5 (6.5, 7.5, 7.5, 9): 7.5 (9, 9, 10) cm from beginning. End having completed a WS row.
Bind off 6 sts at the beginning of RS row, knit to end.
Next row: Purl.
Next row: K1, ssk, knit to end.
Repeat last 2 rows 3 times more to 23 (25, 27, 29, 31): 27 (30, 32, 34) sts.
Purl one row.
Decrease row (RS): Knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
Working in St st, work decrease row every other row 10 (11, 12, 13, 15): 12 (14, 14, 16) times total to 13 (14, 15, 16, 16): 15 (16, 18, 18) sts.
Work even if necessary until armhole measures 4½ (5, 5½, 5½, 5½): 5 (5½, 5½, 5½) in. / 11.5 (12.5, 14, 14, 14): 12.5 (14, 14, 14) cm. Place sts on a holder or waste yarn.
Cast on 25 (27, 29, 31, 33): 29 (32, 34, 36) sts.
Next row: Purl.
Next row (RS): K1, M1, knit to end.
Repeat these 2 rows 7 times more to 33 (35, 37, 39, 41): 37 (40, 42, 44) sts.
Continue working even until piece measures 2½ (2½, 3, 3, 3½): 3 (3½, 3½, 4) in. / 6.5 (6.5, 7.5, 7.5, 9): 7.5 (9, 9, 10) cm from beginning. End having completed a RS row.
Bind off 6 sts at the beginning of WS row, purl to end.
Next row: Knit.
Next row: P1, p2tog, purl to end.
Repeat last 2 rows 3 times more to 23 (25, 27, 29, 31): 27 (30, 32, 34) sts.
Knit one row.
Decrease row (WS): Purl to last 3 sts, p2tog-tbl, p1.
Working in St st, work decrease row every other row 10 (11, 12, 13, 15): 12 (14, 14, 16) times total to 13 (14, 15, 16, 16): 15 (16, 18, 18) sts.
Work even if necessary until armhole measures 4½ (5, 5½, 5½, 5½): 5 (5½, 5½, 5½) ½) in. / 11.5 (12.5, 14, 14, 14): 12.5 (14, 14, 14) cm.
Connect the shoulders using the three-needle bind-off from the WS.
From RS, pick up and knit 3 out of 4 sts from one armhole bind-off to the other.
Purl one row.
Next row: Knit to last 4 sts, w&t.
Purl to last 4 sts, w&t.
Knit to last 8 sts, w&t.
Purl to last 8 sts, w&t.
Knit to last 12 sts, w&t.
Purl to last 12 sts, w&t.
Knit to last 16 sts, w&t.
Purl to last 16 sts, w&t.
Knit to last 20 sts, w&t.
Purl to last 20 sts, w&t.
Knit across, picking up wraps as you go (to pick up a wrap on the RS, insert needle into wrap first and then knit it tog with st on left needle).
Purl across, picking up rem wraps (to pick up wraps on a purl side, pick up the wrap from behind with the right needle, place it on the left needle and purl it tog with st on left needle).
Next row (RS): Decrease 6 (6, 8, 8, 8): 8 (10, 10, 12) sts evenly across.
Next row (WS): Knit across.
Bind off on RS.
Sew side and underarm seams with a mattress stitch from RS.
From the RS, begin at either side seam and pick up all sts around entire border, including live sts from center back.
(WS): Knit one row.
Bind off loosely on RS.
Weave in all ends and steam lightly or block according to directions on ball band.