Lilye Pinafore

 Size for 2 year old girl. 

I used:

 100 grams Nako Bebek main colour and

50 grams Nako Bebek contrast colour 

4 mm needles. 

Gauge 22sts + 34 rows = 4 " (10cm) worked in stockinette stitch. 

Special abbreviations:

M1- make 1( increase) - lift strand inbetween needles and knit into the back,  twisting to prevent a hole forming. 

SK2p - slip next stitch, knit 2 together and pass the slipped stitch over. 

SSK- slip next 2 stitches  as if to knit on to right needle,  insert point of left needle through front and knit 2 together through back of loop.

This pinafore is worked in 2 pieces 

Instructions:

Back

With contrast yarn cast on 104 sts.

Work 18 rows in garter stitch.

Change to main colour  and proceed in stockinette stitch. 

Decrease row: k1, SSK, knit to last 3 st, k2 tog, k1.

work 7 rows in st.st.

Repeat decrease row (100st)

Repeat the last 8 rows 9 more times (82sts).

Work even in st.st until work measures 13 " (33cm)

Change to contrast yarn and work 12 rows in garter stitch. 

**Shape arm hole

Change back to main yarn and continue in stockinette stitch. 

Row1. Cast off 6sts, knit to end.

Row2. Cast off 6sts, purl to end.

Row3. Cast off 2sts, knit to end (68sts)

Row4. Cast off 2sts, purl to end  (66sts)

Row5. K1, SSK, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.

Row6. Purl

Rows 7- 12 repeat rows 5 and 6 (58sts)

Work straight until arm hole measures 6" (15cm) from beginning. 

Right Shoulder 

Row 1. (RS) k15, place 43 sts on holder. Work on these 15sts.

Row 2. Knit 

Row 3. Knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.

Row 4&5 Repeat rows 2&3

Work even until shoulder strap measures  4.5"(11.5cm)

Cast off. 

Left Shoulder 

Return stitches to needle from holder

Row 1. knit

Row 2. K15, leave 28st on holder and continue to work on 15sts 

Row 3. K1, SSK, knit to end

Row 4. Knit 

Row 5. K1, SSK, knit to end 

Work even until measures same as Right Shoulder strap. 

Cast off. 

Front 

Work the same as the back until ** arm hole shaping.

Left strap

Row 1. (RS) k17, place remaining 41sts on holder. 

Row 2. K2tog,  knit to end 

Row 3. Knit 

Row 4&5 Repeat rows 2&3 (15sts)

Rows 6- 17. K2tog,  knit to end until 3 sts remain 

Row 18 sk2p

Fasten off.

Right Strap

Row 1. Knit 

Row 2. Knit

Row 3. Place  24sts on holder, k2tog, knit to end (16sts)

Rows 4. Knit 

Row 5. K2tog,  knit to end 

Rows 6- 17. K2tog, knit to end  until 3sts remain 

Row 18. Sk2p

Fasten off.

Finishing 

With contrast colour rejoin front neck stitches from holder knit 1 row. Cast off.

Repeat same for back neck.

Sew front and back side seams together. 

In contrast colour pick up and knit  sts evenly around the arm hole s knit 1 row and cast off.

If adding pockets in contact colour Cast on 12 sts and knit 12 rows in garter stitch.  Cast off.  Sew in place on front skirt.

Sew front and back straps together and add button for decoration. 

This pattern is offered free of charge but if you feel so inclined to help Syrian children living in camps in Turkey a donation to

 paypal.me/LilyTurkey

Would it be very much appreciated.  Just £5 would provide a child with a school bag and stationery to enable them to attend the camp school and gain an education.  Thank you. 

Child's Frilled Sun Hat.

As most of you know I run a knitting charity 'LILY' Love In the Language of Yarn to help children in need especially Syrian children living in refugee camps in Turkey. Recently we had some cotton and cotton mix yarn donated. This is a pattern for a sun hat. At the moment I have 3 sizes but will add more as I work them out.

SIZES
To fit child sizes 6 months( 1 yr, 2-3yr) 
MATERIALS
Cotton DK type yarn 100 g ( 3.5 oz) 1 ball for each size
Size 4 mm (U.S. 6) knitting needles or size needed to obtain gauge.
GAUGE
23 sts and 30 rows = 4 ins [10 cm] in stocking st.

INSTRUCTIONS
Note: This  hat is worked from top down.
Cast on 9 sts.
1st row: (RS). (K1. yfwd) 8 times. K1. 17 sts.
2nd and alt rows: Purl.
3rd row: K1. (yfwd. K2) 8 times. 25 sts.
5th row: K1. (yfwd. K3) 8 times. 33 sts.
7th row: K1. (yfwd. K4) 8 times. 41 sts.
9th row: K1. (yfwd. K5) 8 times. 49 sts.
10th row: As 2nd row.
Continue in same manner, increasing 8 sts on next and every following alternate row until 89 (97,105) sts.
Place marker at end of last row.
Continue in stocking st even until work from marked row measures 3 (3½,4) ins (7.5 (9, 10) cm), ending with a purl row.

Frill: Next row: (RS). *K1. M1. Rep from * to last st. K1. 177 (193, 209) sts.
Knit 8 rows (garter st). 
Cast off knitwise (WS), leaving a long end.
Sew back seam. 
Thread yarn through cast on sts and pull tightly. 
Fasten off.

If you would like to help by knitting for Syrian children please look us up on facebook 
https://www.facebook.com/LilyLoveInTheLanguageOfYarnhttps://www.facebook.com/LilyLoveInTheLanguageOfYarn

Knitted Butterfly Motif - Tutorial

I love butterflies they are a great way  to add some whimsy and fun to just about anything,  a nursery mobile, baby blanket, or wall art. You can also use them to decorate your clothes and accessories or to give as gifts, it's easy to alter the size and texture with various yarns and colours to match your decor.  I wanted to share how i make them, so we can all decorate and make our lives just a little bit prettier. 

Butterfly
Double knitting type yarn
Contrast coloured yarn
Size 3.5mm double pointed needles

Right lower Wing
Cast on 4 stitches
Row 1 (right side) knit 2, knit front &back of nxt stitch knit 1                   (5sts)
Row 2 and wrong side rows    Purl
Row 3 knit front & back of stitch 1, knit 2, knit front & back, knit 1          (7sts)
Row 5 knit 5, knit front & back, knit 1,                                         (8sts)
Row 7 knit 6, knit front & back, knit 1,                                       (9sts)
Row 8 knit, break yarn and leave stitches on spare needle

Left lower Wing
Cast on 4 stitches
Row 1 (right side) Knit front & back, knit 3             (5sts)
Row 2 and wrong side rows Purl
Row 3 knit front & back, knit 2, knit front & back, knit 1         (7sts)
Row 5 knit front & back, knit 6,                    (8sts)
Row 7 knit front & back, knit 7,        (9sts)
Row 8 Purl,  break yarn and both right sides facing, slip sts of right lower wing on to left-hand needle  (18sts)

Row 9 knit
Row 11 knit 1, knit2 together, knit to last 3 sts, knit 2 together, knit 1.   (16sts)
Row 13  as row 11          (14sts)
Row 15 knit 1, knit 2 together,knit 2, (knit 2 together) twice,knit 2, knit 2 together, knit 1.     (10sts)
Row 17 knit 1, (knit 2 together) 4 times, knit 1,         (6sts)
Row 18 knit. Break yarn and leave stitches on a spare needle

Right Upper Wing
Cast on 6 stitches
Row 1 (right side) knit 1, knit front & back, knit 3, knit front& back            (8sts)
Row 2 Purl front& back, Purl 7          (9sts)
Row 3 knit front & back, knit 6, knit front & back, knit 1            (11sts)
Row 4 Purl front& back, purl 10             (12 sts) Break yarn and leave on spare needle

Left Upper Wing
Cast on 6 stitches
Row 1 ( right side) knit front & back ,knit 3, knit front & back, knit 1         (8sts)
Row 2 Purl 6, purl front & back, purl 1                              (9sts)
Row 3 knit front & back, knit 6, knit front & back, knit 1             (11sts)
Row 4 Purl 9, purl front & back, purl 1                            (12sts). Break yarn

Join all with right side facing, start with right upper wing work front & back of first stitch, knit 11,
across stitches of lower wings work, knit 1, (knit 2 together)twice, knit 1, across stitches of left upper
wing work knit 10, knit front & back, knit 1 (30 sts)

Row 6 Purl
Row 7 knit front & back, knit 12, (knit 2 together) twice,knit 11, knit front & back, knit 1
Row 8 Purl
Row 9 knit 13, (knit 2 together) twice, knit 13 (28sts)
Row 10 Purl
Row 11 knit 1, knit 2 together, knit 9, (knit 2 together) twice, knit 9, knit 2 together, knit 1, (24sts)

Row 12 cast off knit wise, working knit 1, knit 2 together, knit 18, knit 2 together, knit 1 across the row.

Body
With contrast colour yarn

Cast on 4 stitches and work i- cord for 3 inches for required length.

 next row, knit 2 together twice
next row knit 2 together break yarn and thread through loop, pull tight to fasten off.

Finishing

Lightly gather centre of butterfly, attach body hold with a few stitches on the wrong side, add antennae.

Have fun!

Little Girl's Lacy Diamond Cardigan

You're little girl will love this sweet cardigan that is light and beautiful for any occasion. This is a very easy button up cardigan, quick to knit with very little shaping this cardigan will make an ideal gift.

Size 18 months - 24 months.

To Fit: 19-20”

Finished Chest: 24”

Finished Length: 12”

You will need:

Worsted weight yarn 100 grms – 2 balls

Knitting Needles: 5 mm (US 8) straight needles, 

Stitch markers,

5  ¾” button,

yarn needle.

GAUGE: 18 sts = 4”; 24 rows = 4” in St st (knit on Right Side, purl on Wrong Side).

CHECK YOUR GAUGE. Use any size needles to obtain the gauge.

Special Abbreviation:

M1 = Make 1 (Increase) – Lift strand between needles to left-hand needle and work strand through the back loop, twisting it to prevent a hole, (knit or purl as indicated by pattern st).

ABBREVIATIONS:

k = knit

k2tog = knit next 2 sts together

p = purl

yo = yarn over
Yfwd = yarn forward
Sl 1 = slip 1
PSSO = pass slipped stitch over

Back

Cast on 54 sts.

Work in k2, p2, rib until piece measures 1.5” from beginning, end with a Wrong Side row.

Lacy Diamond patterm.
Rows 1 (RS):  *k5, k2tog, yfwd, k1, yfwd, sl 1, k1, psso, k5; rep from * to last 2 sts, K2.
Row 2: and all alternate rows, purl
Row 3: *k4, k2tog, yfwd, k3, yfwd, sl1, k1, psso, k4 ; rep from * to last 2 sts, K2.
Row 5: *k3, k2tog, yfwd, k5, yfwd, sl1, k1, psso, k3 ; rep from * to last 2sts, K2.
Row 7: *k2, k2tog, yfwd, k7, yfwd, sl1, k1, psso, k2 ; rep from * to last 2 sts, K2
Row 9: *k3, yfwd, sl1, k1, psso, k5, k2tog, yfwd, k3 ; rep from* to last 2 sts, K2
Row 11: k4, yfwd.sl1, k1, psso, k3, k2tog, yfwd, k4 ; rep from* to last 2 sts, K2
Row 13: k5, yfwd, sl1, k1, psso, k1, k2tog, yfwd, k5 ; rep from* to last 2 sts, K2
Row 15: k6, yfwd, sl1, k2tog, psso, yfwd, k6 ; rep from* to last 2 sts, K2
Row 16: purl

Repeat rows 1 through 16  until 5 complete diamonds are worked making sure to end on row 16.

Cast off.

Left Front

Cast on 28 sts.

Work same as back ribbing until piece measures 1.5” from beginning, end with a Wrong Side row.

Work diamond pattern as given for the back until 4 complete diamonds have been worked ending on row 15 ( Right Side row).

Shape Neck

Next Row (Wrong Side): Cast off 4 sts (neck edge), purl to end of row—24 sts.

Next Row (Right Side): row 1 of diamond pattern.

Next Row: Cast off 2 sts, purl to end of row—22 sts.

Next Row: row 3 of diamond pattern.
Next Row: Cast off 2 sts, purl to end of row - 20 sts.
Next Row: row 5 of diamond pattern.
Next Row : Cast off 2 sts, purl to end of row - 18 sts,
Next Row: row 7 of diamond pattern.
Next Row: Cast off 1 st, purl to end of row—17 sts.

Next Row: row 9 of diamond pattern.
Next Row: Cast off 1 st, purl to end of row- 16 sts.
Next Row: row 11 of diamond pattern.
Next Row: Cast off 1 st, purl to end of row- 15 sts.

Work even in diamond pattern, until piece measures same as back.

Cast off.

Right Front

Cast on 28  sts.

Work same as back ribbing until piece measures 1.5” from beginning, end with a Wrong Side row.Work diamond pattern as given for the back until 4 complete diamonds have been worked ending on row 16 ( Wrong Side row).
Keeping diamond pattern straight shape neck as follows:

Shape Neck

Next Row (Right Side): Cast off 4 sts (neck edge), diamond row 1—24, sts.

Next Row (Wrong Side): Purl.

Next Row: Cast off 2 sts, diamond pattern to end of row—22 sts.

Next Row: Purl.

Repeat last 2 rows 2 more times— 18 sts.

Next Row: Cast off 1 st, diamond pattern to end of row— 17 sts.

Next Row: Purl.

Repeat last 2 rows 2 more times—15 sts remain.

Work even in diamond pattern, until piece measures same as back.

Cast off.

Sleeves (Make 2)

Cast on 28 sts.

Work same as back ribbing until piece measures 1.5” from beginning, end with a Right Side row.

Increase row (Wrong Side): K2, *p1, pf& b, k1, kf&b repeat from * to last 2 sts, p1, pf&b-44sts.

Lacy Diamond patterm.
Rows 1 (RS):  *k5, k2tog, yfwd, k1, yfwd, sl 1, k1, psso, k5; rep from * to last 2 sts, K2.
Row 2: and all alternate rows, purl
Row 3: *k4, k2tog, yfwd, k3, yfwd, sl1, k1, psso, k4 ; rep from * to last 2 sts, K2.
Row 5: *k3, k2tog, yfwd, k5, yfwd, sl1, k1, psso, k3 ; rep from * to last 2sts, K2.
Row 7: *k2, k2tog, yfwd, k7, yfwd, sl1, k1, psso, k2 ; rep from * to last 2 sts, K2
Row 9: *k3, yfwd, sl1, k1, psso, k5, k2tog, yfwd, k3 ; rep from* to last 2 sts, K2
Row 11: k4, yfwd.sl1, k1, psso, k3, k2tog, yfwd, k4 ; rep from* to last 2 sts, K2
Row 13: k5, yfwd, sl1, k1, psso, k1, k2tog, yfwd, k5 ; rep from* to last 2 sts, K2
Row 15: k6, yfwd, sl1, k2tog, psso, yfwd, k6 ; rep from* to last 2 sts, K2
Row 16: purl

Repeat rows 1 through 16  until 4 complete diamonds are worked making sure to end on row 16.

Cast off.

FINISHING

Sew shoulder seams.

Place markers on side edges of fronts and back, 5½” from shoulder seam. Sew top of sleeves between markers.

Sew side and sleeve seams.

Neckband

Row 1: With Right Side facing and circular needle,

beginning at right front edge, pick up and k60 (62, 64, 66) sts evenly spaced across neck edge.

Work 4 rows in K2, P2 rib

Cast off in ribbing pattern.

Buttonband

Cast on 8 sts and work in K2, P2 rib until band reaches length required to reach top of neck ribbing when slightly stretched.

Buttonhole band

Cast on 8 sts work in K2, P2, rib and working evenly space button holes in your favourite method. If you are unsure  see an earlier blog post on recomended buttonholes

Sew button to right

front edge opposite buttonhole. Weave in ends.

Knitted Flip Flop Strap Covers

Give your flip flops a new lease of life by knitting covers for the straps and adding a knitted flower. This is a great way to add flair to your faded old sandals. The straps had lost their colour and always looked dirty on this pair of flip flops, but the sole's are still good. Now I have a new pair of flip flops!


You will need:
1 pair flip flops
1 ball ladder yarn or yarn of your choice.
Size 4mm needles or needles to suit yarn.

Strap Covers
Cast on 10 stitches and knit 5.5 ins or as long as needed for your straps.
Cast off.
You will need 4 altogether, 2 for each flip flop.
Sew around each strap.

Toe Guard
Cast on 6 stitches and knit 2 ins or required length
Cast off.
You will nee one for each flip flop.
Sew around toe guard and secure to each strap.

Flower

Cast on 4 stitches.
Row 1. Knit front & back of 1st stitch, knit 3 (5sts)
Row 2. Knit front & back of 1st stitch, purl 4 (6sts)
Row 3. Knit front & back of 1st stitch, knit 5 (7sts)

Row 4. Knit front & back of 1st stitch purl 6 (8sts). Cut yarn leaving a 4’’ tail and leave on a spare needle.

Repeat 4 more times but do not cut yarn on last petal

Row 5. Join all petals by knitting across (40 sts)
Row 6. Purl 2 together across row (20 sts)

Row 7. Knit 2 together across row (10sts)

Row 8. Purl 2 together, purl 3 together, prul 2 together, purl 3 together

Thread yarn through stitches and pull tight and sew into place. Secure all loose ends.

Inspiration for this pattern came from Gritty Knits

Lace and Cable Gilet

 A cosy gilet with pockets, a moss stitched bands and a cable and lace pattern. Wonderful for Spring layering looks and has a touch of vintage style about it .

Size:

S, (M, L,)

to fit bust size 28-32,( 36- 40, 44- 48)”

Finished Length:

27 (28, 29) inches

Materials

2 (3, 3, ) 100 grms DK /300 m per 100g.

Needles: 3.75 and 4 mm needles or size to obtain gauge.

Cable needle.

Gauge

19 sts and 28 rows over 4”/10 cm of St. st

Back

With smaller needle,

CO 96 (112, 128) stitches work in moss stitch for 2.5 inches.

Change to larger needle and work pattern as follows:

Row 1: edge st, (p2, k2tog, yo, k2, p2) 2(3,3) times, P 2, k6, P2, (p2, k2tog, yo, k2, p2) 2(2,3) times,P 2, k6, P2, (p2, k2tog, yo, k2, p2) 2(2,3) times, P 2, k6, P2, (p2, k2tog, yo, k2, p2) 2(3,3) times, edge st

Row 2: edge st, (k2, p4, k2) 2(3,3) times, k2, p6, k2, (k2, p4, k2) 2(2,3) times, k2, p6, k2, (k2, p4, k2) 2(2,3) times,k2, p6, k2, (k2, p4, k2) 2(3,3) times, edge st

Row 3: edge st, (p2, k2, yo, sl1kw, k1, psso, p2) 2(3,3) times, p2, c6b, p2, (p2, k2, yo, sl1kw, k1, psso, p2) 2(2,3) times, p2, c6b, p2, (p2, k2, yo, sl1kw, k1, psso, p2) 2(2,3) times, p2, c6b, p2, (p2, k2, yo, sl1kw, k1, psso, p2) 2(3,3) times, edge st
Row 4:same as row 2.

Repeat rows 1 through 4 until work measures 18(19,20) inches.

Armhole Shaping:

Cast off 5 ( 6, 7, ) sts at beg of next 2 rows.

Dec 1 st each side, every other row 4 ( 5, 6, ) times.

Cont in pat st until work measures 26.5 (27.5, 28.5,) inches from start.

Shape Shoulders:

Cast off 7 (7, 7,) sts beg of next 2 rows.

Cast off 7 (7, 8, ) sts beg of next 2 rows.

Cast off 7 (8, 8, ) sts beg of next 2 rows.

Cast off 36 (46, 56,) remaining back neck sts.

Pocket Linings (make 2)

Using larger needles cast on 23 sts and work 5 inches in stockinette stitch ending with a purl row and leave stitches on a spare needle.

Front [make two, (reversing shaping)]

With smaller needle, Cast on 44 (52, 60) sts.

Work in moss stitch for 2.5 inches.

Change to larger needle and work patter as follows:

Row 1: edge st, (p2, k2tog, yo, k2, p2) 2(3,3) times, P 2, k6, P2, (p2, k2tog, yo, k2, p2) 2(2,3) times,edge st

Row 2: edge st, (k2, p4, k2) 2(3,3) times, k2, p6, k2, (k2, p4, k2) 2(2,3) times, edge st

Row 3: edge st, (p2, k2, yo, sl1kw, k1, psso, p2) 2(3,3) times, p2, c6b, p2, (p2, k2, yo, sl1kw, k1, psso, p2) 2(2,3) times, edge st
Row 4:same as row 2.

Repeat rows 1 through 4 until work measures 6 inches from the top of moss stitch.

With rightside facing work 10 sts then place next 23 sts on stitch holder, knit across 23 sts of pocket lining on spare needle working in the pattern stitches, continue in pattern to the end of the row.

Continue until work measures 14 (15, 16) inches

Begin Neck Shaping:

Dec 1 st at neck edge every 4 rows 4 (8, 8, ) times, then every 6 (6, 6, ) rows 11 (10, 12,) times,

At the same time keeping measurement the same as the back-

Armhole Shaping:

Cast off 5 ( 6, 7, ) sts at beg of next row.

Dec 1 st armhole side, every other row 4 ( 5, 6, ) times.

Shape Shoulders:

Work shoulder shaping to correspond with the back.

Finishing

Seam each shoulder - 21 (22, 23, 23, 23, 24) sts.

Armhole Band:

With smaller size needle, pick up 89 (91, 98, ) sts around

armhole edge, Work in moss stitch for 8 rows.

Cast off loosely.

Repeat for other side.

Sew side seams.

Bands:

Starting with the buttonhole band Cast on 8 sts work in moss stitch for 4 rows then make first button hole.

Continue in moss stitch placing button holes every 2.5 inches or as preferred until band reaches beginning of the neck shaping. Then continue in straight moss stitch until band reaches up around the neck and down the front.

Cast off loosely.

Sew buttons onto button band to correspond with buttonholes.

Pocket bands:

Pick up the stitches left on stitch holder and work 6 rows in moss stitch. Cast off loosely. Sew pocket lining in place and each side of the pocket band.

Easy Knit Baby to Toddler Button Up Cardigan.

This is a very easy basic button up cardigan. Easy and quick to knit with very little shaping this cardigan will make an ideal gift for a baby or toddler. Knit in a plain colour, multi  or variegated yarn it is suitable for boy or girl.

Directions are for size 12 months. Changes for sizes 18 months, 24 months, and 4 years are in parentheses.

To Fit: 18 (19, 20, 23)”

Finished Chest: 23 (24, 25, 26)”

Finished Length: 11 (12, 13, 14)”

You will need:

Worsted weight yarn 100 grms – 2(2,3,3) balls

Knitting Needles: 5 mm (US 8) straight needles, 

Stitch markers,

5 (5,6,6) ¾” button,

yarn needle.

GAUGE: 18 sts = 4”; 24 rows = 4” in St st (knit on Right Side, purl on Wrong Side).

CHECK YOUR GAUGE. Use any size needles to obtain the gauge.

Special Abbreviation:

M1 = Make 1 (Increase) – Lift strand between needles to left-hand needle and work strand through the back loop, twisting it to prevent a hole, (knit or purl as indicated by pattern st).

ABBREVIATIONS:

k = knit

k2tog = knit next 2 sts together

p = purl

yo = yarn over

Back

Cast on 50 (54, 55, 60) sts.

Work in k2, p2, rib until piece measures 1.5” from beginning, end with a Wrong Side row.

Next Row (Right Side): Knit.

Next Row (Wrong Side): Purl.

Repeat last 2 rows, for St st (knit on Right Side, purl on Wrong Side), until piece measures 11 (12, 13, 14)” from beginning, end with a Wrong Side row.

Cast off.

Left Front

Cast on 26 (28, 30, 30) sts.

Work same as back ribbing until piece measures 1.5” from beginning, end with a Wrong Side row.

Work even in Stockinette st until piece measures 8 (9, 10,11)” from beginning, end with a Right Side row.

Shape Neck

Next Row (Wrong Side): Cast off 4 sts (neck edge), purl to end of row—22 (24, 26, 26) sts.

Next Row (Right Side): Knit.

Next Row: Cast off 2 sts, purl to end of row—20 (22, 24, 24) sts.

Next Row: Knit.

Repeat last 2 rows 2 (2, 3, 3) more times—16 (18, 18,18) sts.

Next Row: Cast off 1 st, purl to end of row—15 (17, 17,17) sts.

Next Row: Knit.

Repeat last 2 rows 2 (2, 1, 0) more time(s)—13 (15, 16, 17) sts remain.

Work even in St st, until piece measures same as back.

Cast off.

Right Front

Cast on 26 (28, 30, 30) sts.

Work same as back ribbing until piece measures 1.5” from beginning, end with a Wrong Side row.

Work even in Stockinette st until piece measures 8 (9, 10, 11)” from beginning, end with a Wrong Side row.

Shape Neck

Next Row (Right Side): Cast off 4 sts (neck edge), knit to end of row—22 (24, 26, 26) sts.

Next Row (Wrong Side): Purl.

Next Row: Cast off 2 sts, knit to end of row—20 (22, 24, 24) sts.

Next Row: Purl.

Repeat last 2 rows 2 (2, 3, 3) more times—16 ( 18, 18, 18) sts.

Next Row: Cast off 1 st, knit to end of row—15 ( 17, 17, 17) sts.

Next Row: Purl.

Repeat last 2 rows 2 (2, 1, 0) more time(s)—13 (15, 16,17) sts remain.

Work even in Stockinette st, until piece measures same as back.

Cast off.

Sleeves (Make 2)

Cast on 26 (28, 28, 30) sts.

Work same as back ribbing until piece measures 1.5” from beginning, end with a Right Side row.

Next Row (Wrong Side): Purl.

Next Row: Knit.

Next Row: Purl.

Next Row: K1, M1, knit to last st, M1, k1—28 (30, 30, 32) sts.

Repeat last 4 rows 9 (10, 11, 11) more times—46 (50, 52, 54) sts.

Work even in Stockinette st until piece measures 8 (8½, 9,10)” from beginning.

Cast off.

FINISHING

Sew shoulder seams.

Place markers on side edges of fronts and back, 5 (5½, 5½, 6)” from shoulder seam. Sew top of sleeves between markers.

Sew side and sleeve seams.

Neckband

Row 1: With Right Side facing and circular needle,

beginning at right front edge, pick up and k60 (62, 64, 66) sts evenly spaced across neck edge.

Work 4 rows in K2, P2 rib

Cast off in ribbing pattern.

Buttonband

Cast on 8 sts and work in K2, P2 rib until band reaches length required to reach top of neck ribbing when slightly stretched.

Buttonhole band

Cast on 8 sts work in K2, P2, rib and working evenly space button holes in your favourite method. If you are unsure  see an earlier blog post on recomended buttonholes

Sew button to right

front edge opposite buttonhole. Weave in ends.

Knitting For Premature Babies

A premature baby has very delicate skin so make sure you use baby soft yarn. Sometimes premature babies are allergic to wool, so it's best to steer clear of using wool mix. You can use cotton and acrylic yarn. 100% Egyptian cotton is very soft, a fantastic soft yarn for delicate skin, warm when it is cold and cool when it is warm.

  Don't put too much emphasis on trying to perfect the size of a preemie garment. There is a great variation between premature baby sizes that an item of any size should be suitable for at least one baby. As a general guide premature babies head circumference is approximately the same as their chest circumference. The average prem baby's chest measurements are 8"-14". However clothes of all sizes are required for preemies, so no matter how big or small your item is it will most likely fit at least one baby.

Plain flat half-inch buttons are best to use for fastening. Avoid nylon and metal fastenings, as they get very hot under the incubator heaters. Do not use Velcro as a fastening, it is very scratchy on the hook side and also damages knitted garments when they are laundered. Ease of dressing is vital for preemies and as a general rule it is best not to use ribbon as a fastening as ribbon can often be fussy to tie on a garment so small.
Knitting items for premature babies can be very rewarding and is definitely appreciated by the charities and the families who receive them.
'LILY' Love In the Language of Yarn has  teamed up with several non profit organisations in Turkey helping to raise awareness of premature births, and have been asked to help provide knitted garments for several neonatal intensive care units in Aydin, Izmir and Bodrum.  If you would like to help out here are some knitting patterns to get you started.

You will need:

1 skein of Any kind of Baby DK Yarn

Size 4mm needles

Stitch Holders (or large safety pins)

3 buttons for hoodie

Abbreviations:

K Knit

P Purl

St stitc

K2tog Knit 2 stitches together

YO Yarn over

HOODIE

BACK

With 4mm needles cast on 40 sts.

Work 3 rows in garter st. ( K each row).

Work in stockinette st ( K 1 row, P 1 row) until work is 4inches, ending on purl row.

SLEEVES

Cast on 18 sts at beginning of next 2 rows.

Next row: K across.

Next row: K 2, P across to last 2 sts, K 2.

Repeat these 2 rows until sleeve measures 2.5 inches,

ending on purl row.

Cast off 18 sts at the beginning of next 2 rows.

Next row: K 2tog across to end of row.

Cast off 4 sts at beginning of next 2 rows. Put remaining 12 sts

on stitch holder.

LEFT FRONT

Cast on 20 sts.

Work 3 rows in garter stitch.

Next row: K across.

Next row: P across to last 3 sts, K3

Continue last 2 rows until work measures 1".

Next row: K1, YO, K 2tog, (buttonhole), K across.

Continue in stockinette stitch until work is 4" ending on prl row

**after you have 9 ridges from 1st buttonhole, make another buttonhole.

SLEEVE

Cast on 18 sts beginning of next row.

Next row:K 2, P across to last 3 sts, K3. (continue front edge)

K until sleeve measures 2.5 inches.

Add another buttonhole when you have 9 ridges from last buttonhole.

Make sure front measures the same as the back.

Cast off 18sts, P across.

Next row: K2tog across to end of row. (10 sts)

Next row: Cast off 4 sts, P 4, K2 (6 sts) Place on stitch holder.

RIGHT FRONT

Cast on 20 sts.

Work 3 rows in garter stitch.

Next row: K across.

Next row: K 3 sts, P across.

Continue these 2 rows until work measures 4" ending on purl row.

SLEEVE

Cast on 18 sts beginning next row.

Next row: K across.

Next row: K 3, P across to last 2 sts, K2.

Continue these 2 rows until piece measures 2.5 inches.

(make sure measures same as the left front)

Cast off 18sts, K across.

Next row: K3, P across.

Next row: K2tog across to end of row (10 sts)

Next row: K2, P across.

Next row: Cast off 4sts, work to end. (6 sts) Place these sts on stitch holder.

HOOD

With right sides facing you, place right front, back, left front

(24 sts) on needle. Right side facing you, K across.

Next row: P across.

Next row: Increase knit front and back in each stitch. (48 sts)

Keeping 1st and last 3 sts in garter stitch, work in stockinette stitch until hood measures 4". Cast off all 48 sts.

Fold hood in half at cast off sts.

Sew seam for hood.

Sew sleeves and side seams.

Add buttons to match the buttonholes.

HAT

With 3.75mm needles cast on 64 (72) sts.

Work 6 rows K1 P1 rib.

CHANGE to 4mm needles and continue in stocking stitch

(1 row K, 1 row P) until work measures 3.5 inches.

DECREASE:

Row 1: K6 (7) K2 tog, repeat to end row.

Row 2 and alternate rows: purl.

Row 3: K5 (6) K2 tog, repeat to end of row.

Row 5: K4 (5) K2 tog, repeat to end of row.

Row 7: K3 (4) K2 tog, repeat to end of row.

Row 9: K2 (3) K2 tog, repeat to end of row.

Continue decreasing thus until K2 tog across row.

work 1 row.

BREAK off yarn and thread through remaining sts.

SEW up carefully with a seam as flat as possible.

BOOTIES

WITH 4mm needles, cast on 23 (25) sts, fairly loosely.

WORK K1 P1 rib for 8 rows.

DIVIDE INSTEP (RS)

Next row: Knit 16 (17) turn

Next row: Purl 9, turn

WORK 12 rows in stocking st.

BREAK off yarn.

REJOIN yarn at point of needle and pick up and knit:

9 sts from side of instep,

9 sts from needle

9 sts from side of instep

sts of left needle. 41 (43) sts

WORK 9 rows in garter st.

NEXT row: work 2 tog, patt 17 (18), work 3 tog, patt 17 (18) work 2 tog

NEXT row: Knit.

NEXT row: Work 2 tog, patt 15(16), work 3 tog, patt 15 (16) work 2 tog.

KNIT 1 row. 33 (35) sts

Cast off.

Sew up the seam. There is no need for ties or ribbon for these booties.