Lovey Dovey Top Dress Knitting Pattern

Lovey Dovey Top

What is Being Made

The Lovey Dovey Top is a knitted children's garment designed as a pullover top or dress, available in six sizes ranging from 6-9 months through 8 years. The finished measurements span from 18" chest circumference for the smallest size up to 28" for the largest, with corresponding lengths from 11" to 20½". This versatile piece can be worn as a short top or dress depending on the child's age and preference.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs a bottom-up construction method, meaning the garment is worked from the lower body upward toward the neckline. The piece begins with a contrasting color hem created using a turning round technique, which adds a decorative and functional edge. The pattern incorporates in-the-round knitting using a circular needle, allowing for seamless construction of the body. Shaping is achieved through strategic decreasing to create the fitted silhouette appropriate for a children's garment.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The primary stitch throughout most of the garment, creating a smooth, classic knit fabric with a flat appearance on the right side
• Seed Stitch: A textured stitch pattern worked over a multiple of 2 stitches, alternating knit and purl stitches to create visual interest and dimensional texture
• Decreasing techniques: The pattern uses k2tog (knit two together) and ssk (slip, slip, knit) decreases to shape the garment and create fitted areas

Materials and Tools

This pattern calls for Spud & Chloë Sweater yarn, which provides 100 grams and 160 yards per hank. The project requires 1 to 3 hanks of main color (MC) depending on size, and 1 hank of contrasting color (CC) for the decorative hem detail. The photo shown features Pollen #7508 as the main color and Popsicle #7501 as the contrasting color. Knitters will need a Size 10 (6mm) circular needle measuring 32 inches to accommodate the cast-on stitches and allow for in-the-round knitting. Additional supplies include a stitch marker to denote the beginning of rounds, a stitch holder for holding stitches during construction, and a tapestry needle for finishing.

Gauge and Sizing Information

The pattern specifies a gauge of 16 stitches and 22 rows over 4 inches in Stockinette stitch, which is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements. Instructions are provided for the smallest size with larger sizes noted in parentheses throughout, allowing knitters to easily scale the pattern to their desired finished size.