Berroco Simo Dress Knitting Pattern

Berroco Simo Knit Dress and Scarf Pattern

What is Being Made

The Berroco Simo is a collection of two coordinated knit pieces designed by Cirilia Rose: a fitted knit dress and a matching scarf. The dress is available in 6 sizes ranging from girl's size 2 through size 12, with finished chest measurements from 24 inches to 29 inches and lengths from 17½ inches to 25 inches. This intermediate-level knitting project combines a structured bodice with a flowing skirt silhouette.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs multiple knitting techniques to create visual interest and structure. The design features lace work that adds an elegant, openwork quality to the garment. The dress is worked flat on straight needles for the main body pieces, allowing for precise shaping and seaming. Circular knitting needles are also utilized for certain sections, enabling worked in the round construction where appropriate for seamless integration of pattern elements. The pieces are seamed together to create the finished garment, providing durability and a professional appearance.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The pattern incorporates two primary stitch patterns with different gauge requirements. Stockinette stitch (St st) forms the foundation of much of the garment, worked at a gauge of 18 stitches and 25 rows per 4 inches. Checkerboard Mesh stitch is featured as a decorative element, worked at a slightly different gauge of 17 stitches and 22 rows per 4 inches. This textured mesh stitch creates the lace effect characteristic of the design while maintaining structural integrity.

Materials and Yarn

The Simo pattern calls for Berroco Remix yarn, a versatile fiber suitable for intermediate knitters. The dress requires 3 to 4 hanks (depending on size) of Berroco Remix in colorway #3949 Nightfall as the main color (MC), with each hank weighing 100 grams. The coordinating scarf uses 1 hank of Berroco Remix in colorway #3960 Strawberry as the contrasting color (CC), allowing knitters to create a complementary two-piece set.

Needles and Notions

Construction requires straight knitting needles in size 7 (4.50 mm) for working the flat pieces of the dress. Circular knitting needles in size 7 (4.50 mm) are also needed, in both 16-inch and 29-inch lengths, for sections worked in the round or for managing large stitch counts. Additional notions include 4 stitch holders for securing stitches during yoke and armhole shaping, and 1 stitch marker for tracking pattern repeats and construction points.

Gauge and Fit

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this pattern's success. Stockinette stitch should measure 18 stitches and 25 rows per 4 inches on size 7 needles. Checkerboard Mesh should measure 17 stitches and 22 rows per 4 inches. The pattern emphasizes checking gauge before beginning, as gauge variations will affect the finished measurements and overall fit of the dress across the six available sizes.

Construction Overview

The dress construction begins with the front and back skirt pieces, which are worked flat and feature the decorative checkerboard mesh lace. The pattern includes detailed shaping instructions, such as binding off stitches at the beginning of rows for armhole decreases and transferring stitches to holders for the yoke. The yoke section, which forms the fitted upper bodice, is constructed separately and seamed to the skirt pieces. This modular approach allows for precise fit adjustments across the multiple size options.