Butterfly Dress Knitting Pattern

Butterfly Dress in Rowan Kidsilk Haze

What is Being Made

The Butterfly Dress is an advanced-level knitted garment designed by Jennie Atkinson. This dress features a distinctive construction with decorative hem frills and a beaded main section. The pattern is available in five sizes, ranging from extra small (81 cm bust) to extra large (102 cm bust), making it suitable for various body measurements from 28 to 40 inches across the bust.

Yarn and Materials

This project uses Rowan Kidsilk Haze, a luxurious yarn choice that creates an elegant drape. The dress requires multiple color options:

• Yarn A (Majestic 589): 3 to 4 balls of 25-gram weight, depending on size
• Yarn B (Smoke 605): 1 ball of 25-gram weight for all sizes
• Optional vest variation available in Pearl 590

Beading is an integral component, requiring approximately 500 beads (codes 601 and 606) for the full dress, or approximately 250 beads (codes 39 and 34) for the vest variation. Beads are size 8 from Debbie Abrahams.

Needles and Tools

The pattern requires three pairs of needles in graduated sizes to accommodate different stitch densities:

• 1 pair of 3.25mm (UK no. 10 / US 3) needles
• 1 pair of 4.25mm (UK no. 7 / US 7) needles
• 1 pair of 5mm (UK no. 6 / US 8) needles

Techniques and Stitches

This advanced project employs sophisticated knitting techniques that create the dress's distinctive character. The construction begins with decorative hem frills that form the foundation of the garment.

Border Pattern

The hem frills are worked using an intricate 8-row repeating border pattern that incorporates multiple advanced techniques:

• Yarn overs (yfwd): Used extensively to create openwork and lace effects throughout the border
• Double yarn overs: These create decorative holes that are worked into subsequent rows as knit-purl combinations, adding textural interest
• Decreases: K2tog (knit two together) and K2tog tbl (knit two together through back loop) are used for shaping and creating the lace pattern
• Slip stitches: Slip 1 stitch at the beginning of rows for neat edges; sl 2 as though to K2tog creates a centered double decrease
• P2sso (pass slipped stitch over): Used in conjunction with slip stitches to create centered decreases
• Purl decreases: P3tog and P2tog tbl are employed for shaping within the pattern

Hem Frill Construction

The dress features two coordinated hem frills—an outer frill and an inner hem frill. The outer frill is worked in Yarn A (Majestic) using the border pattern, continuing for approximately 52 to 62 centimeters depending on size. After the patterned section is complete, waste yarn is introduced and stockinette stitch is worked for four rows before casting off. The inner hem frill mirrors this construction but uses Yarn B (Smoke) instead. The two frills are then layered with wrong sides together, creating a finished hem structure.

Main Section

Following the hem frills, the main body of the dress is worked. The pattern indicates a transition to the primary garment section, which incorporates beading as a decorative element. The beads are integrated into the knitted fabric, creating embellished details characteristic of advanced knitting design.

Tension and Gauge

Achieving proper tension is critical for this advanced project. The pattern specifies 17 stitches and 24 rows to 10 centimeters when measured over the pattern using 5mm (US 8) needles. Maintaining this gauge ensures the dress will fit correctly across all sizes and that the beading sits properly within the fabric.

Skill Level Justification