Debbie Bliss Orion Bloomers Knitting Pattern

Orion Bloomers by Debbie Bliss

What is Being Made

The Orion Bloomers are a knitted garment designed for infants and young children, available in two sizes to fit ages 3-6 months and 6-9 months. These bloomers feature a classic design with finished measurements of 50-53 cm (19¾-21 inches) around the waist and a length of 38-43 cm (15-17 inches). The bloomers are worked to fit over a nappy (diaper), making them a practical layering piece for babies and toddlers.

Techniques Used

The Orion Bloomers are constructed using several key knitting techniques that create a well-fitted garment:

• Worked Flat: The bloomers are knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for seamed construction
• Seamed Construction: The front and back pieces, along with individual leg sections, are joined together using seaming techniques for a polished finish
• Elastic Waistband: An elastic casing is incorporated at the waist to ensure a secure, comfortable fit that accommodates the nappy
• Short Row Shaping: The pattern employs short row shaping on the back section to create a contoured fit, with multiple turning rows that gradually reduce the working width to shape the seat area
• Increases: Strategic increases using the make-one (m1) technique are worked throughout the leg sections to create gradual shaping and expansion for a comfortable fit over the hips and thighs

Stitches Used

The Orion Bloomers are primarily worked in stocking stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a knit side and purl side. The waistband features ribbing worked in a [knit 1, purl 1] pattern, which provides elasticity and helps the waistband sit neatly against the body. Additional stitch techniques include slip stitch, used in the short row shaping sections to create neat edge stitches and maintain tension during the turning rows.

Materials and Gauge

The Orion Bloomers are knitted using Debbie Bliss Luna yarn in the Slate 03 colorway. The pattern requires 3 balls of 25g yarn for the smaller size and 4 balls for the larger size. Two needle sizes are used: 2.75mm (US 2) needles for the ribbed waistband, and 3.25mm (US 3) needles for the main body of the bloomers. The recommended gauge is 28 stitches and 36 rows to a 10cm (4-inch) square measured over stocking stitch using the 3.25mm needles. A length of elastic is required for the waistband to ensure a secure fit.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty. While the basic stitches are straightforward, the combination of techniques—including short row shaping, multiple increases, and seamed construction—requires some experience with garment construction and shaping methods. Knitters should be comfortable reading pattern abbreviations, managing multiple stitch counts, and executing turning rows accurately to achieve the proper fit.