Sirdar Dungarees Knitting Pattern

Sirdar Dungarees in Snuggly Baby Crofter 4 Ply

What is Being Made

These are knitted dungarees (overalls) designed for babies from birth to 2 years old. The pattern provides three size options: 0–6 months, 6–12 months, and 1–2 years, with chest measurements ranging from 41cm to 51cm. The dungarees feature a classic overall silhouette with trouser legs and are measured from the back of the neck for full length, ranging from 50cm to 65cm depending on size. The garment is finished with four buttons for fastening.

Techniques Used

These dungarees are constructed using a bottom-up knitting method, meaning the trouser legs are worked first before progressing upward to the body. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, and pieces are seamed together to create the finished garment. This construction approach allows for straightforward shaping and is ideal for baby garments that require careful fit adjustments across multiple sizes.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout the dungarees is stocking stitch (stockinette stitch), which creates a smooth, classic fabric ideal for baby wear. Garter stitch is also used as an edging technique. Shaping is achieved through strategic increases and decreases worked at specific intervals—for example, increases are worked on the 3rd row and every following alternate row during leg expansion, and decreases are incorporated to shape the armholes and neckline. The pattern uses standard knitting abbreviations including M1 (make one) for increases, and various decrease methods to achieve the fitted silhouette.

Materials and Tools

The dungarees are knitted in Sirdar Snuggly Baby Crofter 4 Ply yarn, a soft 4-ply weight suitable for delicate baby garments. Yarn requirements vary by size: 2 balls (100g) for the smallest size, 3 balls (150g) for the middle size, and 4 balls (200g) for the largest size, with each ball weighing 50g. The pattern also accommodates Snuggly 4 Ply yarn as a suitable alternative, though amounts may vary slightly.

Two pairs of knitting needles are required: 3¼mm (UK size 10 / USA size 3) needles for the main fabric and 2¾mm (UK size 12 / USA size 2) needles for the cast-on and ribbed sections. Additional notions include stitch holders for managing stitches during construction and four buttons for the overall fastening. The recommended tension is 28 stitches and 36 rows to 10cm (4 inches) over stocking stitch using the 3¼mm needles, making tension checking essential before beginning the project to ensure proper fit across all three sizes.