Sirdar Dungarees, Hat and Socks Knitting Pattern

Sirdar Dungarees, Hat and Socks

Overview

This downloadable knitting pattern from Sirdar creates a coordinated three-piece set for babies and young children from birth to 2 years. The collection includes dungarees with a bib front, a matching hat, and socks, all designed to be worked in Sirdar Snuggly Pattercake DK yarn. The pattern provides sizing for three age ranges: 0-6 months, 6-12 months, and 1-2 years, with corresponding chest measurements of 41cm, 46cm, and 51cm respectively.

Dungarees

The dungarees are the centerpiece of this set, featuring a classic baby garment design with a bib front and adjustable button closures. The garment is measured at the widest point across the chest and extends to the top of the bib, with full lengths ranging from 41cm to 54cm depending on size. The dungarees require 70g to 120g of yarn depending on the age size being made.

Construction Method: The dungarees are worked flat on straight needles and then seamed together, using a bottom-up construction approach. This traditional method allows knitters to build the garment from the lower edges upward, making it easier to achieve proper fit and length.

Stitch Techniques: The primary stitch used throughout the dungarees is stocking stitch (stockinette stitch), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a knit side and purl side. The pattern incorporates shaping through strategic decreasing at the side seams to create a fitted silhouette. Stitch holders are required to hold stitches during construction, particularly for the leg and body sections.

Hat

The matching hat is designed to fit an average-sized baby's or child's head for the age indicated and uses 18g to 24g of yarn. This smaller project is an ideal companion piece to the dungarees.

Construction Method: The hat is worked in the round using circular or double-pointed needles, creating a seamless crown. This technique eliminates the need for seaming and produces a comfortable, well-fitting hat for a baby's head.

Socks

The socks are sized to fit an average baby's foot for the age indicated and require 12g to 17g of yarn per pair. These small accessories complete the coordinated set.

Construction Method: Like the hat, the socks are worked in the round, creating seamless, comfortable footwear. Stitch holders are used during sock construction to manage stitches during heel and foot shaping.

Materials and Tools

Yarn: All three pieces are worked in Sirdar Snuggly Pattercake DK (shade 753), a double knitting weight yarn. The pattern notes that the yarn is also suitable for alternative Sirdar DK options including Snuggly DK, Snuggly Baby Crofter DK, Snuggly Baby Bamboo DK, Snuggly Spots DK, and Snuggly Rascal DK, though yarn amounts may vary slightly with different fiber types.

Needles: The pattern requires two pairs of knitting needles: 4mm (UK size 8 / USA size 6) needles for the main fabric and 3¼mm (UK size 10 / USA size 3) needles for ribbed edgings and finer sections. Stitch holders are essential for managing stitches during construction of the dungarees and socks.

Notions: The dungarees require 2 buttons for the shoulder or bib closures.

Tension and Gauge

The pattern specifies a tension of 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10cm (4 inches) over stocking stitch when worked on 4mm needles. Achieving the correct tension is essential for success with this pattern. Knitters should check their tension swatch before beginning and adjust needle sizes accordingly: use thinner needles if your swatch has more stitches than specified, or thicker needles if it has fewer stitches.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Stocking Stitch: The primary fabric stitch throughout all three pieces, created by alternating knit and purl rows when working flat, or knitting every round when working in the round
• Decreasing: Used to shape the dungarees at the side seams and to shape the crown of the hat and foot of the socks
• Increasing: Employed where shaping requires