Willow & Lark Alice Dress Knitting Pattern

Willow & Lark Alice Dress Pattern Summary

Garment Overview

The Alice Dress is a children's lace dress designed by Willow & Lark as part of their 2017 Fledgling Collection. This knitted dress features a relaxed, everyday silhouette with a plain stocking stitch body paired with an intricate yet accessible lace hem detail. The dress is available in four sizes to fit ages 2–3, 4–5, 6–7, and 8–9 years, with chest measurements ranging from 56 cm to 71 cm (22–28 inches). The garment includes short sleeves and is designed to be dressed up or worn casually.

Construction Techniques

The Alice Dress is worked flat on straight needles, meaning pieces are knitted in flat rows rather than in the round. The garment uses a seamed construction, with individual pieces joined together after knitting. This approach allows for precise shaping and a professional finish. The combination of flat-worked pieces and seaming provides structure while maintaining the relaxed drape of the design.

Stitches and Lace Details

The main body of the dress is worked in stocking stitch, the fundamental knit fabric created by alternating knit and purl rows. This creates a smooth, classic appearance ideal for a children's garment. The defining feature is the lace hem, which incorporates lace stitchwork at the lower edge. The pattern notes describe this lace detail as "intricate yet easy to knit," making it accessible to intermediate-level knitters while adding visual interest and elegance to the finished dress.

Yarn and Materials

The Alice Dress is designed using Willow & Lark Nest yarn, a DK-weight yarn with a luxurious fiber blend: 69% wool, 11% cashmere, and 20% tencel. Each ball weighs 50 grams (1¾ ounces). Yarn quantities vary by size, requiring between 4 and 7 balls depending on the child's age and size. The pattern recommends using Nest yarn specifically to achieve the intended look and drape shown in the design photographs. Alternative colorways are suggested, including Owl Grey (202) and Rose (221).

Needles and Tension

The pattern calls for two pairs of knitting needles: 3.25 mm (UK 10, US 3) and 4.00 mm (UK 8, US 6). The smaller needles are typically used for ribbing or edgings, while the larger needles are used for the main fabric. The recommended tension is 22 stitches and 30 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) measured over stocking stitch using the 4.00 mm needles. Achieving correct tension is essential for proper garment fit across all four sizes.

Skill Level and Requirements

The Alice Dress is rated as an intermediate-level project. Knitters should be comfortable with lace techniques, as the pattern requires understanding yarn-overs and decreases to create the lace hem detail. Basic skills needed include reading knitting abbreviations, working increases and decreases, seaming pieces together, and adjusting tension. The pattern provides standard abbreviations such as alt (alternate), beg (beginning), cont (continue), dec (decrease), foll (following), and inc (increase).

Size and Fit Information

• Age 2–3 years: Chest 56 cm (22 in), actual measurement 63 cm (24¾ in), length 50 cm (19¾ in), sleeve seam 9 cm (3½ in)
• Age 4–5 years: Chest 61 cm (24 in), actual measurement 68 cm (26¾ in), length 55 cm (21¾ in), sleeve seam 10 cm (4 in)
• Age 6–7 years: Chest 66 cm (26 in), actual measurement 74 cm (29¼ in), length 60 cm (23½ in), sleeve seam 11 cm (4¼ in)
• Age 8–9 years: Chest 71 cm (28 in), actual measurement 79 cm (31 in), length 65 cm (25½ in), sleeve seam