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Babys Shirt

Mockup of a baby's shirt from 1891

This pattern has been updated from the original into modern knitting terminology. Please note that it has not been test knit at this time.

Materials

2/22 lace weight yarn and 2.25mm needles

Gauge and size

At a gauge of 40sts per 4” this pattern will create a shirt with a circumference of approximately 22.5”. This will fit a 12 month old baby with approximately 4” of ease or an 18 month old baby with 3” of ease. The ribbed patterning at the top of the shirt draws it in for a closer fit, while the lacework at the bottom will fit easily over a nappy/diaper.
To make a smaller size work at a gauge of more stitches per inch.
The garment body measures 9.5” from neck to bottom.
Total length of the garment is 10 ¼”

Pattern

Body

Cast on 114sts and knit one row
Rows 1 – 4 purl
R5: K1, *k2tog twice, (k1, yo) four times, k2, k2tog twice; repeat from * to the last stitch, k1
R6: purl

Chart for the lace edge on the baby's shirt from Hoe Work, published in 1891

Repeat the 5th and 6th rows 7 times more
Purl 4 rows
Repeat the 5th and 6th rows 8 times
Purl 4 rows
Repeat the 5th and 6th rows 8 times
Purl 4 rows
This completes the lace section at the bottom edge of the shirt
Work 48 rows of k2, p2 rib
K1, *K2tog, yo; repeat from * to the last st. This forms a row of eyelets.
Knit one row and cast off. Make another the same.

Sleeves (make 2)

Cast on 58sts and knit one row
Rows 1 – 4 purl
R5: K1, *k2tog twice, (k1, yo) four times, k2, k2tog twice; repeat from * to the last st, k1
R6: purl
Repeat the 5th and 6th rows 7 times more
Purl 4 rows
Work 8 rows of k2, p2 rib
K1, *K2tog, yo ; repeat from * to the last st, k1
Knit one row and cast off.

Sleeve Gusset (make 2)

Cast on 24sts and knit 24 rows of k2, p2 rib. The gusset should form a square when the rib is relaxed.

Making up

Sew the gusset to the sides of the sleeve, closest to cast off edge of the sleeve. Since the sleeve is 9 rows longer than the gusset the first 9 rows of the sleeve are not attached to the gusset. Complete the seam on the sleeve.

Baby's shirt - diagram for sewing in the gusset

Sew the sleeves and gussets to the side of the shirt, leaving 1/3 of the sleeve above the top of the body. Make sure the direction of the gusset rib will match on the sleeves when they are sewn onto the body.

Sew the side seams of the body.

Work a crochet shell stitch around the neck of the shirt.

Thread a fine ribbon through the row of eyelets and tie in a bow at the front.