Pat’s Vest and Pilch Knickers Knitting Pattern 

Create a sweet and practical set for a little one with this vintage-inspired pattern for a baby vest and matching “pilch knickers” (essentially, diaper covers). This charming set is perfect for layering, providing warmth and comfort with a touch of classic style. The vest features a simple ribbed neckline and armhole openings, with a divided back secured by press studs (snaps) for easy dressing. The knickers are cleverly shaped with decreases and short rows, creating a comfortable, fitted garment. This pattern is ideal for knitters with some experience, offering a quick and satisfying project with adorable results. The recommended yarn is a soft, non-shrink baby wool, ensuring gentle contact with delicate skin.

This set offers a delightful blend of functionality and old-fashioned charm. The simple construction of the vest makes it a great project for practicing basic knitting techniques, while the shaping of the knickers introduces a few more advanced skills. The finished set is perfect for everyday wear or special occasions, and the timeless design ensures it will be a treasured keepsake. The pattern includes detailed instructions, guiding you through each step to create a beautiful and practical outfit for a precious baby.

This is a reformatting of a Vintage Baby pattern.

Sizes:

• Vest:
  • Length from top of shoulder: 8.25 inches (21 cm)
  • Width all around at underarm: 15 inches (38 cm)
• Pilch Knickers:
  • Length at center front: Not explicitly stated, but deduced from instructions (see notes below).

Materials:

• Yarn: Patons Baby Wool Non-Shrink (Fingering Weight / 3-ply) Note: This specific yarn may be discontinued. Choose a substitute fingering weight baby yarn that achieves the correct gauge.
  • Vest: 1 ounce (approximately 1 x 50g ball, depending on yardage)
  • Pilch Knickers: 1 ounce (approximately 1 x 50g ball, depending on yardage)
• Needles:
  • One pair 3.75mm needles (US size 5 / UK size 9)
  • One pair 3.25mm needles (US size 3 / UK size 10)
  • One set of four 2.75mm double-pointed needles (US size 2 / UK size 12)
• Crochet Hook: Size not specified in the original pattern, but a size suitable for the yarn (likely around 2.5mm – 3.5mm / US C-2 to E-4) is needed for edging and cord.
• Fasteners: Press studs (snaps) for the vest shoulders.

Abbreviations:

• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• St(s): Stitch(es)
• Rep: Repeat
• Beg: Beginning
• K2tog: Knit two stitches together (a decrease)
• St st: Stockinette stitch (Knit on RS, Purl on WS)
• Rem: Remain/Remaining
• RS: Right side
• WS: Wrong side
• Sl: Slip
• Psso: Pass slipped stitch over
• D.c.: Double Crochet
• Tr.: Treble Crochet
• W.o.n.: Wool over needle (equivalent to yarn over/yo)

Tension (Gauge):

• 7.5 sts = 1 inch in width (approximately 30 sts = 4 inches) in stockinette stitch. Checking your gauge is essential for a well-fitting garment.

Pattern Notes:

• The pattern uses UK terminology.
• The vest is worked flat in two pieces (Front and Back) and seamed.
• The pilch knickers are worked flat and then seamed, with a ribbed waistband picked up and worked in the round.
• The original pattern’s length for the pilch knickers isn’t explicitly stated. It’s worked from the center back to the crotch, and then a short front section is created. The finished length will depend on how much ribbing and shaping is done, but it’s designed to be a diaper cover, so it will be relatively short.
• The instructions mention using “four No. 12 Needles”, implying double pointed needles.

Instructions:

Vest – Front:

1. Cast On: Using the 3.25mm (US 3 / UK 10) needles, cast on 60 stitches.
2. Ribbing:
   • Row 1: K2, * P1, K1; rep from * to the end of the row.
   • Repeat Row 1 eleven more times (12 rows total).
3. Change to Larger Needles: Change to the 3.75mm (US 5 / UK 9) needles.
4. Body:
   • Row 1: Knit plain.
   • Row 2: K1, purl to the last st, K1.
   • Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until the work measures 8 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a Row 2.
5. Shape Armholes and Divide for Shoulders:
   • Row 1: Cast off 2 sts, K3, P1, * (K1, P1) eight times, K16, (P1, K1) nine times, K4.
   • Row 2: Cast off 2 sts, P3, * (K1, P1) nine times, P15, (K1, P1) nine times, P1, K1.
   • Row 3: K1, k2tog, * (P1, K1) nine times, K15, (P1, K1) eight times, P1, k2tog, K1.
   • Row 4: * (K1, P1) ten times, P15, (K1, P1) nine times, K1.
   • Row 5: K1, * (K1, P1) nine times, K16, (P1, K1) nine times, K1.
   • Repeat Rows 4 and 5 eight times.
   • Repeat Row 4 one time.
   • Row 23: K1, * (K1, P1) nine times, K1, cast off 14 sts, (K1, P1) nine times, K2.
6. First Shoulder Strap:
   • Work on the last 20 sts as follows:
     • Row 1: * K1, P1; rep from * to the last 2 sts, K2.
     • Repeat Row 1 five times.
     • Cast off.
7. Second Shoulder Strap:
   • Join the yarn at the neck edge and work on the remaining stitches to correspond with the other side.

Vest – Back:

• Work exactly as given for the Front.

Making Up the Vest:

1. Press: With a slightly damp cloth and warm iron, press lightly.
2. Seams: Sew up the side seams.
3. Edging (Crochet): Using the crochet hook, work an edging around the neck, along the shoulders, and around the armholes:
   • Round 1: Work 1 dc into every stitch, 2 ch, turn.
   • Round 2: * 3 tr into the next stitch, miss 1 st, 1 dc into the next st, miss 1 st; repeat from * to the end.
4. Fasteners: Sew the press studs (snaps) in position on the shoulders.

Pilch Knickers:

1. Cast On: Using the 3.75mm (US 5 / UK 9) needles, cast on 136 stitches.
2. Main Body:
   • Row 1: * (K1, P1) twice, knit plain to the last 4 sts, (P1, K1) twice.
   • Row 2: * (K1, P1) twice, P2tog, purl to the last 6 sts, P2tog, (P1, K1) twice.
   • Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until 10 sts remain.
3. Shape Crotch:
   • Row 1: * (K1, P1) twice, K2, (P1, K1) twice.
   • Row 2: * (K1, P1) twice, P2tog, (P1, K1) twice.
   • Row 3: * (K1, P1) four times, K1.
   • Row 4: K1, P1, K1, slip 1, P2tog, psso, K1, P1, K1.
   • Row 5: * (K1, P1) three times, K1.
   • Row 6: K1, P1, slip 1, P2tog, psso, P1, K1.
   • Row 7: * (K1, P1) twice, K1.
   • Row 8: K1, slip 1, P2tog, psso, K1.
   • Cast off.

Making Up the Knickers:

1. Press: With a slightly damp cloth and warm iron, press lightly.
2. Seam: Turn the cast-off edge over to the front. Sew the borders together, leaving 4.5 inches open at the lower edges (this creates the leg openings).
3. Waistband (Ribbing): Using the four 2.75mm (US 2 / UK 12) double-pointed needles, pick up and knit 148 sts evenly around the top edge.
   • Round 1: * K1, P1; rep from * to the end of the round.
   • Repeat Round 1 four times.
   • Round 6 (Eyelet Round): * K1, P1, w.o.n. (yo), K2tog; rep from * to the end of the round.
   • Repeat Round 1 six times.
   • Cast off in rib.
4. Cord: Make a crochet cord (or a twisted cord) and thread it through the holes at the waist. Attach a small tassel to each end.