Mrs Blackbird
Mrs Blackbird is a pinafore‑vest designed to slip over a baby’s bodysuit or tights for an extra layer of warmth—and cuteness.
The pattern is written for intermediate knitters who enjoy a quick project with thoughtful finishing. A folded picot hem gives the bottom edge a delicate touch, while i‑cord edging along the straps and front creates a clean, professional finish.
The design uses a classic 8‑ply / DK yarn and is worked to a gauge of 22 stitches and 30 rows over 10 cm.
The name “Mrs Blackbird” comes from the mother blackbird who, along with her mate, manages to both charm and exasperate me in my vegetable garden.
Sizing:
[Finished circum. at hips (incl ease) / Finished length]
Newborn: [41 cm or 16 inches / 30 cm or 11.5 inches]
0-3 Months: [45 cm or 18 inches / 33 cm or 13 inches]
3-6 Months: [48 cm or 19 inches / 36 cm or 14 inches]
6-12 Months: [50 cm or 19.5 inches / 39 cm or 15 inches]
12-18 Months: [52 cm or 20.5 inches / 42 cm or 16.5 inches]
Yarn:
Choose a classic 8 ply DK yarn with a gauge of 22 stitches x 30 rows = 10 cm (4 inches). Many options are available. The creamy white example in the images is worked in the Little Wool Co’s Pure Wool Naturals DK, 100% Wool, 434 m per 200 grams, shade white.
Alternatively, you can work with two yarns held together that have the same gauge as a DK yarn, as done for the pumpkin coloured example. This is worked with two strands held together in Prosper Yarn’s 4 ply / fingering 70% Merino, 30% Linen, 466 m per 100 grams, shade Hoodoo.
Approximate Yardage:
Newborn: 170 m or 190 yards
0-3 Months: 210 m or 230 yards
3-6 Months: 250 m or 270 yards
6-12 Months: 280 m or 300 yards
12-18 Months: 310 m or 340 yards
Needles:
- 4 mm (US 6) circular needles with a length of 45 cm.
- 4mm (US 6) straight needles for working the upper front and straps.
- A third 4mm straight needle or double pointed needle for working the three needle cast offs and folded hems.
Gauge:
22 stitches x 30 rows = 10 cm (4 inches) in stockinette