DROPS Baby Merino
DROPS Baby Merino
100% Wool
from 3.50 £ /50g
Get the yarn to make this pattern from 7.00£.

The yarn cost is calculated from the pattern’s smallest size and the yarn’s cheapest product type. Looking for an even better price? You might find it on the DROPS Deals!

DROPS Super Sale

Little Mate

Knitted singlet / slipover with stripes in DROPS BabyMerino or DROPS Safran. For baby and children in sizes 0 - 6 years.

DROPS Children 28-3
DROPS Design: Pattern no bm-008-bn
Yarn group A
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Sizes: 1/3 - 6/9 - 12/18 months (2 - 3/4 - 5/6 years)
Sizes in cm: 56/62 - 68/74 - 80/86 (92 - 98/104 - 110/116)
Materials:
DROPS BABY MERINO from Garnstudio (belongs to yarn group A)
50 g for all sizes in each of the colours:
02, off white
43, light sea green

or use:
DROPS Safran from Garnstudio (belongs to yarn group A)
100 g for all sizes in each of the colours:
18, off white
50, mint

DROPS CIRCULAR NEEDLE (40 or 60 cm) SIZE 3 MM – or the size needed to get 24 stitches and 32 rows stocking stitch on 10 cm in width and 10 cm in height.

DROPS CIRCULAR NEEDLE (40 or 60 cm) SIZE 2.5 MM – for the garter stitch edges.

DROPS MOTHER OF PEARL BUTTONS, Arched (white) NO 521: 3 items for all sizes.
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Alternative Yarn – See how to change yarns here
Yarn Groups A to F – Use the same pattern and change the yarn here
Yarn usage using an alternative yarn – Use our yarn converter here

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DROPS Baby Merino
DROPS Baby Merino
100% Wool
from 3.50 £ /50g
Get the yarn to make this pattern from 7.00£.

The yarn cost is calculated from the pattern’s smallest size and the yarn’s cheapest product type. Looking for an even better price? You might find it on the DROPS Deals!

DROPS Super Sale

SAVE 30% on 6 cotton favourites!
Valid until 12.04.2024

Pattern instructions

NOTE: This pattern is written in British English. All measurements in charts are in cm. For conversion from cm to inches - click here. There are different terms for crocheting in British and American English. If this pattern includes crochet, click for "crochet terms" here. For this pattern in American English, please click here.
RIDGE/GARTER STITCH (worked in the round):
1 ridge = 2 rounds. Knit 1 round and purl 1 round.

RIDGE/GARTER STITCH (worked back and forth):
1 ridge = Knit 2 rows.

STRIPES:
See diagram A.1. The stripes are worked in stocking stitch.

DECREASE TIP (for the armholes):
All decreases are worked from the right side! Decrease 1 stitch on the inside of 4 edge stitches in garter stitch in each side.
Decrease as follows after the 4 edge stitches in garter stitch: Slip 1 stitch as if to knit, knit 1, pass the slipped stitch over the knitted stitch (= 1 stitch decreased).
Decrease as follows before the 4 edge stitches in garter stitch: Work until there are 6 stitches left on the needle, knit 2 together and then work the 4 edge stitches in garter stitch (= 1 stitch decreased).

BUTTONHOLES:
Decrease for the buttonholes on the left button band at the back (when the garment is worn). 1 buttonhole = start from the right side, knit 1, knit 2 together, make 1 yarn over and knit the last band stitch. On the next row, knit the yarn over so that there is a hole.
Decrease for the buttonholes when the piece measures:
1/3 months: 20, 22 and 24 cm.
6/9 months: 22, 24 and 26 cm.
12/18 months: 24, 26 and 28 cm.
2 years: 25, 28 and 31 cm.
3/4 years: 28, 31 and 34 cm.
5/6 years: 32, 35 and 38 cm.
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SINGLET:
The piece is worked in the round with circular needle up to the armholes, then work the front and back pieces separately, back and forth on the circular needle to finished length.

BODY:
Cast on a little loosely 100-108-120 (128-140-148) stitches with circular needle size 2.5 mm and light sea green Baby Merino or mint Safran. Work 3 RIDGES – see description above. Change to circular needle size 3 mm and work stocking stitch. REMEMBER THE KNITTING TENSION! When the piece measures 7-8-9 (10-12-14) cm work STRIPES – see description above. Repeat A.1 in height. When the piece measures approx. 15- 16-17 (19-21-24) cm continue working with off white to finished length. AT THE SAME TIME on the first round after the stripes, insert 1 marker thread at the beginning of the round and 1 marker thread after 50-54-60 (64-70-74) stitches (= in the sides – allow the marker threads to follow your work upwards as you go). When the piece measures 16-17-18 (20-22-25) cm work 2 ridges over 14 stitches in each side (in other words 7 stitches on each side of both marker threads – the other stitches are continued in stocking stitch). After the 2 ridges in each side, work the next round as follows: Cast off 3 stitches for the armhole, knit 44-48-54 (58-64-68) stitches (= front piece), cast off 6 stitches for the armhole, knit 44-48-54 (58-64-68) stitches (= back piece) and cast off the last 3 stitches for the armhole. Cut the strand. The front and back pieces are now worked separately.

FRONT PIECE:
= 44-48-54 (58-64-68) stitches. Work stocking stitch back and forth with 4 edge stitches in garter stitch in each side (the first row is worked from the wrong side). When you have worked 3 rows back and forth (i.e. the last row was worked from the wrong side) decrease for the armholes in each side – READ DECREASE TIP (= 2 stitches decreased). Decrease in this way every 4th row (i.e. every other row from the right side) a total of 4 times in each side = 36-40-46 (50-56-60) stitches. Continue with stocking stitch and 4 edge stitches in garter stitch in each side until the piece measures 23-24-26 (28-30-33) cm. Now place the middle 14-16-16 (16-18-20) stitches on 1 thread for the neck and finish each shoulder separately. Cast off for the neck at the beginning of each row from the neck as follows: 2 stitches 1 time in all sizes and then 1 stitch 2-2-2 (3-3-4) times = 7-8-11 (12-14-14) stitches left on the shoulder. Continue working until there is 1 row left before the piece measures 26-28-30 (33-36-40) cm (adjust so that the next row is worked from the wrong side). Knit 1 row from the wrong side and then cast off in knit from the right side. Work the other shoulder in the same way.

BACK PIECE:
= 44-48-54 (58-64-68) stitches. Insert 1 marker thread after the first 22-24-27 (29-32-34) stitches (= mid back). Continue working in the same way as for the front piece and decrease for the armholes in each side every 4th row. AT THE SAME TIME when the piece measures 18-20-22 (23-26-30) cm place the stitches on the right hand side of the piece (seen from the right side) up to the marker thread on a thread.

LEFT BACK PIECE (when the garment is worn):
Work stocking stitch back and forth as before with 4 edge stitches in garter stitch towards the armhole and, in addition, cast on 2 new stitches at the end of the first row from the wrong side towards mid back. Continue with stocking stitch, 4 edge stitches in garter stitch towards mid back and 4 edge stitches in garter stitch towards the armhole – remember the decreases for the armhole and BUTTONHOLES on the band – see description above.
When you have worked 1 row after the last buttonhole, cast off the first 11-12-12 (13-14-16) stitches from mid back for the neck. Continue by casting off 2 stitches on the next row from the neck = 7-8-11 (12-14-14) stitches left on the shoulder. Continue until there is 1 row left before the piece measures 26-28-30 (33-36-40) cm – adjust to match the front piece. Knit 1 row from the wrong side and then cast off in knit from the right side.

RIGHT BACK PIECE:
Place the stitches from the thread back on circular needle size 3 mm, in addition cast on 2 new stitches at the end of the first row from the right side towards mid back. Continue working as for the left back piece, but with the decreases on the opposite side (do not cast off for buttonholes on the right band).

ASSEMBLY:
Sew the shoulder seams inside the cast-off edge.

NECK:
Start mid back and knit up from the right side approx. 60-66-66 (74-82-90) stitches around the neck (including the stitches on the thread at the front) with circular needle size 2.5 mm and off white. Knit 1 row from the wrong side, knit 1 row from the right side and 1 row from the wrong side. Loosely cast off with knit from the right side.

ASSEMBLY:
Sew the buttons on the right band at the back.

This pattern has been corrected.

Updated online: 11.06.2021
Correction RIGHT BACK PIECE - Deleted some numbers and text.

Diagram

symbols = off white Baby Merino / off white Safran
symbols = light sea green Baby merino / mint Safran
diagram

Each of our patterns has specific tutorial videos to help you.

Do you have a question? See a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Knitting tension is what determines the final measurements of your work, and is usually measured per 10 x 10 cm. It is provided like so: number of stitches in width x number of rows in height - eg: 19 stitches x 26 rows = 10 x 10 cm.

The knitting tension is very individual; some people knit/crochet loosely while others work tightly. You adjust the knitting tension with the needle size, which is why the suggested needle size is only meant as a guide! You need to adjust this (up or down) to ensure that YOUR knitting tension matches the knitting tension provided in the pattern. If you work with a different knitting tension than provided you will have a different yarn consumption, and your work will have different measurements than what the pattern suggests.

The knitting tension also determines which yarns can replace each other. As long as you achieve the same knitting tension you can replace one yarn with another.

See DROPS lesson: How to measure your tension/gauge

See DROPS video: How to make a gauge tension swatch

The required amount of yarn is provided in grams, eg: 450 g. To calculate how many balls you’ll need you first need to know how many grams are in 1 ball (25g, 50g or 100g). This information is available if you click on the individual yarn quality on our pages. Divide the amount required with the amount of each ball. For example, if each ball is 50g (the most common amount), the calculation will be as follows: 450 / 50 = 9 balls.

The important thing when changing from one yarn to another is that the knitting/crochet tension remains the same. This is so that the measurements of the finished piece will be the same as on the sketch provided. It is easier to achieve the same knitting tension using yarns from the same yarn group. It is also possible to work with multiple strands of a thinner yarn to achieve the knitting tension of a thicker one. Please try our yarn converter. We recommend you to always work a test swatch.

Please NOTE: when changing yarn the garment might have a different look and feel to the garment in the photo, due to individual properties and qualities of each yarn.

See DROPS lesson: Can I use a different yarn than the one mentioned in the pattern?

All our yarns are categorised into yarn groups (from A to F) according to thickness and knitting tension – group A contains the thinnest yarns and group F the thickest. This makes it easier for you to find alternative yarns to our patterns, should you wish to switch yarn. All yarns within the same group have a similar knitting tension and can easily replace each other. However, different yarn qualities have different structures and properties which will give the finished work a unique look and feel.

Click here for an overview of the yarns in each yarn group

At the top of all our patterns you’ll find a link to our yarn calculator, which is a helpful tool should you wish to use a different yarn than suggested. By filling in the yarn quality you wish to replace, the amount (in your size) and number of strands, the calculator will present good alternative yarns with the same knitting tension. Additionally it will tell you how much you’ll require in the new qualities and whether you’ll need to work with multiple strands. Most skeins are 50g (some are 25g or 100g).

If the pattern is worked with multiple colours, every colour will have to be calculated separately. Similarly, if the pattern is worked with several strands of different yarns (for example 1 strand Alpaca and 1 strand Kid-Silk) you will have to find alternatives for each, individually.

Click here to see our yarn calculator

Since different yarns have different qualities and textures we have chosen to keep the original yarn in our patterns. However, you can easily find options among our available qualities by using our yarn calculator, or simply pick a yarn from the same yarn group.

It is possible that some retailers still have discontinued yarns in stock, or that someone has a few skeins at home that they would like to find patterns for.

The yarn calculator will provide both alternative yarn as well as required amount in the new quality.

If you think it's hard to decide what size to make, it can be a good idea to measure a garment you own already and like the size of. Then you can pick the size by comparing those measures with the ones available in the pattern's size chart.

You'll find the size chart at the bottom of the pattern.

See DROPS lesson: How to read size chart

The needle size provided in the pattern serves only as a guide, the important thing is to follow the knitting tension. And since knitting tension is very individual, you will have to adjust the needle size to ensure that YOUR tension is the same as in the pattern – maybe you’ll have to adjust 1, or even 2 needle sizes, up or down to achieve the correct tension. For this, we recommend that you work test swatches.

Should you work with a different knitting tension than the one provided, the measurements of the finished garment might deviate from the measurement sketch.

See DROPS lesson: How to measure your tension/gauge

See DROPS video: How to make a tension/gauge swatch

Working a garment top-down provides more flexibility and room for personal adjustment. For example it is easier to try the garment on while working, as well as making adjustments to length of yoke and shoulder caps.

The instructions are carefully explaining every step, in the correct order. Diagrams are adjusted to the knitting direction and are worked as usual.

The diagram depicts all rows/rounds, and every stitch seen from the right side. It is read from bottom to top, from right to left. 1 square = 1 stitch.

When working back and forth, every other row is worked from the right side and every other row is worked from the wrong side. When working from the wrong side, the diagram will have to be worked reversed: from left to right, knit stitches are purled, purl stitches are knit etc.

When working in the round every round is worked from the right side and the diagram are worked from right to left on all rounds.

See DROPS lesson: How to read knitting diagrams

The diagram depicts all rows/rounds, and every stitch seen from the right side. It is worked from bottom to top, from right to left.

When working back and forth every other row is worked from the right side: from right to left and every other row is worked from the wrong side: from left to right.

When working in the round, every row in the diagram are worked from the right side, from right to left.

When working a circular diagram you start in the middle and work your way outwards, counter clockwise, row by row.

The rows usually start with a given number of chain stitches (equivalent to the height of the following stitch), this will either be depicted in the diagram or explained in the pattern.

See DROPS lesson: How to read crochet diagrams

Instructions for working several diagrams after each other on the same row/round, will often be written like so: “work A.1, A.2, A.3 a total of 0-0-2-3-4 times". This means you work A.1 once, then A.2 is worked once, and A.3 is repeated (in width) the number of times provided for your size – in this case like so: S = 0 times, M = 0 times, L=2 times, XL= 3 times and XXL = 4 times.

The diagrams are worked as usual: begin with the first row in A.1, then work the first row in A.2 etc.

See DROPS lesson: How to read knitting diagrams

See DROPS lesson: How to read crochet diagrams

The total width of the garment (from wrist-to-wrist) will be larger in the larger sizes, despite the actual sleeves being shorter. The larger sizes have longer sleeve caps and wider shoulders, so there will be a good fit in all sizes.

The measurement sketch/schematic drawing provides information regarding the full length of the garment. If it’s a jumper or a jacket the length is measured from the highest point on the shoulder closest to the neckline, and straight down to the bottom of the garment. It is NOT measured from the tip of shoulder. Similarly, the length of yoke is measured from the highest point on the shoulder and down to where yoke is split into body and sleeves.

On a jacket measures are never taken along bands, unless specifically stated. Always measure inside band stitches when measuring the length.

See DROPS lesson: How to read a schematic drawing

Diagrams are often repeated on the round or in height. 1 repeat is the diagram the way it appears in the pattern. If it says to work 5 repeats of A.1 in the round, then you work A.1 a total of 5 times after/next to each other in the round. If it says to work 2 repeats of A.1 vertically/in height you work the entire diagram once, then begin again at the start and work the entire diagram one more time.

Chain stitches are slightly narrower than other stitches and to avoid working the cast-on edge too tight, we simply chain more stitches to begin with. The stitch count will be adjusted on the following row to fit the pattern and measurement sketch.

The rib edge is more elastic and will contract slightly compared to, for example, stocking stitch. By increasing before the rib edge, you avoid a visible difference in width between the rib edge and the rest of the body.

It’s very easy to cast off too tightly, and by making yarn overs while casting off (and simultaneously casting these off) you avoid a too tight cast off edge.

See DROPS video: How to bind off with yarn overs (yo)

To achieve an even increase (or decrease) you can increase on, for example: every 3rd and 4th row alternately, like so: work 2 rows and increase on the 3rd row, work 3 rows and increase on the 4th. Repeat this until the increase is complete.

See DROPS lesson: Increase or decrease 1 st on every 3rd and 4th row alternately

Should you prefer to work in the round instead of back and forth, you may of course adjust the pattern. You’ll need to add steeks mid-front (usually 5 stitches), and follow the instructions. When you would normally turn and work from the wrong side, simply work across the steek and continue in the round. At the end you’ll cut the piece open, pick up stitches to work bands, and cover the cut edges.

See DROPS video: How to knit steeks and cut open

Should you prefer to work back and forth instead of in the round, you may of course adjust the pattern so you work the pieces separately and then assemble them at the end. Divide the stitches for the body in 2, add 1 edge stitch in each side (for sewing) and work the front and back pieces separately.

See DROPS lesson: Can I adapt a pattern for circular needles into straight needles?

Pattern repeats can vary slightly in the different sizes, in order to get the correct proportions. If you’re not working the exact same size as the garment in the photo, yours might deviate slightly. This has been carefully developed and adjusted so that the complete impression of the garment is the same in all sizes.

Make sure to follow instructions and diagrams for your size!

If you have found a pattern you like which is available in women’s size it’s not very difficult to convert it to men’s size. The biggest difference will be the length of sleeves and body. Start working on the women size that you think would fit across the chest. The additional length will be worked right before you cast off for the armhole/sleeve cap. If the pattern is worked top-down you can add the length right after the armhole or before the first decrease on sleeve.

Regarding additional yarn amount, this will depend on how much length you add, but it is better with a skein too many than too few.

All yarns will have excess fibres (from production) that might come off as lint or shedding. Brushed yarns (ie hairier yarns) have more of these loose, excess fibres, causing more shedding.

Shedding also depends on what is worn under or over the garment, and whether this pulls at the yarn fibres. It’s therefore not possible to guarantee that there will be no shedding

Below are some tips on how to get the best result when working with hairier yarns:

1. When the garment is finished (before you wash it) shake it vigorously so the looser hairs come off. NOTE: do NOT use a lint roller, brush or any method that pulls at the yarn.

2. Place the garment in a plastic bag and put it in your freezer - the temperature will cause the fibres to become less attached to each other, and excess fibres will come off easier.

3. Leave in the freezer for a few hours before taking it out and shaking it again.

4. Wash the garment according to the instructions on the yarn label.

Pilling is a natural process that happens to even the most exclusive of fibers. It's a natural sign of wear and tear that is hard to avoid, and that is most visible in high friction areas of your garment like a sweater's arms and cuffs.

You can make your garment look as new by removing the pilling, using a fabric comb or a pill/lint remover.

Still can't find the answer you need? Then scroll down and leave your question so one of our experts can try to help you. This will be done normally within 5 to 10 working days.
In the meantime, you can read the questions and answers that others have left to this pattern or join the DROPS Workshop on Facebook to get help from fellow knitters/crocheters!

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Eva, Denmark

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Comments / Questions (8)

country flag Corina wrote:

Guten Tag Ich habe zwei Fragen zum Rückenteil. Was ist mit "Vorderseite" gemeint? Die Vorderseite der Arbeit oder des Oberteils? Und wo genau müssen die 2 M angeschlagen werden? Vor dem Kraus-Rechts-Rand? Ich finde, ab dieser Stelle ist die Anleitung leider nicht mehr ohne Weiteres zu verstehen. Ich komme nicht weiter :( Danke für Ihre Hilfe!

02.03.2023 - 14:50

DROPS Design answered:

Liebe Corina, hier ist es "Hinreihe" gemeint, also die Seite, die von der Vorderseite gestrickt wird. Die 2 Maschen am ende eine Hin-Reihe beim rechten Vorderteil anschlagen (Knopfleiste in der hinteren Mitte). Viel Spaß beim stricken!

02.03.2023 - 15:03

country flag Pia Poulsen wrote:

Kan jeg mon strikke denne uden knapper bagpå? Og i så fald kan barnet så få vesten over hovedet? venligst Pia

23.02.2023 - 23:12

DROPS Design answered:

Hej Pia, så skal du nok lave halsen lidt større... :)

24.02.2023 - 15:21

country flag Anette wrote:

Hei! Har dere forslag til hvordan jeg kan strikke bakstykket hvis jeg ikke ønsker å strikke stolper/knapphull? Vennlig hilsen Anette

02.02.2022 - 17:18

DROPS Design answered:

Hej Anette, så kan du strikke det som forstykket :)

04.02.2022 - 13:50

country flag Annika Schygge wrote:

Stickar st 2 år, står att det ska vara 29 m på hö bakstycke men efter avmaskningar för ärmhål är det bara 25 m som återstår på vardera bakstycke när det delas?

07.06.2021 - 18:51

DROPS Design answered:

Hej Annika. Du har rätt, det var fel tal som stod där och dessa har nu tagits bort. Du ska ha samma antal maskor som på framstycket efter avmaskningar precis som du skriver. Mvh DROPS Design

11.06.2021 - 10:20

country flag Marianne Pagh wrote:

Hvorfor ruller den underste kant op?

24.05.2021 - 14:24

DROPS Design answered:

Hei Marianne. Du kan evnt strikke 1 ekstra rille (2 pinner retstrikk) eller dampe kanten lett når vesten er ferdig. mvh DROPS design

26.05.2021 - 09:47

country flag Nanna Hansen wrote:

Jeg har strikket det meste af vesten i str. 3/4 år. Jeg er nået til bagstykket og er kommet i problemer. Jeg har 64 masker og arbejdet måler 24 cm. Hvis jeg tager ind til ærmegab på hver 4 pind, så har jeg ikke 32 masker tilbage når jeg når et punket om højre bagstykke. Jeg skal blot strikke videre 2cm med indtagninger og så se bort fra de 32 masker?

15.11.2020 - 17:32

DROPS Design answered:

Hej Nanna, du har 32 masker når du starter med bagstykket og efterhånden som du tager ind til ærmegab (som forstykket) så vil du få et færre antal masker. Du fortsætter på samme måde i den anden side. God fornøjelse!

24.11.2020 - 14:55

country flag Benthe Pretorius wrote:

Jeg har et garn med strikkefasthet 15-23 på pinne nr 5. hvilken oppskrift bør jeg velge? det er til barn.

25.03.2019 - 16:05

DROPS Design answered:

Hei Bente. Det kan høres ut som det tilsvarer en garngruppe D eller E, du kan filtrere etter det når du søker. Når det er sagt så er det DIN strikekfasthet som avgjør hvilke oppskrifter du kan velge, det er viktig at du har den samme strikkefastheten som angitt i oppskriften. Selvom det står pinne 5 på garnet betyr ikke det at du ikke kan bruke oppskrifter med andre pinnestørrelser, det er individuelt hvilke pinnenummer hver av oss må bruke for å oppnå en angitt strikkefasthet. Vi råder alltid kunder til å strikke en prøvelapp å se. God fornøyelse

02.04.2019 - 09:19

country flag Christine Giordano wrote:

Bonjour, J'aime bien ce petit modèle mais pour l'été j'aimerai le faire en coton plutôt qu'en laine qui me parait chaude, que me conseillez vous? Je vous remercie de votre réponse.

09.06.2017 - 21:49

DROPS Design answered:

Bonjour Mme Giordano, vous trouverez ici la liste des qualités alternatives possibles et leur composition, retrouvez plus d'infos sur les alternatives et équivalences ici. Bon tricot!

12.06.2017 - 09:00