Baby Bloomers
When my son was born I was pretty sure that he was the only baby who had ever existed in the history of the world. And even now, four years later, I still sometimes forget that other peoples’ babies have come after him… but they have. Lots of them! And each one is right at the center of its parents’ universe.
That’s exactly why babies inspire our most special ideas, because to us, they are, in fact, very special. I made these Baby Bloomers to reflect that feeling, to be as lovely and indeed, as special as the babies who will wear them! Designed to fit over diapers in sizes from 6 to 18 months, these bloomers are really sweet over a onesie or under a loose top. Fold over the ribbed waist or pull it up to the armpits for a great vintage look.
Anzula’s Mermaid brings a particluar beauty to this design. As light as air and as soft as babies’ skin, it is a hand dyed mix of silk and sea cell (which is an unusual seaweed-cellulose blend). The result is gently shiny and absolutely gorgeous.
I wish I’d thought of these for my own baby, but since he’s not the only baby in the world, I’m happy to think of these bloomers on yours! -Whitney
Designed by Purl Soho designer, Whitney Van Nes.
Share your progress and connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho, #PurlSohoBusyHands, and #PurlSohoBabyBloomers. We can’t wait to see what you make!
Materials
- Main Color (MC): 1 skein of Anzula’s Mermaid, 60% Sea Cell and 40% Silk. Each skein is 700 yards/ 115 grams; approximately 131 (197, 263) yards required. We used the color Country Green.
- Contrast Color (CC): 1 skein of Anzula’s Mermaid; approximately 44 (66, 88) yards required. We used the color Seaside.
- US 0 (2 mm), 16-inch circular needles
- US 1 (2.5 mm), 16-inch circular needles
- US 2 (3 mm), 20-inch circular needles
- A set of US 1 double pointed needles
This is enough yarn for 4 (3 [if the third pair used one color for the ribbing and the other color for the bloomer], 2) Baby Bloomers.
NOTE: Since this pattern was published, Anzula has sadly stopped making its Mermaid yarn. Other great suggestions for this pattern are Jade Sapphire’s 2 ply cashmere or Habu’s Cotton Nerimaki Slub. Both are super soft against a baby’s skin and totally gorgeous!
Gauge
32 stitches = 4 inches in stockinette stitch, using largest needle
Sizes
6-9 (9-12, 12-18) months
- Waist circumference (unstretched): 12½ (13½, 14½) inches
- Waist circumference (stretched): 20 (21½, 23) inches
- Hip circumference: 25⅓ (27½, 29⅓) inches
- Leg Opening (unstretched): 8 (9, 10) inches
- Leg Opening (stretched): 12 (13½, 15) inches
- Length of Waistband: 4 (5, 6) inches
- Length from bottom of Waistband to crotch: 8½ (10, 11) inches
Pattern
The Waistband
With the Main Color (MC) and the smallest circular needle (US #0), cast on 170 (184, 196) stitches. We used a basic Long Tail Cast On.
Place a marker and join for working in the round, being careful to not twist the stitches.
Rounds 1-3: With MC, *k1, p1, repeat from * to end of round.
Round 4: With Contrast Color (CC), *k1, p1, repeat from * to end of round.
(For tips on knitting stripes in the round, visit our Stripes in the Round Tutorial right here.)
Repeat Rounds 1-4 until piece measures 1 (1 1/4, 1 1/2) inches from the cast on edge.
Change to the next larger circular needle (US #1), and continue to repeat Rounds 1-4 until piece measures 3 3/4 (4 3/4, 5 3/4) inches from the cast on edge.
Repeat Rounds 1-3.
Cut the CC yarn.
The Bloomer
Change to the largest circular needle (US #2).
Next Round: With MC, kfb 0 (1, 0) times, [k1, kfb] 20 (22, 24) times, [k4, kfb] 18 (19, 20) times, [k1, kfb] 20 (22, 24) times. 228 (248, 264) stitches
Knit until pieces measures 4 3/4 (5 3/4, 6 3/4) inches from the bottom edge of the Waistband.
Prepare for Leg Openings
Next Round: With MC, k51 (55, 59), bind off 12 (14, 14), k101, (109, 117), bind off 12 (14, 14), k50 (54, 58) to end of round. 102 (110, 118) stitches for Front and Back; 204 (220, 236) stitches total
Remove stitch marker and k51 (55, 59) to the first set of bound off stitches.
The Back
For this section you will work just the previous 102 (110, 118) stitches, turning the piece at the end of each row. (Allow the other 102 [110, 118] Front stitches to remain on hold on the needle.)
Row 1 (wrong side [ws]): With the purl side facing you, bind off 5 stitches, purl to the end. 97 (105, 113) Back stitches
Row 2 (right side [rs]): With the knit side facing you, bind off 5 stitches, knit to the end. 92 (100, 108) Back stitches
Row 3: Bind off 4 stitches, purl to the end. 88 (96, 104) Back stitches
Row 4: Bind off 4 stitches, knit to the end. 84 (92, 100) Back stitches
Row 5: Bind off 3 stitches, purl to the end. 81 (89, 97) Back stitches
Row 6: Bind off 3 stitches, knit to the end. 78 (86, 94) Back stitches
Row 7: Bind off 2 stitches, purl to the end. 2 stitches decreased
Row 8: Bind off 2 stitches, knit to the end. 2 stitches decreased
Rows 9 and 10: Repeat Rows 7 and 8. 70 (78, 86) Back stitches
Row 11: P1, p2tog, purl to last 3 stitches, p2tog tbl, p1. 2 stitches decreased
Row 12: K1, ssk, knit to last 2 stitches, k2tog, k1. 2 stitches decreased
Repeat Rows 11 and 12 eight (8, 9) more times. 34 (42, 46) Back stitches
Next Row (ws): Purl.
Next Row (rs): K1, ssk, knit to last 2 stitches, k2tog, k1. 2 stitches decreased
Repeat last 2 rows 2 (4, 4) more times. 28 (32, 36) Back stitches
Cut the yarn.
Leave these 28 (32, 36) remaining Back stitches on hold on the needle.
The Front
For this section you will work just the 102 (110, 118) Front stitches that have been on hold, turning the piece at the end of every row.
With the right side facing you, join the MC.
Row 1 (rs): Bind off 6 stitches, knit to the end. 96 (104, 112) Front stitches
Row 2 (ws): Bind off 6 stitches, purl to the end. 90 (98, 106) Front stitches
Row 3: Bind off 5 stitches, knit to the end. 85 (93, 101) Front stitches
Row 4: Bind off 5 stitches, purl to the end. 80 (88, 96) Front stitches
Row 5: Bind off 4 stitches, knit to the end. 76 (84, 92) Front stitches
Row 6: Bind off 4 stitches, purl to the end. 72 (80, 88) Front stitches
Row 7: Bind off 3 stitches, knit to the end. 69 (77, 85) Front stitches
Row 8: Bind off 3 stitches, purl to the end. 66 (74, 82) Front stitches
Row 9: Bind off 2 stitches, knit to the end. 2 stitches decreased
Row 10: Bind off 2 stitches, purl to the end. 2 stitches decreased
Rows 11-14: Repeat Rows 9 and 10. 54 (62, 70) Front stitches
Row 15: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 stitches, k2tog, k1. 2 stitches decreased
Row 16: P1, p2tog, purl to last 3 stitches, p2tog tbl, p1. 2 stitches decreased
Repeat Rows 15 and 16 five (6, 7) more times. 30 (34, 38) Front stitches
Repeat Row 15. 28 (32, 36) Front stitches
Cut yarn, leaving a 24-inch tail.
Finishing
Thread the 24-inch tail onto a tapestry needle.
Slide the Front stitches to one end of the circular needle and the Back stitches to the other end. Holding the needle ends parallel to each other, use the 24-inch tail and the Kitchener Stitch to graft the two sides together.
The Leg Bands
With the right side facing you, use the MC and three double pointed needles to pick up 74 (84, 92) stitches around the leg opening.
Join for working in the round.
Round 1: *K1, p1, repeat from * to end of round.
Repeat Round 1 three (4, 5) more times.
Use the largest needle to bind off loosely in k1, p1 pattern.
Weave in the ends and gently block your bloomers, then make another pair in the oppostie colors!
lovely tutorial!!!!
Is this yarn suitable for a bloomer over cloth diapers? I'm familiar w/ wool soakers, but not this kind of yarn. Thanks
those are so cool…thank you for the pattern and the wonderful emails….have a great day..
Hello, great project! Can you use DPN's instead of circulars? If so what sizewould you suggest? Never can get on well with them! Thank you!
oh my goodness, these are so adorable! If only my almost-four-year-old would still wear bloomers… 🙂
Hi Verity,
Sure, you can use double pointed needles. I'd suggest using at least 8-inch needles (you can find some here: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/156-Crystal-Palace-Double-Pointed-Bamboo-Knitting-Needles) and you'll probably have to use all five.
Thanks for asking!
Whitney
Hi Sue,
These bloomers don't serve the purpose of absorbing accidents the way wool soakers might. Instead, they're meant to be a cute way to cover diapers and to leave little legs free!
Thank you for your question. Please let us know if you have more!
Whitney
Will they hand wash pretty easily? I'm assuming they're too delicate to go through the machine in a lingerie bag? Just wondering how durable they are against the inevitable diaper blow out 🙂
Thanks!
HI Carrie,
Although Mermaid is quite fine and seems so delicate, the sea cell in it gives a surprising toughness. So, although it is a hand wash yarn, it will withstand more scrubbing than you might expect!
Great question! Thanks for asking it and let us know if you have any others!
Whitney
Could you make these into long pants leg bloomers? Any suggestions on how to alter the pattern to do so?
Thank you!
Hi H choi,
When you pick up for the leg bands, instead of working rounds of ribbing, you'll want to start the pant legs with rounds of stockinette. You'll have to figure out the shaping and length, maybe basing your pattern off a pair of pants you like.
I hope this gets you started! Please let us know if you run into any problems and thanks for your question!
Whitney
So cute 🙂
Is it possible to get instructions for newborn size?
Hey Holly!
I knit these for my newborn. Here’s how I sized it down:
PATTERN THE WAISTBAND
With the Main Color (MC) and the smallest circular needle (US #0), cast on 160 stitches. Place a marker and join for working in the round, being careful to not twist the stitches.
Rounds 1-3: With MC, *k1, p1, repeat from * to end of round.
Round 4: With Contrast Color (CC), *k1, p1, repeat from * to end of round.
Repeat Rounds 1-4 until piece measures 3/4 inches from the cast on edge.
Change to the next larger circular needle (US #1), and continue to repeat Rounds 1-4 until piece measures 2 3/4 inches from the cast on edge.
Repeat Rounds 1-3.
Cut the CC yarn.
THE BLOOMER
Change to the largest circular needle (US #2).
Next Round: With MC, [k1, kfb] 19 times, [k4, kfb] 17 times, [k1, kfb] 19 times. 216 stitches
Knit until pieces measures 3 3/4 inches from the bottom edge of the Waistband.
PREPARE FOR LEG OPENINGS
Next Round: With MC, k49, bind off 10, k99, bind off 10, k48 to end of round. 99 stitches for Front and Back; 198 stitches total
Remove stitch marker and k to the first set of bound off stitches.
THE BACK
Follow pattern as-is through row 12.
Repeat Rows 11 and 12 eight more times.
Follow pattern as-is to the end. Leave: 26 stitches.
THE FRONT
Follow pattern as-is. Leave: 26 stitches.
Join front & back w/Kitchener Stitch.
THE LEG BANDS
With the right side facing you, use the MC and three double pointed needles to pick up 70 stitches around the leg opening.
Join for working in the round.
Round 1: *K1, p1, repeat from * to end of round.
Repeat Round 1 two more times.
Use the largest needle to bind off loosely in k1, p1 pattern.
Hello Anne,
Thank you for sharing your extensive work!
Happy knitting,
Marilla
Hi Holly,
I'm sorry, we don't have the resources to resize complex patterns (like this one!). One great thing about too-big baby patterns is that they'll definitely fit someday!
Thanks for asking!
Whitney
hello what length dpn do you recommend are 5in too short? thxs!
Hi n,
You should be okay with 5-inch needles. Worst case scenario is that you'd have to put the stitches on four needles and knit with the fifth, but I think you'll be okay with the usual three!
Thanks for asking and please let us know if you have any more questions!
Whitney
Whitney,
I wish we could see a pic of these on a baby! Are they supposed to have a poof to them when worn like a bubble bloomer? Thxs!
What a great pattern. I wish I had this when my children were babies. However, now I can make them for my grandchildren. I would also love to see a picture of these on a baby if you have one.
Hi N,
I wish we had a picture of a baby wearing these Bloomers too! I did borrow my neighbor's baby when I was making them in order to test the style and fit, so I can report on a few points. The Bloomers are meant to be loose and comfy, and if the baby's thighs are chunky enough, the leg openings do hug the leg to create a soft "bubble". Even if the leg openings do hang off the legs a little bit, the pleating at the waste ensures you don't end up with a shapeless sack!
I hope this helps you envision what you need to envision. Please let us know if you have any more questions and thank you for this one!
Whitney
Such a beautiful pattern! I'd love to make one in adult sizing (boyshorts to wear to dance/pilates class!).
It would be really neat, now that the original yarn is not available, to be able to see what the bloomers look like in the 2 suggested yarns so people buying online can get a good idea of what they will be making!
Hi Marie,
Thank you for the comment! Unfortunately we do not have this particular project knit up in those other suggested yarns. However here are projects that use the yarns in question to give you idea of how the yarns look knit up!
Sylph; https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2013/04/21/whits-knits-beautiful-spring-scarf/
Habu’s Cotton Nerimaki Slub; https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2013/07/18/lauras-loop-pointy-hats-for-newborns/
I hope this helps and feel free to write back if you have anymore questions!
Happy Knitting!
Jake
Hi!
Can you use circular needles instead of three double pointed needles for the leg ribbing?
Thanks
Hi Andria,
Thank you for the comment! You can use circular needles in lieu of double pointed needles but you will want to use the magic loop technique. Here’s a video tutorial I found on youtube that demonstrates how you would do the technique; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KccLlkTKzE
Good Luck!
Jake
Is the finished measurement for the leg openings the circumference or just the width?
Hi Phoenix,
Great question! The listed measurements are for the circumference of the leg openings. I hope that this helps!
Happy knitting!
Cassy
These are adorable! When will grown up sizes be available? Cashmere knickers for everyone!!
Hi Janice,
Hehe! No plans for adult sizes as of yet. Thanks for writing in!
-Adam
How much yardage is needed to make four of the smallest size? None of the suggested yarns seem to be available.
Hi Lauren,
Great question! For this lovely pattern, the smallest size uses roughly 175 yards of yarn!
Best,
Cassy
Hi there,
I really want to do this beautiful project but your reccomended yarn is not available anymore. What shouyld i use instead?
Hi Nathalie,
Great question! One of the yarns that we recommended in place of Mermaid is still available (Nerimaki Slub). I am sorry to say that the link was broken but now has been corrected. You could also use Jade Sapphire 2 ply cashmere, which I have also linked above! Both are very soft and would be lovely options.
Our apologies for the broken links!
Cassy
Could these bloomers be made in buttercup cotton?
Thanks for your help
Hi Mindy,
Thanks for reaching out! Buttercup Cotton is a perfect option for this pattern! I would just suggest double-checking your gauge prior to beginning the pattern!
Happy knitting!
Gianna