Pattern description from Last-Minute Knitted Gifts: “I’ve always been intrigued by Rowan’s Denim yarn, which is made to shrink and fade in the washing machine and soften with age, just like real jeans, but I have found that many customers are hesitant to trust it to shrink to the right proportions. I can vouch for this yarn’s trustworthiness based on my own success with it, but, just to be safe, I’ve designed these adorable pants so that even if they were to shrink more or less than they should (which they won’t!), they are still likely to fit most babies.”

Finished Measurements: To fit 3-6 months (6-12 months, 12-18 months); Before washing: 18 (20, 23)“ (45.5 51, 58.5 cm) hip circumference, 16 (17.75, 19.5)” (40.5 45, 49.5 cm) long from bottom of cuffs to top of finished waistband, and 9.25 (9.75, 10.25)“ (23.5 25, 26 cm) inseam length with cuff unfolded. After washing: 18 (20, 23)” (45.5 [51, 58.5] cm) hip circumference, 14 (15.5, 17)“ (35.5 [39.5, 43] cm) long from bottom of cuffs to top of finished waistband, and 8 (8.5, 9)” (20.5 [21.5, 23] cm) inseam length with cuff unfolded.

Yarn: Rowan Denim (100% cotton; 101 yards [92 meters] / 50 grams): #229 Memphis, 3 (4, 5) skeins. If you want to use a different yarn that does not shrink like Denim, select one that knits at a gauge of 20 sts = 4” (10 cm), and follow the after-washing lengths shown on the schematic.

Needles: One 12” (30-cm) and 16” (40-cm) circular needle size US 6 (4 mm). Set of five double-pointed needles size US 6 (4 mm). Change needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.

Notions: Yarn needle, scissors, stitch markers, stitch holder, safety pin or bodkin for inserting drawstring, 1 yard (1 meter) smooth cotton scrap yarn in a contrasting color.

Additional Gauge: 20 sts and 32 rows = 4” (10 cm) in Stockinette stitch after washing

Rowan Denim is made to shrink in the wash, like real jeans. Joelle recommends, “If you want to use a different yarn that does not shrink like Denim, select one that knits at a gauge of 20 sts = 4 inches.” Check the pattern for more information about yarn substitutions.