I love knitting in the round. It’s easier – no sewing seams, no turning – and it looks and feels so much better too – no seams or bumps. So when I needed to make pants, there were going to be zero seams in them. These cool toddler pants also sort of resemble the color of jeans, so it’s easy to pair anything with them. They are also very easy to scale up or down depending on the child.
The How
These pants are super easy to make. First, measure the child’s waist or their best fitting pants. Then, knit a swatch in stockinette and measure the gauge by dividing the number of stitches by the length (I usually count how many stitches are in 2 inches if the pattern is this simple) – don’t forget to count only in the middle since the edges can get distorted. Finally, multiply the gauge number (e.g. 10 stitches / 2 inches = 5) by the waist circumference to get the number of stitches needed (5 x 22 inches = 110 stitches). Round up or down to the nearest even number.
Cast on the number of stitches determined in the previous step and begin working in the round using a 1×1 ribbing (k1,p1). After about 2 inches of that, switch to stockinette and knit until about an inch below the crotch area – this will allow being active toddlers to remain on the move.
Count half of the total number of stitches and continue the row there with double pointed needles (DPNs) – this will form one of the legs. If you were using a circular needle before, you can leave it on the second leg or move those stitches onto a stitch holder. Continue knitting the leg in the round until about ankle length. Finish off with a few rows (I had about 12) of whatever edging you wish. I used garter stitch for a simple look with a bit of a flare at the bottom, but a more flowery design would be great for a little girl. Bind off.
Use the same DPNs to transfer the stitches for the second leg, leaving a slightly longer tail (3 inches should be plenty). Knit the second leg with same length and edging as the first leg. Take a knitting needle and thread with the tail left in the middle. Sew the gap that formed in the crotch area after splitting the knitting into two different legs. Weave in ends.
If you prefer a more secure fit, measure an elastic the same circumference as used for the pants, and sew edges to form a circle. Fold the top edge of the pants’ ribbing inward, place the elastic inside, and sew the top to the inside of the pants to cover up the elastic. That’s it!
Here are links to this project on Ravelry and Pinterest.
