This 1884 pattern from a lady’s journal was worked just once at the hem of a child’s petticoat but I like it as an overall pattern. There are 12 pattern rows with a multiple of 4 stitches + 2 selvage stitches. 9 of the 12 rows are either knit across or purl across, so this pattern works up quickly.

Notice the title says “child’s” and not “girl’s”. Up until about 1905 in the Western hemisphere, young boys wore dresses until they were old enough for breeches around ages 4 to 7. Breeching was a celebrated rite of passage for boys; sometimes a party was held for the occasion. It marked the successful survival of dangerous early childhood and a boy beginning his journey to manhood.
Back then, dresses were much more practical than pants, both for diapering and for fitting a rapidly growing child longer.

Skills needed: cast on, knit, purl, yarn over, SSK and bind off.

Gauge is not important in this pattern. Any block-able yarn/thread will work. Make a swatch to check gauge and appearance.