This was a fun and challenging little outfit. I knit an extra long cable border (hem) then picked up stitches along the side of it to continue knitting the dress.

For the cable border, I used 2.5 dpns ( having tried both, I much prefer the finish of wood over metal needles for this….more relaxed tension) and did a provisional cast on of 16 stitches.

Set-up Rows (half pattern)
1- K3, P3, K4, P3, K3
2- P3, K3, P4, K3, P3
3- K3, P3, C4F ( Cable 4 forward: slip 2 stitches and hold in front, K2, knit 2 slipped stitches) , P3, K3

Now work in pattern:
Row 1 P3, K3, P4, K3, P3
Row 2 K3, P3, K4, P3, K3
Row 3 P3, K3, P4, K3, P3
Row 4 K3, P3, K4, P3, K3
Row 5. P3, K3, P4, K3, P3
Row 6. K3, P3, C4F ( Cable 4 forward: slip 2 stitches and hold in front, K2, knit 2 slipped stitches) , P3, K3

Repeat the above 6 rows 26 times or until you have a piece 13 to 14 inches long. Do not bind off…put the stitches on waste yarn. Then, starting at the cast on edge, begin picking up stitches between the the knit row on the edge and the two rows alongside. Pick up 3 stitches and skip 1 stitch until you have until you have 102 stitches to begin knitting in the round. You will have extra “hem” on either end. Leave this overlap for now.

Begin the skirt pattern which includes a twisted mock cable stitch:
Row 1 K3, P2, K2, P2…repeat across ending with a K3
Row 2 K3, P2, K2, P2…repeat across ending with a K3
Row 3 K3, P2, knit second stitch on left hand needle, then second, P2…repeat across ending with a knit 3.

Repeat this pattern 3 times and stay in pattern to do final decreases without repeating row 3. I followed my usual bunny dress modifications found here to decrease for waist shaping and bodice work.

To close the hem edges, remove the waste yarn and several rows of knitting on both ends until the edges meet and kitchener stitch the edges together.

I added twisted mock cables to the front sides of the sweater too.

The bunny was knit using Filatura di Crosa Zara yarn in Latte on 2.75 needles.