Long Loops Toddler Tee (3T-4T)

Hey everybody! This is the first in a set of 3 toddler long loop patterns. I’ve started with the shirt, cause the long loop stitch can be difficult to get used to, and by doing it a couple times on the base of this shirt, you’ll be more than ready to take on the skirt and sunhat. (Coming soon!)

This is my first foray into making clothes for my little one, and she absolutely loved the set – she even enjoyed styling it for me, as you can tell! This first pattern is fairly easy – the only complication is that Long Loop Stitch. But I’ve attempted to explain it in such a way that an advanced beginner should be able to complete this pattern – and the set – with little difficulty.

The only real difference between the two sizes is the length of the straps. In row 5 you will be asked to check the size on your toddler. This part is a bit unpredictable, based on your toddler. I had one tester need to add some space under the arms for a 3T, and another who was fine with the under-arm length for a 4T. Just remember that cotton stretches a bit in the wash, and take that into account.

This hdc pattern, when turning after each round, will create lovely simple horizontal lines, which contrast nicely when paired with the Long Loops Toddler Skirt. The Long Loops at the base of the tee keep it matching to the rest of the set, while making sure the set is not too busy when paired.

I used Caron Cotton Cakes in Cracked Pepper – I think the gray tones look so chic! In 3T, this, along with the toddler sunhat and skirt, are all made from a single cake. The 4T will need a bit more length, but you’ll have plenty length left to make the Long Loop Shell Tote Bag!!

Caron Cotton Cakes – 140 [160] yards – But any #4 cotton yarn will do!

5.5mm hook

Gauge: 7 Sts in 2 inches

Pattern written in US terminology

Special Stitches:

Long Loop Stitch, topped with 4 Sc: Yarn over, insert hook in first stitch, yarn over, pull thru stitch, and PULL TALL (tr height) (3 loops on hook). **From this point on, it is helpful to keep a finger over the yarn on your hook, to make sure the tall loops do not shorten.** Yarn over, insert hook in same (first) stitch, yarn over, pull thru stitch, and PULL TALL (5 loops on hook). Yarn over, insert hook into SECOND stitch, yarn over, pull thru stitch, and PULL TALL (7 loops on hook). Yarn over, insert hook into same (SECOND) stitch, yarn over, pull thru stitch, and PULL TALL (9 loops on hook). Yarn over, pull thru 8 loops (2 loops on hook). Yarn over, pull thru two loops (1 loop on hook). Insert hook back thru the center of the 8 long loops, and perform 4 sc thru the center of and around all 8 threads of the tall loops just created. This should create a small hole in the center of the loops. See pictures below. This is a little complicated, so here’s a GREAT youtube tutorial of it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMo84x12Zhs

Instructions given for different sizes given as: 3T [4T].

Round 1: Chain 66 [74], ss to first ch to form a circle. Be careful not to twist the chain.

Round 2: Ch2 (counts as hdc here and throughout), 8 hdc, (hdc, ch1, hdc) in next st, 13 [17] hdc, (hdc, ch1, hdc) in next st, 18 hdc, (hdc, ch1, hdc) in next st, 13 [17] hdc, (hdc, ch1, hdc) in next st, 9 hdc. Ss to top of ch2. (70 [78] hdc)

Round 3: Ch2, turn your work, 9 hdc, (hdc, ch1, hdc) in next st, 15 [19] hdc, (hdc, ch1, hdc) in next st, 20 hdc, (hdc, ch1, hdc) in next st, 15 [19] hdc, (hdc, ch1, hdc) in next st, 10 hdc. Ss to top of ch2. (78 [86] hdc)

Round 4: Ch2, turn your work, 10 hdc, (hdc, ch1, hdc) in next st, 17 [21] hdc, (hdc, ch1, hdc) in next st, 22 hdc, (hdc, ch1, hdc) in next st, 17 [21] hdc, (hdc, ch1, hdc) in next st, 11 hdc. Ss to top of ch2. (86 [94] hdc)

Round 5: Ch2, turn your work, 11 hdc, hdc in ch1 sp, ch6, skip 19 [23] hdc, hdc in ch1 sp, 24 hdc, hdc in ch1 sp, ch6, skip 19 [23] hdc, hdc in ch1 sp, 12hdc. Ss to top of ch2. (52 hdc and two ch6 spaces) – at this point, check your sizing on your little one, and remember that cotton stretches a little in the wash! If you need to add chains under the arms, make sure you add evenly to both sides.

Round 6: Ch2, turn your work, hdc around (including one hdc in each chain). Ss to top of ch2. (64 hdc)

Round 7: Ch2, turn your work, hdc around. Ss to top of ch2. (64 hdc)

Rounds 8-17 [8-19]: Repeat round 6 (64 hdc). After row 17, check the length on your little model. I left it a little shorter on my girl, but if you want her tummy a little more covered, add two more rows.

Round 18 [20]: Ch2 (does NOT count as hdc, turn your work), *Long Loop Stitch, starting in next st (NOT the join), skip 1 st* Repeat * to * around. Ss to first sc at the top of the first Long Loop Stitch. (Please note, in the Long Loop instructional images below, a stitch is NOT skipped between Long Loops. You ARE intended to skip a stitch after each Long Loop in this pattern.) FO.

And that’s it! As always, I’d love to hear from you about what you think about the shirt and the set to come, so feel free to leave a comment or ask a question! If you make it for your little one, I’d love to see it in action, so tag me on Instagram @springintofalldesigns and on Ravelry at SpringintoFall. Also, follow me on Instagram to be the first to know what new patterns are on their way!!!

Long Loop Stitch, topped with 4sc:

Yarn over, insert hook in first stitch, yarn over, pull thru stitch, and PULL TALL (tr height) (3 loops on hook). **From this point on, it is helpful to keep a finger over the yarn on your hook, to make sure the tall loops do not shorten.** Yarn over, insert hook in same (first) stitch, yarn over, pull thru stitch, and PULL TALL (5 loops on hook). Yarn over, insert hook into SECOND stitch, yarn over, pull thru stitch, and PULL TALL (7 loops on hook). Yarn over, insert hook into same (SECOND) stitch, yarn over, pull thru stitch, and PULL TALL (9 loops on hook):