Weldon’s Mystery Project: Petticoat for Child of Two

Are you in search of a project to crochet for the special child in your life? Look no further than the pages of Weldon’s Practical Needlework for inspiration! The “Petticoat for Child of Two” from Weldon’s Practical Crochet, Third Series (in Weldon’s Practical Needlework, Volume 1) would make a perfect gift for the upcoming holidays or a birthday.

Yet, what this petticoat looks like is a bit of a mystery. Here is the pattern for the “Petticoat for Child of Two” just as it was published in 1886 with neither corrections nor alterations. Help us discover what this project without an illustration looks like.

Petticoat for Child of Two

This petticoat is worked in single and double crochet, and is quickly and easily made, at the same time being very pretty, the single crochet forms the upper part, and is intended to be set into a linen bodice, the double crochet forms scallops round the bottom, so no edging is required. The work must be executed with thick wool, either double Berlin or 4 thread Fleecy, or the pattern does not show up. Crochet needle No. 6. Commence with 48 chain for the length of the petticoat. 1st row—Miss three chain stitches, work 28 double crochet, and finish the row with 17 single crochet stitches, turn the work. 2nd row—Inserting the hook in the top thread of the stitches of the last row, do 17 single crochet over the single crochet of last row, then 28 double crochet, 3 chain, turn the work. 3rd row—Again working into the top thread of the stitches of previous row, work 28 double crochet and 17 single crochet stitches. Repeat these last two rows till the petticoat is as wide as required, then sew the last row to the commencing chain as far as the double crochet extends, and leave the single crochet open for a placket hole. Any scraps of thick wool may be utilised for this work, doing two rows or four rows of a colour, and the little petticoats will be acceptable gifts for Christmas.

Just a quick reminder, British crochet terms differ from those used in the United States. Here’s a handy translation of the English crochet terms:

Grab a hook and some yarn and re-create this vintage petticoat for the wee tyke in your life. Then send a photo to us at piecework@longthreadmedia.com. We’d love to see the result!

Happy crocheting!
Elizabeth