This stitch pattern is from ca. 1896 Weldon’s Practical Needlework, vol. 9, p.4. It’s a multiple of 4 stitches + 2 edge stitches. Add selvage stitches, if needed. My swatch did need blocking but I blocked it gently to keep the nice texture.
The relaxed-twist, soft-cotton ecru-colored yarn I used would work well for baby items but this pattern can be used in anything you like! Weldon used it for a young child’s sock.

Skills needed: cast on, knit, purl and bind off in knit stitch.

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

50 yards of Lion brand “OH, BABY organic” will make 10 inches of a 26-stitch-wide strip at gauge.