Determine Stitch count in pattern repeats

How-to Questions
1

I want to modify this pattern to make it small enough for my little one. But for the life of me I can’t determine the pattern repeat count. I thought it was 7 +3, but am really not sure anymore. I feel like the answer is right in front of me but I’ve been staring at it for far too long to figure it out.

Sample of the pattern
CO 54 (66, 78, 90) sts
Row 3: k3, * k3, yfwd, k3, rep from * to last three sts, k1, yfwd, k2tog.
❑ Row 5: k3, * k3, [yfwd, k1] twice, k2, rep from * to last three sts, k3
❑ Row 7: k3, * k3, [yfwd, k1] four times, k2, rep from * to last three sts, k3

I appreciate any help!

2

On first glance, all of the cast on numbers are multiples of twelve plus 6. Could it be that simple? I’m going to look at the pattern now.

3

That pattern is adorable, what a sweet dress for a little girl. How old is the little one you will be knitting this for?

If you were to cast on 42 stitches, that would fit a chest size of 17 3/4".

4

I saw it and knew I had to make it!! She’ll be 4 months this December and the idea is to make it a Christmas dress to wear over a red bodysuit, since its the Midwest and it gets fairly cold here.

And you’re definitely right it has to be a multiple of 12 +6, because even the increases make that math work out!

Now that I write out that this will go over a body suit (a long sleeve onesie) maybe I should keep the sizing as is to allow extra room for the onesie underneath? I just don’t want it to be soo big that she drowns in it. I measured her pajamas today (from side seam to side seam across the chest) and that had a 18" circumference which is very close to the pattern as written for the smallest size.