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Summer Romper: A Free Knitting Pattern
The arrival of a new baby is always a joyous occasion, and with my seventh little one, the inspiration to create something special was stronger than ever. As the warmer months approached, I found myself searching for a simple, lightweight romper that would be perfect for my baby girl. Thus, the Summer Romper was born—a delightful knitting pattern that combines functionality with a touch of handmade charm. This romper, knit up in soft cotton, is designed to be both kid-friendly and summer-friendly, making it an ideal addition to any little one’s wardrobe.
The Inspiration Behind the Summer Romper
Each of my children has been a source of inspiration for my knitting projects, and my seventh baby was no exception. As I watched her grow and change, I wanted to create something that would not only keep her cool during the summer months but also reflect the sweetness and innocence of her early days. The idea of a romper seemed perfect—it’s easy to wear, comfortable, and versatile enough to be worn on its own or layered over a onesie.
In creating the Summer Romper, I aimed to design a piece that was simple yet stylish, with clean lines and minimal fuss. The use of cotton yarn was a deliberate choice, ensuring that the romper would be breathable and gentle against my baby’s delicate skin. Cotton is also incredibly practical for summer wear, as it helps to wick away moisture and keeps little ones feeling cool and comfortable.
The Design Process
When it came to designing the Summer Romper, I knew I wanted to keep the pattern straightforward and beginner-friendly. The romper features a classic silhouette with a buttoned front, making it easy to dress and undress a wiggly baby. The straps are adjustable, allowing for a customizable fit as your baby grows. I also incorporated a bit of texture into the design, using simple stitch patterns to add visual interest without making the project too complicated.
One of the key elements of the Summer Romper is its practicality. The leg openings are designed to be loose enough to allow for movement, but not so loose that they ride up or cause discomfort. The buttons down the front make diaper changes a breeze, which is a crucial consideration for any baby garment. Additionally, the cotton yarn can be machine washed and dried, making this romper as easy to care for as it is to wear.
Knitting with Cotton Yarn
For those who are new to knitting with cotton yarn, there are a few things to keep in mind. Cotton can be a bit more challenging to work with than other fibers, as it has less elasticity and can feel a bit stiff on the needles. However, the end result is well worth the effort. Here are a few tips to help you achieve the best results when knitting with cotton:
- Use Sharp Needles: Cotton yarn can split easily, so using sharp needles can help you catch every strand and avoid frustrating snags.
- Watch Your Tension: Because cotton has less give than wool or acrylic, it’s important to maintain consistent tension throughout your project. Consider knitting a swatch and blocking it to ensure you’re happy with the fabric before starting the romper.
- Block Your Finished Piece: Blocking is essential for cotton garments, as it helps to even out the stitches and soften the fabric. Wet blocking is usually the most effective method for cotton.
Styling the Summer Romper
One of the joys of handmade baby clothes is the opportunity to create unique, one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect your personal style. The Summer Romper is versatile enough to be styled in a variety of ways, making it a staple in your baby’s summer wardrobe. Here are a few ideas for how to style this adorable romper:
- Casual Playtime: Pair the romper with a simple cotton onesie and a sun hat for a cute and comfortable outfit that’s perfect for outdoor play.
- Special Occasions: Dress up the romper with a lightweight cardigan and a pair of soft booties for a sweet and stylish look that’s perfect for family gatherings or photo sessions.
- Beach Day: Layer the romper over a swimsuit and add a pair of baby sandals for a beach-ready outfit that’s both practical and adorable.
Making Memories
One of the most rewarding aspects of knitting for my children is the knowledge that these handmade garments will become cherished keepsakes. The Summer Romper is not just a piece of clothing—it’s a labor of love, a tangible reminder of these fleeting early days. As my baby grows and changes, I know that this romper will hold a special place in our family’s memories.
Knitting for a baby is an incredibly satisfying experience, and the Summer Romper is a project that I hope other knitters will enjoy as much as I have. Whether you’re an experienced knitter or just starting out, this pattern offers a wonderful opportunity to create something beautiful and practical for the little ones in your life.
Conclusion
The Summer Romper, inspired by my sweet seventh baby, is a testament to the joys of knitting for the ones we love. Its simple design, practical features, and lightweight cotton yarn make it the perfect garment for warm weather, while its handmade charm adds a special touch to any baby’s wardrobe. I’m excited to share this free pattern with fellow knitters and look forward to seeing all the wonderful variations and personal touches that others will bring to this project.
As we embrace the warmth and sunshine of the summer months, I hope that the Summer Romper will bring comfort, style, and a bit of handmade love to your baby’s days. Happy knitting!
Thank you for joining me on this journey of creating the Summer Romper. If you knit this pattern, I’d love to see your finished projects! Please share your photos and experiences in the comments below or tag me on social media. Let’s celebrate the beauty of handmade baby clothes together!
Materials and Info
Yarn – 1 (1, 1) (2, 2) 2 Willow Yarns Farmhouse Cotton (100g 328yd 300m)
Gauge – 26x34sts per 4x4in or 10x10cm
Needles – 3 (3.25mm) dpn and circular 5 (3.75mm) circular
Notions – stitch markers, buttons
Finished size 0-3m (3-6m, 6-12m) (12-18m, 12-24m) 2-3y
Chest Measurements: 38 (40.5, 43) (45.5, 48) 50.5cms or 15 (16, 17) (18, 19) 20ins
Note: choose size based on chest measurement for best fit
ABBREVIATIONS
K – knit
P – purl
PM – place marker
SM – slip marker
k2tog – knit 2 stiches together
YO – yarn over
SSK – slip next stitch, slip next stitch, knit slipped stitches together
M1L – With left needle pick up strand between 2 stitches front to back. Knit through back loop
M1R – With left needle pick up strand between 2 stitches back to front. Knit through front loop
W&T – Wrap and Turn (if you don’t know how to do a w&t short row I highly advise checking out youtube or just using your favorite short row instead.)
Summer Romper Pattern
NECK
Cast on 66 (72, 78) (84, 90) 96 stitches with smaller needles using your favorite stretchy cast on for 1×1 ribbing and join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Place a marker at the beginning of your round.
Work 6 rounds in 1×1 ribbing (k1, p1 around).
Set up round – switch to larger size needles – k11(12,13) (14,15) 16sts, pm, k11 (12,13) (14,15) 16sts, pm, k22 (24,26) (28, 30) 32sts, pm, k11(12,13) (14,15) 16sts, pm, k11 (12,13) (14,15) 16sts, pm (this marker is your start of round marker)
Raglan round 1 – (knit to 1 stitch before marker, m1r, k1, sm, k1, m1l) repeat (to) 3 more times, knit to marker
Raglan round 2 – knit around
Repeat raglan rounds 1 and 2 13 (13,15) (16, 17) 17 more times for a total of 14 (14, 16) (17, 18) 18 raglan increases. 178 (184, 206) (220, 234) 240sts
BODY
Now divide the sts into sleeves and body, while at the same time casting on new sts at each underarm, as follows: remove beginning of round marker, Knit 25 (26, 29) (31, 33) 34 sts (right side of back), remove marker, place the next 39 (40, 45) (48, 51) 52 sts on a stitch holder, (right sleeve), remove marker, cast on 2sts place beginning of round marker (from here out this will be the beginning of round), cast on 2 sts for the armhole using the backward loop method, knit 50 (52, 58) (62, 66) 68 sts (front), place the next 39 (40, 45) (48, 51) 52) sts on a stitch holder (left sleeve), cast on 2 new sts, place marker, cast on 2 sts for the armhole using the backward loop method, knit 25 (26, 29) (31, 33) 34) sts (left side of back). There are now 108 (112, 124) (132, 140) 144 sts on the needles for the body.
The beginning of the round is now in the middle of the new sts cast on for the right armhole.
Work in the round in stockinette stitch until the romper measures 2.5 (5, 6.25) (7.5, 8) 8.5cm 1 (2, 2.5) (3, 3.25) 3.5 ins from the underarm.
Work the waistband by working a 1×1 ribbing (k1p1 around) for 3 (3, 3.5) (3.5, 4) 4cms or 1.25 (1.25, 1.5) (1.5, 1.75) 1.75ins.
Knit for 2.5cm or 1in.
Start short rows by starting at the beginning of round marker as follows: Knit to 5 sts before the beginning of round marker, w&t. Purl to 5 sts before side marker, w&t. Continue working short rows as established from * to *, while turning 5 sts before the last turn each time until a total of 4 (4,5) (5,5) 5 turns have been worked on either side. Knit back to start of round marker knitting each wrap to their wrapped stitches. Work another round in stockinette stitch knitting all wraps to their wrapped stitches.
Continue in the round in stockinette stitch until the romper measures 18 (20, 22) (23, 24) 25.5cms or 7.25 (8, 8.75) (9.25, 9.75) 10.25ins from the under arm cast on.
LEGS
Start at the beginning of round marker bind off 16 sts, knit 22 (24, 30) (34, 38) 40 sts and place these stitches on a stitch holder, bind off 16 sts remove marker, *k1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, ssk, k1. Turn. You will now start working back and forth rows on the back stitch. You should now have 52 (54, 60) (64, 68) 70 back stitches.
Back Decrease Row 1 (ws) – p1 (p2togtbl) purl to last 3 sts, p2tog, p1
Back Decrease Row 2 (rs) – k1 k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, ssk, k1
Work back decrease rows 1 and 2 until you have 14 (14, 14) (16, 16) 16 sts remaining on the back, a total of 20 (21, 24) (25, 27) 28 decrease rows.
Place remaining back stitches on a stitch holder. Cut yarn leaving 6-8ins to weave in ends.
Pick up front stitches with right side facing.
Front Decrease Row 1 – k1 k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, ssk, k1
Front Decrease Row 2 – purl across
Work front decrease rows 1 and 2 until you have 14 (14, 14) (16, 16) 16 sts remaining on the back, a total of 4 (5, 8) (9, 11) 12 decrease rows. End after completing a row 2.
Work a further 13 (11, 9) (7, 5, 5) rows in stockinette stitch.
Place remaining front stitches on a stitch holder. DO NOT cut yarn.
With right side facing pick up and knit 62 (64, 70) (72, 76) 78sts using your smaller needles along left leg side (NOT the middle between the leg part). Work 7 rows of k1, p1 ribbing.
Bind off using your favorite stretchy 1×1 ribbing bind off.
Repeat on other leg.
With smaller needles, pick up and knit 6sts on right leg front ribbing, knit the 14 (14, 14) (16, 16) 16 sts from front between leg on your stitch holder, pick up and knit 6sts on left leg front ribbing. 26 (26, 26) (28, 28) 28sts
Work 3 rows of k1p1 ribbing.
Buttonhole row (size 0-3mth, 3-6mth, 6-12mth)– k1, p1, k1, yo, k2tog, p1, k1, p1, k1, yo, k2tog, p1, k1, p1, k1, yo, k2tog, p1, k1, p1, k1, yo, k2tog, p1, k1, p1
Buttonhole row (size 12-18mth, 18-24mth, 2-3y)– k1, p1, k1, p1 k2tog, yo, k1, p1, k1, p1, k2tog, yo, k1, p1, k1, p1, k2tog, yo, k1,p1, k1, p1, k2tog, yo, k1,p1, k1, p1
Work 3 rows of k1p1 ribbing.
Bind off.
With smaller needles pick up and knit 6sts on left leg back ribbing, knit the 14 (14, 14) (16, 16) 16 sts from back between leg on your stitch holder, pick up and knit 6sts on right leg back ribbing. 26 (26, 26) (28, 28) 28sts
Work 7 rows of k1p1 ribbing.
Bind off.
SLEEVES
With larger needles place on hold stitches for the first sleeve onto larger double-pointed
needles. Pick up and knit 5 (4, 5) (4, 5) 4 sts along the sts that were cast on at the underarm when working the body.
There are now a total of 44 (44, 50) (52, 56) 56sts on the needle.
Work in the round in stockinette stitch until the sleeve measures 2 (2, 2.5) (2.5, 3) 3cms or .75 (.75, 1) (1, 1.25) 1.25ins.
Change to smaller double-pointed needles and work 6 rounds of k1, p1 ribbing.
Bind off using your favorite stretchy k1p1 bind off.
Work the other sleeve identically.
Weave in all ends, add buttons between the legs, and block gently. I like to use a clothing steamer for blocking but with cotton be sure not to stretch. Blocking is just to finish and even out the stitching
Summer Romper PDF
