Summer is in full swing, and with the heat cranking up, it’s time to start thinking about cute and comfy summer wear. And guess what? The perfect solution is here with the free child knit summer top pattern for the adorable Rebekah Tee! It’s cool, stylish, and oh-so-easy to make. Be sure to check out all of our free sweater patterns here.
The free child knit summer top pattern was inspired by my oldest daughter when she saw a sweater on Pinterest and fell in love. She asked for one just like it, and that challenge sent me headfirst into creating this super cute design. So, let’s dive in and break down how I made the Rebekah Tee from scratch!
The Design Challenge
When my daughter pointed out the sweater, I had never made a design quite like it before. It looked like a basic drop-sleeve sweater with no sleeves and no neck shaping. It was essentially made from two simple rectangles sewn together. No frills, no complicated shaping—just a fun, relaxed summer top! The minimalist design was both intriguing and exciting, so I couldn’t wait to start experimenting.
The key to making this sweater unique and extra cute was in the details. I wanted to add a little “swag” to the design to make it stand out, so I added a simple lace border on the bottom. This delicate lace detail gives the Rebekah Tee a little pop and makes it feel special, even though it’s a simple design. The lace on the bottom was the perfect way to elevate the look while keeping the overall style fresh and fun.
Sleeves and Neckline
Next up, the sleeves! I wanted them to have just the right length, so I added a garter edge to the sleeves. This not only helps to elongate them but also keeps the edges from curling up, which is super important when working with stockinette stitch. And don’t even get me started on the neckline. I left it as stockinette to keep it nice and clean, but here’s the best part—it naturally curls, creating that lovely definition that makes the neckline stand out without any extra effort on my part.
What I love most about this free child knit summer top pattern is how beginner-friendly it is! The shape is so simple—just two rectangles sewn together—that it’s perfect for someone making their first sweater. The styling options are endless, too! You can mix and match colors, adjust the sleeve length, or play around with different lace or ribbing patterns. It’s a super versatile pattern that leaves room for creativity while keeping things easy to follow.
The Yarn: KnitPicks Shine Sport (affiliate link)
When choosing yarn for the Rebekah Tee, I wanted something that would be light and breathable but also sturdy enough to hold the shape of the sweater. I went with KnitPicks Shine Sport (affiliate link). This yarn is perfect for summer tops because it has a beautiful drape and is incredibly soft against the skin. Plus, it’s lightweight, which makes it ideal for those hot summer days.
That said, a quick note of caution: KnitPicks Shine Sport (affiliate link) is prone to splitting, so you’ll need to pay attention while you’re knitting. But don’t let that discourage you! The results are totally worth it—the yarn gives the sweater a lovely finish and ensures it has a nice, soft feel.
Why You’ll Love This Pattern
The free child knit summer top pattern is perfect for all kinds of occasions. Whether it’s for a day at the park, a summer barbecue, or just lounging around, this tee has you covered. The relaxed fit and breathable fabric make it perfect for warm weather, and the simple lace detail and sleeve styling give it just the right amount of charm.
If you’re a beginner knitter, this is an excellent project to start with! The minimal shaping and straightforward construction make it so easy to follow, and there’s no need to worry about complicated stitches. Plus, once you finish, you’ll have a cute and functional top that your little one will love wearing all season long.
For more fun and easy-to-follow patterns like this, be sure to check out my other free child knit summer top patterns and get creative with your summer wardrobe!
The Perfect Gift
This sweater also makes a great gift! If you’re looking for a quick and thoughtful handmade present for a birthday, holiday, or special occasion, the Rebekah Tee is the perfect option. It’s light, comfortable, and sure to be appreciated by anyone who receives it. Plus, the best part is you can easily customize it to fit any style by changing up the color or adding different embellishments.
Conclusion
The Rebekah Tee is the ultimate free child knit summer top pattern for anyone looking to create something stylish, comfy, and fun for the little ones in their lives. With its simple construction, versatile design, and the addition of KnitPicks Shine Sport (affiliate link) yarn, it’s the perfect choice for summer knitting projects. If you’re looking for something quick and satisfying, this top is definitely one to try!
So, grab your knitting needles, follow along with this free child knit summer top pattern, and enjoy making a beautiful, one-of-a-kind sweater for the kiddos. Happy knitting, and don’t forget to share your creations with me—I’d love to see your versions of the Rebekah Tee!
For more details and to get started, keep scrolling down. You’re just a few stitches away from a cute and comfy summer top!
Materials and Info
Size: 3, 4 (5, 6) 7, 8 (9, 10) 11, 12 (13, 14)
Materials: Approximately 4, 4 (4, 5) 5, 6 (6, 6) 7, 7 (7, 8) balls of KnitPick Shine Sport (110yd, 50g) , stitch markers, yarn needle
Needle Size: 5(US) 3.75mm straight
Gauge (tension): 23sts & 28ows to make 10cm square
Chest Measurement: 55, 57, (59, 61) 63, 66 (69, 72) 75, 78 (81, 84) cm
METHOD
This pattern is made similar to a drop sleeve style, worked flat from the bottom up with 10cm of ease. The neck is created by sewing the shoulders, leaving a boat neck style neck opening with cap sleeves.
REBEKAH LACE STITCH PATTERN
Row 1 – k1, k2tog, k2tog, (yo, k1) 3 times, yo, ssk, ssk
Row 2 – purl across
Row 3 – repeat row 1
Row 4 – purl across
Row 5 – k1, k2tog, k3, yo, k1, yo, k3, ssk
Row 6 – purl across
Rebekah Tee Pattern
BACK
Cast on 75, 79 (81, 85) 89, 91 (93, 97) 99, 103 (105, 111) sts
Work 1 repeat of Rebekah Lace Stitch pattern across starting as follows:
Knit 1, 3 (4, 0) 2, 3 (4, 0) 1, 3 (4, 1), work 6, 6 (6, 7) 7, 7 (7, 8) 8, 8 (8, 9) pattern repeats, knit 2, 4 (5, 1) 3, 4 (5, 1) 2, 4 (5, 2)
Work in stockinette until your work measures 24, 24 (25.5, 27) 28.5, 30 (31, 32) 33.5, 35 (36, 37.5) cm measured from the cast-on edge. Place markers on each end of the row to mark armhole.
Cast on 6sts at the beginning of the next 2 rows, placing a marker. Keep the 6 cast on stitches on each sleeve in garter stitch (knit every row) while the remainder of the back continues in stockinette.
Continue working in pattern until work measures 37, 38 (40, 42) 44, 46 (48, 50) 52, 54, (56, 58) cms from cast on edge ending after completing a wrong side row. Bind off, leaving a long enough tail to sew the shoulder seam.
FRONT
Repeat back.
Sew the side seams.
NECK
Mark 21, 22 (23, 24) 25, 26 (27, 28) 29, 30 (31, 33) stitches in from either end of the top of both the back and front pieces. Sew the shoulders together to the markers.
FINISHING
Weave in all ends and block.
Abbreviations
ABBREVIATIONS
K – knit
P – purl
YO – yarn over
K2tog -knit 2 stitches together
SSK – slip, slip, knit the slipped sts together
Download Youth Rebekah Tee PDF
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