Looking for the perfect summer knit top pattern? Find several at the sweater pattern page—Chain Tee free pdf is below!
Summer is here, and you know what that means—lightweight yarns, breezy stitches, and the perfect excuse to cast on just one more project. I’ve been on the hunt for the ultimate summer knit top pattern, and after quite a bit of swatching, frogging, and iced coffee, I finally found it. It’s called the Chain Tee, and spoiler alert: it’s at the bottom of this post. But don’t worry—if you want even more cute and comfy summer knits, I’ve also linked several others on the [sweater pattern page] for you to browse.
Let’s dive into the best summer knit top patterns that will keep your needles moving and your wardrobe fresh.
Why I Love a Good Summer Knit Top Pattern
There’s something so satisfying about a lightweight project that won’t make you break into a sweat just by holding it in your lap. A great summer knit top pattern should be breathable, beautiful, and just challenging enough to keep things interesting. Enter: the Chain Tee.
This one features a unique faux cable called the chain stitch pattern. It’s the star of the show, and it’s formed by turning two stitches into three with a yarn over, then working back to two stitches with a modified center double decrease (MCDD). The result? A gorgeous vertical detail that looks far more complicated than it is—my favorite kind of stitch!
If you’re new to the MCDD stitch, don’t worry—I’ve got a full [tutorial for the MCDD stitch] to walk you through it. And if you’re working short rows to shape the neckline (and you should!), you’ll also want to check out the [MCDD stitch purlwise tutorial] for the backside rows.
Chain Tee: The Summer Staple I Can’t Stop Wearing
Okay, let’s talk about the yarn. I used Premier Yarns Cotton Fair (affiliate link), which is just the right combo of soft and breathable. It’s a cotton-acrylic blend that keeps its shape and drape, even after a long day in the sun.
For needles, I used KnitPicks size 2 (3mm) and size 4 (3.5mm) circulars (affiliate link)—perfect for that tidy gauge and smooth fabric. And since the Chain Tee is knit in the round, there’s minimal seaming. Cue the happy dance.
Seriously, this summer knit top pattern is a keeper. It’s flattering on so many body types, has a sweet bit of shoulder coverage, and the stitch pattern does a beautiful job of elevating an otherwise simple silhouette. Whether you’re pairing it with shorts, jeans, or a flowy skirt, it just works.
Want More Summer Knit Top Patterns?
If you’re like me and one summer knit top pattern just isn’t enough, let me share a couple of my other favorites that you can snag right now:
👉 Deborah Tee – A lightweight, classic silhouette that pairs beautifully with high-waisted jeans or a cute summer skirt.
👉 Puff Sleeve Tee – A little extra drama in the sleeves for days when you want to feel extra cute.
Both are perfect additions to your warm-weather wardrobe, and yes, they’re free!
Obsessed with the Chain Stitch Pattern?
You’re not alone. Once I figured out how much I loved the rhythm of that chain stitch (and how gorgeous it looks), I knew I had to use it in more patterns. If you want to explore other designs using the same stitch pattern, check these out:
👉 Chain Ankle Socks – A breathable summer sock with the same chain detail along the foot.
👉 Chain Bonnet – For those who love a good photo prop or baby gift.
👉 Chain Beanie – A textured beanie that lets the chain motif shine.
All of these patterns use the same MCDD stitch, so if you love the technique, you’ve got options!
The Construction Details (for My Fellow Knit Nerds)
I mentioned earlier that the Chain Tee is knit in the round, but let’s geek out a little more, shall we? The body is worked from the top-down, seamlessly. The armholes and neckline use short row shaping for a better fit, and this is where you’ll want that MCDD stitch purlwise tutorial again. Trust me, it’s worth learning.
The stitch pattern is easy to memorize, so once you get going, this becomes excellent “chat-with-a-friend or watch-your-favorite-show” knitting. The neckline and sleeves are cleanly finished, with no rolling edges—because summer tops should be effortless to wear and make.
Tips for Knitting the Chain Tee
- Swatch! Cotton blends can behave differently than wool, so take the time to knit and block a swatch.
- Use KnitPicks needles size 2 (3mm) and size 4 (3.5mm) (affiliate link) for smooth transitions between your ribbing and main fabric.
- Don’t skip the tutorials—[MCDD tutorial] and [MCDD purlwise tutorial]—they’ll make your life easier and your stitches prettier.
- Choose a solid or semi-solid colorway to really let the chain stitch stand out. The texture is too good to get lost in a busy yarn.
Ready to Cast On?
If you’re looking for your next summer knit top pattern, the Chain Tee is a fun, modern choice that’s packed with texture and charm. Whether you’re an adventurous beginner or a seasoned pro, you’ll find the process both satisfying and addicting.
And if you’re feeling the momentum? Check out the [sweater pattern page] for even more summer knit top pattern options to add to your queue.
The Chain Tee free pattern is waiting for you at the bottom of this post—go grab it and get stitching!
Chain Tee Free Pattern
Size: XS, S (M, L) XL, 2X (3X, 4X)
Materials: Approximately 4, 5 (5, 6) 6, 7 (7, 8) balls of Premier Cotton Fair (affiliate link) (100g/317y), needle, stitch markers
Needle Size: 2(US) 3mm & 4(US) 3.5mm circular and dpn
Gauge (tension): 28sts & 36 rows to make 4in/10cm square in stockinette, using size 4(US) 3.5mm needles
Finished Chest Measurement: 30, 34 (38, 42) 46, 50 (54, 58) ins/75, 85 (95, 105) 115, 125 (135, 145)cm
METHOD
This pattern is a top-down raglan that is worked in the round with 4ins/10cm of ease. The chain stitch pattern is only worked on the front.
Chain Stitch Pattern
Set-up Round – p2 [k2, p2] across
Round 1 – p2 [k1, yo, k1, p2] across
Round 2 – p2 [k3, p2] across
Round 3 – p2, [k3, p2] across
Round 4 – p2, [mcdd (sl1, k1, psso, put this st back on your working needle, k2tog knitting through the back loop of the st already decreased), p2] across
Repeat rounds 1-4
NECK
Cast on 112, 112 (120, 120) 132, 136 (144, 148) sts in using larger needles
Join in the round
Work in k2p2 ribbing around for 1in/2.5cms
SET-UP ROUND
Knit 24, 24 (28, 28) 28, 32 (32, 32) (back), pm,
Knit 6, 6 (6, 6) 6, 6 (6, 6) (sleeve), pm,
K0, 0 (0, 0) 1, 0 (0, 1), work chain stitch pattern set-up round for 52, 50 (54, 54) 58, 62 (66, 66)sts (front), K0, 0 (0, 0) 1, 0 (0, 1), pm,
Knit 6, 6 (6, 6) 6, 6 (6, 6) (sleeve), pm,
Knit 26, 26 (26, 26) 32, 30 (34, 36) (back)
Begin Chain Stitch pattern rounds 1-4 on front only.
RAGLAN SHAPING
Raglan shaping and neck shaping are worked AT THE SAME TIME using short rows. You can use the method of short rows that works best for you. I am using wrap and turn short rows and describe those below.
Row 1 (RS): Knit to 1 st before marker, M1R, k1, sm, k1, M1L, knit to 1 sts before next marker, M1R, k1, sm, k1, M1L, p1, wrap the yarn around next stitch.
Turn your work.
Step 2 (WS): sizes xs-s – Purl to beginning of round marker (mid back).
Sizes m-4x – Purl to 1 st before marker, M1L, p1, sm, p1, M1R, purl to 1 sts before marker, M1L, p1, sm, p1, M1R,Purl to beginning of round marker (mid back).
Step 3 (WS): Purl to 1 st before marker, M1L, p1, sm, p1, M1R, purl to 1 sts before marker, M1L, p1, sm, p1, M1R, k1, wrap the yarn around the next stitch.
Turn your work.
Step 4 (RS): sizes xs-s Knit to beginning of round (mid back).
Sizes m-4x – Knit to 1 st before marker, M1R, k1, sm, k1, M1L, knit to 1 sts before next marker, M1R, k1, sm, k1, M1L, Knit to beginning of round (mid back).
A total of 8, 8 (16, 16) 16, 16 (16, 16) stitches have been increased in these 4 steps (the 4 steps equals 2 raglan rounds) Repeat steps 1-4, but each time working 2 more sts before turning, knitting the wraps and the next stitch as you pass them, 3 times, so the first 5, 5 (10, 10) 10, 10 (10, 10) raglan increases have been worked.
Next round: knit around, knitting the wraps and the stitch they are wrapped around together.
Now work each raglan round as follows:
Inc round/row – [knit to 1 sts before marker, M1R, k1, sm, k1, M1L] repeat across
Work raglan increases as described above (note: the first 5, 5 (10, 10) 10, 10 (10, 10) were worked in the neck shaping short row rounds)
Every round 0, 0 (10, 12) 20, 28 (38, 44)
Then every other round/row 29, 34 (31, 36) 33, 30 (26, 25) times.
Then work increases every 4th round 2, 2 (1, 0) 0, 0 (0, 0) times.
Work 3, 3 (3, 0) 0, 0 (0, 0) rounds without any raglan increases.
STITCH COUNT CHECK
Total stitches: 392, 430 (489, 504) 596, 600 (704, 750)
Front: 142, 152 (171, 150) 206, 178 (242, 256)
Back: 114, 122 (138, 150) 166, 178 (194, 206)
Sleeve: 68, 78 (90, 102) 112, 122 (134, 144)
DIVIDE FOR BODY AND SLEEVES
Work across back stitches to marker, remove marker,
place 68, 78 (90, 102) 112, 122 (134, 144) sleeve stitches on stitch holder,
cast on 10, 10 (10, 10) 10, 10 (10, 10)sts, remove marker,
work across front stitches to marker, remove marker,
place 68, 78 (90, 102) 112, 122 (134, 144) sleeve stitches on stitch holder,
cast on 10, 10 (10, 10) 10, 10 (10, 10) sts
[276, 264 (296, 361) 392, 419 (456, 482) sts]
BODY
Continue in pattern as established for 13, 13 (13, 13) 12, 12.5 (12.5, 12) ins/32.5, 32.5 (32.5, 32.5) 30, 31 (31,30) cms or 1in/2.5cms less than desired length ending after completing a round 4 of the chain stitch pattern.
Switch to smaller needles.
Work in k2p2 ribbing for 1in/2.5cms
Bind off in pattern.
SLEEVE (REPEAT FOR BOTH SLEEVES)
Using larger needles (you may need to use dpn or magic loop),
pick up and knit 5, 5 (5, 5) 5, 5 (5, 5) sts from underarm,
work the 68, 78 (90, 102) 112, 122 (134, 144) sts from stitch holder,
pick up and knit 5, 5 (5, 5) 5, 5 (5, 5) sts from underarm, pm.
[76, 88 (100, 112) 122, 132 (144, 154) sts]
Knit 5, 7 (5, 5) 5, 5 (5, 5) rounds.
Next round – decrease 1 stich at each side of marker on next then every following 6th, 6th (4th, 4th) 4th, 4th (4th, 4th) rounds 4, 2 (1, 4) 3, 4 (1, 2) times.
68, 86 (86, 102) 114,122 (140, 148) sts
Then decrease each side of marker every following 0, 4 (2, 2) 2, 2 (2, 2) rounds 0, 3 (1, 5) 7, 5 (12, 10) times to 68, 76 (84, 92) 100, 112 (116, 128) sts.
Knit 4, more rounds.
Change to smaller needle.
Work in k2p2 ribbing for .75ins/2 cms.
Bind off in pattern.
FINISHING
Weave in all ends and block according.
ABBREVIATIONS
K – knit
P – purl
PM – place marker
SM – slip marker
ST(S) – stitch(es)
YO – yarn over
K2tog -knit 2 stitches together
SSK – slip, slip, knit the slipped sts together
M1R – Insert the left needle under the strand that runs between two stitches from back to front, then knit this strand
M1L – Insert the left needle under the strand that runs between two stitches from front to back, then knit this strand through the back loop
mcdd – sl1, k1, psso, put this st back on your working needle, k2tog knitting through the back loop of the st already decreased (There is a full tutorial here for this stitch with pictures and videos for both right and left handed knitter)
mcdd purlwise – Although this is not listed in the pattern when short row shaping the neck you will need this – p2tog, using the 2nd stitch you already used in the p2tog and the next purl st, ssptbl (slip, slip, purl through back loop) There is a full tutorial here for this stitch with both right and left-handed pictures and videos.
Chain Tee PDF
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