Blossom & Breeze A-Line Dress: A Free Knitted Spring Sundress Pattern

Welcome to the world of handmade elegance! Today, I'm thrilled to share a pattern that perfectly captures the essence of spring: the Blossom & Breeze A-Line Dress. This breezy, A-line sundress is knitted in soft cotton with delicate lace panels, creating a flattering fit-and-flare silhouette that transitions effortlessly from sunny brunches to garden parties. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or a confident beginner looking for a rewarding project, this seamless, top-down dress is designed to become a staple in your warm-weather wardrobe. Let's dive into this delightful knit!

Materials Needed

Before we cast on, let's gather our supplies. This pattern calls for specific materials to achieve the perfect drape and stitch definition.

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn (e.g., Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton) in 3 colors:
  • Main Color (MC): Soft Blush Pink – Approx. 1200 (1400, 1600, 1800) yards
  • Contrast Color 1 (CC1): Cream – Approx. 200 yards
  • Contrast Color 2 (CC2): Sage Green – Approx. 150 yards
• Needles:
  • US Size 7 (4.5 mm) circular knitting needles, 32-inch cable (for the main body)
  • US Size 6 (4.0 mm) circular needles (for ribbing)
• Notions: Stitch markers, stitch holders or waste yarn, tapestry needle for weaving in ends.
• Gauge: 20 stitches and 26 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch on larger needles, after blocking. Always check your gauge to ensure the correct fit!

Step-by-Step Instructions

This dress is worked top-down in the round, making it a beautifully seamless project. The bodice is shaped with increases, and the skirt flares gracefully with eight vertical lace panels. Follow these detailed instructions carefully, and you'll have a stunning dress in no time.

Sizes & Abbreviations

Sizes: XS (S, M, L) – Finished bust: 32 (36, 40, 44) inches, Finished length: 34 (35, 36, 37) inches.

Abbreviations:

• CO = Cast on
• K = Knit
• P = Purl
• K2tog = Knit two together (decrease)
• SSK = Slip, slip, knit (decrease)
• YO = Yarn over (increase)
• PM = Place marker
• SM = Slip marker
• RS = Right side
• WS = Wrong side
• St st = Stockinette stitch (knit on RS, purl on WS)
• M1 = Make one (pick up the bar between stitches and knit through the back loop)

Knitting the Bodice

We'll start at the neckline and work our way down.

1. Cast On & Ribbing: With your smaller needles (US 6) and MC, CO 160 (180, 200, 220) sts. Join in the round, being careful not to twist your stitches. PM at the beginning of the round. Work K1, P1 ribbing for 1.5 inches.
2. Switch to Larger Needles: Switch to your larger needles (US 7). Work in St st (knit every round) for 2 inches.
3. First Increase Round: *K8, M1*; repeat from * to * around. You will now have 180 (202, 224, 246) sts.
4. Continue Bodice: Work in St st for another 2 inches.
5. Second Increase Round: *K9, M1*; repeat from * to * around. You will now have 200 (224, 248, 272) sts.
6. Shape to Armholes: Continue in St st until the piece measures 6 (6.5, 7, 7.5) inches from the cast-on edge.

Dividing for Armholes

Now we'll separate the body from the sleeves.

1. Next Round: K40 (45, 50, 55) sts (this is the front right), place the next 40 (45, 50, 55) sts on a holder (right sleeve), K80 (90, 100, 110) sts (this is the back), place the next 40 (45, 50, 55) sts on a holder (left sleeve).
2. You now have 160 (180, 200, 220) sts for the body on your needles. PM for the new beginning of the round at the center back.

Creating the Flared Skirt

This is where the magic happens! We'll add lace panels and increases to create the A-line shape.

1. Initial Skirt: Work in St st for 2 inches.
2. Lace Panel Setup Round: *K10 (11, 12, 13), PM, work Lace Panel over the next 10 sts, PM*; repeat from * to * around. You will have 8 lace panels evenly spaced around the skirt.

The Lace Panel Pattern (Worked over 10 sts)

Here is the 8-round repeat for your lace panels. Work these stitches between your markers.

• Round 1: K2, YO, SSK, K2, K2tog, YO, K2
• Round 2: K all
• Round 3: K1, YO, SSK, K4, K2tog, YO, K1
• Round 4: K all
• Round 5: K2, YO, SSK, K2, K2tog, YO, K2
• Round 6: K all
• Round 7: K1, YO, SSK, K4, K2tog, YO, K1
• Round 8: K all

Note: These 8 rounds create one full repeat of the lace pattern.

3. Work Even: Continue in pattern (knitting the plain stitches between panels and working the lace rounds) with no increases until the skirt measures 8 inches from the underarm.
4. First Skirt Increase: *K10, M1*; repeat around. You will now have 176 (198, 220, 242) sts. Continue in pattern, now with 11 (12, 13, 14) sts between the lace panels. Work even for 4 inches.
5. Second Skirt Increase: *K11, M1*; repeat around. You will now have 192 (216, 240, 264) sts. Continue in pattern with 12 (13, 14, 15) sts between panels. Work even for 4 inches.
6. Third Skirt Increase: *K12, M1*; repeat around. You will now have 208 (234, 260, 286) sts. Continue in pattern with 13 (14, 15, 16) sts between panels. Work even until the skirt measures 20 (21, 22, 23) inches from the underarm, or until your desired length, ending after Round 8 of the lace pattern.

Finishing the Hem

1. Ribbing: Switch to your smaller needles (US 6). Work K1, P1 ribbing for 1 inch.
2. Bind Off: Bind off loosely in pattern to maintain the stretchy edge.

Optional Cap Sleeves

For a touch of coverage, let's add some delicate cap sleeves.

1. Pick Up Stitches: With your smaller needles and MC, pick up 40 (45, 50, 55) sts around the armhole. PM and join in the round.
2. Ribbing: Work K1, P1 ribbing for 0.5 inch.
3. Bind Off: Bind off loosely.

Final Touches & Embellishments

1. Weave in Ends: Carefully weave in all loose ends with your tapestry needle.
2. Blocking: Block your dress to the specified measurements. This is crucial for the lace panels to open up and drape beautifully. Pin the lace panels open while blocking.
3. Embroidery Detail (Optional): Using CC1 (Cream) and CC2 (Sage Green), embroider small daisy flowers at the center front bodice, just below the neckline. Use a lazy daisy stitch for the petals and French knots for the centers. Place them randomly for a whimsical, garden-inspired look.

And there you have it—a stunning, handmade Blossom & Breeze A-Line Dress that's perfect for any springtime occasion. The combination of the soft blush cotton, delicate lace, and charming embroidered daisies makes this a truly special piece. I can't wait to see your creations! Happy knitting!