Golden Hour Gathered Sundress: A Free Knitting Pattern for Your Dream Summer Wardrobe

Imagine a dress that feels like a warm sunset wrapped around you—that's the Golden Hour Gathered Sundress. This breezy, retro-inspired knit features delicate eyelet lace panels and a flattering gathered waist, making it the perfect companion for long, sunny days. Knit in a soft cotton blend, it moves beautifully with every step and feels like a gentle hug against your skin. Whether you're strolling through a farmer's market or sipping iced tea on a porch, this dress is designed to make you feel effortlessly chic.

This pattern is knit top-down in one piece, which means minimal seaming and maximum satisfaction. With clear instructions and a bit of patience, you'll create a stunning, custom-fit garment that you'll reach for all season long. Let's dive into this delightful project!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather your supplies. This pattern calls for simple, accessible materials that will ensure a beautiful result.

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton blend (e.g., Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton) – approximately 900 (1000, 1100, 1200) yards. The exact amount depends on your size.
• Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) circular needles with a 32-inch cable for the main body, and US 6 (4.0 mm) circular needles for the ribbing and hem.
• Notions: Stitch markers, waste yarn or stitch holders, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and a tape measure.
• Gauge: 20 stitches x 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch on US 7 needles. Always check your gauge to ensure the perfect fit!

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is rated Intermediate due to the raglan shaping and lace work, but the step-by-step guidance below makes it approachable for any confident beginner. Let's break it down.

Sizes & Measurements

This pattern is written for sizes XS (S, M, L). The finished bust measurements are 32 (36, 40, 44) inches, and the total length is 34 (35, 36, 37) inches. Choose the size that matches your bust measurement for the best fit.

Abbreviations

Familiarize yourself with these standard knitting abbreviations before you start:

• k = knit
• p = purl
• yo = yarn over
• k2tog = knit two together (right-leaning decrease)
• ssk = slip slip knit (left-leaning decrease)
• pm = place marker
• sm = slip marker
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• m1 = make one (increase)

Neckline and Yoke

We'll start at the neckline and work our way down, increasing for the shoulders to create the yoke.

1. Cast On: Using your smaller needles (US 6), cast on 80 (88, 96, 104) stitches. Join in the round, being careful not to twist, and place a marker (pm) at the beginning of the round.
2. Ribbing: Rounds 1-4: *K2, p2*; repeat from * to end of round. This creates a neat, stretchy neckline.
3. Eyelet Round: Round 5: *K2tog, yo*; repeat from * to end. This creates a delicate picot edge.
4. Stockinette: Rounds 6-8: Knit all stitches.
5. Switch Needles: Change to your larger needles (US 7).
6. Increase Round: Round 9: *K10 (11, 12, 13), m1*; repeat from * to end. You should now have 88 (96, 104, 112) stitches.
7. Set Up Raglan Markers: Now, place markers to divide your work for the raglan increases. Count carefully:
   • pm after 14 (15, 16, 17) sts (left front)
   • pm after next 14 (15, 16, 17) sts (left sleeve)
   • pm after next 28 (30, 32, 34) sts (back)
   • pm after next 14 (15, 16, 17) sts (right sleeve)
   • The remaining 18 (19, 20, 21) sts are for the right front.

Raglan Increases

This is where the magic happens—we'll shape the shoulders and create the armholes.

1. Increase Round: *Knit to 1 stitch before marker, m1, k1, slip marker (sm), k1, m1*; repeat from * for each of the 4 markers. This adds 8 stitches per round.
2. Repeat: Repeat this increase round every other round until you have increased a total of 12 (13, 14, 15) times. After all increases, you will have 184 (200, 216, 232) stitches on your needles.

Dividing for Body and Sleeves

Now we'll separate the sleeve stitches from the body so we can knit the bodice and skirt.

1. Next Round: Knit across the left front to the first marker. Place the next 38 (41, 44, 47) sleeve stitches onto waste yarn or a stitch holder. Cast on 6 (6, 8, 8) new stitches for the underarm. Knit across the back stitches. Place the next 38 (41, 44, 47) sleeve stitches onto waste yarn. Cast on 6 (6, 8, 8) new stitches for the second underarm. Knit across the right front.
2. Body Stitch Count: You should now have 120 (130, 144, 154) stitches for the body. This is your new working round.

Bodice

Time to create the fitted bodice that will flow into the skirt.

1. Knit Even: Continue knitting in stockinette (knit every round) until the piece measures 5 (5.5, 6, 6.5) inches from the underarm cast-on.

Waist Shaping

We'll add subtle decreases to cinch the waist for a flattering silhouette.

1. Decrease Round 1: *K13 (14, 15, 16), k2tog*; repeat from * to end. You now have 112 (121, 134, 143) stitches.
2. Knit Even: Knit 5 rounds without decreasing.
3. Decrease Round 2: *K12 (13, 14, 15), k2tog*; repeat from * to end. You now have 104 (112, 124, 132) stitches.
4. Knit Even: Knit 5 rounds without decreasing.
5. Decrease Round 3: *K11 (12, 13, 14), k2tog*; repeat from * to end. You now have 96 (104, 114, 122) stitches.
6. Knit Even: Knit 3 rounds without decreasing.

Eyelet Lace Panel

This romantic lace detail adds texture and a touch of vintage charm to the waist.

1. Round 1: *K2tog, yo*; repeat from * to end.
2. Round 2: Knit all stitches.
3. Round 3: *Yo, ssk*; repeat from * to end.
4. Round 4: Knit all stitches.

Skirt

Now for the fun part—the flared, gathered skirt that gives this dress its name.

1. Increase Round 1: *K6 (7, 8, 9), m1*; repeat from * to end. You now have 112 (120, 130, 138) stitches.
2. Knit Even: Knit 10 rounds without increasing.
3. Increase Round 2: *K7 (8, 9, 10), m1*; repeat from * to end. You now have 128 (136, 146, 154) stitches.
4. Knit Even: Knit 10 rounds without increasing.
5. Increase Round 3: *K8 (9, 10, 11), m1*; repeat from * to end. You now have 144 (152, 162, 170) stitches.
6. Continue Increasing: Keep increasing every 10 rounds in this manner (adding 1 stitch to the knit section before the m1) until you have a total of 240 (260, 280, 300) stitches on your needles.
7. Knit Even: Continue knitting without increases until the skirt measures 12 (13, 14, 15) inches from the waist, or your desired length.

Hem

A neat ribbed hem will anchor the dress and give it a polished finish.

1. Switch Needles: Change to your smaller needles (US 6).
2. Ribbing: Round 1: *K2, p2*; repeat from * to end. Rounds 2-5: Continue in this ribbing pattern.
3. Bind Off: Bind off loosely in pattern to maintain stretch.

Sleeves (Optional Cap Sleeves)

Add these sweet little sleeves for extra coverage and style.

1. Set Up: Place the held sleeve stitches onto your larger needles (US 7). Pick up and knit 4 (4, 5, 5) stitches from the underarm cast-on. You should have 42 (45, 49, 52) stitches total.
2. Knit Even: Knit 4 rounds even in stockinette.
3. Ribbing: Switch to smaller needles and work *K2, p2* ribbing for 3 rounds.
4. Bind Off: Bind off loosely.

Finishing Touches

Your dress is almost ready to wear!

1. Weave in Ends: Use your tapestry needle to weave in all loose yarn ends securely.
2. Block: Block the dress to the specified measurements. This will even out the stitches and enhance the lace pattern.
3. Optional Detail: Thread a satin ribbon or a knitted i-cord through the eyelet panel at the waist for an extra touch of femininity.

And there you have it—your very own Golden Hour Gathered Sundress! This project is a labor of love, but the result is a timeless, handmade piece that captures the essence of summer. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or an ambitious beginner, this pattern is a rewarding journey. Happy knitting!