The Sundrop Sorbet Tee: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Color-Blocked Summer Top

Introducing the Sundrop Sorbet Tee

Knit a dreamy, modern top with a unique, bubbly texture and a sweetheart neckline. This pattern uses a clever combination of slipped stitches and short rows to create a flattering, drapey fit that's perfect for warm weather. The Sundrop Sorbet Tee is a seamless, top-down knit that features a beautiful color-blocked body and a delicate eyelet edge. Whether you're a confident beginner or an experienced knitter looking for a quick, satisfying project, this free pattern will guide you through creating a stunning summer staple.

Materials Needed

Yarn

Worsted weight (#4) cotton or cotton-blend yarn. Shown in: Color A (Coral): 2 (2, 3, 3) skeins; Color B (Cream): 1 (1, 2, 2) skeins; Color C (Mint): 1 (1, 1, 2) skeins.

Needles & Notions

• US 7 (4.5 mm) 32-inch circular knitting needles (or size to obtain gauge)
• Set of US 7 double-pointed needles for sleeves (or use magic loop method)
• Stitch markers (at least 4)
• Stitch holders or waste yarn
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends

Gauge

20 sts x 28 rows = 4 inches in Stockinette stitch, after blocking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sizes & Abbreviations

Sizes: XS (S, M, L). Finished bust: 32 (36, 40, 44) inches.

Abbreviations: CO = cast on, k = knit, p = purl, k2tog = knit two together, ssk = slip slip knit, yo = yarn over, pm = place marker, sm = slip marker, M1L = make one left, M1R = make one right, w&t = wrap and turn (short row), st(s) = stitch(es), RS = right side, WS = wrong side.

Yoke (worked flat, then joined)

With Color A, CO 80 (88, 96, 104) sts.

Row 1 (WS): Purl all sts.

Row 2 (RS): K1, *yo, k2tog; repeat from * to last st, k1. (This creates a decorative eyelet edge.)

Row 3 (WS): Purl all sts.

Set up for Raglan Increases

Row 4 (RS): K12 (14, 16, 18) (left front), pm, k16 (18, 20, 22) (left sleeve), pm, k24 (26, 28, 30) (back), pm, k16 (18, 20, 22) (right sleeve), pm, k12 (14, 16, 18) (right front).

Raglan Increase Row (RS)

*Knit to 1 st before marker, M1R, k1, sm, k1, M1L; repeat from * 3 more times, knit to end. (8 sts increased)

Short Row Shaping for Sweetheart Neckline

Work the raglan increase row on the RS, but only work the increases on the back and sleeves (not the fronts) for the first 4 (4, 6, 6) rows. Then, begin working the front increases as well.

Short Row Sequence

Row 1 (RS): Work raglan increases on back and sleeves only. Knit to 4 sts past the left front marker, w&t.

Row 2 (WS): Purl to 4 sts past the right front marker, w&t.

Row 3 (RS): Work raglan increases on back and sleeves only. Knit to 2 sts past the previous wrap, w&t.

Row 4 (WS): Purl to 2 sts past the previous wrap, w&t.

Repeat Rows 3-4 until you have wrapped 8 (10, 12, 14) sts on each front side.

Next RS row

Work raglan increases on all sections (front, back, sleeves). Knit across all sts, picking up wraps and knitting them together with the wrapped st. You should now have all sts live and the yoke is joined.

Continue Yoke

Work raglan increase rows every RS row until the yoke measures 6 (6.5, 7, 7.5) inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a WS row. You will have approximately 160 (176, 192, 208) sts total.

Divide for Body and Sleeves

Knit across left front sts to first marker, remove marker, place next 32 (36, 40, 44) sleeve sts on a holder. CO 4 (4, 6, 6) sts for underarm, place marker for side, CO 4 (4, 6, 6) sts. Knit across back sts to next marker, remove marker, place next 32 (36, 40, 44) sleeve sts on holder. CO 4 (4, 6, 6) sts for underarm, place marker for side, CO 4 (4, 6, 6) sts. Knit across right front sts. You now have 104 (112, 124, 132) sts for the body.

Body

Work in Stockinette stitch (knit every round) until the body measures 8 (9, 10, 11) inches from the underarm, or desired length.

Color Block Pattern

• Work 2 inches with Color A.
• Switch to Color B. Work 2 inches.
• Switch to Color C. Work 2 inches.
• Switch to Color A. Work 2 inches.
• Switch to Color B. Work 2 inches.
• Switch to Color C. Work 2 inches.
• Switch to Color A. Work 2 inches.

Bottom Edging

With Color A, work 4 rounds of garter stitch (knit one round, purl one round). Bind off loosely knitwise.

Sleeves

With Color A and DPNs, pick up and knit 4 (4, 6, 6) sts from underarm, then knit the 32 (36, 40, 44) sts from holder. Total 36 (40, 46, 50) sts. Place marker for underarm.

Work in Stockinette stitch (knit every round) for 1 inch.

Decrease round: K1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, ssk, k1. (2 sts decreased)

Repeat decrease round every 4 rounds until 24 (28, 32, 36) sts remain.

Work even until sleeve measures 6 (7, 8, 9) inches from underarm, or desired length.

Work 4 rounds of garter stitch (knit one round, purl one round). Bind off loosely knitwise.

Finishing

Weave in all ends. Block the top to the specified measurements, gently shaping the sweetheart neckline.

Neckline Edging (optional)

With Color A, pick up and knit 80 (88, 96, 104) sts around the neckline. Work 2 rounds of garter stitch. Bind off loosely knitwise.