This seamless baby summer top is made top-down with integrated neck and button bands, mostly in the round, and when the knitting is finished all we have to do is weave in the ends and sew on the buttons.

Inspired by the very stylish evening dresses worn by “Lady Rose” in Downton Abbey, this cute summer top flares out at the sides (but because I wanted it to be a cool, cropped length the flare begins a bit above the waist, rather than below like the 1920s style).

Having a button placket down the side of the yoke means there’s plenty of room for easing the top over baby’s head, and its mostly stocking stitch with a bit of decoration using moss/seed stitch for the neck band and hem.

The pictured top was made with Bombed Yarns 100% Pima Cotton DK/8ply in the colour Blue Ice.

Skill Level Advanced Beginner… even though it might include a technique you haven’t used before, the pattern contains simple, straightforward instructions and notes on where to look for more information.

Sizing 0-3 months (3-6, 6-12, 12-18, 18-24) months

Measurements:
Chest approx. 50 (52, 55, 57, 60) cm – 19¾ (20⅜, 21½, 22⅝, 23⅝) inches, including approx. 10 cm – 4 inches of positive ease
Length approx. 21 (23, 25, 27, 29) cm – 8¼ (9, 9⅞, 10⅝, 11⅜) inches

Materials:
143 (168, 193, 213, 249) metres – 156 (183, 211, 233, 272) yards of DK/8 ply yarn
3.5 mm / US 4 needles for the neck
4 mm / US 6 needles for the yoke until it’s joined up at the base of the placket
4 mm / US 6 DPNs or circular needles for rest of the body
2 cute buttons with diameter 12 or 15mm – ½ or ⅝ inch diameter
5 stitch markers
Plus a spare needle when we join up the button placket – using a DPN is easiest

Gauge: 22 stitches in stocking stitch = 10 cm – 4 inches