Sunlit Meadow Tiered Dress Free Pattern – Breezy Knit Sundress with Lace Hem

Capture the carefree spirit of summer with this breathtaking tiered knit sundress. Featuring airy lace panels, a soft drapey fit, and delicate ribbed details, the Sunlit Meadow Dress is the perfect project for warm-weather crafting. Whether you're planning beach walks or garden parties, this lightweight cotton dress knits up quickly and becomes a wardrobe staple you'll reach for all season long. Best of all, this free pattern is beginner-friendly with clear instructions and stunning results.

Design Inspiration

Imagine strolling through a sun-drenched meadow, the breeze catching the delicate lace hem of your handmade dress. That's the feeling this pattern captures. The fitted bodice transitions into a flowing A-line skirt with three tiers of open lace panels, creating movement and lightness with every step. The soft sage green colorway with cream lace inserts evokes fresh spring growth, while the natural cotton sheen adds a touch of elegance to casual summer days.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather these supplies:

• Yarn: DK weight cotton or cotton-blend yarn (approximately 900-1100 yards for size M). Choose a breathable fiber for warm-weather comfort.
• Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) circular needles, 24-32 inches long, plus US 4 (3.5 mm) circular needles for ribbing.
• Notions: Stitch markers, stitch holders, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and blocking pins.

Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch on US 6 needles, after blocking. Always check your gauge to ensure proper fit.

Sizes and Measurements

This pattern is available in sizes XS (S, M, L, XL) with finished bust measurements of 32 (36, 40, 44, 48) inches. The dress length measures 34 (35, 36, 37, 38) inches from shoulder to hem, creating a flattering midi silhouette.

Abbreviations

Familiarize yourself with these standard knitting abbreviations:

• CO = cast on
• K = knit
• P = purl
• K2tog = knit two together (right-leaning decrease)
• SSK = slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
• YO = yarn over (increase creating an eyelet)
• PM = place marker
• SM = slip marker
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• St(s) = stitch(es)
• M1L = make one left (increase)
• M1R = make one right (increase)

Special Stitch – Lace Panel Pattern

This beautiful lace pattern creates the signature eyelet panels throughout the skirt. The stitch multiple is 8 + 3 stitches.

Row 1 (RS): K3, *YO, SSK, K1, K2tog, YO, K3; repeat from * to end.

Row 2 and all WS rows: Purl all stitches.

Row 3: K2, *YO, SSK, K1, K2tog, YO, K3; repeat from * to last 5 stitches, YO, SSK, K1, K2tog, YO, K1.

Row 5: K1, *YO, SSK, K1, K2tog, YO, K3; repeat from * to last 6 stitches, YO, SSK, K1, K2tog, YO, K2.

Row 7: Repeat Row 1.

Row 8: Purl all stitches.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Bodice – Knit in One Piece to Armholes

Step 1: Cast on 160 (180, 200, 220, 240) stitches. Join in the round, being careful not to twist. Place a marker at the beginning of the round.

Step 2: Work in K1, P1 ribbing for 1.5 inches. This creates a neat, stretchy edge that sits comfortably at the bust.

Step 3: Switch to stockinette stitch (knit every round) and work until the piece measures 4 inches from the cast-on edge.

Shape the Waist

Step 4: Begin waist shaping with this decrease round: *K18 (20, 22, 24, 26), K2tog, PM, K2, SSK, K18 (20, 22, 24, 26); repeat from * to end of round. This creates 8 decreases per round.

Step 5: Repeat this decrease round every 1.5 inches for 3 more repeats. You should now have 128 (148, 168, 188, 208) stitches on your needles.

Step 6: Work even (no decreases) until the piece measures 10 inches from the cast-on edge. The waist shaping creates a flattering, fitted silhouette.

Increase for Bust

Step 7: Begin bust increases with this round: *K16 (18, 20, 22, 24), M1L, K2, M1R, K16 (18, 20, 22, 24); repeat from * to end. This adds 8 stitches per round.

Step 8: Repeat this increase round every 1 inch for 3 more repeats. You should now have 160 (180, 200, 220, 240) stitches.

Step 9: Work even until the piece measures 14 inches from the cast-on edge, or your desired underarm length. Try it on to ensure the bodice fits comfortably.

Divide for Armholes

Step 10: Next round: K38 (43, 48, 53, 58) for the front, bind off 4 stitches, K76 (86, 96, 106, 116) for the back, bind off 4 stitches, K38 (43, 48, 53, 58) for the front. Place the front stitches on a holder.

Back Panel

Step 11: Continue working back and forth on the back stitches in stockinette. At each armhole edge, bind off 2 stitches every RS row, 2 times. You should have 72 (82, 92, 102, 112) stitches remaining.

Step 12: Work even until the armhole measures 6 (6.5, 7, 7.5, 8) inches. Bind off all stitches loosely.

Front Panel

Step 13: Return the front stitches to your needles. Work the same as the back, but when the armhole measures 4 (4.5, 5, 5.5, 6) inches, begin neck shaping: Work 28 (33, 38, 43, 48) stitches, bind off the center 16 stitches, then work the remaining 28 (33, 38, 43, 48) stitches.

Step 14: Work each shoulder separately. At the neck edge, bind off 3 stitches once, 2 stitches once, then 1 stitch once. You should have 22 (27, 32, 37, 42) stitches for each shoulder.

Step 15: Work even until the armhole matches the back. Bind off all stitches.

Join Shoulders

Step 16: Sew the shoulder seams using mattress stitch or your preferred seaming method. Weave in ends.

Skirt – Knit in Rounds from Bodice

Step 17: With the right side facing, pick up and knit 160 (180, 200, 220, 240) stitches along the bottom edge of the bodice, just below the ribbing. Place a marker and join in the round.

Step 18: Work in stockinette stitch for 2 inches to create a smooth transition from bodice to skirt.

Tier 1 – Lace Panel

Step 19: Work the Lace Panel pattern over all stitches for 8 rows. Then work stockinette stitch for 4 inches.

Step 20: Increase round: *K8, M1L; repeat from * to end. You should now have 180 (202, 224, 246, 268) stitches. Work stockinette for 4 inches.

Tier 2 – Lace Panel

Step 21: Work the Lace Panel pattern for 8 rows. Then work stockinette stitch for 4 inches.

Step 22: Increase round: *K9, M1L; repeat from * to end. You should now have 200 (224, 248, 272, 296) stitches. Work stockinette for 4 inches.

Tier 3 – Lace Panel

Step 23: Work the Lace Panel pattern for 8 rows. Then work stockinette stitch for 2 inches. The skirt now flares beautifully with three tiers of delicate lace.

Hem

Step 24: Switch to US 4 needles. Work K1, P1 ribbing for 1 inch. Bind off loosely in pattern to maintain stretch.

Finishing Touches

Step 25: Weave in all loose ends with a tapestry needle. Take care to secure them neatly on the wrong side.

Step 26: Block the dress to measurements, pinning the lace panels open to showcase their beauty. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect drape and stitch definition.

Optional: Add a ribbon tie at the waist for extra definition, or small buttons at the back neck for a vintage-inspired detail.

Pro Tips for Success

• Always check your gauge before starting – it makes all the difference in fit.
• Use stitch markers to keep track of your lace pattern repeats.
• Blocking transforms the lace – don't skip this step!
• Choose a cotton blend with good drape for the most flattering silhouette.

Your Sunlit Meadow Tiered Dress is now complete! This stunning handmade piece will become a treasured addition to your summer wardrobe. The combination of fitted bodice, flowing skirt, and delicate lace panels creates a dress that's both comfortable and elegant. Enjoy wearing your creation and the compliments that come with it!

Happy knitting, and may your summer be filled with sunshine and beautiful handmade moments!