Silver Block Toddler Sunsuit Knit Free Pattern

Introduction

This Silver Block Toddler Sunsuit is a sweet, simple knit made for little ones aged 18–24 months, and it is gentle enough for a first-time garment knitter. The design is a straight tube worked from the hem up, so there is no waist shaping and no complicated armhole math to worry about. A silver eyelet band at the hem gives it a crisp mid-century colorblock look, while the ice blue body stays plain and calm. The finished sunsuit feels soft and breathable in sport weight cotton, with two narrow shoulder straps and a buttoned crotch facing that make dressing easy.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Sport weight (CYC 2) cotton, approx. 200 yds (183 m) total — Ice Blue (MC) 150 yds (137 m), Silver (CC) 50 yds (46 m).
• Needles: 3.5 mm (US 4) circular needle, 60 cm (24") cable, plus a set of 4 double-pointed needles (DPNs) in the same size for small circumferences.
• Notions: Stitch markers, stitch holders or scrap yarn, a yarn needle, 2–4 small buttons (about 1 cm / 3/8"), and a tape measure.
• Finished size: To fit 18–24 months (chest 20" / 51 cm, height 33–36" / 84–91 cm). Garment measures chest circumference 22" (56 cm), length from shoulder to crotch 18" (46 cm), inseam 1" (2.5 cm).

Abbreviations

• CO: cast on — make the starting loops on your needle.
• K: knit stitch.
• P: purl stitch.
• K2tog: knit two stitches together — a decrease that leans right.
• SSK: slip, slip, knit — slip two stitches knitwise, then knit them together through the back loops; a decrease that leans left.
• YO: yarn over — wrap the yarn around the needle to make an eyelet hole.
• Rnd(s): round(s) — worked in the round, joining the circle.
• RS / WS: right side (public side) / wrong side (inside).
• St(s): stitch(es).

Gauge

24 sts and 32 rows = 4" (10 cm) in stockinette stitch. Knit a small swatch in the round or flat, then measure a 4" section in the middle to check that your stitch and row counts match before you begin.

Tips Before You Start

• Cotton has little stretch, so knit your swatch and trust it — if you are between gauges, go up a needle size rather than down.
• When you join the cast-on round, check that the edge is not twisted before you knit the first stitch; a twist here cannot be fixed later.
• Use a locking stitch marker to hold the beginning of the round, and move it up as you work so you never lose your place in the long plain section.
• Keep your yarn overs loose and even on the eyelet rounds so the holes stay open and round after blocking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Body (worked in the round from the hem up)

With CC, CO 132 sts. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Place marker for beginning of round.

Rnds 1–4: Knit (132 sts).

Rnd 5 (eyelet rnd): *K2tog, yo; rep from * to end (132 sts).

Rnds 6–8: Knit (132 sts).

Change to MC.

Rnds 9–80: Knit (72 rnds) (132 sts).

Crotch Opening

Divide for legs: K66, place next 66 sts on holder for second leg. Continue working back and forth on the first 66 sts for front/back.

Row 81 (RS): K66.

Row 82 (WS): P66.

Rep Rows 81–82 for 2" (5 cm), ending with a WS row. Place these 66 sts on holder.

Return to held 66 sts and work even in stockinette for 2" (5 cm), ending with a WS row. Do not cut yarn.

Joining the Legs and Shaping the Crotch

With RS facing, knit across 66 sts of first leg, then knit across 66 sts of second leg, joining in the round. Place marker for new beginning of round (132 sts).

Next rnd: Knit, picking up 1 st in the gap between legs to close the hole if needed (132 sts).

Next 2 rnds: Knit (132 sts).

Next rnd (decrease): K2tog, knit to last 2 sts, ssk (130 sts).

Rep last rnd every other rnd 2 more times (126 sts).

Next rnd: Knit (126 sts).

Next rnd (turning ridge): *K2tog, yo; rep from * to end (126 sts).

Next 3 rnds: Knit (126 sts).

Bind off loosely.

Straps (make 2)

With MC, CO 8 sts. Work in stockinette stitch back and forth for 10" (25 cm), ending with a WS row. Bind off.

Assembly and Finishing

Fold the crotch facing to the inside along the turning ridge and sew the bound-off edge to the wrong side of the body, leaving openings for the buttons. Sew buttons onto the facing. Sew the straps to the front and back shoulders, positioning them 3" (7.5 cm) apart from center. Try the sunsuit on and adjust the strap length as needed, then sew buttons onto the front straps for closure. Weave in all ends neatly on the wrong side. Block lightly by misting with water and patting flat to dry, pressing the hem and crotch facings gently into place.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the silver hem band for a soft mustard or sage to change the colorblock mood while keeping the same eyelet detail.
• Add a second eyelet round a few rounds above the hem for a layered lace look, or repeat the eyelet band at the top edge for a matching finish.
• For a longer wear season, knit the straps a little longer and add extra buttonholes so the sunsuit can grow with your toddler.