The Sunny Dress is a light, simple, and super beginner-friendly project made from recycled silk. The pattern is easy to adjust to your own measurements, making it a versatile summer piece you can style in many ways.

Materials

3 hanks of recycled silk

Circular needles, size 10 mm

2 double-pointed needles (DPNs), size 6 mm (for the I-cord straps)

Gauge

Approx. 8 stitches = 10 cm in stockinette.
(Keep in mind: silk is very slippery and has a lot of drape, so expect some variation.)

Sizing & Casting On

Measure around your hips and waist to calculate how many stitches to cast on.

Example:

• Hips: 100 cm

• Waist: 80 cm

• Meet somewhere in the middel and cast on for 90 cm → 72 stitches.

Remember to blend the yarn well, by knitting with 2 skeins and swapping them in every other row, to get an even color and thickness.

Instructions

Hemline

Cast on your stitches with circular needle 10 mm and join in the round. Work the first 4 rows as follows:

1. Row 1: knit

2. Row 2: purl

3. Rows 3–4: repeat  row 1-2

Body

Continue in stockinette stitch (knit all rounds) until the dress reaches your desired length.

Front Opening

Bind off half of the stitches and work back and forth in stockinette with the remaining stitches.
I worked 18 rows, but you can adjust depending on your body measurements and preferred fit.

Upper Edge

When the dress is the length you want, finish with the same 4 rows as the hemline (knit, purl, knit, purl) and then bind off.

I-cord Straps

Pick up 4 stitches at the front corner and knit an I-cord with 6 mm DPNs until it measures about 150 cm (or your preferred length). Bind off.
Repeat on the other side.

Finishing

Weave in all ends, block gently if needed, and thread the I-cord straps through the loops to tie around your body.

Now your Sunny Dress is ready to wear – style it however you like, wrap it, tie it, and enjoy a light summer look made from sustainable recycled silk. 🌞