An easy to knit sun suit pattern for toddlers made with soft two-ply yarn. Cotton is a preferred choice as baby's skin can be sensitive. Add appliques, choose bright or pastel colours.

The sun suit begins at the crotch. The front and back are made separately and leg bands completed last.

Front:

Cast on 26 (30) sts and work in garter st for 10 rows (5 ridges).

Change to stockinette st and cast on 3 sts at the end of every row until there are 84 (90) sts, then work even for 6 (7) inches.

Dec for waist line: k 2, k 2 tog across row.

Work 10 rows in garter st, then in stockinette st for 1 1/4 (2 1/4) inches.

Make a band of 10 rows of garter st and bind off.

Back:

Cast on and work same as front.

When 4 rows of garter st have been made, work buttonholes as follows:

K2, bind off 2 sts, k 8 (10), bind off 2, k 8 (10), bind off 2, k 2.
Next Row: K 1, cast on 2 sts, k 8 (10), cast on 2, k 8 (10), cast on 2, k 2.

Continue with 4 rows of garter st, and then stockinette st as for front, casting on 3 sts at end of every row until same width as front and until piece is same length as front.

At this point, the back is shaped by working short rows as follows:

K across until 5 sts from the end, turn, sl 1, p to within 5 sts of other end, turn, sl 1, k back, making each row 5 sts shorter than the row before it until 30 sts remain.

Next Row: Work entirely across.

Follow with one row of k 2, k 2 tog, and complete as you did the other section, with a band of garter st, stockinette st and garter st.

Straps: Make two. Cast on 12 sts and work in garter st for 7 inches.

Leg Band: To make the garter st band on each leg, pick up 75 (85) sts at the edge and work 8 rows in garter st. (add more rows if you wish longer bands)

Sew side seams, attach straps and sew on buttons.