15 Lovely Things to Knit for Summer
Updated on June 19, 2018
When we tell you that we are avid knitters, we mean that we absolutely adore knitting. It doesn’t matter what time of year it is or what season we’re in, you can always find us knitting something. Just because we’re compulsive knitters, however, doesn’t mean that we don’t adjust what we’re making and using to suit the season so that we can actually wear whatever we’ve created once it’s fresh off the needles! That’s why we’ve been combing the Internet for great summer knitting patterns that are a little lighter and airier than we might do in the middle of winter.
Just in case you’re on the hunt for awesome, pretty summer knitting patterns as well, here are 15 of the best ones we’ve come across this year so far!
1. Lina top by Quince and Co
If we’re being honest with you, our very favourite thing to knit in the summer is a good, light, comfortable summer top. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a tank top, a t-shirt, or an airy vest; we’ll knit it! One of the very first summer tops we ever knit ourselves was this fantastically simple design. The pattern shows you how to make a garter and stockinette tank top that, despite being knitted, will help you keep cool even on very warm days.
2. Linum Tee by Bristol Ivy
Are you actually a knitter with a little bit more experience so you’d prefer to make yourself something that has at least a little bit of detail to it? Perhaps you’d actually just prefer to make yourself a t-shirt rather than a tank top because you like how you look with your shoulders covered rather than exposed. In that case, we’d definitely suggest taking a look at how this beautiful t-shirt with a slightly mesh looking top to it is knit!
3. Silken Straw Summer Sweater by Purl Soho
Every summer, no matter how hot or cool the weather is, we use the entire season as an excuse to knit with silk. There’s just something so comforting about how light, cool, and weightless it feels while you knit that makes it feel like a luxury, especially since you can wear your finished garment immediately without getting too hot! This lovely t-shirt pattern that’s written to be made in silk is one of our favourites to do, but you can, of course, knit it in another fibre as long as you use the same weigh of yarn.
4. Vasa by Dianna Walla
Are you actually the kind of person who prefers to both knit and wear shirts that have a little more substance to them even in the summer? We can fully understand that that weightless, light feeling isn’t for everyone, particularly since some of the looser knit patterns end up slightly sheer, meaning you’ll probably have to wear a camisole or tank top underneath anyways. In that case, we’d suggest taking a look at this simple t-shirt that shows you how to do a bit of easy striping, just for a little subtle visual interest.
5. Pippa by Quince and Co
Did we really catch your attention when we started talking about shirts with small details and subtle skill sections but you just haven’t quite seen a pattern yet that peaked your attention enough to decide on it for good? Then here’s another option for you! We love the way this tank top features arrows and eyelets around the top by your bust and across the top of your back but then settles into an easy stockinette for the length of the torso.
6. Kit Camisole by Bristol Ivy
Have you actually been scrolling through our list looking for something that has a bit more of a relaxed fit because that’s what you find most comfortable? Then we definitely think this lovely tank top, which sits casually on the body but keeps you cool with a more open top, is worth your consideration! This pattern is also a great option if you’re still thinking about that awesome subtle detail effect we were just referring to.
7. Patchwork lace top by Vogue Knitting Patterns
Maybe some detail and stitch patterning is actually the number one thing you’re looking for, so you’ve been scrolling over and over hoping to find a shirt that features quite a lot of visual interest indeed? Then we think we actually might have found just the pattern for you! This tank top features a patchwork of texture squares featuring different knit stitch patterns in each for a beautifully intricate effect (that’s actually surprisingly simple).
8. Linen and Lace Tee by Design Studio
If you’re going to make a summer top that has visual interest, would you actually prefer to go all out because you’re quote a skilled knitter? In that case, we’d absolutely suggest taking a look at this linen and lace inspired pattern! We made this our primary project last summer and were very proud to wear it when we finished. It’s comfortable to wear but just dressy enough to really impress at family occasions throughout the season.
9. Diamonds & Cables Top by Melissa Leapman
Just because you’re knitting for the summer doesn’t mean you have to knit very small, airy things every single time you pick up your needles! Perhaps you actually prefer garments with a little more drape and flow to them? Then perhaps this top featuring short bell sleeves and lots of awesome texture is the best idea for you! We love that this shirt really features everything you could want as a skilled knitter; it’s got shaping, stitch patterning, lace, and cables, all in one great place!
10. Etherial tank by Jamie Besel
By now we’ve shown you quite a number of patterns that feature details around the top and then simplify into an easy stockinette stitch down the torso. What if, however, you prefer a look that’s a little more balance in the details all throughout? In that case, we have a feeling you’d actually prefer this lovely lace and stockinette tank top that carries the lace patterning from the top, down the sides, and across the bottom hem all the way around.
11. The Dijon Top by Karina Harper
We’ve talked a lot about creating design appeal in different summertime t-shirts and tank tops by using fancy and even intricate stitch patterns, but what if you’re the kind of knitter who completely adores work with colour as well? Of course, we know that you can absolutely add colour just about anything if you’re will to get creative with design yourself but just in case you’re looking for a pattern that actually has a colour change worked right into the pattern itself, we’d suggest this wonderful zig-zagging tank top with a feather and fan inspired design!
12. Maybe Baby summer shawl by Webster Street Knittery
We know we’ve talked a lot about about knitting lovely t-shirts and tank tops for summer but, believe it or not, shirts aren’t actually the only thing you can knit for warm weather! If you’re anything like us, you know how chilly it can get at night after the sun goes down, even on the hottest summer days. That’s why we always keep some kind of shawl or wrap with us. Of course, knitting a wrap is always more satisfying than buying one, so check out this lovely summer pattern that’s designed to be light enough for a warm night but dense enough to keep a breeze out when you need it. The colour change and stitch pattern are an added bonus!
13. Spring Lace Infinity Scarf by Purl Avenue
Are you very intrigued by the idea of making yourself some kind of warmer garment for chillier summer days, but you’ve never liked wearing wraps because you find that they often unwind and it’s mostly your neck that gets cold anyways? In that case, we think perhaps you’d have a better time wearing this fantastically light spring lace infinity scarf! We like that you can fold and wind this one nice and close if you’re very chilly or leave it hanging loose if you just need a little bit of coverage.
14. Lace and Cable top by Vogue Knitting Patterns
Are you still actually scrolling through our list looking or a shirt design that will give you even more stitch pattern and detail than the ones we’ve already shown you above? Well, we can’t say we blame you; we always enjoy a pattern more when it’s at least a little bit of a challenge, especially if we’re knitting it for ourselves. That’s why we thought this stunning summer lace and delicate cables shirt was such a fantastic project! We actually made this one, but in a light, summery purple.
15. Epsilon Cropped Cardigan by Littletheorem
Perhaps you’re still thinking about the idea of knitting yourself some kind of outer layer for chillier summer days but you’re convinced you’d wear something that features sleeves more than anything else we’ve shown you so far? In that case, we’d absolutely suggest taking a look at how this beautifully knit summer cardigan is made! We like that they kept their length cropped so that your shoulders and arms are covered for warmth but you’re not overly dressed and sweating five minutes after you put it on.
Do you have another fantastic summer knitting pattern that you adored creating and have barely stopped wearing since you wove in the ends, but you don’t see it on our list? Tell us all about it, show us photos of your finished product in the comments section, or link us to the pattern you used!