Summer knits – 10 most beautiful patterns and tips for choosing yarn
Jaa
Summer knits are an inseparable part of summer – summer is the perfect time to knit light, breathable garments. Whether you're making your first top or looking for a new favorite sweater for warm days, choosing the right summer knitting pattern and yarn will make your project a success.
In this article, we've compiled popular summer knitting patterns and tips on what types of yarns are best suited for summer wear. All the patterns mentioned can be found in our Summer Knits collection.
What makes a good summer knit?
Summer knits are usually light, airy, and comfortable to wear even in warm weather. The most popular styles include:
- t-shirts
- tops
- short-sleeved sweaters
- loose summer knits
- light cardigans
Natural fibers, good breathability, and beautiful drape are emphasized in summer knits.
10 Most Beautiful Summer Knitting Patterns
1. PetiteKnit Cumulus Tee (FI)
The Cumulus Tee is one of PetiteKnit's most popular summer knits. This light t-shirt is knitted top-down and is particularly suitable for knitting with silk-mohair or other thin yarns.
Language: Finnish
Recommended yarn:Knitting for Olive Pure Silk, Sandnes Garn Tynn Line
2. PetiteKnit Cumulus Tee O-Neck (FI)
A round neckline makes this design a classic summer knit, suitable for both everyday wear and more festive occasions.
Language: Finnish
Recommended yarn:Knitting for Olive Pure Silk, Sandnes Garn Tynn Line
3. PetiteKnit Wave Tee (FI)
The Wave Tee is an airy and modern knit that works excellently as a summer top. The simple texture also makes it enjoyable to knit.
Language: Finnish
Recommended yarn:Sandnes Garn Line
4. PetiteKnit Cloud Tee (FI)
The Cloud Tee is a light and soft sweater that combines a minimalist style with a comfortable fit.
Language: Finnish
Recommended yarn:Sandnes Garn Tynn Line
5. Somaknits, True Love Knit Top (FI, pdf)
The True Love knit top features beautiful lace patterns. The V-neck and tie-up shoulder straps make this top a real head-turner.
Language: Finnish
Recommended yarn:Sandnes Garn Line
6. PetiteKnit Ivy Tee (FI)
The Ivy Tee is an elegant t-shirt whose beautiful fit makes it a versatile garment year-round.
Language: Finnish
Recommended yarn:Sandnes Garn Sunday, Sandnes Garn Tynn Line, Knitting for Olive Pure Silk
7. PetiteKnit Ivy Top (FI)
If you're looking for a sleeveless summer knit, the Ivy Top is an excellent choice. It's light, feminine, and quick to knit.
Language: Finnish
Recommended yarn:Knitting for Olive Pure Silk, Sandnes Garn Tynn Line
8. PetiteKnit Friday Tee (ENG)
The Friday Tee is a relaxed basic style that suits almost everyone's wardrobe.
Language: English
Recommended yarn: light natural fiber yarn, e.g., Sandnes Garn Tynn Line or Knitting for Olive Pure Silk
9. Knitting for Olive Fern Tee (ENG)
The Fern Tee is a timeless summer sweater that highlights the beauty of natural fibers. The pattern is available as a printed English instruction in our Vantaa store.
Language: English (print)
Recommended yarn:Knitting for Olive Pure Silk or Knitting for Olive Merino
10. Sandnes Garn Ivy Tee (FI)
Sandnes Garn's Ivy Tee combines classic style with a modern fit. Its clear structure makes it pleasant to knit even for less experienced knitters.
Language: Finnish
Recommended yarn:Sandnes Garn Line or Sandnes Garn Tynn Line
➡️ See all summer knitting patterns in our collection
Other popular summer knitting patterns
Summer knits are also available for children. For example, PetiteKnit Sunday Tee Junior (ENG) is a popular short-sleeved children's knit.
Sandnes Garn Elva Tee (ENG) is also an excellent option if you're looking for a light and timeless summer top.
How to choose the right yarn for a summer knit?
The choice of yarn matters just as much as the knitting pattern itself. For summer knits, the following are particularly favored:
- cotton
- linen
- silk
- bamboo
- viscose
- cotton-linen blends
- merino wool for cooler summer days
If you want a particularly airy result, you can combine, for example, merino and silk-mohair. Always remember to knit a swatch to ensure your gauge matches the pattern.
Beginner's Summer Knit
If you're just starting to knit, it's advisable to choose a pattern with:
- stockinette stitch
- minimal shaping
- clear instructions
- a top-down construction
For example, the Cumulus Tee, Wave Tee, and Ivy Top are good options for a first summer knit.
Summary
A good summer knitting pattern combines a beautiful design, quality yarn, and clear instructions. PetiteKnit's and Sandnes Garn's summer knits are popular due to their timeless design, and many patterns are also available in Finnish.
When you choose a breathable natural fiber for your summer knit and knit a swatch before starting the project, you'll get a finished knit that feels comfortable even on warm summer days.
