Today I thought it would be fun to do something a little different and bring you a pattern round-up of ten knitting projects for spring and summer wearables that I would like to knit myself. As the weather has been warming up (although I am in a cardigan and shawl today because we have had a cold snap), I haven’t been as enthused about finishing my remaining winter WIPs. It’s hard to stay motivated about projects I know I won’t wear more than once before putting them away for next fall. So, my mind has been wandering to spring and summer knits instead. I have come to the idea of wearing hand knits in warm weather slowly, but looking at them from a vintage fashion perspective, I am convinced I need to add some to my own wardrobe. I had a fun time rounding up the following 10 summer knitting patterns to share with you, and you can bet they all are saved to my knitting Pinterest board for future planning!
Tops
The following tops all feature some level of eyelets or lacework in the design, so I would wear them over a camisole or tank top as layering pieces in the spring. The lighter blouses might also work over long sleeved tops in cooler weather because they are both designed to be oversized knits anyway.
Celina Summer Top with Frost-Work: The Celina is a gorgeous lacework top available in sizes XS through 3XL. It appears to be knit in two pieces and seamed together. The pattern calls for Önling’s own No. 2 Super Soft Merino yarn, which is a light DK or sport weight wool. I think this would be delightful to knit, albeit perhaps a little challenging at first, and a pleasure to wear! This pattern currently retails for $9.00.
Olga Blouse: This free pattern from Hobbii yarns is written for a cotton-viscose sport weight yarn which would be lovely and cool for summer, especially since it also features an all-over eyelet pattern. It is available in sizes S-XXL and is worked mostly in the round with the sleeves being worked separately and seamed. I love both the eyelet detail and the puff sleeves, and I think this piece lends itself very much to a vintage inspired wardrobe.
Buddleia Blouse: This vintage-inspired blouse designed by Retro Claud is a super lightweight and lacy top available in three sizes from a 34″ to 54″ bust. This free pattern is designed to be knit with a lace-weight yarn, and it has a delicate all over mesh and bobble floral motif. This would make such a lovely and versatile layering piece for spring and summer, and I think the bottom-up construction looks pretty straightforward.
The Jan Sweater: This updated vintage design by Susan Crawford currently retails for $9.00 as a single pattern, and it is also part of a book of vintage knits called A Stitch in Time, Vol. 2. This design always catches my eye because of its distinct 1930s shape and the springy buttery yellow of the sample knit. This pattern comes in a very wide size range from a 30″ to a 62″ bust and is knit in fingering weight yarn. The yarn called for is a 100% British wool, but I would be much more tempted to knit this in a good quality cotton yarn for summer.
Cardigans
Cardigans are especially handy during transitional seasons and in air conditioned spaces. I am working on increasing my short-sleeved and elbow length cardigan options this year as they would get a lot of use in my personal wardrobe. Here are two cardigan designs I would especially like to make myself in the future.
Spring Fling: Here is another pattern that caught my eye because of the buttery soft yellow color, but it was the cropped silhouette and the simple lace designs that kept my attention. This free pattern from Drops is worked in a sport weight yarn and has size variations from S-3XL. The body is worked from the bottom ribbing up with the button band being knit at the same time as the body instead of picking up stitches later. The sleeves are worked in the round separately then set in with seams at the end.
Little Peacock: This free pattern designed by Sarah Hoadley is vintage inspired, and the classic design can easily fit into any wardrobe. It was originally worked in a DK or light worsted cotton yarn, making it idea for summer wear, and the pattern offers sizes ranging from a 30″ to 50″ bust. The cardigan is worked in flat pieces with a lot of shaping for a nice fit. The garment is seamed together an includes a picking up stitches for the ribbed neckband. I like the subtle eyelet lace all over stitch pattern and think this would make a great staple piece in a neutral color to match anything in my closet.
Shawls
Sometimes it’s too warm for a cardigan or slip-on, but having a lightweight shawl to throw on in air conditioned spaces or a breezy evening is always nice. These two lacy designs look absolutely beautiful and would be light and airy enough for those summer evenings when a shawl is the perfect accessory.
Easy as Pie: Designed by Marisa Hernandez, this triangular shawl is worked top-down in fingering weight yarn on US 6 or 7 needles to achieve that very open gauge, especially when aggressively blocked, to show off the elegant lace pattern. This pattern is available as a free download via Ravelry.
Lida Shawl: This top-down triangular shawl from Quince & Co. currently retails for $6.00. It was designed to be knit in their Sparrow yarn line which is 100% linen, but I think it would work up well in a variety of natural fibers in fingering weight. The simple elegance of this shawl is created using a combination of eyelets and small cable stitches.
Socks
Even though I tend to live in sandals and ballet flats in summer, sometimes a light weight sock is called for, especially in the house. These dainty little designs would also be super cute peaking out of a pair of Mary Janes or penny loafers for a great vintage look! (Hm, I might have to keep my eye out for a pair while I am doing my spring thrift shopping!)
Lily Socks: These socks were designed by Sophie Vuong and are available for free via Ravelry. This pattern comes in 4 sizes, which is great for a free pattern! These ankle socks are knit toe-up with a series of bobble and lace stitches to create the leafy design on top of the foot. And if ankle socks aren’t your thing, there is no reason you couldn’t knit the leg portion longer if you have the yardage to do so!
Elfin Socks: Another free, toe-up sock pattern, these were designed by Iris of Hirismakes. They available in one standard size, but would be easily adaptable by a seasoned sock-knitter. The lace pattern is created using a combination of yarn overs and slipped stitches to create a pretty little diamond sort of design on top of the foot. Again, this pattern could be extended up the leg for a longer sock if desired.
And that’s a wrap! I hope you enjoyed this pattern round-up, and I would love to hear what project you would pick first for a spring/summer knit. Or share your personal favorite wearable knitting pattern that I didn’t include here. I am always up for more ideas!
Until next week, happy stitching!
Kiel
