20 Knitting and Crochet Projects to Keep You Cool This Summer
Summertime is approaching, which means it’s time to get crafty with summer wearables! As the temperatures rise you will want to shed those heavy layers and embrace the lighter fibers and fun, vibrant colors. Contrary to popular belief, knitting and crocheting are not only for cozying up during the winter months. You can create stylish and breathable pieces with lightweight yarns like bamboo, cotton, or linen to keep you cool and comfortable all summer. Read on to explore 20 knitting and crochet projects to keep you cool this summer:
Knitting:
- Summer Sorrel
This beautiful summer piece sports vibrant colors, short sleeves, and a loose fit for a wonderful time outdoors. This pattern is suitable for intermediate to expert knitters. To create it, you will work completely in the round with no purling for an effortless knitting experience. You can find this pattern on Ravelry in sizes ranging from S-XXL.
- Eternal Summer Shawl
You can create this elegant summer shawl with just 695 yards of silk yarn, or a like material, and 830 size 6 beads. The pattern requires circular 3.5mm, 3.75mm, and 4mm needles. With a light drape that is good for hot temperatures, you can use this shawl to cover up any summer outfit with style.
- Elfin Lace Socks (Free)
Whatever the weather, socks are here to stay. You can wear these Elfin Lace Socks to cover your soles while walking around your home or wear them with sneakers. This pattern is a great beginner project if you are just embarking on your knitting journey.
- Summer Hat
With the sun bearing down on you, it is important to cover your face and eyes for protection. Create your own shade with this stylish summer hat on your next outing. You can knit this hat from the top down with circular 6.5mm needles and 102-136 yards of yarn depending on the size.
- Cancun Boxy Lace Top (Free)
Use this top as a coverup for your next summer beach trip. With short sleeves and a see-through bodice, it functions perfectly as an extra layer to fend off the chill of the beach breeze. It is worked in two rectangles and then seamed together making it extremely beginner friendly. You can find this pattern for free on Ravelry including a video tutorial for more detailed information.
- Summer Sweetness Cropped Sweater
Who doesn’t like a crop top to fend off the summer heat?! You can make your own with this Summer Sweetness cropped sweater. Don’t let the name fool you. While it uses stitches traditional to knitting sweaters, this top will keep you cool with a short sleeved and a loose-fitting design. You can make it with a few skeins of your favorite bulky yarn.
- Summer Handbag and Wallet
If you need a matching handbag and wallet for your summer trip, give it a crafty flare by making it yourself. The result will be a one-of-a-kind stylish accessory to carry all your essentials. You can personalize this summer handbag with colors to match your favorite outfits for the hot weather. With basic knitting stitches, it is suitable for beginners.
- Summer Blues Low Rise Skirt
This lovely skirt has a versatile look, a short hem, and can be adapted to any style from professional to casual this summer. You will need 675-975 yards of worsted yarn, varying by size, with 4.0mm needles. It is a great beginner to intermediate pattern.
- Summer Beach Blanket (Free)
You can create your own beach or picnic basket with this stunning pattern. To knit this blanket, you will create squares and join them together as you knit. First, knit the square, turn the work 90 degrees, pick up stitches, and create another square. Repeat this process until you have completed a blanket of your desired length.
- Canyon Clay Top (Free)
This elegant top can be used for any summer event. With a graceful and casual look, you can pair it with jeans, a cardigan, and a nice summer hat for an outfit that will stun all who pass you. The pattern is available in sizes S-XXXL to fit any body. Use a lightweight yarn to create a looser fit.
Crochet
- Summer Sunflower Bag (Free)
Sunflowers add a vibrant yellow shine to your apparel. Carry them with you everywhere with this summer sunflower bag! It is spacious enough to carry all your essentials and lightweight enough for any event. You are sure to wow the crowds with this crafted piece of sunshine.
- Chasing Summer Top
This casual summer top is loose enough for the hot summer weather. Wear it with a cardigan or on its own on a walk through the city. The pattern is beginner-friendly worked with stiches like single and double crochet. If you are a fast crocheter with hours to spend in a day, you can get this done in a day or two.
- Chasing Summer Baby Dress
Give your little one in your life this lightweight summer dress paired with a baby bowed beanie. This pattern is suitable for beginner to intermediate crocheters with a video tutorial available for free. You can change the colors of the dress to suit your preferences. Remember to use yarn that is soft enough for your baby.
- Summer Splendor (Free)
Adorn your home in summer with these elegant place mats. Place one under your table centerpiece or use them when guests are over. The practicality of this crafty mat is one of its wonderful traits. You can work this pattern in the round with only a few hundred yards of yarn. If you’re in the mood for an easy, quick project to complete, give the Summer Splendor mat a try.
- Summer Dress (Free)
There are no special stitches with this elegant summer dress. Being made up of only single crochet and double crochet stitches, it is a perfect project for any beginner wanting to delve into wearables. Some easy sewing is involved for the buttons. Best of all, this pattern is available for free on the Knitcroaddict website in sizes XS-XXL.
- Summer Berries Scrunchies
If you have long hair, you will inevitably need to pull it back during those sizzling summer days. Dress up your scrunchies for a stylish, crafty look to your next updo with this beginner-friendly pattern. You can make these in about any color for all your trendy looks.
- Portofino Bag Set (Free)
This portofino bag set is adaptable to any color of your choice. The pattern includes the bag, which you will work flat for the base and then in rounds to make the body and straps. It also includes a handy water bottle carrier for your trips to the market. The pattern is available for free and includes images, diagrams, and written instructions.
- Summer Sun Hat (Free)
There is no better way to shield your face from the sun than to wear a graceful sunhat. Sunhats are a great accessory for any outing. You can find this pattern for free and can create it with raffia yarn. Due to the toughness of the yarn material, it is recommended that you take breaks from crocheting and work through this pattern slowly.
- Summer Fade Hexie Blanket
Make your own picnic blanket this year with this intricate design. Made entirely of hexagons in different colors, the Summer Fade Hexie Blanket is sure to stun any passer byers. Since the pattern is involved, you want to give yourself plenty of time to complete this project before the summertime begins.
- Summer Shorts
If you want to stay cool this summer, try crocheting your own shorts! This pattern sports a loose waistline available in sizes XS-XXL. You can adapt the pattern to suit any color for all your summer apparel. It is available for purchase on Ravelry, or for free with ads on the Knitproaddict website.
Remember, crocheting and knitting is for any occasion, including the hot summer weather. You can bring your talent to your wardrobe this year with these wearables or create items with practical use for your summer ventures. Whatever your style, there is something for you to craft before the hot weather takes over.
