21 Best Knitting Patterns For Summer

In the summertime when the weather is high, you can… knit. Ok, it’s not how the song goes but with our pick of not just 20 but 21 knitting patterns, you won’t be short of inspiration. Get yourself a cool drink and enjoy these delightful warm-weather designs.

Halter Neck Tank Top

Stay cool and stylish with this knitted halter neck tank top from Sirdar. It would look great paired with jeans or a casual skirt. It’s easy to knit and fastened with an I-cord tie. Download the pattern for free or order a kit with the yarn too!

Star Stitch Shrug

Follow our step-by-step knitting pattern to make this eye-catching cover-up. Whether you pair it with a dress or strappy top, it’s the perfect summer accessory. Download the pattern for free or if you’ve reached your monthly allowance, sign up to Let’s Knit Together!

Sunhat

Stay sun safe with a knitted cotton hat. Worked in the round using slip stitch colourwork, this clever sunhat knitting pattern is free to download from Drops. The yarn is a soft aran weight cotton that can be machine washed, making it a practical choice for summer.

Floaty Sleeve Top

Make a statement with sleeves. This gorgeous lace pattern transforms a classic knitted knitted top into a bold fashion choice. The pattern is designed by Lisa Richardson and can be found in Rowan Magazine 67.

Super Simple Vest

The Farrah kit by Wool and the Gang proves that the minimalist look can be just as stylish. This top is knitted in the brand’s Shiny Happy Cotton which is an aran weight cotton with fantastic drape. The pattern comes fits UK dress sizes 6 to 28.

Cold Shoulder Tops

These two easy-knit designs from Stylecraft feature on pattern leaflet 9520 and are great for improvers looking to try out some shaping. With a sleeveless or short sleeve version available, you’ll be able to look effortlessly cool throughout the summer season. Find stockists at stylecraft-yarns.co.uk

Nautical Chevron Summer Sweater

You can’t beat ocean-inspired knits for ultimate summer style and this design is easy to knit and easy to wear. Featuring a classic chevron knitting pattern, keep it modern with a dual-tone blue colour palette. Download one pattern per month for free or join Let’s Knit Together.

Mohair Shawl

A lightweight kid mohair and silk blend yarn is perfect for creating summer accessories that are warm enough to keep out the evening chills. This pretty wrap from Drops features no shaping at all so you can focus on creating the beautiful lace motifs. Access the pattern for free.

Wide Strap Top

Ooh, we love cross-over straps - just make sure you’re properly sunscreened up to avoid odd tan marks. This easy knit pattern uses mostly stocking stitch with a sturdy moss stitch edge. The styling with a matching ribbon is a fantastic suggestion. The pattern is from Bergere de France Mag 36.

Openwork Top

Using chunky needles with a thinner yarn creates an instant lace effect, as shown by this Blue Days Vest kit from Wool and The Gang. We love the gorgeous neutral colours and it’s perfect for layering with a strappy tee or bikini top. Get the all the yarn you need in this fabulous kit.

Lacy Vest

Fall in love with easy eyelets thanks to Siân Brown’s Lacy Vest knitting pattern. Available as your free monthly download, it is perfect for layering with a simple cami top. Alternatively, join Let’s Knit Together for unlimited access

Narrow Shawl

This little accessory is just the ticket when there’s a breeze but you don’t want to cover up completely. Knitted in Cascade Yarns Heritage and designed by Nancy Lekx, the Bordeaux Trellis shawl is a free pattern download from cascadeyarns.com

Eyelet Top

Combine different stitch effects in this easy knitted top. One of the designs on King Cole pattern leaflet 5615, it mixes simple stocking and moss stitch with an understated eyelet stripe. The pattern is available in sizes 8-26, it’s knitted in a great value yarn and is machine washable too. For stockists, visit kingcole.com

Short-sleeve Top

Cool cotton blend yarn? Check. Practical sleeves for summer? Check. Airy openwork pattern section? Check. Marvellous, this new pattern from Bergere de France has it all! The pattern is from the Mag 36 Women’s Wear Summer collection and is suitable for intermediate knitters.

Pom-pom Socks

Summer footlets like these will keep your feet comfy without overheating and to be honest, we’ll put pom-poms on anything if stands still long enough. That’s how much we love them. This fun little pattern can be downloaded for free at cascadeyarns.com and uses the brand’s Heritage 4ply yarn.

Seam-free Lace Tee

Working in the round allows you to make great use of the side areas on a knitted garment and we love the diamond lace detailing used in this free knitting pattern from Drops. It’s worked from the top-down which ensures a custom fit as you can try it on and make adjustments as you go.

Beaded Lace Shawl

A fine 2ply yarn will instantly make your project suited to summer and when your pattern is as beautiful as this Cantabile scarf from Cath Ward, all the better! It’s also bedecked with glittering beads to make this a truly special knit. Find out more at ravelry.com

Drop Stitch Wrap

Perfect for sunny days, this simple openwork cover-up can be knitted in preparation for the future holidays you’re planning or for sunbathing in the garden (with the proper protection, of course!). The simple stitch pattern is worked by wrapping the yarn several times around the needle. Choose this for your free monthly download or join Let’s Knit Together

Summer Poncho

Curve girls will love Noma Ndlovu’s Razzle Summer Poncho. This simple lacy knit has buttons down the side to turn it into a cunning tee. Use a cotton yarn and needles that are bigger than normal to achieve the desired effect. Buy the pattern on ravelry.com

Bikini Top

Not one for the faint-hearted or possibly the larger chested (the pattern fits cup sizes A to C), Drops’ Bikini top pattern uses sweet ruffles and nautical for a retro pin-up feel. Plus, you can knit the matching skirt to complete the outfit. Find the free pattern at garnstudio.com

Sunglasses case

If you don’t want to knit a big project this season, choose a super practical accessory instead. This colourful pouch uses linen stitch to create a dense fabric that will protect your shades from dust and scratches. Find the free download at weareknitters.com

Tell us your favourite summer styles to knit and wear on social media!