Cool Summer Tops
A selection of DK and cotton DK tops to create a beautiful summer wardrobe. This selection of summer knitting patterns is a mix of my favourites and the most popular patterns in my shop. Most are knitted in cotton yarn, a cool option for summer that feels good against your skin. Cotton yarn comes in a fantastic range of pastels and bold, bright colours
Number One
I love this pattern, I knitted the green top in the featured colour and wore it lots last summer. It fitted well, held its shape and was cool and comfortable to wear. I found the shaping for the sleeves and keeping the pattern correct was tricky, I eventually had to count backwards and write it down - but it was a small effort that was worth it. The pattern says 'easy knit' and, for the most part it was. But, if you are a very new knitter then I would recommend starting with the pink, short sleeve option.
Buy the pattern, yarn in a range of colours or kit to knit the green top in Cottonsoft Lime yarn
Number Two
This shoestring strap vest has a beautiful lace chevron panel at the bottom. It is an intermediate knit because this detail can be difficult. My favourite thing about this pattern is the V shaped back - the front and the back look very similar. It is a great, cool summer knit.
Buy the pattern, yarn in a range of colours or as a kit with the pattern and yarn in a choice of colours:
Dreamers (purple) | Sunseekers (yellow)
Number Three
The simplicity of these tops is what I like the most, the subtle diagonal stripes are striking and easy to knit. The recommended yarn for this project is King Cole Paradise Beaches, a machine washable acrylic and polyamide blend which is super soft and light. Buy
Number Four
A great knit for knitters with some experience, the lace detail adds texture to the stripes. This is one of my favourite vest tops and I love choosing different colour combos. The pattern gives four colour combo selections, the one pictured and a similar option with the white substituted by orange. There are also a couple of darker colourways, but I think the light, bright ones work best. Buy the pattern or yarn in a range of colours
Number Five
A simple, traditional summer cardigan knitted in cotton yarn. I like knitting projects like this, the pattern on the front is interesting and takes some effort, but I prefer this to always knitting in garter or stocking stitch. The cardigan wears best buttoned up, but you can wear it unbuttoned as a summer jacket if you prefer. Buy
Number Six
I haven't tried this pattern yet, but I've got five colours of the Cotton Socks yarn - which is what is causing the problem! I can't decide which design and which colour to do first. Once I've tried a couple, I fancy seeing if I can mix and match - option 2 with neckline 1.
Buy the pattern and the yarn or a kit in a range of colour combos:
Plain (design 3) or Rib (design 4) in Azure | Crimson | Mauve | Olive | Silver
3 Colour Stripe (design 1)
Number Seven
Bargello design is something I came across relatively recently. Bargello is a type of needlepoint embroidery consisting of upright flat stitches laid in a mathematical pattern to create motifs. It originates from a collection of chairs with a 'flame stitch' pattern found in the Bargello palace in Florence.
Given the two colour design and the cowbell sleeves, this is an intermediate knit. I haven't tried it yet, but I love it and its on my wishlist - I'd probably knit it a little longer. Buy the pattern or yarn in a range of colours
Number Eight
If you like cable patterns and are a beginner knitter then this is the pattern for you. The cable detail runs down one half of the front, for a striking, stylish look. Knitted in King Cole Paradise Beaches, this is a summer acrylic DK yarn. Buy
Number Nine
Knitted in double knit yarn with lots of lovely stitches and textures, that give it a chunky look. Choose from a round or V neck to create the perfect jacket or outer layer for cool days and summer evenings. Buy
Number Ten
This is a very popular pattern and its not hard to see why. The sleeve lengths are an integral part of the design, a wider boat neckline gives it a stylish finish and the keyhole details on the sleeve cuffs and at the back of the neck are the perfect finishing touch. Buy
Yarns
I have a range of cotton yarns including King Cole Cottonsoft and Cotton Socks (4 Ply), and Sirdar Stories. Wool and the Gang Shiny Happy Cotton is also a great quality cotton yarn, but I find it feels heavier and denser than the other yarns and the colours tend to be darker.