When I first got into knitting, I assumed it was strictly a winter sport. Best enjoyed under six layers of soft, squishy merino, ideally with a biscuit. But no! Summer knitting is a whole different game. The summer knitting pattern scene has exploded in the last few years: there’s a whole host of lightweight yarns, breezy silhouettes and sharp, modern shapes. All this means you can have a (slightly smug) handmade wardrobe staple for each season of the year. And quite frankly, I’m here for it.
Here’s my handpicked list of 10 stunning summer knitting patterns that have me reaching for my needles.
1. Mellow Tee by Wieseknit
I love the silhouette of this Mellow Tee (those statement ribbed sleeves!) – it looks like the perfect lazy Sunday project: relaxed fit, dreamy drape, just enough stitch interest to keep your hands happy without demanding three cups of coffee and a prayer. Fingering weight yarn keeps it light and breathable, so it’s perfect for layering, lounging or pretending you’re that person who glides effortlessly through a summer brunch.
It’s available in adult and junior sizing, and they’ve just bought out a dress version which I’m eyeing up!
My yarn pick
Cascade Heritage Silk in Limestone* – I’m thinking this 85% merino, 15% silk blend might give this top the flexibility to wear at both ends of the summer season.
Tech specs
- Fingering weight
- Top-down
- Seamless
- Short row shaping
- Stockinette and ribbing
- Sizes XS to 3XL
2. Darjeeling Blouse by Trust the Mojo
What can I say? A picot edge, a saddle shoulder, feather and fan detailing. It’s a design that looks sharp but feels soft. I’ve actually made this (it only took me just over a week to smash through this) but I haven’t worn it yet because I needed to seam the button edges together as there was a bit of pulling and gaping of the fabric (totally my own problem, nothing to do with the pattern). Designed in sport weight yarn, it offers a bit more heft than your typical summer knit. Breathable (especially if you knit it in the recommended cotton) but with just the right amount of structure to elevate your outfit.
There’s a vest top version, the Darjeeling Top, available as well for the hottest of summer days.
My yarn pick
Katia Concept Cotton-Cashmere in 56 – you bet I picked the recommended yarn for this beautiful pattern, and it is a dream to work with.
Tech specs
- Sport weight
- Bottom-up
- Picot edge
- Feather and fan lace
- Saddle shoulder
- Stockinette
- Sizes XS to 4XL
3. The Wrap Top (or Bra) by Naked Knit
Okay, hear me out: knitted bras sound impractical until you realise you get to lounge around in pure cottony smugness all summer. This wrap-style number is so flattering and its top-down construction means the length is fully adjustable to suit your tastes. Crop it as short as you like, or go long for a more modest fit. Frankly this would be adorable layered under an open shirt.
Simple stockinette but with a construction that adds interest to a knitting project – I think I’m going to be adding a bra top to my collection soon.
My yarn pick
Malabrigo Caprino in Whole Grain* – A beautiful multicolour would look lovely with this pattern, 80% merino, 20% cashmere blend.
Tech specs
- DK weight
- Top-down
- Stockinette
- Only 50-100 yardage (46-91 m)
- Sizes S/M/L
4. Linnea Dress by Sandnes Garn
If you’re ready to flirt with full-on garment commitment, the Linnea Dress is worth every minute. Featuring delicate straps and a floaty A-line shape, it’s the knitted equivalent of a summer picnic. (But without the wasps.)
A quick heads-up though: the pattern is available only in the Sandnes Garn 2404 sommerstrikk collection, and many yarn shops will require you to buy the yarn alongside it. Bit of a faff, I know. But the crochet edging? Absolutely captivating! Linnea strikes that beautiful balance between simplicity and fine detail that makes a piece feel truly special.
My yarn pick
Sandnes Garn Tynn Line in Kitt – no need to overcomplicate things. This is a beautiful linen yarn with a lovely drape and one of the intended yarns for this pattern.
Tech specs
- DK weight
- Bottom-up
- A-line
- Stockinette
- Knit and crochet
- Sizes XS to 3XL
5. Melides Dress by vert knit
Or maybe you want something with a bit more oomph. Enter: the Melides Dress. A figure-hugging, eye-catching design that looks effortlessly chic whether you’re barefoot at the beach or sipping something chilled at a fancy meal. It’s got presence, but no fuss.
I love that it can be worn back to front and front to back – it’s like getting two dresses for the price of one! Recently vert knit has teased the drop of the new, equally beautiful GIRL dress, so there are options! (Am I a dress knitter now?)
My yarn pick
West Yorkshire Spinners Exquisite 4 ply* in any colour! This yarn is exceptional and with its 80% merino, 20% silk content, it’s a drapey dream.
Tech specs
- Fingering weight
- Provisional cast on
- Worked flat
- A-line
- Buttoned
- Seamless
- 75-155 cm (30-62″) bust circ
6. Pi Camisole by Creadia Studio
You’ve probably seen the Pi Camisole doing the rounds, unless you’ve been hiding under a rock (in which case: fair play, it’s been a year). I first clocked it on Hip Knit Hooray’s podcast, I think Rebecca’s made more than one. And honestly, I can see why.
With its halter neckline and wide ribbed panels, the shape is fresh and slightly unexpected. There’s something really satisfying about the geometry of it. Bold, clean lines that still feel soft and wearable. I can picture it layered under a floaty shirt, or styled with a pair of denim shorts for a day at the beach. It’s one of those pieces that does it all.
My yarn pick
Gepard Garn Wild & Soft 4 ply in Golden, because I wear autumn colours all year round.
Tech specs
- Fingering weight
- Top-down
- Seamless
- Stockinette and ribbing
- Sizes XXS to 3XL
7. Twist Loop Top by Other Loops
The Twist Loop Top pulls off that elusive ‘just thrown together but secretly plotted for weeks’ look. A classic silhouette that’s elevated by its clever twist details. This is another piece that is statement enough to be worn on its own, but works well layered with a white shirt too. It’s suggested yarn is a merino/cashmere blend, but a lot of people have made this with cotton or silk for a lighter “summer” knit.
I have a real sweet tooth for patterns that look deceptively simple but hide a bit of technical flair – and this one scratches that itch nicely.
My yarn pick
Onling No.11 in grey, this merino/cashmere blend will mean the Twist Loop Top is perfect layering piece all year round.
Tech spec
- Fingering weight
- Top-down
- Cables
- Ribbing
- Sizes XS to XXL
8. Top Ana by Mochi Knits
I am so knitting this! Top Ana is the breath of fresh air my summer wardrobe needs: classic lines, spaghetti straps and the kind of clean simplicity that makes you feel ten times more stylish. I can already see it paired with a satin midi skirt for something a bit fancy, or dressed down with relaxed jeans for a more laid-back look. Definitely won’t have a problem with cost-per-wear with this one!
The suggested yarn is a laceweight cotton-linen blend, held double. Meaning it’s got structure, breathability and that deliciously crisp feel linen lovers will swoon over. Love. This.
My yarn pick
Sandnes Garn Tynn Line in Moss Green – a pop of colour in this fingering weight yarn will be a perfect breathable summer knit!
Tech spec
- Light fingering weight
- Bottom-up
- In the round
- Ribbing
- Sizes XS to 2XL
9. Thea Top by Susanne Müller
I’ve purchased this pattern but have yet to cast on. The Thea Top is one of those deceptively simple tops that absolutely earns its keep. A breezy, boxy vest in smooth stockinette with a nice amount of positive ease. It’s the sort of knit I’d wear on repeat. It is a worsted weight, so slightly heavier than my other summer picks, but knitted in linen it’s still a cool contender for those hotter months.
I love the no-fuss vibe of it. I can see myself throwing it on over wide-leg trousers or a slip dress. It’s not trying too hard, but still manages to look brilliantly intentional. That quietly chic, minimalist look that we’re seeing in the high street stores all the time.
My yarn pick
Isager Hør Organic Linen in Linen. This lustrous linen yarn from Isager would suit the Thea Top perfectly held double!
Tech spec
- Worsted weight
- Top-down
- Seamless
- Stockinette
- Sizes S to XXL
10. Tonight Top by Lily Kate France
“Why are you including a high-neck top in your summer edit?” I hear you ask. Fair question. But the Tonight Top more than earns its place. Its got sleek ribbing and a flattering silhouette. It’s surprisingly airy for a higher neckline. Perfect for those evenings when the sun dips but you’re still lingering outdoors with a spritzer in hand.
There are some lovely details hidden in this design too. The double-knit edging at the armholes, a delicately textured faux seam detail on the sides and that gorgeous 2×2 ribbed mock turtleneck. It feels structured, polished and has a quiet sort of drama that doesn’t need to shout. Think alfresco dinners, rooftop drinks or just looking fabulous while taking the bins out. (We’ve all done it.)
My yarn pick
Eden Cottage Yarns Titus 4 ply in Bark or Compost – I’d love to use a hand dyed yarn for this top, and ECY’s Titus blend of 75% superwash merino with 25% silk would be my pick of the bunch!
Tech spec
- Fingering weight
- Top-down
- Stockinette and ribbing
- Seamless
- 71-155 cm (28-62″) bust circ
Consider this your summer wardrobe nudge
So there we have it. My summer knitting pattern edit for 2025. I certainly won’t get round to knitting all of these (let’s be honest), but summer knits by their very nature don’t take very long. Dresses notwithstanding.
The optimist in me would like to think I could at least get two of these on and off my needles before the autumn chill rolls in. Let’s see shall we?
What summer knits will you be casting on? Are any of these calling your name? Tell me everything!
Beth x
*Just so you know, some of the links in this post are affiliate links — which means if you click through and buy something, I might earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). It helps keep the yarn cupboard stocked and the kettle full. Thanks for supporting the blog!