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A Knit Vest to Get You Ready for Summer

May 30, 2025 by Sarah White

I know that my posts can be read at different times of year and in different years by different people, but as I write this we’re on teh cusp of summer. And I know a lot of people don’t knit as much, and certainly don’t wear a lot of knits in the summer, but I want to encourage you to make and to wear your makes no matter the temperature.

To introduce you to the joys of summer garment knitting, I offer the Tied Vest from Lion Brand Yarn.

This easy project is great to make and wear throughout the year but it’s especially good for summer. It’s worked flat in one piece from the bottom up, mostly in stockinette stitch with a seed stitch edging. The I-cord ties are worked directly onto the garment so you don’t have to sew them on.

The project uses worsted weight yarn, and calls for a blend of cotton and hemp that’s great for warm weather.

There are eight size options, ranging from a finished chest measurement of 35 to 62.5 inches, or 89 to 159 cm. That makes it sound like it should be worn with at least a few inches of positive ease, but the pattern doesn’t specify.

The ties at the front give it a casual look and make it great to wear over a tank top or T-shirt when the weather is warm.

I also think this one would be good to knit in wool or a warmer fiber, too, to make a version you could wear more comfortably in the winter months, too. Though of course you could layer the summer version over a long-sleeved shirt and wear it throughout the year, too.

The tied vest is a free pattern available from Lion Brand. You can also purchase a kit that includes the yarn and optional needles and stitch markers if you need them.

[Photo: Lion Brand Yarn]

Knit an Easy Hooded Vest

Knit Vests to Help Transition to Warmer Weather

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Have you read?

Book Review: Best Dressed Crab and Friends – Knitted Sea Creatures With an Ocean of Outfits

I knew I was going to like this book the moment I saw a crab wearing a puffer vest.

Best Dressed Crab and Friends by Karla Courtney is one of those knitting books that’s completely unnecessary in the very best possible way. Do we need knitted sea creatures with entire wardrobes? Probably not. Do I now want a lobster in a sweater sitting on my craft-room shelf? Absolutely.

The book includes patterns for six knitted sea creatures, including a crab, turtle, lobster and puffin, along with an impressive 44 little garments and accessories.

And the outfits are where this book really becomes fun.

There’s a crab with a bum bag and puffer vest, a puffin in a varsity jacket and a turtle with interchangeable shells. You can knit pumpkin, strawberry, peppermint, gingerbread and Christmas tree shell designs, so apparently even turtles need seasonal wardrobes now.

There is also an oversized turtle shell with a hidden pocket for a hot water bottle, which is both slightly bonkers and rather brilliant.

Plenty of Room to Make Them Your Own

Looking through the preview pages, I particularly like the little colourwork sweater charts. You can follow the designs provided or start mixing colours and motifs to create completely different outfits.

The patterns are supported by a techniques section, photos and charts, so although the finished creatures look quite detailed, the instructions are designed to be approachable.

If knitted animals with wardrobes are already your thing, have a look at our review of Knitted Wild Animal Friends, which includes 12 knitted animals and their clothes.

We’ve also previously reviewed Knitted Animal Friends, another lovely choice if your yarn stash is slowly turning into a miniature knitted zoo.

More Than Just Cute Knitting Patterns

One nice extra is that Best Dressed Crab and Friends also includes marine facts from scientists and fishermen, including lobsterman Jacob Knowles.

Author Karla Courtney is already known online for her wonderfully quirky knitted sea creatures, with her videos clocking up millions of views, so turning them into a full pattern collection feels like a very natural next step.

What I like most about this book is that it doesn’t take itself too seriously. These are the sorts of knitting projects that make people smile.

They’re fun to make, fun to photograph and would make very memorable handmade gifts.

Would I Buy It?

Yes.

Especially for the knitter who already owns plenty of sensible knitting books and needs something a little more playful.

It’s a great pick for anyone who enjoys knitted toys, colourwork, novelty knitting or making ridiculously tiny clothes.

And really, if you’ve ever wanted to knit a fashionable crab, this may finally be your moment.

Best Dressed Crab and Friends: Knitted Sea Creatures with an Ocean of Outfits is published by GMC Publications and is due for release on September 8, 2026.

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