Knitting

Patterns, projects and techniques

A Top Knitting Pattern Designed with Summer in Mind

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Jacqueline Cieslack’s Sol knit top was developed for a collection celebrating the summer solstice, and it’s just the thing to knit and wear at the height of summer.

It’s a cropped (though there’s an option for a full-length version as well) tank top with a fun lace and bobble panel running up and down one side. It can be worn with all sorts of ease depending on how you like it, and the pattern has nine sizes, ranging from a 34.25 inch chest measurement to 69 inches.

I love Jacqueline’s roundup of test knitting results with all the details on what size was knit, how much ease each garment has and what modifications if any the knitter made. This makes it easier to envision what the finished garment might look like on you given your size and preferences for ease.

You can also buy the pattern direct from her website if you’re staying off Ravelry for now. (Link for Ravelry is here.) in either case the pattern runs $8.

[Photo: Jacqueline Cieslack.]

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Summer Headband Knitting Patterns

Some knitters have trouble coming up with projects they can both knit and wear when it’s warm outside. Especially if you’re not ready for garments (thought tank tops and summer tops are great first garment projects!) it might seem like there’s nothing to do when it’s hot outside.

One way to remedy this situation is by knitting headbands. Headbands are great any time of year to keep hair out of your face and make you look a little more pulled together without any effort. Wider headbands double as ear warmers when it gets colder, but skinnier ones are great throughout the year.

A couple of great examples are from designer Elly Donner, who has a set of headband knitting patterns on Ravelry you can buy individually or as an ebook. Homebody, shown here, is worked in garter stitch (the ties are crocheted but you could also use I-cord), while Slipstream uses slipped stitches and garter ridges, and Sounds of Spring has little cables. The patterns use DK weight yarn and are a great way to use a little leftover yarn from another project.

I also recently came across the lovely Plush Braided Headband by Yevgeniya Li. A free pattern on Ravelry, this wider design is covered in lush cables for a sleek and fancy look. It uses worsted weight yarn and you can customize the length for a perfect fit.

Celeste Knitwear’s Spikelet is a simple twisted headband with columns of eyelet lace to keep it from being too heavy. It’s worked flat and sewn together to make the twist, and uses DK weight yarn. It has three sizes available.

This skinny lace headband from Lusi Knits is another cute choice. It calls for fine weight cotton yarn, but you could use heavier yarn if you have it on hand to make a wider headband (or use any fine yarn you have available). It uses ties to customize the fit.

And if you want to go super basic but still really cute, try the easy ring headband from Lulu Pattern. The sample is knit pretty wide, but you could make a narrower version if you want, and the little ring turns it from a plain loop into a bow with very little extra work. It calls for worsted weight yarn but you could also use whatever weight you like for this one to change up the look and size.