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Easy Tops to Knit for Summer

April 27, 2016 by Sarah White

The weather is officially warm here in Arkansas, and all I want to do is knit summery tops. So I decided to hit up Ravelry for some easy, quick projects that those of us who are already feeling the warm can knit now and have off the needles pretty quickly, while those in cooler climates can start working on soon and have done in plenty of time to enjoy for as long as their warm season is.

One that has been on my to-knit list for so long I bought the pattern booklet and the yarn back when it was first released and now the pattern is free is Flow by Norah Gaughan. This simple tank top looks like something I would live in all summer, and this may just be the year I finally get it knit.

Stefanie Japel’s Bad Penny is another little top I’ve meant to make forever. (It’s from a 2004 Knitty.) It’s a top-down tee with contrasting edgings that’s super cute and casual.

I’ve also had Sarah Wilson’s Blue Hawaii tank on my mind for a few years. I like the lacy top and that it’s something that can carry you from beach to dinner, as if I ever do that, but stil.

Sunkist by Kristin Kapur is a super-cute, easy, top-down raglan V-neck originally worked with 3/4 sleeves, but you could make them shorter if you don’t need so much chill-chasing (I always need an extra layer to protect against air conditioning).

The original version of Rosa’s Sleeveless Cardi-Jumper by Emma Fassio was worked in a bulky alpaca blend, but choose cotton yarn linen or another lighter-weight blend for a great summer piece.

Another great Knitty project is Askew, a bias-knit tank worked in lovely Noro Silk Garden; it’s a great layering piece you can use in many seasons.tank top knitting patterns

More tanks: a simple tank top from Patons, the Sarah Tank Top (yes, please!) from Domestic Dutchess, the Top Knitted in Moss Stitch by DROPS Design, the Simple Knit Top from Crafty Queens, Summer in Luxembourg by Totally Stricken, Elaine Phillips’ Vine Lace Tank Top with I-cord, the seamless Summer Breeze by Dana Berry and Scarlet Taylor’s Lace Up Tank Top.

Looking for more patterns? Check out these Summer Knit books on Amazon
t-shirt knitting patterns

And short-sleeved tops: Paloma by Kyoko Nakayoshi (which is worked on the top in Garter Stitch and has buttons along one side), the Drop Stitch Top from Patons, the Summer Lace Panel T-Shirt from Cascade Yarns, Rebecca Airmet’s Top-Down Tee, the Easy Side-t0-Side Summer Top by Claudia Olson and the Summer Top with Lace Pattern from DROPS Design.

That ought to keep you going for a while. If you have a favorite summer top pattern you’ve knit before, I’d love to hear about it!

Next Pattern:

  • Book Review - Easy Knit Summer Tops: 15 Warm Weather Knits
  • Easy Tops to Knit for Spring and Summer
  • More Tops to Knit for Summer
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Comments

  1. freetoairphoenix says

    May 2, 2016 at 3:29 pm

    This is a FANTASTIC post! knits for SUMMER!! I was just pining over how May is already here and now what do I do?? and found this post. Awesome. The tops are gorgeous too, by the way.

Have you read?

Knitting Pattern Review: Sabai Top by PaulaStrickt

Trending now — and for good reason!

Alright fellow knitters, if you’ve been scrolling through Instagram or Pinterest lately, you’ve probably spotted the Sabai Top popping up everywhere. And let me tell you — the hype is totally justified. This lightweight, drapey top by PaulaStrickt has quickly become a must-knit, and it’s easy to see why.

The Sabai Top has that magical mix of style and simplicity. With its elegant A-line shape, soft rolled neckline, and relaxed fit, it flatters every body and suits just about every wardrobe. It’s knit top-down in the round, which means no seams (yes please!), and it flows beautifully thanks to its clever shaping.

It’s ideal for warmer weather and perfect for layering. I’ve seen it styled casually over jeans or thrown over a sundress, and honestly? It looks stunning every single time. That easy, wearable style is what’s made this one take off in the knitting world right now.

PaulaStrickt’s instructions are beautifully laid out, with both English and German versions included. It’s written with clarity and care, and includes helpful photos throughout. I’d say it’s best for confident beginners and up — if you’re comfortable knitting in the round and shaping, you’ll be right at home.

The sizing is generous and inclusive, and it’s so adaptable with different fibres. Linen, cotton, bamboo blends — they all shine in this pattern. I’ve cast on with a blush cotton-linen from my stash, and it’s knitting up like a dream.

This is one of those patterns you just know you’ll make more than once. The fit, the drape, the ease… it’s everything I want in a handmade top. No wonder it’s trending — it’s the kind of timeless knit that never really goes out of style.

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