Knit Summer Tops Perfect for the Beach

May 25, 2016 by Sarah White Leave a Comment

We’re still trying to work out what sort of vacation we’ll be able to take and when this summer, but our getaways usually involve the beach, so I’m thinking ahead by looking at some great knit tops perfect for covering up or staying warm while on the beach.

Of course On the Beach by Isabell Kraemer has to be on this list because it’s a classic V-neck beach sweater in cool wide stripes. This may just be the year I finally knit one! More than 1,500 people already have.

Looking for knitting patterns for knitted Cardigans? Check out these Knitting patterns we found on Etsy.

Looking for pullover and sweater patterns? Check these books out.

The Women’s Boatneck Top from Yarnspirations is another classic, worked in red and white stripes on straight needles. And check out their Beach Cover Up for the perfect loungy robe type coverup you’ll use beyond the beach.

The Playa Beach Cover Up by Allison O’Dell is another great look, and easy, too, as it’s worked in the round mostly in a mesh lace pattern. Different sized needles are used to change the shape without increasing and decreasing. And the Swim Cover Pattern from Universal Yarns is also worked in the round in a triangle mesh pattern with so much positive ease (the small has a chest measurement of 50 inches) that it doesn’t need shaping.

Long Beach from DROPS Design is a big, roomy pullover worked in mesh lace pattern that looks like zigzags and is perfect for cool evenings by the pool or the ocean. Their Lacy Tunic is another great choice, though the chart for the lace pattern is hand drawn so look at it carefully (and maybe translate it into words) before embarking on the design.

Beach by Amy Singer and Kate Watson is a great little color-blocked knit inspired by a favorite sweatshirt and perfect for cool days at the coast.

Amy Tyer’s Sirene is a cross between a cover up and a T-shirt, with a boxy shape and lacy stitch pattern, while Lion Brand Yarn’s Diagonal Mesh Pullover (free registration required) is a great top to wear over a tank no matter where your summer plans take you.

Minnie’s Cover Up from Classic Elite Yarns presents a fun challenge, translating pineapple stitch from crochet into knitting. It’s a beautiful vest-like cover that could also be worn over a simple sundress to add a little fancy.

Looking for cute beachy patterns for little girls? Try the Beach Sarafan from Elena Franklin, sized 12-18 months to 3-4 years. It’s a sweet little dress with ocean motifs. Or stitch up the Tea Party Top from Lion Brand Yarn. I made this one in cotton yarn for the girl and she’s still wearing it, even though it’s a bit short now (I also downsized it to make a matching one for her doll; so cute!).

What are you knitting for summer? I’d love to hear about it!

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Book Review: Brooklyn Tweed’s Knit & Crochet Blankets

Blankets are a great blank slate project that you can change up in a million different ways. From color to stitch pattern to size, the possibilities are almost endless.

Jared Flood, the designer behind Brooklyn Tweed, was inspired by a log cabin quilt his mother made in 1995 to re-create that design in knitting, which led to more blankets and ultimate Brooklyn Tweed’s Knit and Crochet Blankets, which includes 25 patterns from an array of designers using different skills and techniques to make cozy, pretty blankets.

The patterns are divided into three aesthetic themes: traditions, minimalism and colorplay. The patterns are rated on a scale of one to five, with one being the easiest, and there aren’t any pieces rated five. Two blankets are rated one, 14 are two, eight are three and one is four.

In addition, three of the 25 patterns are crocheted, but they either use single crochet or granny stitch, so they are pretty easy even if you don’t do a lot of crochet. You can see all the patterns on Ravelry.

Some of my favorites include Rattan by Rastus Hsu, a chunky blanket worked in knits and purls with simple crossing stitches to make a raised woven look; Homewood by Seth Richardson, covers in dramatic, loopy cables; Ainur Berkimbayeva’s Tessellate, one of the beginner projects that doesn’t really look beginner but is totally worked in knit and purl stitches; Warp + Weft by Aist? Butkevi?ien?, which is mostly knits and purls but makes a fun woven look fabric that blew my mind a little bit; and the same designer’s Canyonland, a multicolored blanket with wavy stripes.

The patterns tell you how to resize them for different dimensions and include information on pattern repeats where it is possible to make a totally custom size.

Many different techniques are included here such as cables, lace, shadow knitting, intarsia and other colorwork techniques, as well as modular knitting and lots of sewing pieces together. The patterns are all presented with charts, but there are line by line written instructions available on the Brooklyn Tweed website if you need them.

The book ends with a deep dive into log cabin knitting, telling the story of the quilt Jared’s mom made and how he made it in knitting, as well as the multitude of variations you can make if you want your own log cabin style design.

The back of the book includes a little written information about some of the special techniques needed, but there are no photos.

This is a lovely book full of inspiration for knitting and crochet blankets for any skill level. If you like to make blankets as gifts or aspire to have a handmade blanket in every room of the house, these designs would be a great place to start.

About the book: 192 pages, paperback, 25 patterns. Published 2024 by Abrams Books, suggested retail price $24.99.

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