Knit Summer Tops Perfect for the Beach

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!

Next Pattern:

When I first started knitting again after a long absence from the craft (which has now been almost 25 years ago!) I really didn’t like garter stitch that much. I found it super boring, somehow even more boring than knitting stockinette stitch in the round, even though it’s exactly the same thing.

Over the years I’ve softened my opinion, and even grown to like garter stitch. There’s nothing wrong with being plain, and actually the texture of garter stitch is more interesting than stockinette.

Also there are fun things you can do with garter stitch to make it more interesting if you want to, such as adding stripes, working on the bias, or doing fun effects to change the look.

That’s the way with the Bernat Twist My Way Garter Knit Blanket. Using combinations of casting on and binding off creates what they call a Swiss cheese effect along two sides of the blanket. This is a lot of fun in the self-striping ombre yarn they chose for the pattern, but it would also be fun in a solid color or making your own stripes.

Despite the dramatic effect, this pattern is rated easy. It’s worked from side to side (if you consider the “cheesy” edges the top and bottom) and has an eight-row repeat that involves binding off and then casting on again to make the holes. They’re kind of like giant buttonholes.

Once you get the hang of it it’s a pretty easy repeat to remember, and it will be smooth knitting as big as you want to make it.

You can download this pattern from the Yarnspirations website for free, or you can buy a kit direct from them that includes the yarn you need (and knitting needles if you need those, too). Bernat Sport Ombre Twist, which is what is used in the pattern, comes in 12 self patterning colors and is a DK weight acrylic yarn.

[Photo: Yarnspirations]

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