Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Knit Summer Tops Perfect for the Beach

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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. womens-beach-tops

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. summer tops for girls

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!

Have you read?

Free Knitted Crown Pattern for Kids and Adults: A Sweet Handmade Dress-Up Idea

There’s something wonderfully charming about a knitted crown. It’s playful, useful for the dress-up basket, and just the sort of small project that gives a leftover ball of yarn a proper purpose. Much better than letting it roll around the cupboard for another three years.

This free knitted crown pattern for kids and adults combines a simple garter-stitch band with shaped triangular points. The mustard-gold colour gives it that storybook crown look, although pink, purple or woodland green would be equally lovely.

A Manageable Next Step for Beginner Knitters

The construction is the appealing part of this design. Everything is knitted flat, so you won’t need double-pointed needles or experience joining stitches in the round.

You knit the band first, then work each crown point separately over a group of 12 stitches. Paired decreases gradually narrow each triangle, giving you a small, repeatable section to concentrate on.

I’d describe this as a confident beginner knitting project. You’ll need to know how to knit, work two types of decreases, hold unused stitches and sew a simple seam. There are several yarn tails to weave in, so a little patience with finishing will help.

Three Sizes With Room to Personalise

The pattern includes three sizes, with seven, eight or nine crown points. Choose by the wearer’s head measurement rather than age, and check your gauge carefully. Yarn stretch will make a noticeable difference to the fit.

For birthdays, an embroidered initial would be a sweet finishing touch. Contrasting yarn diamonds could suggest little jewels without adding hard embellishments.

What to Know Before Casting On

This is a soft knitted crown, so expect gentle points rather than a rigid costume accessory. A springy wool or wool-blend yarn should give the shaping more support than a very drapey yarn.

The stitch calculations have been checked, but the design has not yet been sample-knitted. The accompanying image is an illustrative mockup, so the finished texture and proportions may vary with your yarn and tension.

For a small handmade birthday accessory or a cheerful addition to the dress-up box, this is an appealing idea. And if an adult needs a matching crown for supervising the royal household, the larger size has that covered too.