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!

There is something wonderfully nostalgic about a pair of handmade bed socks, isn’t there? They are practical, pretty, and just the sort of project that feels like it belongs beside a cup of tea, a good film, and a basket of wool that is pretending not to be overflowing.

This vintage Bed Socks knitting pattern is one of those sweet little patterns that still feels useful today. Originally from the Jaeger Hand-Knit Series No. 44, the design features a simple garter-stitch foot, a ribbed cuff, eyelet holes, a crochet chain tie, and little tassel-style pom-poms at the front. The original pattern even describes them as “a very acceptable present,” and honestly, I don’t think much has changed there.

These would make a lovely handmade gift for someone who is always cold, someone recovering or resting, or anyone who appreciates a bit of old-fashioned comfort. They would also be beautiful as a Mother’s Day gift, a winter birthday present, a Christmas stocking filler, or a “just because you deserve cozy feet” project.

The pattern itself is delightfully simple in construction. The socks are knitted flat, beginning at the lower edge, with the foot worked in garter stitch before moving into the ribbed upper section. The decorative eyelet row allows for a crochet chain cord to be threaded through, and the finishing tassels give the socks that charming vintage look. The top edge is finished with a row of double crochet, which adds a neat handmade touch.

The original measurements list the socks as approximately 10½ inches from the top to the lower edge of the heel, with a 9¾ inch foot length, and the pattern notes that the size can be adapted. As with many vintage knitting patterns, modern knitters will want to check gauge carefully and choose a soft yarn that feels comfortable against the skin. A cozy wool blend, soft acrylic, or washable yarn would all work depending on whether you are making these for everyday use or as a special gift.

I especially love that this pattern has that “giftable” quality without being a massive project. It is small enough to feel achievable, but still special enough that the finished pair looks thoughtful. And let’s be honest, handmade socks with pom-poms are always going to beat a last-minute candle from the supermarket.

The PDF version has been cleaned up and formatted for easier reading while keeping the original vintage design intact. It also includes a modern pink mockup image and the original vintage scan, so you get both the historical charm and a fresh idea of how the finished socks could look today.

If you enjoy vintage knitting patterns, cozy handmade gifts, or quick projects that feel useful rather than just decorative, this sweet little bed socks pattern is a lovely one to add to your collection.

You can find the Vintage Bed Socks Knitting Pattern PDF in the CraftGossip Etsy store.

For supplies, this is also a nice stash-friendly project. A soft yarn from Mary Maxim or Amazon would work well, and if you make pom-poms regularly, a small pom-pom maker is one of those inexpensive tools that saves a surprising amount of fiddling.

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