Summer knits - 5 knits and kits to inspire you!
April 01 2025 – Angeles R
Summer is the perfect time to cast on something light, breezy, and effortlessly wearable. If you’re looking for an airy top, a stylish shawl, or a go-to layering piece for cooler evenings, we’ve got just the inspiration you need.
In this post, we’re sharing five standout summer knitting projects—to make getting started a breeze. We’ll also cover the best fibres for warm-weather knitting, so you can stay cool and comfortable while you craft. Ready to find your next favourite summer knit? Keep on reading!
Choosing yarn for your summer knits
When it comes to summer knitting or crochet, choosing the right yarn makes all the difference. The best yarns for warm-weather projects are light, breathable, and comfortable against your skin.
Think cotton, linen, and silk – they’re designed to keep you cool and drape beautifully, making them perfect for creating airy tops, shawls, and accessories. These yarns also tend to be durable and easy to care for, ensuring your summer knits stay fresh and vibrant all season long.
Find some amazing yarns for your summer knits below.
Lastlong Tank by Ailbíona McLochlainn
The Lastlong tank top is the ultimate summer knit—light, breathable, and effortlessly stylish. Designed for fingering weight yarn, this versatile piece is worked from the bottom up, with a beautifully draped fisherman’s rib that flows with ease. The pattern offers flexibility, allowing you to knit it in the round or work the bodice flat, depending on your preference. Plus, with the option to modify it into a sweater vest, you can create a piece that suits your style year-round. Our knitting kit includes everything you need to get started, making it simple to cast on your perfect warm-weather staple.
About the yarn
BC Garn Lino is a 100% linen yarn that’s perfect for summer knits, offering a beautiful drape and a slight sheen that softens with wear. It’s a fantastic choice for breezy, lightweight garments like the Lastlong tank, adding both structure and movement. The sample in the image is knit in Shade 60, a soft green that pairs effortlessly with any wardrobe. Or, if you’re feeling bold, Shade 41 is a vibrant pink that makes a real statement!
Anker Summer Tee by Petite Knit
The Anker’s Summer Tee by PetiteKnit is a true summer knit classic—effortlessly stylish with a beautiful, flowy fit. Worked seamlessly from the top down, it features a structured ribbed yoke that transitions smoothly into relaxed stockinette, creating a flattering shape with plenty of movement. Raglan increases keep the design simple yet polished, and with no finishing beyond weaving in ends, it’s a satisfyingly straightforward project.
About the yarn
For this project, we’ve chosen Morning Salutation by Kremke Soul Wool, a beautifully soft and breathable DK weight yarn. Made from fine Greek cotton and TENCEL™ Lyocell, it offers a silky sheen, fantastic drape, and natural moisture-wicking properties. Its smooth structure allows stitch patterns to shine, making it a perfect match for the ribbed details of Anker’s Summer Shirt. Plus, with eight gorgeous shades to choose from, you can knit your perfect summer tee in a classic neutral or a vibrant pop of colour.
Sellwood Tee by Caitlin Hunter
The Sellwood Tee is a beautifully simple and meditative summer knit, designed for comfort and style. Worked from the bottom up in the round before transitioning to flat knitting for the upper body, it creates a seamless and polished look with minimal finishing. The easy-to-memorise stitch pattern adds just the right amount of texture, making it an enjoyable knit whether you’re a confident beginner or an experienced crafter looking for a relaxing project. Light, breathable, and endlessly wearable, this tee is a perfect go-to for warm-weather days.
About the yarn
We've paired the Sellwood Tee with Sandnes Garn Line, a beautifully balanced blend of cotton, viscose, and linen that’s perfect for summer knits. This breathable yarn combines the softness of cotton, the subtle sheen of viscose, and the cool crispness of linen, creating a fabric that’s both durable and lightweight. The result? A tee with gorgeous drape, a hint of texture, and just the right amount of structure for everyday wear. And trust us, once you knit one, you might not stop—Jacqui has already made three and is planning her next!
For colour inspiration, her latest version is in Spicy Orange—a bold, sun-soaked shade that makes a statement. If you prefer a classic neutral, Pellagra is a timeless light grey that goes with everything.
Retro Rings by Annie Lupton
Retro Rings is the perfect summer knit when you’re craving something simple, satisfying, and fun. Designed by Annie Lupton, this top-down tee is worked seamlessly in the round—so there’s no seaming, just smooth, relaxing knitting. The bold stripes are inspired by vintage beach posters, evoking sunsets, ocean waves, and carefree summer days. We’ve given this design a This is Knit twist by pairing it with our mini skein set in signature brand colours, creating a look that’s both retro and timeless.
Plus if you need a little guidance along the way, Laura has provided some handy video tutorials to help you through the process.
About the yarn
The Retro Rings kit brings together two beautifully contrasting yarns to create a striking yet soft summer knit. The main colour is worked in Semilla Silkbloom by BC Garn, a luxurious blend of 75% fine wool and 25% cruelty-free Eri Silk. This unique fibre combination offers warmth with a velvety softness, and since Eri Silk is harvested without harming the silkworms, it’s as ethical as it is elegant.
For the bold, vintage-inspired stripes, we’ve chosen Spire Singles Mini Skeins by Townhouse Yarns. These 100% merino singles take dye beautifully, creating vibrant pops of colour with a luminous, almost silken sheen. This special This is Knit edition was designed in our signature colours, with each shade named after key members of the TIK team!
Leonie Kit by Cocoknits
Leonie is the kind of summer knit you'll reach for again and again—light, slouchy, and incredibly wearable. This quick-knit tee has a relaxed fit and just the right amount of drape, making it perfect for layering. And while it's an easy, enjoyable knit, it also offers a chance to pick up some new skills, including a beautifully finished Cocoknits neckline and Shadow Wrap Short Rows for seamless dropped shoulders. It’s been a huge hit with our team—almost everyone at This is Knit has made one! Plus, if you love a bit of shimmer, there’s even a sparkly version to check out.
About the yarn
For the Leonie kit, we’ve chosen BC Garn Lino, a 100% linen yarn that drapes beautifully and has a subtle sheen—perfect for summer knits. If you prefer a denser fabric, you can hold the Lino doubled for a slightly thicker result.
For the sparkly version, we've added Stellaris by Kremke Soul Wool, a delicate lace thread that brings a touch of luxury and shimmer to your project. This combination is sure to make your Leonie tee a standout piece!
More Summer Knits!
If you'd like to check out other summer kits, we have a some other fantastic options for you in the collection below
