Summer Crochet and Knit Projects to Help You Unwind
It’s no secret that that world has changed radically since the beginning of 2020. Burnout is very real in times of emotionally heightened experiences, and many of us are navigating rapid shifts in perspective and routine as we learn to fight racism and continue to face COVID-19.
For many of us, summer can be a season to slow down our pace, rest, and recharge. Here at CFC, we want to encourage you to take time to care for yourself as you enter a summer that might look different from summers past. Knitting, crochet, and other creative endeavors can be a powerful form of self-care, and a way to fight burnout and keep your motivation strong for things that truly matter (psst… read this fantastic post on burnout in the midst activism by @vahinishori… we promise it's important).
If you’re in need of a mental health reset in the form of a summer knitting project, we’d love to share some of our favorite patterns with you. In every season of life, we’re committed to supporting our fellow creatives of all ages, races, religions, countries of origin, sexual orientations, genders, and abilities. We hope you’ll join us and support diversity amongst small businesses and independent pattern creators!
Summer Knit Tops to Make
Razzle Summer Poncho
Image via @biggerthanlife_knits on Instagram
Ponchos aren’t just for cold weather anymore! Plus, who can resist the subtle scalloped edge? Layer this breezy design by Nomagugu Ndlovu (@biggerthanlife_knits on Instagram) over a camisole or tank for a casual daytime outfit throughout summer. Make yours with added softness and texture with CFC Flax DK yarn.
Get the Razzle Summer Poncho pattern here.
Summer Secret Crop
Image via @jessssiemae on Instagram
When it’s hot outside, ditch the sleeves… and full-length shirts, for that matter. Stay cool in an easy-to-make but oh-so-stylish crop top created by Jessi Maed Designs (@jessssimae on Instagram). Made with delicate fingering weight yarn, the Summer Secret Crop is a lightweight summer stable that lets you show off a little skin (and your knitting skills, of course).
P.S. Jessi Maed Designs is offering this pattern for free and instead asking for donations to encourage fellow creatives to knit with purpose and intention. Find more details on this Instagram post.
Get the Summer Secret Crop pattern here.
Mermaid Top
Image via @ragingpurlwind on Instagram
Mermaid vibes scream summer, and so does the gorgeous Mermaid Top designed by Rebecca McKenzie (@ragingpurlwind on Instagram). We can’t stop swooning over the seaside-inspired details at the collar. Plus, Rebecca sells this pattern as both a full-length T-shirt AND a crop top. Both are perfect for advanced beginners and knit with DK weight yarn from the bottom up. Can’t decide which one to make? We vote both!
Get the Mermaid Top Pattern here, or the Mermaid Crop Top pattern here.
Crochet Patterns for Summer
Sweetpea Top
Image via @evelynandpeter on Instagram
Beginner-friendly? Check. Breathable? Of course. Goes with a fancy skirt or casual denim shorts? For sure. Easy to make with your favorite DK yarn? Yup! The Sweetpea Top designed by Rachel Milsner (@evelynandpeter on Instagram) checks all the boxes for a simple, beautiful summer V-neck T.
Get the Sweetpea Top pattern here.
Rebel Cami
Image via @tlyarncrafts on Instagram
Meet your new favorite tank top. A halter neckline keeps you cool, and the subtle bauble design give this tank a dose of personality. The original version designed by Toni Lipsey (@tlyarncrafts on Instagram) is made from 100% cotton yarn, but we’d love to see it with added texture using CFC Flax DK yarn!
Get the Rebel Cami pattern here.
The Best Summer Knitting and Crochet Patterns
What are some of your favorite summer crochet and knit patterns? Do you have a favorite designer we should know about? Let us know!
If you're looking for the perfect summer yarn for one of these projects, look no further than our CFC Flax yarns. Choose from breezy DK weight or fingering weight yarn in this linen, alpaca, and silk blend. Any of signature colorways can help you create stunning heirloom pieces you can enjoy for years to come, but we're excited to introduce our newest color, Blue Poppy. Inspired by blue skies and the open ocean, we've thoughtfully created this color to bring a sense of calm and peace for your summer knits.
We can’t wait to see your summer creations! Tag us on Instagram @camelliafibercompany to share your works of art. From our CFC family to yours, we wish you a relaxing summer of knitting, crocheting, and recharging your soul.