Knitting for summer temperatures
As soon as the days get longer and warmer, we start thinking about our summer wardrobe. We then prefer to knit tops. They are airy, light and quick to knit without sleeves. As we are big fans of summer tops in all sorts of variations, we'd like to take a closer look at these quick-knit summer companions today. You're sure to find a favorite piece in our selection that you'll want to wear again and again.
Because as a wise knitter once said? "If it doesn't have sleeves, it doesn't count as a project". If that's not a reason to add a top or two to your knitting list this summer!
What makes a summer top?
Are you one of those knitters who sometimes lose the motivation to knit sleeves? Then summer tops are a welcome change for you! Because this is the outstanding feature: summer tops are always knitted without sleeves.
What sounds simple is actually very varied. Should the style be rather plain or do you like it patterned? And then there's the question of the neckline and the straps. Whether you choose a tank top with a relatively narrow neckline or a version with spaghetti straps and a plunging neckline is up to you.
Knitted straps are also a lot of fun, as with our maschenfein Hedda top. As you would expect from an airy summer piece, you are working with the pure silk yarn Pure Silk from Knitting for Olive. Another advantage: you can adjust the strap and top length individually. Because no matter what time of year it is - in the end, knitwear should fit properly!
Tank tops
Tops that are cut to resemble a T-shirt without sleeves are known as tank tops. Tanks, as they are also known, usually have a cool and casual look. They are just as suitable for a casual look with jeans and sneakers as they are under a blazer for business meetings. Of course, everything is possible, from timeless basic pieces to more playful versions.
Tops with spaghetti straps
When we think of spaghetti, we think of a delicious portion of our favorite pasta - often in an iced version. The fact that there are also tops with this name is no coincidence. The word "spaghetti" comes from the Italian and means "little string". In fashion, it refers to the narrow strap width of the garment. Such tops are very airy and show more skin.
The glorious agony of choice in design
Once you have decided what kind of top you want, you need to decide on the style. We can basically make use of the entire range that knitwear designers have in their repertoire. Most of them have at least one top in their portfolio. We have already shown you rather plain tops above with the tanks and the spaghetti straps. Now let's take a look at some more eye-catching designs.
For example, a plain top can be made more eye-catching by giving it a melange look. To do this, simply knit the top in two threads with a thinner yarn - and choose these two threads in different colors. Or how about straps with a ruffled look? A vest worn as a top is also a real eye-catcher.
Structure
If the cut of the top is rather simple, you can really let off steam with the structure of the knitwear. The designers of the tops we have selected for this category must have had something like this in mind. As beautiful as mindless knitting is, it is sometimes even nicer to keep your mind awake by knitting varied patterns.
Pattern
Is structure still too little for you? Would you prefer your top to have more pattern? No problem, we've got that covered for you too! Perforated patterns are particularly popular for tops. This is particularly suitable in summer, as it makes your wardrobe even more airy. And if it's a little cooler, tops with a lace pattern can be worn perfectly with a fine, light undershirt underneath.
Strips
Stripes always work! When you're wearing them and also when you're knitting, when "Oh, I'll knit one more stripe" suddenly makes you progress much faster. Do you think classic horizontal stripes are boring? We'll prove you wrong.
Fine details
Now we show you the supreme discipline of summer tops: simple designs with fine details. This always fits when you like it basically best plain, but still do not want to miss the little breeze of extravagance. Or also if you want to put an exciting pattern especially in the scene. Less is actually more here.
Undecided?
Now we've made your mouths water, haven't we? So much so that you can't decide what to start with? If the choice is too difficult, something small would be just the thing to help you organize your thoughts and wishes. Because children shouldn't miss out in our selection either. In contrast to the designs for adults, sleeves are also used here - but only short ones, don't worry!
But if you're still looking for the perfect summer top for you, you can browse through all the knitting kits and wool packages for tops here again at your leisure. Have fun!
A question of yarn
But wait, we should still take a look at the appropriate yarns. For summer knits are best suited animal hair-free fibers, because they do not warm so much. They are rather temperature balancing and have the great advantage that they are also well tolerated by people with sensitive skin. This is especially true in warm and hot temperatures that make you sweat easily.
That's why you are best advised to use the fibers cotton, linen or silk for summer knitting. Of course, these are also available in the most wonderful blends. Here we present you our favorites from the department "summer yarns".
Cotton becomes softer when worn
Are you a purist and prefer to knit yarns from a single fiber? Then the question remains as to which fiber it should be. With plant-based fibers in particular, you should bear in mind that they usually feel rather hard when knitting and after washing. However, this will definitely change when you wear them. So our tip: knead the swatch or the finished knitted piece carefully. You will notice how it becomes softer and softer. Your tops will be much softer and very comfortable to wear once you have worn them a little.
Cotton is the classic plant-based fiber. It is extremely versatile and manufacturers go to great lengths to bring it to the market in all its facets. Our favorites are Ica from Lamana, Alba from BC Garn and Organic Cotton from Krea Deluxe. Because it has such a special texture, we can't forget Suave from Pascuali!
A summer classic: linen
Linen is extremely robust and durable. That doesn't sound very comfortable to wear at first, does it? But it's not at all if you follow our tips above! When we want to embroider linen, we prefer to use Løvetand from CaMaRose, Lino from BC Garn or Crealino from Lang Yarns (which is great for accessories, for example!).
For the necessary touch of luxury that makes our summer tops the highlight of every outfit, we use silk - and knit from Pure Silk by Knitting for Olive, Jaipur Peace Silk by BC Garn or Kinu by ITO, for example.
Or do you want the perfect blend of great fibers? There are so many gorgeous blended yarns for summer! Basically, anything can be combined. One vegetable fiber with another. To increase durability or elasticity, a man-made fiber of plant origin can be added - such as viscose.
Another option is the admixture of fibers of animal origin. Merino cotton yarns are basically wearable in any season and have the advantages of both types of fibers.
The decision is difficult!
Things get a little more sophisticated - and softer - with cashmere cotton yarns. Our favorites: Cosma by Lamana, Cumbria by Pascuali, Cotton Merino by Knitting for Olive and Morning Salutation Vegan Fino by Kremke Soul Wool.
Crap, it's so hard to decide, so we can't keep a few more great vegetable blend yarns from Pascuali from you: Sole, Puno Winikunka and Nepal simply can't be missing here!
By the way, did you know that there are also yarns made of paper? They are perfect for summer knitting!
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