Breezy, airy tops and lacy socks are perfect knitting for summer. If you’re looking for warm-weather layering, holiday knitting and effortless summer style, try adding one of these to your handmade wardrobe. All size inclusive and versatile, you’ll find yourself reaching for them every season.

This Spring these patterns have been my absolute best sellers at yarn shows, and what I love most is that they appeal to knitters of all shapes, sizes and ages! The tops have appealed to those looking for a lighter wardrobe (and they are definitely cooler than a t-shirt, in my opinion) and the smaller projects make great beach knitting and on-the-go handiwork. Add these patterns to your queue of things to knit in the summer.

These socks are one of my best sellers at Spring shows and I think it has something to do with them being such great knitting for summer and the warmer months.

After working the cuff, you go straight into the heel flap and then work the foot in the round in the traditional way. If you have small feet (I am an EU 37) you can even get two pairs from a 100g skein!

This little lace repeat is just 8 rows long and is easily memorable. I’ve sold this pattern to beginner sock knitters who have had experience with a plain sock, but are looking for something a bit more interesting.

is a relaxed fit lace top sized to fit a 87.5-179cm (24.5-70.5in) chest circumference with around 11-17cm (41/2-7in) of positive ease.

Worked from the bottom up in the round to the armholes, the pattern is then worked in rows to the shoulders and cast off using a three needle bind off.

The armhole shaping varies per size in this top – the smaller sizes will increase a little before working straight to the shoulders and the larger sizes will cast off and decrease a little. This is to make sure that sleeve cuff finishes in a similar place around the arms across the size range.

If you’re looking for things to knit in the summer, this staple will become a firm favourite. The wide armholes and extra ease make Tenby a great layering item, and the lace pattern does a good job of regulating your temperature whatever the season

is a gentle crescent shaped shawl that uses just one skein of fingering weight yarn. This airy shawl makes a great project to take in your holiday bag if you’re looking for things to knit in the summer months.

Beginning on the bottom long edge, the lace pattern is worked straight in rows for a few repeats, then the top is shaped in garter stitch and easy short rows (no wraps or double stitches involved.)

The lace pattern for this versatile shawl is both written and charted to suit knitters with different preferences.

Knit Penhale using a special skein of something soft with good stitch definition. I recommend Cat and Sparrow Oh So Fine! (which I used for the sample) or Cocoon.

is a size inclusive stylish lace summer top knitting pattern with a flattering fit, lightweight feel, and timeless seaside vibe. Worked from the bottom up in 9 sizes this top is the perfect layer for Spring and Autumn and oh-so-breezy when worn over a bra in summer.

With a bust size of 81 (92, 101, 112) (122.5, 132, 14.5) (152, 16.5)cm
32 (361/4, 393/4, 44) (481/4, 52, 56) (593/4, 64)in, Sennen Cove is designed to be worn with around 5-10cm (2-4in) of positive ease.

The body is worked in the round to the armholes, then put on hold while you work the short sleeves. Everything is then joined into the round and the raglan is worked in one piece.

is one of my most recent patterns, which I created after feedback from newer knitters that they loved Penhale but were after something a bit more simple. This little shawl is worked in 4ply fingering weight yarn for a lighter feel and a lovely drape across your shoulders. I’ve supplied instructions for two different sizes and the pattern is easily memorable.

Beginning along the bottom edge, you will work a mixture of feather-and-fan lace and garter stitch for several repeats, and then gently shape the top using simple short rows and decreases.

features a lace panel across the front of the garment and the rest is worked in stocking stitch. The top is worked in the round from the bottom up. Shoulder shaping is very gradual on this garment which gives it a relaxed feel and a lovely drape.

The finished chest size is 89 (98, 110, 119) (131, 140, 152) (161, 171)cm
35 (381/2, 433/4, 463/4, 511/2, 55, 593/4, 631/2, 671/4)in, designed to be worn with 12-19cm (41/2-71/2in) of positive ease.

As for Tenby, the armhole shaping differs per size so all the sizes in the pattern would have the same amount of ease in the shoulder length.

is available as a beanie hat or a slouch hat and uses less than 50g of yarn for the smaller sizes. I’ve worked this hat in Blacker Bam-Boozle 4ply which is super light and soft.

In the past, I’ve found when knitting in summer that the weight and thickness of the yarn can be such a problem in the heat. You may not be wearing this hat in the summer but it’s a project you’ll definitely be pleased you’ve finished when it starts to cool down a bit, and as it weighs next to nothing it will fit easily in a handbag.

Kits for Porthtowan were doing really well at Wonderwool and Sodbury yarn over I believe for this reason!