The warm weather certainly provides challenges when it comes to crafting.
Once I get past my initial why-can’t-the-weather-just-behave, I really like crafting things to wear in the summer!
While I do need to think and be more strategic, there are some great opportunities!
Why Craft for the Summer?
There are several times when a little extra is just what I need:
- Keep myself warm at the office (I always seem to get cold before everyone else)
- Cover my wrists in the strong AC of a restaurant
- Wrap myself in a thin layer in the evening breeze
In truth though, I’ll *never* love it as much as crafting for either the Fall or Winter, so don’t feel bad if you have a similar reaction.
For me, I love cables and I love big, insulating socks (no surprises, right?). But, I do love the challenge of crafting for the warm months.
What do you think? Tell us in the comments below.
Yarn Options for Warm Weather
Your typical wool or acrylic (at least in a pure 100% variety) just won’t cut it for warm weather! But here are a few ideas:
- cotton – feels good for warmer weather, but can weigh more and it can hurt the wrists/fingers of some makers
- linen – if you wash and dry your swatch and use that gauge, your finished piece can also be washed and dried! And bonus – washing and drying softens it CONSIDERABLY.
- hemp – similar to linen above
- bamboo – another lighter weight option; dyes are not as saturated as some other fibers
- silk – it’s a good insulator so it’s good for both warm AND cold weather!
- blends that combine the above with another fiber (maybe a merino, alpaca or acrylic)
I’m curious if you have another fiber for the warm weather. Tell us in the comments below.
Pattern Ideas
You’ve got several options for patterns! I’ll start with the most obvious ones but don’t miss the bottom part of this section because there are several good ideas!
- Tank Top
- Short-sleeved T-shirt
- Shrug
- Skirt
- Shortie/ankle socks
More Good Pattern Ideas (don’t miss these)
A few more pieces that are less-obvious:
- Infinity Scarf
- Shawl
- Stole
- Fingerless Mitts
One of my favorite options is to use a cooler-weather pattern but replace the yarn and/or stitch pattern with one that fits better for warm weather.
Do you have a favorite type of design for the warm weather? Tell us in the comments below.
A Couple Swatches for Warm Weather
I’m a big fan of working up a simple eyelet stitch with a thin yarn and big needles or hook. The combo is great for warmer weather. Just make sure that you also block too! Blocking it can really open it up and give it a lovely drape.
Knit – No Purling Required!
Knit Stitch Pattern
Cast on an even number of stitches, at least 8.
Setup Rows S1-S6: Knit.
Row 1 (eyelet row): K3, *yo, k2tog; repeat from * until 3 sts rem, k3.
Rows 2-4: Knit.
Row 5 (eyelet row): K3, *k2togtbl (you could also do a SSK, but I find this easier), yo; repeat from * until 3 sts rem, k3.
Rows 6-8: Knit.
Repeat Rows 1-8 until almost long enough.
Ending Rows E1-E3: Knit.
Crochet – easy!
Crochet Stitch Pattern
Chain an odd number of chains, at least 5.
Setup Row 1: Sc in 2nd chain from hook, sc across (now you have an even number of SC and the stitch count will stay the same for the rest of the piece)
Setup Rows 2-4: Ch1 (does not count as stitch), sc across
Row 1 (eyelet row): Ch1 (does not count as stitch), sc, *ch, sk1, sc; repeat from * until 1 st rems, sc.
Row 2-4: Ch1 (does not count as stitch), sc.
Repeat Rows 1-4 until you want just 1 more row in length
Ending Row 1: Ch1 (does not count as stitch), sc.
Don’t Let Warmer Weather Discourage You!
You DO need to be creative in what you choose, but you’ll be rewarded with a WONDERFUL item to wear in the warmer weather for years to come!
What do you think? Tell us in the comments below.
About the Writer: Jody Richards
Jody is the founder and lead editor of Knotions. She loves poring over stitch dictionaries and trying out new stitches. And while she likes all things crafting (well ok, except that one thing), yarn crafts are her true love (and she has the stash to prove it).
She’s a serial starter-of-projects and has a serious problem with finishing things without a deadline.
And don’t get her talking about hand-dyed yarns. You’ve been warned.
I made a cap-sleeved top out of soy silk yarn a few years ago, and it’s warmer than I expected; I haven’t been able to wear it at all this year, with all the 100-degree days we’ve had where I live. I have some other blends I’m planning to try, though — hope springs eternal, LOL.
I, too, continue to knit in the summer. I make small objects, mostly, like neck loops and hats, that I (or a recipient) will be able to wear later.
I’m glad that you’ve found a way to make things even with the heat.
I think it’s important for the spirit to be able to do it – even if it won’t be used for a few months.
About that k2togtbl being easier than the ssk, have you checked out Patty Lyons’ “One move ssk?” It’s pretty brilliant and it’s the way I ssk now.
I am not sure how I feel about warm weather knits. I’ve yet to make a top that feels as light as a store bought cotton or linen garment. Something around my neck in this humidity? Perish forbid! But with all that said I’m knitting throughout the summer because cold weather is inevitably right around the corner. 😄
I have to check out her SSK then – thanks!
As for the on your neck – I was talking either in the AC or in the evenings.
But I also know it’s a personal thing with how much you want. I know I’m always cold. But Paul is often warm at the same time. So, it really depends.
Hey Jodi, while I agree that cotton is better suited to warm weather, I must disagree about Bamboo. I tried it once…for a sweater with a lace pattern. Not only was it extremely heavy, it was also a lot warmer than I had expected. Maybe it was just the pattern I use, I don’t know. So I just stick to cotton and acrylic. The smaller weights of acrylic, #3 or#1 work well for me for light weight items. Everybody has their own preferences. That is what makes yarn crafts so interesting. So much variety.
Ok I definitely respect your opinion! So, for everyone reading this – bamboo MIGHT be a good choice. Or, it might be a bad one. YMMV
Shawls are always useful in over-air conditioned spaces. I have a few tees that I wear in the spring and fall. Alas, I seldom wear my sweaters. But in the summer I knit non-wool household articles like rugs and blankets
Ooh – good ideas about rugs and blankets! I didn’t even think of them, but those are GREAT ideas!
I don’t like wearing yarn in the warm weather, but I’ll make things for the cooler weather while in air conditioning. Then I have new things to wear once it gets cooler!
I love the idea of making things now for use later 🙂