Best Yarns for Summer (you CAN knit and crochet in summer!)

Do you enjoy knitting and crochet in the summer? Wondering what the best yarns are for summer projects? Although the heat is on during these months, it is often a perfect time to unwind and relax with a lightweight yarn project. We have more time off during summer, so we may as well enjoy the slower pace with yarn projects. I have a fabulous list of pretty yarns you can use during the summer months. Check out my favorites below…

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Best Yarns for Summer Knit and Crochet

What kind of yarn is best for summer?

As knitters and crocheters, we often get in the habit of making things for fall or winter only. Those chunky, wool, and cozy yarns are so enticing during the cold months. However, don’t put those knitting needles and crochet hooks aside during the warm months! Summer yarn projects can be just as enjoyable when we find lightweight and pretty summer yarns to work with, in addition to easy and quick patterns.

The first thing you want to choose is the size of the yarn. Avoid bulky yarns for these projects (size 5 and up), since those are designed to keep you warmer. Medium weight (aka worsted weight) yarn is probably the most popular size for summer projects, along with DK or sport weight yarn. These sizes are thinner and perfect for the type of lacy or open-weave stitch patterns you would choose for summer projects.

Suggestions for the best yarns for summer…

1. Cotton Yarn

The number one choice I would recommend for summer knitting or crochet projects is cotton (or cotton blend). Cotton has the benefit of being lightweight, thin, and easy to work with. Unlike wool, which may irritate skin, cotton provides a breathable and light texture for wearables. Cotton is also a great workhorse yarn for dish cloths, wash cloths, and towels. These come in handy during summer months.

SUGAR N CREAM BY LILY provides perfect assortments of cotton yarn in light summer colors (click photos to view):

I am also a huge fan (and customer) of PREMIER HOME COTTON yarn, which I use often for projects for the home. Purchasing a 700 yard cone makes the yarn go a long way. Cotton yarn is also a great choice for market bags or HANGING PLANTERS. Take a look at these Premier Home choices:

Check out these COTTON YARNS offered by Lion Brand…the colors are lovely for summer. I can imagine these yarns used for a light summer throw:

Lion Brand even has ICE CREAM THEME COTTON YARNS – designed with summer in mind! Wouldn’t they be fitting for a variegated summer shawl?

2. Linen Yarn

Another great choice for summer crochet or knit projects is linen yarn. Linen yarns may cost a bit more, but they are a wonderful choice for summer wearables. They are a bit softer than cotton yarns, have a lovely sheen and drape, and may also be blended with silk. Linen is naturally moisture-resistant, too, which helps during those hot months.

I love the color choices in these linen yarns – oh, the yarn projects they could make stunning…

3. Bamboo Yarn

Like linen, bamboo yarn is a little pricier, but it is often worth the cost. Bamboo yarn is 100% natural and has a gorgeous sheen. The downside to bamboo is that you will need to hand-wash the final project, as it may not stand up to machine wash. A better option may be to find a bamboo/cotton blend yarn.

Peek at these BAMBOO/COTTEN BLEND YARNS:

4. Acrylic Yarn (but be choosy)

By far one of the most popular yarns people work with is acrylic yarn, which is a manufactured synthetic. You might be wondering…”is acrylic yarn good for summer?” Normally this yarn isn’t a great choice for summer, since it can get fuzzy and isn’t as breathable. But acrylic yarns are more affordable for our wallets. You can avoid challenges with acrylic if you either:

Choose an open weave pattern, such as lace and ‘holey’ stitches
Choose an acrylic yarn that is blended with natural fibers or has a smoother texture

These are some nice choices for soft or blended acrylics (click on the photos to view). I found these lovely pastel summer colors for you:

Patterns for Summer Knit and Crochet

What kind of patterns are best for summer knit and crochet?

Now that you have chosen your favorite yarns for summer projects, the fun begins when you can find summer knit patterns or summer crochet patterns. The best type of stitches for these projects will be open weave, lacy stitches. Find patterns that have stitches which are ‘holey’ (with gaps). These types of open weave patterns will allow air to breathe through the wearable. They are also generally quicker to stitch up, which is a bonus when we don’t want heavy yarns on our lap during warm months.

Shawls, beach cover-ups, light hats, skirts, market bags, or beach totes are fabulous ideas for summer yarn projects. Use lighter colors for this season, such as pastels and neutrals. No surprise here that my favorite yarn colors are in the neutral category, so I always have them on hand!

Summer Yarn Garments

One of my most popular crochet patterns is this GRANNY SQUARE TOTE BAG. It fits in with COASTAL GRANDMOTHER STYLE, with perfect colors for summer.

Coastal Granny Squares Crochet Tote Bag - worn inside, body shot

This SPRING/SUMMER SHAWL PATTERN is an easy crochet pattern to try for a summer project. Although I used acrylic yarn, the shawl stitches are very open and breathable. I also added a light gray complimentary color for a pretty touch.

Spring Shawl with Grey Edging - wearing asymmetrically

Here is another lacy design – a CROCHET CROPPED PULLOVER. This top adds a lovely layer over a simple tank tee, swimsuit, or long-sleeved shirt on cool days.

Coastal Cropped Pullover Crochet Pattern - wearing, front view closeup 2

This knit LACE SCARF AND HEADBAND are made with cotton yarn, and would be perfect for a summer day!

Gray Lace Scarf Knit Pattern - finished scarf and headband, lying flat

If you like to wear pink in the summer, try this LACE KNIT COWL. It’s a nice layer for cool summer breezes.

And here is another simple CROCHET BAG you can make for the market. Change out the thick gray yarn with a summer color if you’d like!

Bucket Hats are perfect for summertime, especially to protect you from sun at the beach. Try out THIS BUCKET HAT CROCHET PATTERN.

Summer Yarn Projects for the Home

In addition to wearables, summer is a good time to make things for your home. THESE COTTON CROCHET NAPKIN RINGS are perfect for a light summer menu…

DIY Hand Dyed Tablecloth, No Sew Tablecloth - table setting with wood crochet napkin rings

Or you could make these CROCHET SCRUBBIES for visiting guests this summer…

Pop a summer plant in one of THESE CROCHET BASKETS and place them on your patio. They are made from sturdy COTTON CORD, which is also a fitting option for summer wall hangings or summer bags.