How to Knit a Summer Sweater {FREE Pattern}

Wouldn’t it be nice if you could knit sweaters for summer, too? Normally when you think of knitting a sweater, you think of wool sweaters for winter. But you can use cotton yarn and big stitches to made a gorgeous knit mesh sweater for the summertime! Today I have an easy knit summer sweater pattern that is made with lightweight cotton yarn and big knitting needles. This light and airy summer sweater couldn’t be easier – just work knit stitches! You will love wearing this mesh top over your summer tanks or swimsuit.

The loose fitting summer sweater has modern, trendy style. The short length and easy stitches makes a good beginner knit sweater to make and can be made with your favorite summer yarn color. The long sleeves, cropped fit, and mesh texture gives it modern flair.

Keep reading for this easy knit mesh sweater pattern, which includes 4 sizes. (All photos in this post are shown with size S – Small). The size as written should fit fine, but you can certainly alter the length of your sweater, or size up/down for a different fit. I’ve got all the details and step-by-step instructions for the sweater in the easy knit pattern below. It may just become one of your favorite summer knit sweater patterns!

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Easy Knit Summer Sweater Pattern

The idea behind this knit sweater pattern is to create one back panel and one front panel with BASIC KNIT STITCHES working in rows, then make similar tapered sleeves. You will be knitting all 4 pieces separately using a garter stitch pattern. Lastly, you will seam the pieces together.

The following is a list of supplies you would need to create one mesh sweater. Use similar yarn (size 3, light weight yarn) and the same knitting needle size to make your own.

Yardage is for these sizes: S (M, L, XL)

Supplies

• Lion Brand Coboo Size 3 cotton (232 yds per skein)
  • Color: White
  • 410 (450, 490, 530) yds
• Size 15 (10.0 mm) circular needles, at least 29″ length
• Scissors
• tapestry (yarn) needle
• Stitch Marker

Knitting Abbreviations

BO – bind off

CO – cast on

K – knit stitch   

K2tog – knit 2 stitches together                                           

sm – stitch marker

sts – stitches

Rep – repeat

RS – Right Side

WS – Wrong Side

PATTERN INFORMATION

The FREE simple lace sweater knitting pattern is provided below, friendly for beginner knitters.

• but you can also get the ad-free, printable pdf pattern for the KNIT LACE SWEATER in the ETSY SHOP!  The pdf has some helpful photos & diagrams included.

How to Make a Loose Knit Sweater

What is the best material for sweaters in the summer?

Cotton yarn, bamboo yarn, and linen yarn are the best materials to knit a summer sweater, as they are more breathable.

Can a beginner knit a summer sweater?

Yes! Especially with a repetitive easy stitch pattern using basic knit stitches and simple techniques! This pattern has a Beginner skill level. It is an easy project with minimal shaping and simple seaming.

Here I will walk you through each step of making this modern mesh knit top, using your favorite yarn color. You will be using the simple garter stitch pattern throughout the sweater.

Finished Measurements:

• Measurements are for finished garment
• Oversized Fit, approx. 6-8″ ease

Sizes S (M, L, XL) :

Bust: 42 (46, 50, 54) inches

Length: 18 (19, 19, 20) inches

Sleeve Length: 18 (17, 17, 16) inches

Gauge: 4″ (10cm) square = 12 STS BY 10 ROWS, blocked

Make sure to get the correct gauge for an accurate fit.

Lace Knit Sweater Pattern

Follow stitch and row counts using sizing S (M, L, XL) :

NOTE –

First, you will knit the front and back panels, bottom up. Next, you will knit two sleeves top down, working decrease rows to taper. Next, you will block all 4 pieces. Lastly, you will seam the pieces together. (It’s a good idea to pin the pieces together while seaming)

Lace Knit Sweater FREE Pattern

Front and Back Panels (make 2)

With size 15 (10mm) circular needles, CO 63 (69, 75, 81) sts with size 3 cotton yarn.

Bottom to Top

Row 1: Knit across. 63 (69, 75, 81) sts

Rows 2- 45 ( 48, 48, 50): Rep Row 1.

(until panel measures approximately 18 (19, 19, 20)” by tugging slightly)

Bind off.

Use SM to mark top of panel (last row).

Sleeves (make 2)

With size 15 (10mm) circular needles, CO 51 (54, 57, 60) sts with size 3 cotton yarn.

Top to Bottom (tapered)

Row 1: Knit across. 51 (54, 57, 60) sts

Continue by repeating Row 1 and working a Decrease Row (as instructed below) every 4 (3, 3, 3) rows 11, (12, 12, 13) times until reach approx. 45 ( 43, 43, 40) Rows total and stitch count is 29 (30, 33, 34) sts.

(until sleeve measures approximately 18 (17, 17, 16)” by tugging slightly)

• Decrease Row: K2tog, knit across to last 2 sts, k2tog. (decrease of 2 sts)

Bind off.

Blocking the Sweater Pieces

You will need to block the finished pieces prior to seaming.

Block front and back panels to 21 (23, 25, 27)” wide by 18 (19, 19, 20)” length.

Block sleeves to 17 (18, 19, 20)” wide at top and 10 (10, 11, 11)” wide at wrist, by 18 (17, 17, 16)” length.

For cotton yarn, you can block by lightly wetting the yarn (you can spray with water) and pinning to blocking mat or towel.

Seaming/Finishing

SEAM as follows:

(note – it’s a good idea to pin the pieces together prior to seaming)

• Use yarn and a tapestry needle to join the tops of the front and back pieces together with shoulder seams, leaving a center opening about 10″ wide for the neck. (Feel free to adjust this opening width).
• Next, join the sleeves to the top sides of the front and back with a seam. Be sure to center the sleeves evenly across the front and back.
• Fold front piece over back piece and join the sides and sleeves together with seams, starting at bottom of sides.
• Continue seaming across bottom of sleeves, ending at wrist.

Weave in all loose ends on the WS (inside) of the sweater.

Important Tips for Knitting your Sweater

Some things to keep in mind as you work the lace knit sweater pattern are:

• Use a stitch marker or safety pin to mark the top of your front & back panels. You will need to know which end is top when seaming shoulders.
• Be sure to block all 4 pieces prior to seaming to ensure a correct fit.
• Customize:
  • Feel free to add or subtract rows from your pieces to adjust the lengths and/or
  • make your neckline as wide as you wish when seaming

Knit Summer Sweater

The loose fitting knit sweater makes a great layering piece in the summer. The stylish design of this easy sweater is fun & trendy with the cropped length & loose sleeves – you’re bound to get compliments from making this beautiful pattern. Personally, I think the best part is the mesh lace look. Isn’t it amazing the texture you can knit with bigger needles?

Like a layered look? Wear the knit sweater over a tank top or swimsuit during the warm months. You can wear it with different outfits – jeans, shorts, skirt, or leggings. It is the perfect knit sweater to provide a little bit of extra warmth without being too hot. Both my daughter and I love this mesh sweater, so I may have to fight her for it this season….

Don’t forget that this knit mesh sweater pattern is also available in an ad-free digital pdf pattern.  The pdf has a few helpful photos and diagrams.  Grab the KNIT SWEATER pattern in my Etsy shop.

Love summer knit patterns? Check out these other knit projects…

Did you enjoy this free knitting pattern? I think it’s also a perfect sweater as a gift for a stylish friend during the spring and summer months.

Check out all of my FREE KNIT PATTERNS HERE.

===> Remember to PIN for later! <===