6 Knit Summer Tops to Cast On

Knitting does not have to pause for summer. Swap the chunky wool for cotton, linen, silk or fine merino, and you get tops that are light enough for warm days and quick enough to finish before the season ends.

Summer tops are also small projects. Less yarn than a sweater, no sleeves on most of them, and a fit that forgives. Here are six we love, from barely-there camisoles to blouses you can wear to the office.

1. Always Camisole, by Garn og Slikt

A delicate camisole worked top down in stockinette. The shoulders are worked separately, then joined, and the body is finished in the round with a neat i-cord edge around the neckline and armholes. Merino held with silk gives it a soft sheen.

Yarn: Knitting for Olive Merino held with Knitting for Olive Pure Silk. Needles: 5 and 5.5 mm circulars.

For you if: you want the classic summer camisole and a tidy finish. The i-cord edges take a moment to learn and lift the whole top.

2. Bliss Tee, by Knit&Note

Our own Bliss Tee is a t-shirt worked top down in stockinette with two strands of Knit&Note Merino. It starts flat at the back of the neck, continues in the round with raglan increases, and the hems are folded in and sewn down for a clean edge.

Yarn: Knit&Note Merino held double. Needles: 3.5 and 4.5 mm circulars.

For you if: you want a tee you will actually wear on repeat. Calm knitting, a polished result, and it goes with everything.

3. Line's summer shirt, by lene_knit

A simple top down shirt with a slightly oversized but feminine fit. The raglan increases are worked with yarn overs, which leave a delicate row of small eyelets along the raglan lines. The length is easy to adjust as you go, and the pattern suits new knitters.

Yarn: Sandnes Garn Line. Needles: 3.5 and 4.5 mm circulars.

For you if: this is your first summer top. The construction is simple, the yarn over detail looks like more work than it is, and you can try it on while knitting.

4. Square Neck Camisole, by Garn og Slikt

A structured camisole worked top down in 3x3 rib. The straps are worked first, then joined for the front and back, and the edges are finished in double knitting. The rib makes it stretchy and flattering. Difficulty 3 out of 5, so expect some focus.

Yarn: Sandnes Garn Sunday. Needles: 3 mm circular.

For you if: you have a top or two behind you and want one with a sharper silhouette. The square neckline stands out, and the rib keeps its shape all day.

5. Annecy Tee, by novemberknits

A tee worked top down with raglan increases and elbow length sleeves. Short rows after the ribbed neckband shape the back of the neckline, so it sits nicely instead of pulling backwards. Body and sleeves are finished with ribbing.

Yarn: Sandnes Garn Duo. Needles: 3.5 and 4 mm circulars.

For you if: you want a bit more coverage than a camisole and a tee that drapes well. The short rows are good practice in a small, manageable dose.

6. August blouse, by Aftenstrikk

A blouse worked top down with short rows in the neck and careful increases that shape the neckline as you go. Stitches are picked up along the whole garment at the end and bound off with i-cord, and the sleeves are worked in the round.

Yarn: Sandnes Garn Line. Needles: 3.5 and 4 mm circulars.

For you if: you want the most blouse-like of the six, something you can wear to work or dinner. The construction has more shaping than the others, and the pattern walks you through it.

In the Knit&Note app

All six patterns live in the Knit&Note app. The reader keeps your place with a row counter, explains abbreviations when you tap them, and shows only the numbers for your size. Light summer yarn, light reading experience. Cast on by the pool if you like.

Which yarn for summer knits?

Cotton and linen breathe and hold their shape, silk adds drape and sheen, and fine merino is softer than its reputation in light, airy gauges. Blends give you the best of both. Linen softens beautifully with washing, so do not judge it on the swatch.

FAQ

What is the best yarn for a knit summer top?

Cotton, linen, silk and fine merino, alone or blended. They breathe better than chunky wool and drape nicely in light gauges. For camisoles with sheen, try merino held with silk.

Are knit tops too warm for summer?

Not if the yarn and fit are right. A camisole or tee in cotton, linen or a light merino gauge wears comfortably on warm days, and knits are perfect for cool summer evenings.

How long does it take to knit a summer top?

Less time than a sweater, often a couple of weeks of evening knitting. Camisoles are the quickest since they skip sleeves entirely.

Can a beginner knit a summer top?

Yes. Start with a simple top down pattern like Line's summer shirt, where the construction is straightforward and the length is easy to adjust as you go.