Summer Knitting
What could be better than sitting under a tree in the garden on a sunny summer day, knitting away?
In spring and summer, I often hear that there's no time to knit because the garden is calling. Sometimes I think, there can't be that many gardens...! ;)
My approach is more like: work first, then the (knitting) fun.
Once the garden beds are tidy, the watering cans emptied, and the last weeds pulled, it's finally time to pick up the needles and enjoy a cool drink. Whether it's under a shady tree in the garden or tucked between balcony plants – there’s no better spot to settle in and knit, surrounded by green. And honestly, it’s such a rewarding feeling to spend time outside and connect with nature.
Personally, I knit with all kinds of yarns all year round – even cozy mohair or alpaca in summer, simply because I love working with them. But when it gets really hot, I also enjoy switching to lighter, cooler fibers like linen, cotton, silk or their blends. These yarns feel cooler in the hands and are a bit drier to work with – perfect for warm-weather knitting.
Work in progress – here you can see a breezy shirt being made from BC Garn’s TUSSAH TWEED.
Tussah Tweed is a beautiful wild silk with an interesting tweed-like texture.
The shirt is knit top-down with raglan sleeves, a round neckline, and cap sleeves, finished with a lovely feminine ruffle.
Here, I’ll introduce you to my favorite summer yarns – the qualities I love most, along with their little strengths and weaknesses.
Cotton
Soft, absorbent, and skin-friendly – cotton is an absolute classic for summer knitwear. The only drawback is its weight – large pieces or garments with a lot of texture or cable knits can become very heavy and stretch.
Particularly suitable for tops, scarves, children's clothing and anything that has direct skin contact.
Linen
Linen has a cooling effect and a natural texture . It gives garments a light feel and becomes softer with each wear. So don't be alarmed if the knit initially feels stiff and dry! This usually disappears after bathing.
Ideal for airy sweaters, cardigans or elegant summer tops.
Hemp
Hemp yarns are robust, durable, and have a rustic character. They are breathable and have a cooling effect—ideal for simple, natural designs with structure.
Silk
Silk is a very special natural fiber—refined in character, yet far more versatile than one might think. It's lightweight, breathable, temperature-regulating, and feels pleasantly cool against the skin—perfect for summer clothing.
Not all silk is created equal. It comes in a variety of finishes – from shiny and delicate to matte and rustic. Its appearance, feel, and character vary depending on the manufacturing method and origin.
Two of the most well-known types are:
Mulberry silk
This silk comes from farmed silkworms and is particularly fine, even, and has a characteristic luster. This smooth silk is not always easy to knit – depending on the quality used, it can be slippery. However, the result is very beautiful, elegant, and luxurious – ideal for fine, smooth knitwear or delicate scarves.
Tussah silk (wild silk)
Tussah silk is obtained from the cocoons of wild silkworms. It has a matte, natural look , is usually somewhat more robust, and has a slightly mottled color. Its feel is drier and its appearance more natural—perfect for simple, timeless pieces with character.
Viscose
Viscose is derived from plant cellulose and has a smooth, soft feel. It drapes beautifully and feels cool against the skin. Perfect for lightweight summer wear with an elegant look.
Blended yarns
Summer yarns often come in beautiful blends—for example, cotton with silk, linen with viscose, or hemp with cotton. These combinations combine the advantages of different fibers and create exciting yarns with their own unique character.
There's a huge selection of cool yarns for hot weather! Pick a nice quality and knit your new favorite summer piece!
