Knitting in summer

What could be better than sitting under a tree in the garden in the summer sunshine and knitting?

In spring and summer I often hear that there's no time for knitting because the garden is calling. Sometimes I think to myself, there can't be that many gardens...! ;)

My approach is more like, work first, then (knitting) pleasure – once the flowerbeds are tended, the watering cans emptied, and the last weeds pulled, the knitting and a delicious, cool drink await . Under a shady tree in the garden or among the balcony plants, you can sit and knit amidst the well-tended greenery – it's such a wonderful feeling! And it's such a comforting feeling to have been outdoors and to be connected with nature.

I personally knit with all kinds of yarns year-round, including cozy mohair or alpaca in the summer, because I simply love these yarns. When it gets really hot, however, I also like to use cooler, summery yarns like linen, cotton, or silk, or their blends. These yarns are more pleasant to work with in the heat because they feel cooler to the touch and dries quickly.

Here I present my favorites - my favorite summer yarn qualities with their small strengths and weaknesses:

Cotton
Soft, absorbent, and skin-friendly – ​​cotton is an absolute classic for summer knitwear. The only drawback is its relatively high weight – large pieces or garments with a lot of texture or cable patterns can become very heavy and stretch out of shape.

Especially 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, airy feel and becomes more supple with each wear. So don't be alarmed if the knitwear initially feels stiff and dry! This usually disappears after a bath.
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 texture.

silk

Silk is a very special natural fiber – elegant in character, yet far more versatile than one often thinks. It is lightweight, breathable, temperature-regulating, and feels pleasantly cool against the skin – perfect for summer clothing.

Not all silk is created equal. It comes in various finishes – from glossy and delicate to matte and rustic. Depending on the manufacturing process and origin, its appearance, feel, and character vary.

Two of the best-known types are:

Mulberry silk
This silk comes from bred silkworms and is particularly fine, uniform, and has a characteristic sheen. This smooth silk isn't always easy to knit with – depending on the quality used, it can be slippery. However, the result is very beautiful, elegant, and luxurious – ideal for sophisticated, smooth knitwear or delicate shawls.

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 its coloring is slightly heathered. The feel is drier, the appearance more natural – perfect for simple, timeless pieces with character.

viscose
Viscose is made from plant cellulose and has a smooth, soft feel. It drapes beautifully and feels cool against the skin. Perfect for lightweight summer fashion with an elegant look.

Mixed yarns
Summer yarns are often available as beautiful blends – for example, cotton with silk, linen with viscose, or hemp with cotton. These combinations unite the advantages of different fibers and result in exciting yarns with their own unique character.

The selection of cool yarns for hot weather is certainly large! Choose a beautiful quality yarn and knit yourself your lovely new favorite summer garment!