Top Ten Summer Knitting Patterns

Thought I'd write a wee top ten post this week. My "real" job is being a Maths teacher, and with one week to go until my 7 week summer holidays, I'm on the search for fun, lightweight knitting projects to keep me busy. Thought I'd collect a few gems for anyone in a similar situation!

Maybe Baby by Webster Street Knittery

Summer in Scotland is a slightly chilly affair, so I love shawls and wraps to throw over my shoulders when I'm sitting outside in the evenings and this one looks just perfect. Such a pretty textured stitch pattern and lots of interest in the edging - sublime!

Wool Knot Tee by Ela Torrente

I always say I love a classic pattern with a twist, which this pattern takes very literally! Such a cool top - I love the different coloured striping, its flattering drape, and of course the knot detail. 

Davis by Pam Allen

A classic Summer sweater - light and loose! The yarn is 100% organic linen spun in a ribbon structure. It's got a bit of texture to it so it looks great in a simple stockinette pattern like this. And the colours are such lovely muted shades,

Spring Lace Infinity Scarf by Linda from Purl Avenue

Such a pretty knit with a delicate lace pattern, this really is a showstopper! And it's a really wearable piece for people who love lace knitting but wouldn't wear a shetland triangle! And it's a freebie, who can resist?!

Lilac Love Lace Shawl by Derya from Laylock

In Summer, I never really knit anything heavier than dk yarn - it's the time of year where lace knitting and fine yarns really get their chance to shine. And this is a true classic lace knitting pattern. Perfect for Summer weddings and garden parties, this is an intricate, timeless wrap. 

Linum Tee by Bristol Ivy

Another lovely linen creation! This top in 4ply linen yarn will certainly be cool in warmer climates. I going through a real phase for textured knits at the moment, and absolutely adore the asymmetric, textured detailing round the neckline. Such a simple but striking top - love it!

Embruns by Emilie Luis

A real Summer wardrobe staple - it ticks so many boxes for me. A clean silhouette; simple, flattering design; clever detailing at the front. This is one that you knit once and wear forever!

Danzig by Justyna Lorkowska

I had to include this one! Such a fun knit - the rainbow stripes are such a joyful addition to a knitting pattern. While variegated yarns by themselves can be a bit much for me, when "diluted" like this with the grey solid colour, they add a splash of brightness that makes this a perfect summer knit.

A Crush on Lace by Lisa Richardson

Lace isn't just for shawls! This top with lace panels is an absolutely gorgeous way to show off your lace knitting skills. This really is something special, and shows that knitting isn't just about thick woolly jumpers!

Epsilon Cropped Cardigan by Littletheorem Knits

Ok, so this one's by me (a shameless plug!) but I'll explain why it's on the list: firstly, we don't have a really cropped cardigan yet and I think they're both cute and useful for when it's hot-but-not-that-hot. And secondly, I only had one skein of this beautiful blue sock yarn at the time, so I knitted the sample for this pattern in a size 28-30. This is just a tad too small for me, so it's definitely on the list to reknit in a larger size!

I really hope you enjoyed this list and that if you're a "cold-weather" knitter then it inspires you to start knitting in the warmer months too. Please let me know what you think in the comments, and let me know if you have any summer favourites that you would have added!

Father's Day Competition on AllFreeKnitting

One of my very first knitting patterns, Klein Scarf, is in AllFreeKnitting's Father's Day knitting pattern competition! 

They've listed their top five Father's Day patterns (mine is listed as Sapphire Algorithm Scarf) and all you need to do is post a comment on their page to be in with a chance to win the book "Simple Scarves made with the Knook" and  the Knook Kit. Plus I get a prize too if my pattern is the winner, so please do vote for my Sapphire Algorithm Scarf!

Having said that though, the other knitting patterns are truly lovely too, and if you're looking for a last minute handmade Father's day gift, or just free men's knitting patterns, they're a great place to start! The rest of the list of patterns is as follows:

1. Versatile Knit Tie by Scissors and Sage

A moss stitch knit tie with a contrast colour tail.

2. Man Slouch Hat Pattern by The Blue Brick

Sure to appeal to the most fussy of dads, this is a great "on trend" hat in a beautiful variegated yarn.

3. Sailor's Rib Cowl by Balls to the Walls Knits

Perfect for last minute knitting! This cosy cowl will knit up quickly in worsted weight yarn.

4. Men's Twin Rib Knit Socks by Beadknitter

The twin rib stitch pattern adds interest to a classic dad-friendly pattern.

Here's the competition link again, and may the best pattern win!

Folksy Giveaway

We've just re-opened our Folksy shop, and it's now fully restocked with all our favourite patterns. To celebrate, we're having a giveaway! First prize is five patterns of your choice, second is three patterns and third is a single pattern. I'll also be sending out twenty 50% discount coupons.

 Lots of ways to enter, you can:
Like our facebook page, share the competition post there or leave a comment on it and I'll add you to the prize draw! 

You can also enter by following us on twitter (@littletheorem), or retweeting our giveaway tweet.

Small print: please remember that if your privacy settings on Facebook mean I can't see if you've shared a post, then you won't be entered. You can comment on my post instead though!

Winners will be contacted by DM on facebook or twitter on Sunday evening (7th Feb).

Here's a wee screenshot of how the shop is looking now:

Courie In

Please not that Courie In is no longer available as a free pattern. However, it is available to purchase in an improved form with additional sizes and instructions for shorter versions and a version with three-quarter length sleeves. 

"Courie in" is a Scottish phrase meaning to "snuggle up" - and it's the perfect name for this oversized, supremely warm, wrap front cardigan. This is a real winter warmer, ideal for nestling into with a mug of cocoa on a cold day. And it's so quick to knit! This cardigan has a slightly unusual construction. Sleeves are knitted first from cuff to centre back, then both sleeves are joined with a three needle bind off. Stitches are picked up at the bottom edge from armpit to armpit and worked down to the hem to form the back. Then stitches are picked up round the front to form the garter stitch wrap front.

Here are the details:

Yarn: Cloudborn Fibers Superwash Merino Bulky in Heather Grey. 6 (7, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15) skeins = 654 (763, 981, 1090, 1308, 1526, 1635) yards

Dimensions 
To fit bust: 30-32 (34-36, 38-40, 42-44, 46-48, 50-52, 54-56)” Across back: 15 (17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27)” 
Sleeve length: 15 (16, 17, 17.5, 18.5, 18.5, 19.5)” 
Upper arm circumference: 12.5 (13, 14, 14.5, 16, 17, 17.5)” 
Length armpit to hem: 14.5 (15.5, 16.5, 17.5, 18.5, 19.5, 20.5)”

Needles: 100cm/40” 8mm/US11 circular needle, 8mm/US11 dpns if you wish to avoid using “magic loop”.

Gauge: 10sts x 17 rows = 4” in Double Moss Stitch after blocking. Note that the weight of the cardigan whilst damp will cause it to stretch out more than a small swatch will.

Extras: Crochet hook for weaving in loose ends, stitch markers.

It's available to download on Ravelry and Craftsy. 

Sweet and Simple Cushion

A cute cushion cover that knits up quickly using chunky pencil roving. This is a simple knit which uses a couple of clever techniques to give a neat finish. You cast on using a figure-8 cast on so there is no seam at the bottom. Then you use a three-needle bind off at the top with the cushion pad inside so there is no seaming at all. This is a quick knit that would make a great housewarming gift, maybe knit up two or three in complementary colours.

Yarn: Corriedale Pencil Roving

2 x 200g skeins at 130m/143yds per skein

Gauge: 8.5sts and 11 rows = 10cm in stocking stitch with 10mm/US 15 needles

Needles: One 10mm/US 15 100cm/40”

circular needle for working magic loop, one spare straight needle.

Extras: Two stitch markers, crochet hook for weaving in ends, one 40cm x 40cm cushion pad

Dimensions:

To fit a 40cm x 40cm cushion pad.

Notation:

k = knit

p = purl

pm = place marker

slm = slip marker

ssk = slip two stitches knitwise onto right hand needle, then knit them together with left hand needle.

k2tog = knit the next two stitches together.

s = slip purlwise

Instructions

Cast on 72 stitches using a figure 8 cast-on, with 36 stitches on each side of the needle. Place marker for beginning of round, and one 36 stitches from the beginning of the round to mark the halfway point.

Work stockinette stitch in the round ( i.e. knit every round) using magic loop method, until the cushion measures 42cm from cast on. Your cushion pad should fit comfortably inside the cover, without the need to stretch it. Put the cushion inside the cover now, and we will bind off with it inside.

Starting from the beginning of the round, we'll cast off stitches using a three-needle bind off. A youtube video showing how to work the three-needle bind off can be found here. However, instead of having stitches on two dpns, we will be knitting together stitches from the two points of you circular needle, and rather than turning the work so that the right sides are facing, we will continue with the two wrong sides facing in. This will leave a ridge at the top which makes a cute feature.

Written instructions for the three-needle bind off are as follows:

Remove stitch marker for beginning of round. Push the first and last stitches in the round to the tips of the needle points, then knit these two stitches together with your spare straight needle.

Push the second and second from last stitches in the round to the ends of the needles, and knit these two stitches together using your spare straight needle.

Slip the original stitch on your straight needle over the stitch you've just worked, as in a normal bind off.

Continue this process: knit the next two stitches at the tips of your circular needle together, then pass the previous stitch on your straight needle over this one.

When you reach the last stitch on your straight needle, cut the yarn leaving a 20cm tail, pass this through the loop on your straight needle and pull it tight.

Thread the loose ends into the cushion cover using your crochet hook and you're done!

And a quick plug: Queen's Park Cardigan is now available to purchase on Ravelry, Craftsy and in my Etsy shop.

  It's a fitted cardigan with a flattering drape front in a pretty lace pattern. This is a simple but stunning knit that could be dressed up or down. Queen's Park Cardigan is knitted from the top down with set in sleeves, neat twisted rib edgings and an oversized blanket front. Using sportweight yarn on larger than normal needles and blocking creates an airy fabric with beautiful drape. The lace pattern is simple and suitable for a first lace project, with only a four row repeat. Instructions for 8 sizes are given: to fit bust 28-30 (32-34, 36-38, 40-42, 44-46, 48-50, 52-54, 56-58)”.

So many patterns!

Lots of news on the pattern front!

Just released yesterday is Kelvingrove Sweater: a cute, nautical Summer knit in a cotton/linen blend. Kelvingrove is knit from the top down, in the round with set-in sleeves. It comes in 10 sizes to fit bust 32" - 56" and has guidance on how to customize the pattern for a perfect fit. And the best part? It's free on Ravelry for the next week (after that it will be the princely sum of $7).

Available on Ravelry, Etsy and Craftsy.


 Bellahouston is a gorgeous fairisle sweater dress to keep you cosy this winter. It's just up for testing at the moment, so if you want to volunteer as a test knitter head over to the Ravelry Free Pattern Testers group.

It's also available in 10 sizes, to fit bust 32 - 56, with extensive guidance on customization.

And finally, a wee teaser. Testing of Queen's Park Cardigan is well underway and I hope to release the pattern in the next month or two. Here's some pictures!

What else is in the pipeline? A cute fingering weight, slightly lacy shrug and a worsted weight mens cabled pullover, both of which will hopefully be available in time for Christmas!

Chunky Fairisle Cushion

This pattern is now available on my new website here. 

Islay Hat

 

A simple unisex hat in a stylish textured stitch pattern. Includes directions for two sizes.

Yarn: Shilasdair Luxury dk 35 (45)g from a 100g skein.

Needles: Set of four 4mm / US 6 double pointed needles (dpns), or one 4mm/US 6 circular needle for magic loop.

Gauge: 18 stitches and 26 rows = 4” in Twisted Moss Stitch.

Dimensions: 18 (21.5)” around. Stretches to fit the average ladies (mens) head.

Notation:

CO = cast on

k = knit

p = purl

k1b= knit 1 into back of next stitch

k2tog = knit next two stitches together

k1bw = knit one into the stitch directly below the next stitch on the needle.

dpn = double pointed needle

Techniques

k1bw

Knit into the stitch below by inserting needle as shown:

 

Stitch Patterns

Twisted Rib

Round 1: *k1b, p1* to end of row.

Repeat round 1 for pattern.

Twisted Moss Stitch

Round 1: purl.

Round 2: *k1bw, k1* to end of round.

Round 3: purl.

Round 4: *k1, k1bw* to end of round.

Repeat these four rows for pattern.

Directions:

CO 80 (96) stitches over three dpns or on circular needle for magic loop method. Join stitches in the round ensuring they're not twisted and if using circular needle, place marker for beginning of round.

Work in Twisted Rib Pattern for 8 (10) rounds, then knit one round.

Work in Twisted Moss Stitch until hat measures approximately 6½” (7½”), finishing with Round 3 of pattern

For smaller size, follow instructions for decreases immediately below. For larger size, follow instructions below that, headed "Decreases for Larger Size".

Decreases for Smaller Size

Decrease round 1: *(k1, k1bw) four times, k2tog* to end of round.

Decrease round 2: *p8, k1* to end of round

Decrease round 3: *(k1bw, k1) three times, k1bw k2tog* to end of round.

Decrease round 4: *p7, k1* to end of round.

Decrease round 5: *(k1, k1bw) three times, k2tog* to end of round.

Decrease round 6: *p6, k1* to end of round.

Decrease round 7: *(k1bw, k1) twice, k1bw k2tog* to end of round.

Decrease round 8: *p5, k1* to end of round.

Decrease round 9: *(k1, k1bw) twice, k2tog* to end of round.

Decrease round 10: *p4, k1* to end of round.

Decrease round 11: *k1bw, k1, k1bw, k2tog* to end of round.

Decrease round 12: *p3, k1* to end of round.

Decrease round 13: *k1, k1bw, k2tog* to end of round.

Decrease round 14: *p2 k1* to end of round.

Decrease round 15: *k1bw, k2tog* to end of round.

Decrease round 16: *k2tog* to end of round.

Decreases for Larger Size

Decrease round 1: * (k1, k1bw) five times, k2tog* to end of round.

Decrease round 2: *p10, k1* to end of round

Decrease round 3: *(k1bw, k1) four times, k1bw k2tog* to end of round.

Decrease round 4: *p9, k1* to end of round.

Decrease round 5: *(k1, k1bw) four times, k2tog* to end of round.

Decrease round 6: *p8, k1* to end of round

Decrease round 7: *(k1bw, k1) three times, k1bw k2tog* to end of round.

Decrease round 8: *p7, k1* to end of round.

Decrease round 9: *(k1, k1bw) three times, k2tog* to end of round.

Decrease round 10: *p6, k1* to end of round.

Decrease round 11: *(k1bw, k1) twice, k1bw k2tog* to end of round.

Decrease round 12: *p5, k1* to end of round.

Decrease round 13: *(k1, k1bw) twice, k2tog* to end of round.

Decrease round 14: *p4, k1* to end of round.

Decrease round 15: *k1bw, k1, k1bw, k2tog* to end of round.

Decrease round 16: *p3, k1* to end of round.

Decrease round 17: *k1, k1bw, k2tog* to end of round.

Decrease round 18: *p2 k1* to end of round.

Decrease round 19: *k1bw, k2tog* to end of round.

Decrease round 20: *k2tog* to end of round.

You should have 8 stitches left. Cut the yarn, leaving a 6” tail. Thread the long tail onto a needle, and slip the remaining stitches onto the thread. Pull tight and sew over the little hole at the top a few times. Weave in the loose ends on the wrong side and you're done!

Copyright Littletheorem: Do not reproduce in full or in part without the author's written permission.