Best Yarn for Summer Clothes Crocheting & Knits

It's time to move from bulky woolen knits to airy and light fabrics. Look for yarns that offer comfort, moisture absorption, and durability while maintaining the quality of the finished piece as it is. Making breezy shawls, delicate cover-ups, or lightweight tops requires careful selection of yarns. Let's explore the best yarns for summer clothing in this guide, along with their qualities and advice on using the knitting needles and crochet hooks appropriately to get the best results. Enjoy summer with these free knitting patterns.

Explore Best Yarn for Summer Knits and Crochet

Light, breathable, and comfortable clothing is ideal for the summer. In contrast to winter clothing, which emphasizes insulation and warmth. Let's discover the best yarn for your creative crafts:

Cotton: This fiber is plant-based and is used for making beautiful projects. Due to its softness, good absorbency, and breathability, it makes a popular choice among crafters. Read our quick guide on summer cotton crochet.

Pros 

1. Soft, lightweight, and Comfortable
2. Machine washable
3. Strong and durable.

Cons 

1. Prone to stretch.
2. Cotton can become heavy when wet. 

What to create: Lightweight sweaters, crop tops, or market bags.

Linen:  One of the oldest fibers, made from the stems of the flax plant, and is the strongest. In the beginning, the yarn is stiff, but with frequent washes and wearing, it softens and gives an elegant look to your garment.

Pros

1. The fiber is highly absorbent.
2. Durable and long-lasting.
3. Become softer with each wash.

Cons

1. Linen yarn wrinkles easily.
2. Less elasticity.

What to create: With single pointed knitting needles, you can make tablecloths, washcloths, wraps, or shawls. Refer to our blog to learn how to knit washcloths.

Bamboo Yarn: The fiber of this yarn is obtained from wood, is made by dissolving it in chemicals, and spun into yarn. It has a soft texture, antibacterial qualities, and the capacity to soak away moisture. 

Pros

1. Enjoy a soft and silky feel with this yarn.
2. Wicks moisture away, keeping you dry.

Cons

1. Due to its slippery quality, it is not ideal for beginners.
2. It may stretch over time.

What to create: Lightweight scarves, shawls, or tops. For knitting shawls, use circular knitting needles, perfect for making any size. Read our blog on how to knit shawls from start to finish.

Hemp: This fiber is also known as beach yarn because of its ability to stand saltwater, making it perfect for summer accessories and beach cover-ups. It is a versatile yarn that has great strength and absorbency.

Pros

1. Breathable and cool.
2. It dries quickly.

Cons

1. The yarn is rough in the beginning, but after some regular washing, it becomes softer.
2. Lacks elasticity.

Silk Yarn: Give your summer knit project a polished touch with this beautiful yarn. It is lightweight and strong, making it ideal for trendy and stylish clothing.

Pros

1. Lightweight.
2. Sheen and lovely drapes.

Cons

1. Expensive
2. Slippery in nature.

What to create: Lacy tops and a summer dress. Refer to our blog on how to get started with lace knitting.

Why is it essential to work with Summer Yarn?

As we all know, in summer we require airy, lightweight, and comfortable clothes in contrast to winter garments. Let's check out some of the reasons below:

1. It prevents overheating by enabling air circulation.
2. Keep you dry due to the moisture-wicking quality.
3. Ensures the clothing doesn't feel heavy or large.
4. Preserve shape despite frequent washings and wear.

Suggestions/ Tips for Knitting and Crocheting Summer Yarns

Let's check out some of the advice that helps in your projects:

1. Select lighter yarn colors because they stay cooler when light hues reflect heat. You can read our blog to learn different types of colorwork crochet techniques. 
2. Choose a lacy or airy pattern that enhances breathability.
3. Selecting a slightly larger hook or needle results in a looser, more breathable fabric.
4. Wet or steam blocking can improve structure and drape, so make sure to use it after finishing the project.
5. After the first wash, some natural fibers soften and bloom, enhancing comfort and texture.

Summer crafting requires particular yarn types, stitch patterns, and tools. Enjoy comfortable and light clothes by choosing the best quality yarns such as cotton, linen, or hemp. 

Choose a pattern, and start creating beautiful handmade projects that will keep you stylish. Knitting needle sets from KnitPro in Symfonie, Dreamz, Nova, or Zing include needles of multiple sizes and allow you to choose the ones that work best with your project.