Summer knitting and crochet projects
Summer knitting is all about small, portable projects in cool cotton. Here are free patterns to take to the beach, the garden or the train.
Updated
Summer Mesh TeeTwo mesh rectangles, a boat neck and little sleeves worked around the armholes. Airy and quick in cotton.
Mesh Market BagA flat sc base, a stretchy chain-loop mesh and built-in handles. Folds into a pocket.
Eyelet Mesh Market BagA flat round base and a stretchy yarn-over mesh body. Holds a surprising amount of shopping.
Cotton Bucket HatA flat sc crown, straight sides and a brim that flares with two increase rounds. Firm cotton keeps its shape.
Filet Mesh Summer ScarfLight, open mesh in cotton or linen. One row to learn, and it blocks out beautifully.
Griddle Stitch Wrap with Shell EndsAlternating sc and dc make a dense, flat fabric with a subtle texture. Shell edges finish the short ends.
Suzette Stitch DishclothA pair of stitches (sc and dc) in one spot makes a dense, scrubby texture. Perfect in cotton.
Diagonal Garter DishclothKnit corner to corner with an eyelet edge. A classic first project and a lovely kitchen gift.
Round Cotton CoastersFour rounds of dc and a crab-stitch edge. The quickest way to learn working in the round.
T-Shirt Yarn Round BasketSuper bulky T-shirt yarn makes a sturdy basket in an evening. A back-loop round turns the base into walls.
Round Floor RugA big flat dc circle in super bulky yarn, or three strands of worsted held together. Stop at any size.
C2C Pillow CoverTwo corner-to-corner squares joined around a pillow pad. Diagonal stripes, or a pixel design from graph paper.
Linen Stitch Striped ScarfLinen stitch makes a dense, woven-looking fabric that mixes colours like tweed. Perfect for fingering-weight leftovers.Tips for summer making
- Cotton has little stretch: go up a needle or hook size if your hands tire.
- Small projects travel well: a dishcloth or a granny square fits in any bag.
- Summer is the time to start Christmas blankets, so they’re done without the December rush.
Other seasons
Common questions
Are these summer patterns free?
Yes. Every pattern on Yarn & Row is free to make for yourself or to give. Each one shows the maths, so you can make it in your size, with your yarn and your gauge.
How long do these projects take?
Each card shows a typical time, from one evening to several weeks. Times are for a comfortable pace; the row counter keeps your place however long you take.