11 Must-Try Yarns for Spring & Summer Knitting
The transition from winter to spring and summer is often delightful—the snow begins to melt, flowers begin to bloom, and birds return home to nest. Nature comes alive again; sometimes, it feels like you come back alive, too.
But for knitters, it can bring a different challenge—what yarn should you be knitting with as the temperatures get hotter or the air more humid? What patterns are suitable to work on—both for the comfort of knitting itself and for wearing the finished piece?
After living in Charleston, SC, for 7 years, I've experienced many hot and humid summers. Some days, it gets so hot that your clothes seem to melt into your skin.
While here, I've added many yarns to my stash that feel at home in this climate. I have also designed and collected a handful of patterns in these yarns to keep you as cool as a cucumber.
So, if you want to keep knitting year-round but aren't quite sure where to start, here are 10 yarns you need to try and a selection of patterns to accompany them!
11 Must-try Yarns for Spring & Summer Knitting
Rowan Summerlite 4ply
This looks and feels very similar to Knit Picks’ Comfy Fingering, but you might prefer the more muted colorway options.
De Rerum Natura Robinson
I loved using this for my Mariel Pullover. The worsted weight means your projects work up quickly, and the cotton / merino blend is ideal for spring knits and cooler summer nights. The fiber is soft in the ball and still feels very light when worn despite the heavy DK/light worsted weight. This yarn looks great in lace and stockinette stitch, and I can see it working really well for cables, too. I have a lot leftover from my Mariel sample, and I know I’ll be reaching for those leftovers for another spring piece.
Purl Soho Linen Quill
If it never gets that hot where you are, you'll love this blend of wool, alpaca, and linen. It magically combines the best of both worlds of warmth, coolness, softness, and strength.
Knit Picks Comfy (all weights)
If you're looking for the perfect yarn for all your spring & summer tanks and tees, look no further than Knit Picks Comfy. It is soft, has the perfect drape, and comes in neutral & fun colors.
Knit Picks Simply Cotton
I've just started testing this on a crochet beach cover-up, and I love the way it feels in my hand. I can already tell that it is going to wear well against the skin and won't feel sticky in the summer heat. If you could only reach through the screen and touch it you would be amazed by how good this feels in your hands.
De Rerum Natura Antigone
A crisp linen yarn that shines in the ball and in your project.
Brooklyn Tweed Loft
While wool, Loft feels so light and delightful against your skin on those cooler summer nights when you still need a little layer.
Knit Picks Lindy Chain
Another Knit Picks/We Crochet favorite is Lindy Chain. Lindy's chainette construction is unique but still feels soft and light. No sweating when you wear it! When knit, it has a really nice drape and feels smooth in your hands. Lace, stockinette, and texture stitches look great when knitted and has an interesting texture when crocheted. I love Lindy Chain for airy summer pullovers, beach cover-ups, fun tanks, and lightweight cardigans that are perfect for protecting you against chilly A/C. Check out my Wild Dunes pattern to see what Lindy Chain looks like on a finished garment.
Purl Soho Cattail Silk
Purl Soho Cattail Silk is a treat to work with. The slightly rustic feel makes it perfect for more casual wear despite being silk. The fiber is soft & strong with a gentle drape. Arguably, it's one of my favorite yarns; I've used it in 5+ patterns and counting! It feels delicate in the hand, but when knit, it can handle itself. I love my Rincon Caftan, and it is a staple piece in my summer wardrobe. I love wearing it over a casual dress as a chic layer, but I also reach for it to pair with tanks and shorts for beach days. A few other patterns I’ve used Cattail Silk with are my Brighton Wrap, Egret Shawl, and Jordan Shawl.
Purl Soho Cotton Pure
I have used Cotton Pure to knit samples for 4 upcoming designs, and I love it. It is a pure (haha) dream to knit with. The cotton drapes just so, retains its shape, has crisp stitch definition, and is delightfully soft. It is the quintessential summer yarn, and you will not regret using it.
Knit Picks CotLin
There is just something so special about Knit Picks / WeCrochet’s CotLin. Cotton keeps the stitch definition crisp and the linen gets softer with each and every wear (and wash). CotLin is a favorite for transitional projects where you still might want to wear a sweater but don’t want to overheat. The DK weight makes for quick projects so that you can create and wear your project in the same season.
What to Knit and Crochet this Spring and Summer
I could go on and on about my favorite spring & summer yarns, you could say it’s a hazard of living in a climate which requires humid-friendly yarns for 4-5 months of the year. I’m always looking for and trying new yarns like Knitting For Olive’s Cotton Merino and Pure Silk. But I’m curious to hear what your favorite summer-friendly yarns are. Share your favorites in the comments below!
