6 Free Lovely Lacy Knitting Patterns to Overcome Summertime Heat
Find the heat stifling? Try one of these 6 adorable free knitting patterns for summer shirts to help keep you cool
Once upon a time, it was a hot Oklahoma summer.
(This is terribly redundant, because I don’t believe there’s a such thing as a not-hot Oklahoma summer. ๐)
Anyway, a few years ago, during a typically hot summer, a strange little problem arose for me…
The Tank Top Problem
I had accumulated quite a few cute tank tops. They had adorable spaghetti straps and fabulous shelf bras, so I didn’t have to worry about wearing a separate bra.
However, those tank tops alone didn’t feel as comfortable as they used to. If I sat in any seat with a back and without upholstery, all that exposed skin on my upper torso was poked and prodded by the seatback.
(I suspect the problem was my advanced age and the more sensitive skin that followed. Sigh.)
I didn’t want to get rid of my tank tops, because in Oklahoma summer heat theyโre very practical. The solution I came up with was a lovely lacy top that would work perfectly over a tank top. It would also make a terrific cover-up for days at the beach or pool.
The Solution: Openwork Summer Shirt
So I set about finding a collection of free patterns for just such openwork summer shirts.
I needed the patterns to meet a few criteria.
1) Almost completely open. A few bits of solid fabric here and there are okay, but two or three rows or columns of eyelets would not do. These are meant for Oklahoma summersโฆ which means they need to be airy. Bring on that openwork!
2) Loose. No explanation necessarily, I trust.
3) Relative ease of knitting. Iโm slowly starting to incorporate more lace into my knitting repertoire, but Iโm still not a confident lace knitter, so I needed something as easy as possible.
Fortunately, the Ravelry pattern browser did not fail me, and so for your viewing pleasure I offer 7 free knitting patterns for openwork summer shirts. For all of you who suffer the same tank-top issue I struggle with, or for those who need a swimsuit cover-up, these are for you!
Free Knitting Patterns for Openwork Summer Shirts
Malena by DROPS Design
- What you’ll need to make it: 1050 to 1400 yards sport weight yarn; US Size 2.5 circular needles; tapestry needles
- Why you’ll want to: To create a pretty, flowing lace top with a lovely triangular-shaped lace pattern comprising tiny eyelets.
- What you’ll need to make it: 812 to 1218 yards DK weight yarn; US Size 7 circular needles; stitch holder, spare DPN, or scrap yarn; stitch markers; tapestry needle
- Why you’ll want to: Want an even airier lace with more shape to the shirt? This is your pattern!
- What you’ll need to make it: 920 to 1380 yards DK weight yarn; US Size 7 and 4 circular needles; tapestry needle
- Why you’ll want to: Another DROPS Design pattern, this one creates a delightful series of interlocking diamond-shapes in its lace pattern.
Photo: DROPS Design
Photo: Universal Yarns
Photo: DROPS Design
Photo: Yarnspirations
- What you’ll need to make it: 606 to 1010 yards worsted weight yarn; US Size 9 and 10 circular needles; stitch holders, spare DPNs, or scrap yarn; stitch markers; tapestry needle
- Why you’ll want to: This pattern also creates a diamond-shaped lace design, though the lace stitch is much larger. Itโs probably the least-airy pattern in this collection. It probably wouldn’t work for my purposes as a tank top cover, but it’s certainly beautiful enough to wear on its own!
For more summer knitting fun, check out the pattern collections in my Spring/Summer Patterns category!
Photo: Berroco
- What you’ll need to make it: 804 to 1072 yards DK weight yarn; US Size 7 and 8 needles (in whatever configuration you wish for both flat and circular knitting); stitch holder, spare DPN, or scrap yarn; stitch marker; tapestry needle
Why you’ll want to: Because this is the ultimate tank-top-cover shirt! It’s exactly what I had in mind when I started searching. It is, however, for an “experienced” knitter, so it’s probably not good as your first lace project. If you have a few under your belt, though, why not give it a try?
Photo: Hilary Latimer
- What you’ll need to make it: 680 yards worsted weight yarn; US Size 9 circular needles; tapestry needle
- Why you’ll want to: This is the only sleeveless top in this collection. It’s also unique because it offers you two options. One leaves the sides open (perfect for a hot summer day!); the other option has you seam the sides closed to make it more like the other tops on this page. The openwork pattern is very simple, and you’re encouraged to use lots of colors!
Any of these tops would make a fabulous “reward” for a round of charity knitting. Which one is your favorite? Would you use one of these over a tank top or as a swimsuit cover-up?
Very cute lacey tops.
I think so too!
You are a constant source of inspiration and encouragement. I decided to spend this summer knitting for myself and family. I am almost finished with Skywalker a lace shawl from Craftsy by Laura Nelkin and Cloe a lace jacket for my daughter-in-law. They have both been fun and challenging. I have increased my lace skills incredibly. I can knit sections of both without using the pattern!!
Probably going back to knitting squares for blanket charities. I want to knit through all four Barbara Walker treasuries of knit/purl and cable patterns. I also knit hats for the Salvation Army to distribute. I would like to try to knit something for our troops. But that will probably have to wait until after Christmas since I have four grandkids projects in the UPO file.
That’s awesome, Patricia. I’m so excited that you’ve improved your lace skills! That’s something I’m trying to do as well. Congratulations on all your finished projects!
Thanks so much for your very kind comments. I greatly appreciate it. Folks like you are why I do this! ๐
All of these are gorgeous!
Keep up the good work!
Thank you, glad you like them!