Knitted Summer Top (The Best Warm Weather Knit!)

In this blog post, you will see a pattern for a knitted summer top.

Perfect to wear with linen pants, jeans or shorts, you can style it however you want for any outfit.

Knit it in cotton yarn for a light and breathable piece you can wear repeatedly.

Scroll down to view the free pattern, or grab your printer-friendly, ad-free PDF here.

Knitted Summer Top Pattern

Skill Level – Easy (A great project for advanced beginner knitters)

Notes

This knitted summer top features the feather and fan stitch pattern, a beautiful and versatile knitting pattern that creates a delicate wave effect. 

It’s a popular stitch pattern among knitters of all levels because it’s easy to memorize and produces stunning results. 

Whether a beginner or an experienced knitter, you’ll love knitting this stitch pattern and simple design. 

The video tutorial will walk you through the stitch pattern step-by-step, making it easy to follow. 

The free tee knitting pattern is perfect for practicing new skills. 

So, grab your needles and yarn, and let’s start this fun and rewarding project!

Scroll down to view the free pattern, or grab your printer-friendly, ad-free PDF here.

The tee belongs in the in the Muses collection – 12 Summer Knits (The Muses Collection) 

Copyright Info

• Please do not copy, sell, redistribute, or republish this pattern. 
• If you wish to share this pattern, please provide a link to the pattern page only.
• You may sell items produced using this pattern.
• Do NOT use the copyrighted photos for your product listing.
• For the copyright T&C, please read my Terms of Use.

Size Information

Gauge

• 16 sts/20 rows in 4 inches/10 cm in stocking stitch.
• Making a gauge swatch before starting to check your tension is best.

This top can be made in the following sizes…

S (M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL)

Bust Size (inches)

38 (42, 46, 51, 57, 63)

Waist Size (inches)

34 (38, 42, 47, 53, 59)

The knitted summer top pattern is written for all sizes starting with the smallest size – with changes for different sizes listed in all necessary places.

To follow patterns more easily, circle or highlight all numbers pertaining to your size before beginning.

The Supplies You Need

Yarn

• The Pima Cotton From We Are Knitters in Terracotta (This cotton is 100% Pima Cotton) 100g/3.05oz/232 yds/212m.
• Use my code – MGM4VHHAT – for 10 off on your WAK yarn order.
• This is an Aran/Worsted/10 Ply yarn.

For the following sizes, you will need;

• Small – 3 – (300g/696yds/636m)
• Medium – 4 – (400g/928yds/848m)
• Large – 5 – (500g/1,160yds/1,060m)
• XL – 5.5 – (550g/1,276yds/1,166m)
• XXL – 6 – (600g/1,392yds/1,272m)
• XXXL – 6.5 – (650g/1,508yds/1,378m)

Needles

• 5.5 mm (US 9) knitting needles.
• 5.5 mm (US 9) 24″ circular knitting needles for the neck.
• The top is worked back and forth on the needles – knit flat.

Notions

• Scissors
• Darning needle/yarn needle
• Tape measure
• Stitch holder

Knitting Abbreviations

• Beg – Beginning
• CO – Cast on
• Cont – Continue
• Dec – Decrease (cast off)
• K – Knit
• K2tog – Knit the next two stitches together (decrease)
• Garter stitch – Knit every row.
• SM – Slip marker
• St(s) – Stitch(es)
• Patt – Pattern (work in pattern)
• PM – Place marker
• P – Purl
• Rem – Remain(ing)
• Rep – Repeat
• RS – Right side
• WS – Wrong side
• YO – Yarn over

Abbreviaitions Chart

• Center panel.
• Multiple of 24 sts.
• 4-row repeat.

Video Tutorial

There is a video tutorial to help you to knit this feather and fan stitch pattern on my YouTube channel.

Pattern Instructions

Worked flat knitting back and forth on two needles:

BACK

Cast on 92 (104, 116, 128, 140, 152) sts.

Set Up – Work 4 rows in garter stitch.

• Row 1 (RS): K3, PM, K31 (37, 43, 49, 55, 67), PM, K24, PM, K31 (37, 43, 49, 55, 67), PM, K3.
• Row 2 (WS): K3, SM, P31 (37, 43, 49, 55, 67), SM, P24, SM, P31 (37, 43, 49, 55, 67), SM, K3.
• Row 3: K3, SM, K31 (37, 43, 49, 55, 67), SM, (K2tog) 4 times, (YO, K1) 8 times, (K2tog) 4 times, SM, K31 (37, 43, 49, 55, 67), SM, K3.
• Row 4: Rep row 2.

Cont to repeat rows 1 – 4 slipping the markers as you work until your piece measures = 32 (33, 34, 35, 36, 37) cm / 12.5 (13, 13.3, 13.7, 14, 14.5) inches.

Armholes

Row 1 (RS): Cast on 6 sts at the beg of the row, work in patt to end, and cast on 6 sts. 104 (116, 128, 140, 152, 164) sts.

Rows 2-4: Work in patt.

Cont to work 3 edge sts in garter stitch (move the markers to here) for the sleeve edges.

When the piece measures 55 (57, 59, 61, 63, 65) cm / 21.6 (22.4, 23.2, cast off the center 28 (28, 32, 32, 32, 32) sts for the neck and finish each shoulder separately.

The total number of sts rem = 76 (88, 96, 108, 120, 132) sts.

Each shoulder = 38 (44, 48, 54, 60, 66) sts.

Cont in pattern as before and cast off 1st for the neck at the beg of the next two rows from neck – 36 (42, 46, 52, 58, 64) sts.

Loosely cast off on the RS.

Repeat on the other shoulder.

FRONT

Cast on and work as on the back piece until the piece measures 44 (46, 48, 50, 52, 54) cm/17.3 (18.1, 18.8, 19.6, 20.4, 21.2) inches.

Next place the center 16 (16, 20, 20, 20, 20) sts onto a stitch holder and finish each shoulder separately.

The total number of sts rem = 88 (100, 108, 120, 132, 144) sts.

Each shoulder = 44 (50, 54, 60, 66, 72) sts

Cont in the pattern as before and cast off for neck at beg of every row from the neck as follows…

Cast off 2 sts, 2 times, and 1st 4 times = 36 (42, 46, 52, 58, 64) sts rem on the shoulder.

Work until the piece measures 54 (56, 58, 60, 62, 64) cm/21.2 (22, 22.8, 23.6, 24.4, 25.1) inches and loosely cast off on the RS.

Making Up

Sew the shoulder seams inside the cast-off edge, then sew the underarm and side seams together using the mattress stitch or any seaming method of your choice.

If you wish you can leave a 10 cm cm/4-inch vent on either side of the seam near the bottom.

Weave in any loose ends.

Neck Edge

Pick up and knit from RS around 94 – 114 sts around the neck (including the sts on the stitch holder) on 24″ circular needles (size 5.5 mm/US 9).

Join in the round and work as follows…

• Round 1 – Purl
• Round 2 – Knit
• Round 3 – Purl
• Round 4 – Loosely cast off.

Finishing and Blocking

You may wish to block your knitted summer top, you can do that as follows:

• Lay the item out on blocking mats, lightly stretch it into place, and pin it with blocking pins.
• Spray with cold water.
• Allow to dry completely.
• Blocking Knits Tutorial

Can You Wear A Knit Top In Summer?

Yes, you can wear a knit top in summer, but it’s best to choose one made from lightweight and breathable materials such as cotton or linen.

These fabrics help keep you cool by allowing air to circulate and moisture to evaporate.

Opt for loose-fitting styles and lighter colors that reflect rather than absorb heat.

This way, you can enjoy the style and comfort of a knit top even on warmer days.

Are Knit Shirts Comfortable?

Yes, knit shirts and knitted summer tops are generally very comfortable.

They are made from fabrics that have some stretch, which allows for better movement and flexibility.

This stretchiness often makes knit shirts feel soft and accommodating to different body shapes, enhancing comfort.

Additionally, because they can be made from various fibers, including cotton, wool, and synthetic blends, you can choose a knit that feels best against your skin and suits the climate you’re in.

What Do You Need To Knit A Tee?

To knit a tee or t-shirts, you’ll need several essential supplies.

Firstly, you’ll require a suitable yarn for garments, preferably one that is soft, comfortable, and suitable for the intended season. 

Summer yarns like cotton, linen, bamboo, or blends of these fibers are popular choices for tees due to their breathability and drape. 

Next, you’ll need knitting needles appropriate for your chosen yarn weight. 

You can find the needle size on the yarn label of your skein. 

Circular needles are often preferred for seamless construction, as they allow you to knit the tee’s body in one piece without seams. 

Stitch markers will help you keep track of key points in the pattern, such as shaping for armholes and necklines. 

A tape measure ensures accurate sizing, while a yarn needle is handy for weaving in ends and finishing touches. 

• Learn everything about the different yarn weights here – Yarn Weight Guide {+ Conversion Chart}
• Learn how to read a yarn label here – How To Read A Yarn Label (Step By Step) 
• Learn everything about yarn fibers here – Yarn Types Explained: A Guide To Different Fibers 

Knitting Lessons

If you are a new knitter and need help with the knitting basics, check out these posts here and be your own knitting instructor – Knitting Lessons (With Video Tutorials).

There, you will find step-by-step tutorials for all the different knitting techniques a newbie needs to know.

Including how to cast on, how to bind off, how to knit the basic knit stitches, how to knit the knit stitch, how to knit the purl stitch, the stockinette stitch, the rib stitch, the garter stitch, the mattress stitch, short rows, how to yarn over(yo), how to measure gauge, how to fix knitting mistakes, and a list of knitting abbreviations (UK + US terms), and more. 

For easier projects, check out this pattern category; here, you will find a range of knitting patterns – Beginner Knitters

And if you need more video tutorials to help you practice your basic knitting skills, check out my YouTube channel here – Handy Little Me – YouTube.

Could you share your work with us?

I love seeing your finished projects on social media.

If you enjoyed making the knitted summer top, I’d love to see yours on Instagram, be sure to tag me @handylittleme.

If you are on Facebook, stop over to the Handylittleme Facebook Group and share a photo.

You can also check out my Facebook page here.

You can also find us on Pinterest, Ravelry, and Twitter.

I’d love to see your work.

Happy Knitting!