Marly Bird, Author at Marly Bird

26 Free Dinosaur Projects to Crochet and Knit

May 15, 2022 By Marly Bird Leave a Comment

Dinosaurs are always a popular subject for a fun project! After all, kids of all ages find delight, magic, and awe in dinosaurs. They are such unique creatures that they truly inspire the imagination. Stuffed animals, blankets, hats, and more projects are gathered here to make for that special kid in your life. Whether for a themed party, a birthday gift, or just for fun, these twenty-six free dinosaur projects will surely delight the person you give them to. And don't be surprised if you want to make a few little dinosaurs for your shelves! There's no shame in that!

26 Free Dinosaur Projects to Crochet and Knit

Stuffed Dinos

These soft crochet and knit dinosaurs are friendly representatives of their species. Any child who loves stuffed animals and also loves dinosaurs will certainly delight in these projects. Kids who are scared of the dark might find that sleeping with a knit or crochet dinosaur helps them feel slightly more secure. And kids who truly love dinosaurs will be quick to tell you which one is their favorite so be sure to ask before you make the Stegosaurus or the T Rex!

Squish-a-Saurus Crochet Dino Free Crochet Pattern

Home Items

Dinosaurs can be in your bedroom as more than just stuffed animals, too! Keep warm with these free dinosaur projects. The blanket is cozy for all ages, but the snuggle sack is extra special. Kids who enjoy costumes and dressing-up will find the snuggle sack also helps play that role.

Crochet Dinosaur Toy Storage Basket Free Crochet Pattern

Free Dinosaur Projects to Wear

Speaking of dressing up and wearing costumes, there are plenty of opportunities for those types of free dinosaur projects as well. Hats, a sweater, and even baby slippers let you show off your love of dinosaurs with practical accessories. Bring a little bit of whimsy into your life and that of the kids you love by making these fun creations.

Crochet Dino Hat and Tail Free Crochet Pattern

More Animal-Related Patterns

Whether or not your little one loves dinosaurs, they might also like other animals and creatures. If you're on the hunt for different knit and crochet animal patterns, then maybe you'll enjoy these other posts:

Is there an animal pattern that you are looking for? Let us know!

Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of dinosaur projects can I knit or crochet?

So many fun options! Amigurumi dinosaur stuffed toys are the most popular… T-rexes, triceratops, brachiosauruses, and more. But this collection goes way beyond stuffed animals. There are dino-themed blankets, dinosaur hats with little spines, baby booties shaped like dino feet, dino mittens, bags with dinosaur motifs, and even some home decor pieces. Whether you're making for a child who's dino-obsessed or an adult who never outgrew them… there's a project here.

Are dinosaur amigurumi difficult to make?

The complexity varies a lot by the design! A simple egg-shaped dino body with four legs and tiny eyes can be very beginner-friendly. More detailed designs with spines, horns, complex heads, and realistic proportions are more intermediate to advanced. Look at the pattern's piece count… the more separate pieces to sew together, the more time-consuming the assembly. For a first dinosaur, choose one with a simpler body shape and fewer embellishments. They're still incredibly cute!

What yarn colors work best for dinosaur projects?

Green in various shades is the classic choice (obviously!) but don't limit yourself. Purple dinosaurs are adorable. Pink and teal dinosaurs are incredibly popular on social media. Multi-color dinos where the spines are a contrasting color look fun and vibrant. For blankets and wearables with dino motifs, you can go as colorful or as neutral as you like. Yarn crafts are the perfect medium for dinosaurs because you can make them in literally any color… give a T-rex a rainbow colorway, why not?

Can I make dinosaur projects as gifts for adults who love dinosaurs?

Absolutely! Dinosaur enthusiasm is not limited by age. A beautifully made crochet dinosaur stuffed animal, a pair of dino socks, or a dinosaur-motif hat is a delightful gift for any dino enthusiast of any age. For adults, consider making a larger, more detailed amigurumi with realistic proportions… or go for the opposite direction with an extra cute and silly style. The reaction when someone who loves dinosaurs receives a handmade dino gift is always worth the effort.

Are these patterns free?

Yes! All 26 dinosaur patterns in this collection are free. They come from various designers and sources… just click through to access each pattern. Some may require a free account (like Ravelry) to download. If you love a designer's free pattern, consider purchasing one of their paid patterns or leaving a helpful Ravelry review… it makes a real difference to independent designers.

Tips for Success with Your Dinosaur Projects

Whether you're crocheting a Squish-a-Saurus or knitting a T-Rex, here are some insider tips to make your dino creations absolutely adorable…

Yarn Choice Matters

For stuffed dinosaurs, I recommend worsted weight yarn in bright, playful colors. Red Heart Super Saver and Bernat Blanket are budget-friendly favorites that hold their shape beautifully. If you're making a snuggle sack or blanket, bulkier yarns work faster… perfect if you're on a gift deadline!

Amigurumi Tips

Most stuffed dino patterns use amigurumi construction. Make sure you're using a hook size slightly smaller than the yarn recommends to keep your stitches tight and prevent fiberfill from peeking through. A single crochet or half double crochet creates the best density for toys.

Personal Touches

Don't skip the finishing details! Embroidering eyes with embroidery floss instead of using safety eyes makes each dinosaur unique and completely safe for littles. Add spike details using the backloop only technique for extra dimension.

Want to learn more construction tricks? Check out our guide on amigurumi for beginners before you dive in, and explore our roundup of cozy blanket patterns for inspiration on home items!

Knit Skirt Patterns for Summer

May 13, 2022 By Marly Bird Leave a Comment

We recently rounded up some of our favorite crochet skirt patterns. However, what if you would rather knit a skirt? Well, we've got you covered! Here are some knit skirt patterns to give your wardrobe a boost.

Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of those links, I’ll receive a portion of those sales. This helps me continue to bring you free content here on the blog. Your price doesn’t change, of course. Thank you for your support.

knit skirt patterns for summer - Marly Bird

Cable Knit Skirt Pattern

A classic cable knit wool skirt. It's short enough that you could wear it in summer. However, since it's dense and made from wool, you can also wear it over tights in fall. This is a Yarnspirations free knit skirt pattern. It's an intermediate-level design.

Cable Knit Heart Skirt Pattern

Here's another cable knit skirt. In this one, the stitches form a column of hearts. It's a stylish, beautiful, easily wearable crochet skirt.

Pencil Skirt Knit Pattern

This is actually a knit cami and skirt pattern set. Wear this sophisticated design over a blouse and tights to the office. The skirt is a relatively simple but very chic pencil skirt. Make it with the cami, or just make it on its own.

Romantic Lace Skirt Pattern

This sportweight lace knit skirt also has a pencil skirt style to it. With vertical lines made from the stitching, it elongates the body beautifully. This skirt leans towards the romantic side.

Knit Wrap Skirt Pattern

Wrap skirts are among the most easy-to-wear skirt styles. This knit version is in stockinette stitch. Designed with lightweight yarn, this is a comfortable summer skirt.

A-Line Knit Skirt Pattern

This is actually another of the knit wrap skirt patterns available through KnitPicks. However, it has a totally different style. It's a short A-Line Knit Skirt that's perfect for summer fun.

Fluted A-Line Skirt

Here's another flattering A-Line Skirt Pattern. However, this skirt has flutes and ribs rather than a wrap. Therefore, it has a totally different design appeal. Which style do you like better?

Knit Panel Skirt Pattern

Make knit panels in alternating colors to create this fun urban skirt. Designed with an elastic waistband, the measurements are easy to customize so you can adapt it to your own sizing.

Ombre Lace Knit Skirt Pattern

This skirt pattern has so much going for it. It's an ombre in shades of blue that are eye-catching and easy to wear. Knit it in lace, so it's not only fun to make but beautiful to wear. And it's a high-low boho skirt that's great for summer.

Crop Top and Knit Skirt Pattern Set

This flirty shirt and skirt knit pattern set is adaptable to different ages and body types. Work both pieces in the set from the bottom up in the round. Designer Laure Riker says, “The skater skirt features a perfectly matching picot lace hem that'll show everyone your knitting skills are the creme de la creme!”

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a knitted skirt wearable for summer?

Lightweight fiber and open construction! Cotton or cotton blends are the top choice for summer skirts… breathable, machine washable, and they drape beautifully. Linen knits are gorgeous with a natural texture that keeps you cool. Open stitch patterns (lace, mesh, simple eyelets) allow airflow that dense fabric doesn't. And DK or sport weight rather than bulky keeps the fabric from feeling heavy. A summer knitted skirt should flow and move with you without adding warmth… the yarn choice determines whether that works.

Are knitted skirts appropriate for all body types?

Knitted skirts can be wonderfully flattering across body types! The key is silhouette choice. A flared or A-line knitted skirt is universally flattering because it adds volume at the hem and creates visual balance. Straight silhouettes work beautifully for slimmer hips. Wrap-style knitted skirts adjust to different proportions. And because you're making it yourself, you control the length… knee length, midi length, maxi length, whatever feels and looks best on YOUR body. That customization is one of the greatest gifts of handmade clothing.

What's the easiest knitted skirt construction for a first-time skirt knitter?

Top-down or bottom-up circular skirts with simple stockinette or basic stitch patterns are the most approachable. You're essentially knitting a widening tube from waist to hem (or vice versa), adding increases at regular intervals to flare the skirt. No intricate shaping, no complex construction… just increasing at a consistent rate to create the flare. Add a simple elastic or drawstring waistband and you have a wearable skirt. A basic summer mini or knee-length A-line in cotton DK is a wonderful first skirt project.

How do I make sure a knitted skirt stays up?

Waistband construction is critical! Options: a ribbed waistband with elastic threaded through (the most secure and comfortable), a casing with elastic sewn into it, a drawstring waist, or decreases at the waist for a naturally tapered fit. Ribbing with elastic is the most practical for everyday wear… it grips your waist comfortably without sliding. Make the waistband slightly smaller than your actual waist measurement so it grips rather than sliding. And choose yarn with enough body… very drapey yarns can cause the skirt to slide down throughout the day.

What needle size works for a summer cotton knit skirt?

Check your specific pattern's gauge requirements, but generally: DK weight cotton knits well on US size 4-6 (3.5-4mm) needles. Sport weight on US size 3-4. The resulting fabric should have some structure without being too stiff… you want fabric that drapes naturally and moves with you. If your fabric feels board-like, go up a needle size. If it's too loose and drapey, go down one. And as always… swatch in the pattern stitch and match the gauge before casting on the full skirt.

Crochet Skirt Patterns for Summer

May 10, 2022 By Marly Bird Leave a Comment

Summertime is the perfect time to make and wear crochet skirts. Openwork crochet skirts are perfect for wearing over swimsuits, shorts, and yoga pants. Crochet skirt patterns with denser stitching can be worn standalone. Make a great impression with these cute patterns.

Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of those links, I'll receive a portion of the sale. This helps me continue to bring you free content on the blog. Your price doesn't change, of course. Thank you for your support.

crochet skirt patterns for summer - Marly Bird

Striped Mini Skirt Pattern

This is a terrific crochet mini-skirt pattern. It has simple stripes and easy-to-wear shaping. Of course, you could alter the pattern to make it longer if mini-skirts aren't your thing. This is the kind of skirt you can wear on its own or over other clothing.

Crochet Midi Skirt Pattern

If midi skirts are more your thing than mini skirts are, then this could be the skirt pattern for you. Carita Stewart designed this to be a very customizable skirt that you can easily adapt to get the perfect fit for your own body. It has a ribbed texture that you can wear as a regular skirt without a slip if you'd like to. There is a slit up the side. It has a drawstring waist with button details. This is one of the most sophisticated crochet skirt patterns in our roundup.

Perfect Crochet Beach Skirt

The Red Heart Caribbean Skirt crochet pattern is the ideal skirt to wear on any beach vacation. You can throw it over a swimsuit and wear it all day. Add heels, and it's dressed up enough for going out at night. This is an easy crochet pattern with a drawstring waist. However, the slit up the side adds a little flair.

Flirty Summer Beach Skirt

This easy summer beach skirt pattern is designed to be worn over a dress, slip, or fitted skirt. It has a very open design in bold summer colors. With ruffles at the bottom, it's a flirty, fun skirt to make and wear. The drawstring uses the same color as the ruffles, providing terrific edging to frame the skirt.

Eventide Crochet Skirt Pattern

Crochet designer Moon Eldridge explains, “This lovely crochet skirt was inspired by the look of the evening wind blowing through waves of grass on the seashore.” It's a fingering weight cotton yarn skirt design, making it super comfortable for summer.

Convertible Skirt/Poncho Crochet Pattern

Minimalist fashion fans will delight because this crochet pattern does double duty. It works as a long, loose, bohemian-inspired skirt. Or, put it over your shoulder and wear it as a poncho instead. It's open work, so you'll want to wear something underneath it. That's perfect, though, because you can layer it up and wear it in all seasons. This is one of the intermediate level crochet skirt patterns.

Convertible Skirt/Sundress Crochet Pattern

Here's another multi-purpose crochet pattern. Wear it as a long skirt. Alternatively, pull it up and wear it as a sundress. As you can see, this is a mesh-like crochet skirt pattern, so you have to wear it over other clothing. It's a great beach cover-up as well.

How To Upcycle a Denim Skirt with Crochet

In this crochet pattern, you'll learn how to make a denim skirt a little bit more interesting by adding layers of crochet ruffles at the bottom. This cute technique can be used on all types of skirts for people of different ages.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear these crochet skirts over other clothes?

Yes, absolutely! Many of these patterns are designed with openwork or a mesh-like stitch, making them perfect for layering. You can totally wear them over swimsuits, shorts, or even yoga pants for a cute beach or casual look.

I'm not a fan of mini skirts… are there longer options?

Honestly, yes! While one pattern is specifically a mini skirt, the great thing about crochet is how adaptable it is. You can usually alter the length to make it longer, or check out the midi skirt pattern for a longer option. So don't worry, there's something for everyone!

What if I want a skirt I can wear for more than just summer?

You're in luck! Some of these patterns are super versatile. The convertible skirt/poncho pattern, for example, can be worn as a skirt or a poncho, and its openwork makes it great for layering in different seasons. Think cozy leggings underneath!

Are any of these patterns really easy for beginners?

Some of them are definitely advanced beginner friendly! Look for patterns described as “easy” or “advanced beginner.” They often feature simple stripes or straightforward shaping, so you can still make something super cute without needing tons of complicated stitches.

Can I use these patterns to upcycle something I already own?

Oh my goodness, yes! There's a whole section on how to upcycle a denim skirt by adding crochet ruffles. It's such a fun way to give an old skirt new life and add a unique, handmade touch. You can totally adapt that idea to other types of skirts too!

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Infinity Cables Crochet Floor Pouf (Cable Collection CAL)

May 9, 2022 By Marly Bird Leave a Comment

Have you joined in with the Classic Cable Collection CAL yet? Each week this month, one of four designers (including yours truly) are bringing you a new pattern to learn how to work with crochet cables. This week we're making a floor pouf with Briana K Designs. Briana has mastered her own original Infinity Cables crochet technique. Her week of the CAL starts today, so join us now!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Your price doesn’t change when you make purchases from those links. However, I receive a percentage of the sale. Thank you for your support.

What is the Classic Cable Collection CAL?

We are in week two of this four-week crochet-along. Briana, Michelle, me and Hannah are sharing our knowledge to help you grow your skills in crochet cables. Each week, you get a new pattern, a video tutorial, and a chance to participate in our respective Facebook communities with others working on the CAL.

We kicked it off last week with Michelle's Celtic Weave Nesting Baskets made with crochet cables in the round. My week isn't until the end of the month, but I've shared a sneak peek of the bulky crochet cable blanket we're making. You can see the whole pattern here.

Infinity Cables Crochet Floor Pouf

During this CAL, we are making various things using a handful of unique crochet cable techniques. Briana K is showcasing her Infinity Cables crochet technique with the floor pouf pattern for this week's CAL.

What Is The Infinity Cables Crochet Technique?

There are different ways to make crochet cables. Most commonly, we use post stitches worked across one another. However, this approach has some flaws. Briana wanted to improve upon those flaws, and that's how she developed her Infinity Cables crochet technique.

She explains that some of the differences include:

No spaces in the cable designs (you'll see that I also solve this problem in a different way when we crochet the blanket in a couple of weeks)
You can work horizontally as well as vertically. Moreover, you can crochet a circle with cables using this technique.
You'll work the cables on a background of other stitches, in this case, on single crochet stitches.

But one of the most unique features of her Infinity Cable crochet technique is that the cables really pop out from the rest of the fabric. They create a dramatic design, perfect for the floor pouf we're making this week.

Infinity Cables Crochet Floor Pouf

This week you can either make a short or tall Infinity Cabled crochet floor pouf. We're using beautiful cotton Billow Yarn. So, you'll either need four hanks or seven of them, depending on the size you want to make. You'll also need

Size 6 mm crochet hook
Scissors
Tapestry Needle
Removable Stitch Markers
Bean Bag Pellets (optional)
20′ Zipper (optional)

Join the Cable CAL

Get All Four Crochet Cable Patterns

Get the ebook linked above for all four ad-free PDF patterns. Or, find them all online:

Frequently Asked Questions

What's this Classic Cable Collection CAL all about?

So here's the thing… it's a four-week crochet-along where we're all learning how to work with crochet cables. Each week, one of us designers is sharing a new pattern and a video tutorial. You even get to join in with communities on Facebook to craft with others!

Tell me more about Briana K Designs' Infinity Cables technique…

Honestly… it's a super neat way to make crochet cables that Briana developed! It doesn't leave gaps in the designs, and you can work them horizontally, vertically, or even in a circle. Plus, they really pop out from the fabric, which is perfect for this pouf!

Can I make the floor pouf in different sizes?

Yes! You can make either a short or a tall version of the Infinity Cabled crochet floor pouf. Just be aware that you'll need four hanks of the Billow Yarn for the short one, or seven hanks if you're going for the tall one.

What other supplies do I need besides yarn and my hook?

You'll need a few things to get this pouf made… scissors, a tapestry needle, some removable stitch markers, and optionally, bean bag pellets or a zipper if you want to add those features.

Where can I find all the patterns from this CAL?

Great question! You can grab all four patterns in an ad-free eBook… or you can find them online individually. There's a blanket pattern from Marly, Briana's pouf, Hannah's pillow, and Michelle's baskets!

Trend Alert: Crochet and Knit Bodiless Sweaters

May 6, 2022 By Marly Bird Leave a Comment

So, have you seen this new trend that's been popping up? It's the trend best known as the bodyless sweater or bodiless jumper. Did we just spell that two different ways? Yes, we did! Because we want to make sure that even when you can't remember how to spell bodiless, you can still find us! lol, However, you might also see it called the super cropped top. And there are variations, such as the body-less hoodie. Whatever you call it, it's a top that includes a neck (sometimes but not always a turtleneck) and long-sleeve arms but doesn't generally have much of a body at all. This trend is mostly in athleisure and streetwear, but we see it cropping up as crochet and knit bodiless sweaters. In fact, some have pointed out it likely started as a crochet/knit trend before hitting the runways and stores. What do you think?

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I receive a small commission from sales made when clicking on those links. Your price doesn't change. This helps me offer you free content. Thank you for your support.

What Is a Bodiless Sweater?

As described above, it's basically just a neck and arms. Sometimes, there's a turtleneck. Sometimes, there's a hood. However, there's no body, per se. There's just a tiny bit of fabric across the neckline but above the cleavage area.

So, basically, if you took a sweatshirt and cut off the body from armpit to armpit, getting rid of everything below the tops of the breasts, you'd have a super crop top or bodyless sweater.

You might see the back cropped as short as the front or a bit longer in a high-low style.

How Do You Wear Super Cropped Tops?

Obviously, you have to wear super crop tops, including crochet and knit bodiless sweaters, over something else. Otherwise, you'd be baring your whole chest to the world! You don't wear them alone.

You often see them worn over a sports bra, yoga tank, or swimsuit tops. Then, you need bottoms, which might be swimwear, yoga pants, track pants, jeans, or a skirt.

You can also wear them over any shirt or dress you'd like. They're usually fitted in the arms. This makes them easier to wear over fitted tops and dresses or sleeveless ones than to try to tuck long flowy sleeves underneath them. We've also seen them worn over overalls and jumpers. These work whenever you want to show off your whole outfit and still have cozy warm sweater sleeves.

Finding Crochet and Knit Bodiless Sweaters Patterns

If you're looking for patterns for crochet and knit bodiless sweaters, make sure you look under various names. ‘Super crop' and ‘bodiless' are the most common terms. However, you might also see what designers offer under ‘bolero,' ‘shrug,' and ‘arm warmers.' Although these terms typically refer to other top styles, some designers use these names to describe their super crop knit and crochet sweaters.

Browsing on Etsy, we've seen more crochet bodyless sweater patterns than knit ones.

Color Blocked Crochet Bodyless Sweater Pattern

color blocked crochet super crop top pattern

SamLittleBuds on Etsy offers these really cute color-blocked crochet bodiless sweater patterns. This one has a classic sweater neckline. See the sleeve cuffs in the same color as the neck? The two uniquely well-shaped arms are each a different color. This is a great spring or summer crochet item for layering over your other clothes when it gets chilly out.

Super Crop Crochet Top Pattern

MagentaArtyWorkshop on Etsy sells this super crochet crop top pattern. This one has looser sleeves, which offer a great casual look. The back is slightly longer than the front for a bit of a high-low super cropped top design.

Front Twist Half Sweater Crochet Pattern

‘Half sweater' is another name for crochet and knit bodiless sweater patterns. This one has a cozy turtleneck. What really makes it interesting, though, is the front twist. Remember when Mobius cowls were trending? The same concept applies to this sweater front. This one is by Autumn Olive Crochet on Etsy.

Bohemian Crochet and Knit Bodiless Sweater Patterns

Bohemian Crochet and Knit Bodyless Sweater Patterns

This crochet pattern by CamexiaDesigns on Etsy is inspired by bohemian fashion. It has loose bell sleeves that harken back to the 1970s. The yarn choice adds to the effect. And yet, because it's a super crop, it's right on trend today. The same designer offers a knit version of this pattern as well:

Bodiless knit top pattern featuring multicolored yarn in a stylish design, showcased on a model against a neutral background.

So, what do you think of this trend?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a bodiless sweater?

A bodiless sweater (also called a sleeve shrug, arm warmers cardigan, or sleeves-only top) is exactly what it sounds like… a garment that consists of sleeves connected at the back but with no front or body section. It covers your arms and upper back while leaving the torso open. They're worn over a top or dress for a layered look that's both cozy and stylish. The appeal is that they're much faster to make than a full sweater (no body to knit!), use significantly less yarn, and still give you the cozy-sleeve warmth of a cardigan.

Are bodiless sweaters comfortable to wear?

For the right occasion, yes! They're not designed for maximum warmth… they're a fashion layering piece. The open front means your core isn't covered, so they work best as a stylistic addition over a well-fitted top or dress. The sleeve coverage is genuinely warm and cozy. Many people love them for transitional weather or air-conditioned spaces where you want arm warmth without the full coverage of a cardigan. They're a fun, fashion-forward piece that makes a statement rather than a practical cold-weather necessity.

How much yarn does a bodiless sweater require?

Significantly less than a full sweater! You're only making two sleeves and a connecting back section… sometimes that connecting back section is minimal or even just a cord. Depending on sleeve length, you might use 400 to 1,000 yards of worsted weight yarn where a full sweater might need 1,500 to 2,500 yards. This makes bodiless sweaters wonderful for using up almost-a-sweater-quantity of yarn, for testing a yarn and stitch combination before committing to a full garment, and for making something garment-like on a limited yarn budget.

What yarn works best for bodiless sweaters?

Yarn with good drape and a cozy feel, since the sleeves will have lots of skin contact! Soft merino or merino blend, bamboo blend, or a smooth comfortable acrylic all work beautifully. The sleeve construction is essentially two tubes, so the yarn needs to look good in the round without a stockinette stitch look that requires blocking. Textured yarns and color-changing yarns show beautifully on sleeves because there's a lot of fabric visible. Choose something you love touching because your arms will be inside it all day.

Is the bodiless sweater trend here to stay?

Fashion trends come and go but the bodiless sweater concept is genuinely functional enough to endure! The idea of arm-warmth-without-full-coverage addresses a real wearability gap that full sweaters can't fill as elegantly. The crafting community has embraced them enthusiastically because they solve a legitimate “I want cozy sleeves but not a full sweater” problem. Whether they're labeled as a trend or just as a practical garment option, bodiless sweaters and sleeve shrugs are likely to stay in the pattern catalog as long as people want interesting layering options.

Ultimate Guide to Summer Knitting Patterns!

May 6, 2022 By Marly Bird Leave a Comment

We recently updated our Ultimate Guide to Summer Crochet. And now it's time to update this one – our Ultimate Guide to Summer Knitting. After all, we love both knitting and crochet here on the Marly Bird team.

Knit and Crochet Summer Roundups

We do many themed pattern roundups here, often including both knitting and crochet patterns. Here are a few of these summer crochet and knitting pattern roundups. We already added these in the ultimate crochet guide, so we won't belabor the point. However, all of these roundups are perfect for knitting in the summer, so we don't want to leave them out either:

44 Free Crochet and Knit Beach Projects. After all, there are so many fun things to knit for the beach!
Knit and Crochet Sandals Patterns. Make summer shoes for all ages.
10 Free Knit and Crochet Spring Shawl Patterns. Here's another bicrafty roundup that's perfect for summer crafting.

Best Summer Knitting Patterns: Clothing and Accessories

Knitting summer clothing is a great way to add to your wardrobe. A surprising number of summer knits are fashionable, breathable, and fun to craft. Start with these 20 free lightweight knit tops. You'll find tanks, tees, and tunics you can knit now, wear now, and layer up to wear throughout the rest of the year.

Many find that lightweight knit sweaters are also perfectly suitable for summer. If you agree, check out our roundup of 10 free knit and crochet spring/summer sweater patterns.

As we mentioned yesterday, shawls are perfect for summer. Whether it's a breeze in the evening or the AC in a movie theater, it sometimes gets cold. A knit shawl is the perfect solution. So check out our roundup of nearly two dozen free knit summer shawl patterns.

So far, we've talked about layering up. But summer is all about enjoying the warm weather too. Therefore, you might want to check out our patterns for knit crop tops and knit vests.

Marly Bird Spring/Summer KAL Patterns

Don't forget to check out our roundup of the past five years of Marly Bird / Yarnspirations spring knit-alongs. Although they happen in the spring, each project is also really great for summer. In fact, Yarnspirations calls the vest My First Summer Knit Vest. These are all great accessories you can make today and enjoy wearing immediately.

Knit Beach Bags and Farmer's Market Bags

In summer, we often have to carry extra stuff, so knit tote bags make perfect sense. Check out the Seaside Knit Beach Bag pattern. We also have 10 Free Knit Bag Patterns and the Vacation Knit Project Bag.

Tips for Summer Knitting

People don't always like to knit in the summer. On the one hand, there are lots of great daylight hours to enjoy knitting. On the other hand, it's often warm, and knitting might feel uncomfortable. However, if you choose the right projects and the right yarn, you can enjoy knitting all year long. So check out our 17 summer craft tips for easy summer crafting.

Frequently Asked Questions

I love knitting, but it gets so hot in the summer… what do you suggest?

So here's the thing… even though it's warm, you can totally still knit! The trick is to pick the right projects and the right yarn… you can enjoy knitting all year long.

Are there any specific types of summer knitting projects that are really popular?

Honestly… yes! People love knitting lightweight tops like tanks, tees, and tunics. And you can't forget about shawls… perfect for a cool breeze in the evening or that super cold AC indoors!

I need bags for the summer… do you have any knitting patterns for those?

Yes! Knitting tote bags is perfect for summer… you know, for carrying all your extra stuff. There are patterns for beach bags and even farmer's market bags.

I'm new to knitting, are there any easy projects for summer?

Oh, absolutely! The page mentions a few roundups that have tons of options. You can find lightweight tops, shawls, and even vest patterns that are great for beginners wanting to knit for summer.

Can I knit with you during the summer? Are there any KALs?

So glad you asked! You should definitely check out the Marly Bird / Yarnspirations spring knit-alongs… even though they're in the spring, each project is really great for summer too. One is even called “My First Summer Knit Vest”!