How to Knit a Summer Shirt

Knitted shirts made of lightweight yarn can be worn in the summer.

Knitted shirts can be more comfortable than shirts made of woven fabric because of the soft, stretchy qualities of knitted fabric. Knitting your own shirt means getting a custom fit garment in just the right color. Knits worn in the summer need to be chosen carefully so the wearer does not overheat.

Things You'll Need

• Knitted Shirt Pattern
• Yarn
• Knitting Needles

Instructions

1. Pick a yarn that is suitable for summer wear. Generally, plant and synthetic fibers are cooler to wear than animal fibers. Cotton, cotton-synthetic blends and linen yarns are all good choices for wearing in warm weather. Choose a yarn that will knit up at a fine gauge, perhaps greater than 20 stitches to 4 inches of stockinette-stitch fabric, to keep the shirt light and cool. Pick a yarn that is soft enough to wear directly against the skin.

2. Find a knitting pattern suitable for your yarn choice. Plant fibers have more drape than animal fibers and some patterns are designed to compensate.

3. Look for pattern features that will make the shirt cooler to wear, such as short sleeves or a v-neckline. A shirt with a cardigan front can be opened when worn over a light t-shirt or tank top. Look for lace-stitch patterns. Avoid patterns that contain cables or stranded color work as these types of stitches result in a double thickness of yarn and are much warmer to wear.

4. Knit your shirt with your chosen yarn and knitting needles of an appropriate size according to the directions in your chosen pattern. Wash the shirt according to the directions on the yarn's ball band. Carefully lay your shirt flat and allow it to dry before wearing.

Tips & Warnings

• Knit a swatch from your chosen yarn and wash it before knitting your pattern. Some plant fibers change drastically after they have gotten wet. Use the measurements of your swatch in order to choose the appropriate size to make from your pattern.

References

• "Knitting Rules!"; Stephanie Pearl-McPhee; 2006
• "Knitty"; Knitting Patterns 102; Jessica Fenlon; Summer 2004

Resources

• "Knitty"; The Knitting Plant Freak Speaks; Julie Theaker; Summer 2004