Sweaty necks, fans running nonstop, long traffic jams heading to our beach towns, and SPF 50 slathered on our faces. In other words: summer! A season when we dig out the BBQs and inflatable pools from the attic, and every extra layer of clothing feels like one too many.
Anyway, that one extra layer really does matter! It protects you from the bright sun and keeps you from catching a chill on those lovely cool evenings. And to protect yourself from these elements, in addition to choosing colors and prints, the fabric of your clothing also deserves some attention. When you set out to design and/or make your own summer wardrobe, you’re in the driver’s seat. You get to choose the yarn you’ll use to create your new showstopper. That’s a huge advantage we crafters have!
It’s the end of March now, so there’s no need to panic just yet. With all this time spent at home, you’ll be able to knit or crochet a new addition to your summer wardrobe in no time. Before you get started, we’d like to help you get started by walking you through all the different materials that have earned our “summer-proof” seal of approval!
Cotton Yarns
Let’s start with cotton yarns. Cotton yarn feels wonderfully cool and absorbs moisture quickly. That’s not exactly a bad thing when you consider that backs are more often wet than dry in the summer. And to compensate for the heaviness of cotton, brands like Yarn and Colors, Lang Yarns, Katia, and Lana Grossa have introduced lightweight cotton yarns to the market. We’re so grateful!
For example, you can choose the Yarn and Colors Favorite. It’s a lovely yarn made from 100% Cotton that’s incredibly versatile. From knitting to crocheting and from Amigurumi to clothing. The thin, smooth yarn is easy to work with to create the most beautiful craft projects. Once knitted or crocheted, your creation is easy to care for, as the yarn is machine washable up to 60 °C. A great little ball of yarn!
Lang Yarns Wooladdicts Sunshine will also bring some sunshine back into your closet. Just like Katia Ultrasoft, which—with its super-soft yarn made from 100% organic Cotton—is very lightweight and highly breathable. And don’t forget Lana Grossa Certo. A cable yarn made from GOTS-certified Cotton that gives your project a beautiful 3D effect.
Bamboo Yarns
In addition to cotton, bamboo yarns are also a great option! These yarns are known for being lightweight, soft, and lustrous. A perfect skein to help you shine this summer. For creating silky-soft projects that are temperature-regulating, light, and airy—and easy to wash in the washing machine—DMC Natura Bamboo yarn is the way to go. A bamboo yarn that lets you create not only summery outfits but also lovely baby and kidswear and cuddly toys. The balls come in both soft and vibrant shades, so we’re over the moon! And if you’re looking for a thin, loosely twisted Bamboo yarn with a beautiful sheen, then the Go Handmade Soft yarns are just what you need. This yarn contains not only Bamboo but also Acrylic and moisture-absorbing Cotton.
Linen yarns
Our third stop is at the linen yarn section. These yarns are durable, very strong, and can absorb 20% of their own weight in moisture. This quality is considered a huge advantage during hot summers.
Both Lana Grossa, with its Lana Grossa Romanza yarns, and SMC, with its SMC Soft Linen Mix yarns, have introduced a lovely linen yarn to the market. We’d also like to recommend DMC Natura Linen—a yarn featuring a beautiful blend of linen, viscose, and cotton that lets you create a rustic and natural look. This is another excellent choice for knitting and crocheting comfortable summer outfits.
Tencel yarns
Have you ever heard of Tencel yarns? They’re made from plant-based fibers derived from the eucalyptus tree. These yarns are just as strong as polyester and just as soft and lustrous as silk. It’s a special yarn that definitely deserves a spot in this blog. Let’s start with the Hoooked Eucalyps. Eucalyps is a sustainable Tencel yarn with a beautiful, subtle sheen and is available in a variety of gorgeous Uni colors. The well-known brand Katia has also released a Tencel yarn: the Katia Tencel Cotton. This yarn has moisture- and temperature-regulating properties and is easy to wash. A perfect choice for sultry summers.
Merino Yarns
When we think of merino yarns, we tend to think of warmth, but nothing could be further from the truth. Merino yarns regulate temperature and can actually keep you cool. That’s why Lana Grossa has developed the Cool Wool yarn, from the Cool Wool collection—a wonderfully soft and lightweight yarn that lets you enjoy your new project in both summer and winter. If you’re a fan of the fine yarn brand Yarn and Colors and want to support us in the fight against the coronavirus, then Yarn and Colors Serene is also a great choice for summer projects. Katia Merino Baby can also be a great choice for your sweater, cardigan, or shawl. Not only is Merino Baby made from 100% Merino Wool—so it won’t itch against your skin—but the yarn is also “superwash” treated. This means you can simply toss your garments into both the washing machine and the dryer. Very convenient, if you ask us!
Silk yarns
Just like merino yarns, silk yarns keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Both Katia, with its Katia Silky Lace, and Lana Grossa, with its Lana Grossa Capri, have released fine silk yarns that can be worn year-round. If you’ve had good experiences with the Rico brand, you might also want to consider the Rico Fashion Silk Blend yarn. It’s a beautifully twisted yarn that combines silk, Polyamide, and Cotton into a high-quality blend that feels soft against the skin thanks to its light weight. You’re sure to have a hard time choosing a color, as the Fashion Silk Blend is available in various soft shades with a matte sheen.
There's a huge selection!
If you need inspiration for starting a new project, choosing the prettiest shade, or the finest material, check out the summer magazine kit! Five magazines that are sure to help you find your new eye-catcher. If you want to skip the hassle and get started on a project right away, go for a complete kit. If you haven’t been able to decide on a yarn yet and are curious about all our new Summer Yarns, click this link!
Good luck and have fun knitting or crocheting your new summer clothes!
