How to choose yarn for summer projects

When choosing yarns for summer projects, it's essential to select lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking yarns. 

Cotton, Linen, Bamboo, Silk, Hemp, Tencel, Blends yarns are ideal for creating comfortable and stylish items that help keep you cool during the hot summer months.

Cotton: A popular natural fiber known for its softness, breathability, and moisture-wicking properties. It is also hypoallergenic and easy to care for.
Linen: Made from the flax plant. It's breathable, moisture-wicking, and becomes softer with each wash. Linen yarns can be a bit stiff to work with initially but soften up nicely over time.

Bamboo: Soft, silky, and lightweight, bamboo yarn is an eco-friendly choice for summer knitting. It's breathable, moisture-absorbent, and has a lovely drape.
Silk: Luxurious and lightweight, silk is a beautiful option for summer knitting projects. It's breathable, has a natural sheen, and drapes well. Keep in mind that silk can be slippery to knit with, and it may require special care when laundering.
Hemp: Hemp is a natural fiber obtained from the stalks of the Cannabis sativa plant, and it offers several benefits when used in summer project such as breathability, moisture-wicking, UV protection, eco-friendly.
Tencel: Tencel is a brand name for a type of lyocell, which is a man-made cellulose fiber derived from sustainably sourced wood pulp, typically eucalyptus or other hardwood trees.
Blends: Many yarns combine fibers to create a perfect balance for summer knitting. Look for blends with cotton, linen, bamboo, or silk combined with other lightweight fibers like rayon, Tencel, or Modal.

The next is look for light, bright colors. They are perfect for summer knitting and help create a warm weather vibe. Pastels, neons, whites and nudes are all great color choices for summer yarns. Darker, richer shades tend to seem more wintery.
Some good options for summer are lace weight, fingering weight or DK weight yarns. These produce light, airy fabrics that won't feel heavy or cause overheating. Fingering or DK yarns typically come in 300-500 yard skeins which suit small to mid-sized projects. For larger knits, look for options of 800 yards or more. 

When working with summer yarns, it's helpful to choose patterns and stitches that allow for some airflow and drape, such as lacework, openwork, or loose-fitting designs.
The care instructions for these yarns will vary depending on the specific fiber or blend. In general, the most yarns can be machine washed on a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent. It's best to lay the items flat to dry or use a low-heat setting on the dryer to prevent shrinkage and maintain the quality of the fabric.

There are some common mistakes to avoid to ensure the best results in your projects:

1. Choosing the wrong yarn: Not all yarns are created equal, and some may be better suited for specific projects than others. For example, cotton is excellent for breathability and absorbency but lacks elasticity, which may not work well for projects that require stretch. Make sure to choose a yarn with properties that best suit your intended project.
2. Using overly tight tension: The yarns often have a more delicate structure, and using a tight tension can result in a stiff, uncomfortable fabric. Try to maintain a relaxed tension while working with summer yarns to create a more comfortable, breathable fabric.
3. Not accounting for drape: Many yarns have a beautiful drape, which can affect the final appearance and fit of your project. When choosing a pattern, consider how the drape of the yarn will impact the design and make adjustments if necessary. For example, you may need to use a smaller size or fewer stitches to account for the additional drape.
4. Skipping blocking: Blocking is essential for many yarn projects, as it can help even out stitches, open up lace patterns, and give the fabric a better drape. Don't skip this step, especially when working with natural fibers like cotton, linen, or silk.

Some popular summer yarns include:

Berroco Pima 100 , 100% Pima cotton yarn.
Shibui Knits Reed, 100% linen yarn.
Classic Elite Yarns Firefly, a blend of 75% viscose and 25% linen.
Rowan Summerlite, a line 100% cotton yarn available in both DK and 4-ply weights.
Tina Tape Yarn, 100% Lyocell.

By choosing the right type of yarn and pattern, you can enjoy crafting items that will keep you cool and fashionable throughout the summer months.

Images by Raelle Gann-Owens

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- Everything you need to know about yarn
- Linen Cotton, Everything You Need to Know
- 7 most common mistakes beginners make when choosing yarn
- What is Sustainable yarn aka Eco-Friendly yarn?
- Everything about Knititng Needles