Beat the Heat: 30+ Size-Inclusive Knitting Patterns for Summer 2023
Ready to beat the summer heat? Here are over 30 size-inclusive knitting patterns for light and breezy tanks, tees, skirts, and shorts that’ll keep you cool this summer!
Summer Tank Knitting Patterns
When the summer heat is in full swing, tank tops become an absolute wardrobe essential for me. Gone are the days of settling for ordinary tops – there are so many designs out there that effortlessly blend comfort and style. Whether you’re looking for versatile classics that complement any outfit or vibrant patterns to embrace the season's spirit, I've curated a collection of tank top patterns that will keep you feeling cool, confident, and uniquely you.
The Snakes and Ladders Tank
The Snakes & Ladders Tank is designed to have an airy and loose fit, which makes it perfect for warm weather or just lounging around. The purl ridges create a fun textured look that resembles the board game Snakes and Ladders, hence the name! The design features deep armholes and is quite narrow at the front and back, which creates a really flattering fit. Depending on the styling, you can really dress it down or up, so it’s a super versatile piece for your closet!
This pattern is by Andrea Chang from Oops n Loops. View the Snakes and Ladders Tank on Ravelry.
Ripple Halter
Who here is ready for some sporty summer fun? If your winter has been long and you too are ready for some sweet sun on your shoulders (and sideboob), the Ripple Halter is just for you. Because of the stretchy nature of the ribbing, sizing for this top is very flexible. Most people will be able to go down one or even two sizes in order to achieve preferred fit, making it an ideal project if you aren’t super confident about sizing.
This pattern is by Jessie Mae. View the Ripple Halter on Ravelry.
Maid You Look Top
Nothing says hot crafty girl summer like The Maid You Look Top: a summer made-to-measure cotton top designed to fit and flatter all shapes and sizes. The twisted rib under bust and stockinette bust are both customizable to your exact size. It is designed to offer sufficient support for a full bust, while the back includes two style options: 1) buttons for a fixed size or 2) a corset to allow for fluctuations, making it super on trend!
This pattern is by Vanessa from ōshən Knits. View the Maid You Look Top on Ravelry.
Anytime Tank
The Anytime Tank is another made-to-measure pattern that is the perfect any time, anywhere, go-to wardrobe item. It can be knit in a variety of yarn weights and fibers, so this is your perfect yarn stash busting pattern!
This pattern is by Camille from Camel Knits. View the Anytime Tank on Ravelry.
Chevre Tank
The Chevre Tank is a made-to-measure, advanced beginner knitting pattern. If you’ve made a few projects and are looking to play with fun stitch texture, this is a great project that helps you level up your skills! The textured stitch makes a more visually appealing addition to wardrobe and you have the option to add straps or keep it as a tube top.
This pattern is by Bronwyn from Bwyn Makes. View the Chevre Tank on Ravelry.
Totally Tank Top
The ultimate hot weather racerback tank wrapped in a cool-to-the-touch cotton/linen blend. This design is what we crave on those sweltering summer days! This pattern is by Jessie Mae. View Totally Tank Top on Ravelry.
Vivien Halter
The Vivien Halter is an alluring knitted halter top, designed to hug you in all the right places. This top features a nipped in waist, cropped length (just long enough to reach those high rise skirts and trousers) and cheeky peekaboo windows which come in a variety of depths from cheeky to breezy. Choose what is comfortable for you! Finished with a hidden button at the neck that leaves the back open and flirty, this is the perfect summer going out top!
This pattern is by Molly Mae from Ponder and Ply. View the Vivien Halter on Ravelry.
Costal Tank
The Costal Tank is a hand knit version of a classic square neck ribbed tank top - with a twist - including a gorgeous strap crossover on the back. The pattern also includes modifications so that it can be any length you want, with crossed or straight straps and with or without shaping at the body so it can be the perfect fit for you. Depending on your size, it is also an awesome project for stash busting, especially if you promised yourself you would get into making socks this past winter and you now have way more sock yarn than sock plans!
This pattern is by Charissa from CL Knits. View the Costal Tank on Ravelry.
Komorebi Top
Inspired by the Japanese term for the sunlight filtering through the leaves of trees, this top-down racerback top features a beautiful lace pattern that captures the light and airy feeling of Komorebi. You may choose to place the lace on the front, back, or both, as you see fit. This pattern is an excellent choice for a summer project to keep you cool and stylish.
This pattern is by Line Pedersen from Knitting Of Course. View the Komorebi Top on Ravelry.
Jara Top
If you’re feeling lacy and are in the market for a bra-friendly tank, check out the Jara Top! It’s designed seamlessly from the bottom-up, allowing you to try it on as you go to make sure you’re getting the best fit possible. It’s so unique and pretty, you’re sure to get compliments on it every time you wear it.
This pattern is by Marina Storm from Storm Knitting Art. View the Jara Top on Ravelry.
My Little Secret Crop
Itching to make a go-to cropped tank? Check out the My Little Secret Crop! With a cool but simple ribbed design, it’s form-fitting and flattering. Wear it on its own this summer and layer it through the cooler seasons.
This pattern is by Jessie Mae. View My Little Secret Crop on Ravelry.
A Good Tank
This tank is a high coverage cotton bamboo tank top so you can wear it wherever and whenever and still feel cool and covered. This pattern is highly customizable allowing for waist shaping, bust shaping and cropping allowing you to create the perfect tank for you.
This pattern is by Michelle from Are You Knitting me. View A Good Tank on Ravelry.
Intarsia Top
Add more color to your wardrobe with this unique summer top! I’m obsessed with these abstract colorful shapes. They are created using the intarsia technique - which makes this project perfect for building on those colorwork skills. Also, the shapes are perfect for using up leftover scraps from the stash.
This pattern is by Anne Husemann. View the Intarsia Top on Ravelry.
Less is More Top
The Less is More top is a timeless simple top that can be worn in many ways, and for many occasions. At the time this blog is written, this top is currently in testing. Keep an eye out for its release!
This pattern is by Stacey from Stacey Knits.
Outline Tank
Structural dropped stitches frame this modern, minimal make, creating a cropped tank with an effortless amount of airiness and ease for warm weather wear. Watch out for a coordinating pair of shorts coming soon, too!
This pattern is by Jessie Mae. View the Outline Tank on Ravelry.
Thine Own Top
Make a top with endless strap possibilities — or no straps at all! This romantic top features picot folded hems, optional short-rows, vertical bust darts under the bust, hip shaping, and an optional curved front hem. And hey! It’s made-to-measure. So it should fit you perfectly.
This pattern is by Star-Crossed Knits. View the Thine Own Top on Ravelry.
Summer Tees Knitting Patterns
While tanks are an absolute must have for hot weather, let’s also consider those hot days when you want a little bit of extra sun protection or just feel like covering up those shoulders. If you’re excited to level up your wardrobe with some knit tees, you’ll definitely want to make one (or more!) of these tee patterns that are amazing for summer.
Florence Polo
Channel some 70s vibes with this fitted polo tee! Make it cropped for some extra summer style or knit it longer to tuck into your favorite pair of shorts or jeans. And while this design is great for summer, it’s also fun to include in your wardrobe year round.
This pattern is by Becs Knits. View the Florence Polo on Ravelry.
Hot Mesh Polo
In the words of the designer himself, “It’s summer and we all deserve to look hot af.” Have fun working up the quick, lacy design of this polo in DK yarn and you’ll end up with a sexy top that you’ll be wearing all summer and an instant night-out staple.
This pattern is by Kevin from Purl Jam. View the Hot Mesh Polo on Ravelry.
Palm Your Knits
The Palm Your Knits tee is all things easy, breezy, and beachy. Showcasing a loose, off-the-shoulder design, this tee is perfect if you’re looking something handmade to look so effortless.
This pattern is by Chelsea from Knitting Tipsy. View Palm Your Knits on Ravelry.
Cowgirl Crop
Hold onto your hats, y’all. This stranded colorwork tee is perfect for all you cowgirls out there by featuring a fun cowgirl hat and boot motif across the yoke. This design is a great way to add a pop of colour to your summer wardrobe. It’s the perfect layering piece to throw on over a dress or a pair of your high waisted jeans. Just don’t forget to top it all off with your favorite cowgirl boots! Yeehaw!
This pattern is by Maral from Knitting Ruined My Life. View the Cowgirl Crop on Ravelry.
The Classic Tee
A timeless, super classic knit tee with a slightly oversized, boxy fit makes The Classic Tee a staple in any wardrobe. I love the relaxed fit of this tee and can definitely see it styling well with so many of my wardrobe items. This pattern is also knit up using DK weight yarn allows it to work up not too quick but not too slow either.
This pattern in by Darling Jadore. View the Classic Tee on Ravelry.
Rock It Tee
If you’re a fan of v-necks, then the Rock It Tee is for you! I’m also a big fan of the eyelet shoulder increases. Use this staple v-neck design to create infinite possibilities with stripes and color blocking, all while adding a comfortable tee to your wardrobe.
This pattern is by Tanis Fibre Arts. View the Rock It Tee on Ravelry.
Look At My Holes
Mesh and lace designs come together this summer for an epic trend, and Look At My Holes by James N. Watts delivers. Perfect for layering and adding a statement piece to your wardrobe, work this up in some plant based fibers for the ultimate summer top.
This pattern is by James N Watts. View Look At My Holes on Ravelry.
So Summer Shirt
Turned hems and a perfectly relaxed round neck make for a casual, easy to wear top. Pair the So Summer Shirt with the So Summer Shorts for a So Summer Set! I can definitely see myself changing into this set after a day in the sun at the beach.
This pattern is by Jessie Mae. View the So Summer Shirt on Ravelry.
Coloring Book Tee
This beautifully constructed tee design comes with 12 different options within a single pattern, allowing you to use this pattern over and over again to create a strong collection of go-to summer tops.
This pattern is by Aimee Sher. View the Colouring Book Tee on Ravelry.
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Summer Bottoms Knitting Patterns
Summer knitting is more than just tanks and tees! Have fun knitting up some bottoms too. With skirts and shorts, you’ll be able to combine and create endless knitting outfits for the whole summer.
Staple Skirt
The first summer bottom pattern I want to share is the Staple Skirt! The folded hem at the bottom balances out the simple design that will make this skirt a closet staple. Dress it up or down to make your outfit pop!
But the best part of this design is that it’s made-to-measure! Follow the formulas in the pattern (or skip the math and simply plug your measurements and gauge into the attached Google Sheet within the pattern), and you will come away with a perfectly fitted skirt!
This pattern is by me, New Wave Knitting! View the Staple Skirt on my website.
Heartbreaker Wrap Skirt
Knit yourself a skirt that gives you a little more freedom with the fit and a little more style with the Heartbreaker wrap skirt! A simple and elegant design, pair it with a the matching Heartbreaker Top for a full set.
This pattern is by ShanaKay Salmon. View the Heartbreaker Wrap Skirt on Ravelry.
So Summer Shorts
A super high rise and relaxed thigh make these shorts perfect for casual comfy summer wear. Pair the So Summer Shorts with the So Summer Shirt for the cutest coordinated So Summer Set!
This pattern is by Jessie Mae. View the So Summer Shorts on Ravelry.
Balcony Shorts
Your easy summer loungers - these shorts are intended to fit loose like basketball shorts or sweatpants shorts. I love the extra details in the waist band and legs, which add an extra level of luxuriousness. These can definitely be worn casually or dressed up!
This pattern is by Gina Mastrianni. View the Balcony Shorts on Ravelry.
Bell of the Bobble Shorts
Looking to add a little flair to your summer knit shorts? Some bobbles might do the trick! The Bell of the Bobbles Short design is super cute, and also comes with helpful notes on how to lower the rise or add some length.
This design is by Mezzo Makes. View the Bell of the Bobble Shorts on Ravelry.
Comment below if you’re feeling inspired for summer and what you plan on making! I know that there are lots of sweet pattern recommendations above. If you need some help planning what you want to make in order to create a closet full of clothes you love, I highly recommend checking out the Knitwear Capsule Wardrobe Blueprint. :)