As the weather starts to turn warmer, I find myself wanting to knit for the season. I’m enjoying looking through my stash and seeing what I can find that will work for a summer top or a tee. I thought others must be feeling the same way too, even with fake spring and snow in the forecast even though the high for today was in the 70s. So I have curated the below list in several different categories. A few I have already made for myself, one is a current wip, and the rest are in my favorited patterns on Ravelry.
Best for beginners
Tee of Dreams by Perfectly Knotted
This is the perfect pattern for those who may never knitted a garment yet. It is knitted in two rectangles that are then seamed together. I created this from some cotton yarn that I had repurposed from a used sweater. It’s the perfect summer pattern.
The SABAI Top is in my queue, and it looks like the perfect simple summer top that would be easy for beginners to pick up. It’s knit in a DK weight, meaning this should be a pretty quick project. It’s worked seamlessly from the top down. The neckline is a 1×1 rib stitch, includes some increases for the slanted shoulders, and then worked back and forth for the armholes. It joins together again to work the body, which in my experience goes pretty quickly!
Basics
Tee No 1 by My Favourite Things
This would be the perfect basic tee to add to your wardrobe. I could see dressing this up and wearing it to work or wearing on a lazy Saturday. It’s so versatile, it would definitely be worth a knit!
This is another very simple tee that would be good for everyday wear. It has a few details that elevate the design but is still simple and sleek.
Camisole No 9 by My Favourite Things
Here’s another design by My Favourite Things. This one is a simple tank top. I find it hard at times to find the perfect tank top at stores, but this is exactly what I’m looking for when I’m shopping. This has been on my favorites list for some time, but I do hope to make it some time soon!
Best for stash busting or mini skeins
Julienne Tee by LE KNIT by Lene Holme Samsøe
Have just 50g left on a color you love? This is the perfect project to use up that yarn! That’s all you’ll need for the contrast color in this top. I love a simple striped top and this one really fits the bill.
Evelyne Top by Johanna Gehrisch
This top would be perfect if you have a collection of minis or several colors in Fingering weight to use up. You would need max 35g for each of the contrasting stripes.
Stripey Turtle Tank by Emily Curtis
This is my current WIP! I am using a collection of minis that I purchased at Rhinebeck last year, and am excited to have this one done by the time it’s warm enough to wear it.
Coloring Book Tee by Aimee Sher
I created a short-sleeved version of this top and it is one of my favorite everyday wear pieces. It seems like knitting stripes always makes the project move along faster. You’re always looking forward to that next color change! I love how customizable this pattern is written as well. Lots of suggestions for different sized stripes based on what stash yarn you already have.
Best for learning new skills
I recently found this pattern, and it looks so fun to make. It is knitted bottom-up and the chevrons appear to be knitted in unique wedge shapes. There are a lot of customizing you could do with different colors and variations of color combinations. This can also be reversible as long as the yarn ends are hidden well!
I’m including this adorable tee in this category because I think it would be a great tee to learn colorwork on. the colorwork is simple and yet it can teach you how to alternate colors in a pattern that is relatively simple in itself. I just found this pattern the other day and am excited to jump into my stash to see what color combo I can make!
Lacey Loop Tee by Other Loops_
This would be the perfect summer top – nice and breezy on a hot day. With this top you would learn a simple lace stitch using a chart. A great project to learn some new skills and take your knitting to another level.
Ready to dip your toe into the world of cables? I absolutely love the look of cable knitting, and this one has several gorgeous ones. It creates a very delicate look in this top combined with a kind of lace pattern and the flowy sleeves.
Mangrove Tee by Trust the mojo
Set as an intermediate pattern difficulty, this pattern includes links to tutorials and videos to help you learn this unique stitch. It even mentions the pattern contains a checklist – which is just perfect for me. I LOVE a checklist! It is worked from the bottom up. It separates for the arms and then joins back up at the top of the body with some raglan shaping.
Which patterns are in your queue?
Langford Knits 
Leave a comment