Summer Knitting Trends 2024: cool patterns for hot weather & what to make them with

Welcome to our latest video on 2024 Summer Knitting Trends! In this video, we explore the hottest knitting patterns and projects perfect for warm weather. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or just getting started, you'll find inspiration and tips to keep your knitting light, breezy, and stylish this summer.
In this video, I cover:
All over lace knitting
Textured stripes
Uneven stripes and bold color blocking
Tie-front tops and cardigans
Boatneck sleeveless tops
French Blue
Let me know which trends you’remost excited for in the comment section & stay-tuned fo more summery fiber arts content
Connect with me:
Instagram / highfiberknits
Ravelry www.ravelry.com/projects/High...
Emal [e-mail]
Happy knitting! 🌞🧶

[@highfiberknits]

Thank you friends who have kindly noted an error! The Love Letter tank by Kutovakika was a summer 2023 release and is available on Ravelry; it is not currently in testing 😊

[@cookiebattle]

Adding my thoughts on trend based videos. I think trend videos are fun to watch and fun to make. They are some of the most popular videos on a lot of knitter and sewist youtube channels. As far as I can tell, most people knit a small number of items a year and watching youtube knitters as a fun way to extend their hobby. Yes, it can lead to overconsumption, but it can also be a fun way to scratch that itch for variety without buying anything, just by watching. It's also good for youtubers income streams, since these videos are popular. Lets not forget that most youtubers are working for pennies. I've also learned about new designers and new youtubers through these videos. I personally like these videos, but I get that they are not for everyone.

[@jessicagarber9020]

I really appreciate your comments about knitting trends! I got back into knitting much more regularly a couple years ago and watching knitting KZbinrs (like you 😊) is what really inspired me to look beyond basic patterns, explore Ravelry, and really think about the projects and what yarn choices would be right for them. I have a bunch of stash yarn I need to destash because I bought it before I did all this reflection but it’s part of the learning process. I’ve really enjoyed this re-entry and new lens on a hobby I’ve done on and off since 2005 🥰

[@mariananavarro4175]

REALLY ENJOYED THIS COMPILATION OF TRENDS, REALLY ENTERTAINING AND YOU BROUGHT UP SO MANY GOOD POINTS. THANKS AGAIN

[@atelierchaser]

I understand where the commenter about trends is coming from but, if we're realistic, no knitter is ever going to be able to produce garments at the same rate as fast fashion. We shouldn't either. Additionally, when you have a knitter, a lot of their friends and relatives tend to benefit. People learn about the quality of knitting and they understand the quality of the garment they're making. So, even though we see trends on social media, I think the rate at which we make is never going to be the same speed at which we see the trends. I think a lot of us end up window shopping for patterns instead! I know I have a miles long list of patterns I want to make but there is only so much I can make at once :)

[@highfiberknits]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@river1216]

I'm a soft autumn and honestly I've been scared of blue for a while, but I decided to do a test knit in a muted pigeon blue shade and WOW I love how it looks on me, it matches my eyes perfectly. It's helped me realize that every color can look good on me as long as I choose the right tone.

[@highfiberknits]

I’m so glad to hear you found a blue color you enjoy!! It’s a helpful reminder to ourselves that our color seasons are gentle suggestions and not hard and fast rules to follow!

[@leslieviner]

Your thoughts on trends was very much appreciated. I like that you are not focussed on commercializing trens but on the process of reviewing and learning from them. I feel informed and calm after your podcast - not anxious about my stash and dream knitting! Thanks 🙏

[@highfiberknits]

Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed this video 😁

[@m.h2557]

I remember watching an older video of you where you talked about a certain blue purple not suiting you, and to be honest, i found that wild because i think it looked really good with your hair and eyes. Generally, with color theory, i find that while, yes, of course, analogous colors will look great and are a safe bet, having complementary colors can really be amazing in the right shades and tone. :)

[@highfiberknits]

Thank you! Yes I’m trying to let the colors I am attracted to lead more than the “right” colors lately

[@Maria.H26]

I really like the trend videos! It’s also why I follow so many knitting accounts on instagram and podcasts on youtube - I enjoy seeing whats out there ❤️ And then I can make my own choices as to what I want in my wardrobe! Some things are for me and others aren’t. It helps me hone in on my particular style choices and make it easier for me to end up with finished objects that feel like me 🥰

[@suzannecarr5871]

I truly appreciate your analysis of knitting trends. I love to knit and to try new yarns and techniques and am inspired to do so by the folks I follow on IG and YT but I don't really spend enough time on it all to pick up any trends per se. Also, I am certain that trends can be in the eye of the beholder and, as you point out, they are, not inconsequently, swayed by algorithms. Your analysis is so thoughtful and well presented that it really made me notice some macro influences. Fun to ponder. Thanks.

[@highfiberknits]

Thank you!

[@pairswellwithknitting]

I love your insightful knitting trends videos! Yes, knitters are the essence of slow fashion. Liking what we are making in our hands and then have the fun of wearing our makes on our bodies is the best. Lace, texture, colourwork, cables- bring it all on!!!

[@InTheMoonforLove]

Hello and thank you for this video. It would make it even easier if you could : add links in the bio to all mentioned patterns, and also add chapters for each sections so that it's easier to find a specific moment in the video

[@highfiberknits]

Thank you for this feedback! I totally hear you about the links; I usually try to include these, however some unexpected personal life events took precedence the last couple weeks and my bandwidth was a bit low. Thanks for understanding, and I hope you enjoy some of my upcoming content 😊

[@denisemarcos3117]

Wonderful recap! I really enjoy seeing the trends and, as you say, we can all decide what we wish to spend our time knitting! We all have our favorite ‘tried and true’ patterns and it’s nice to know that they can be easily knitted with slight modifications to be a ‘trendy’ garment. Thanks for all your insightful podcasts!

[@highfiberknits]

Such a great point! I hadn’t even thought about making moss to other patterns to make them more trendy, but I can see how adapting an old reliable can make you feel more confident in the mods!

[@pollydolly9723]

I’m excited for blues, blue-mauves, and pretty garments! Thanks Emily!

[@sarahwadas3395]

I really enjoy these videos! The comments you make are very thoughtful and insightful and I always find a new designer, style or pattern that I want to try while watching.

[@highfiberknits]

Thank you!

[@nikkigrossman4244]

I love all the blues and purples on you that you’ve been using! Including the top you’re wearing- stunning 🤩

[@highfiberknits]

Thank you!’

[@TrudySchwartzBurrill]

I would appreciate links to the items you talk about. Otherwise, enjoyable. I've watched a few of these from you. I think the others had a play list or links, whereas this one surprisingly doesn’t.

[@highfiberknits]

I completely understand! I have been on a bit of a lower bandwidth lately, and with these kinds of videos it can sometimes get tricky to link every single pattern, designer, Instagram account and Pinterest pin. I realize this may mean a change in my workflow that I will explore a bit more. Are there any specific links you would like to see? Would you prefer just patterns and yarns or comprehensive?

[@camillelevesque2960]

Currently working on a Nata dress using the KFO blueberry ice cream cotton merino yarn!!! Soooo excited about adding this piece to my wardrobe!

[@highfiberknits]

OMG THAT IS GOONG TO BE SO FIRE🔥🔥are you on IG? I’d love to see WIPs and FO pictures if you share them. 😁😁

[@angelaschapiro4268]

I love you wearing this cute light blue shirt. I now am knitting a medium blue sleeveless tunic top. I also picked a rust wool for a lacey top! Both colours turn out to be popular now.. to match my salt and pepper hair!

[@highfiberknits]

Both of your projects sound great! I love the fact that we have the power to embrace and even love the changes in our bodies and lives through our knitting choices 😁

[@angelaschapiro4268]

@@highfiberknits I am looking forward to making the rust one. The cotton wool was too tough for summer wear.

[@abigailwhite2207]

Small correction, the love letter top has been published for quite a while

[@highfiberknits]

Thank you! I’ve added a pinned comment with the correction 😊

[@shannonagain89]

Soft purples and blues have definitely been in my hands and on my needles/hook lately! Though mine are more warm toned. I absolutely adorrrrreeeeee the cottagecore, feminine, whimsical, forest fairy, renaissance, victorian and other romanticized historical dress vibes and I am totally here for it lol. I am 100% sewing corsets, skirts and dresses to pair with my knits!

[@movingstitches]

hey Emily! great thoughtful video as usual. I just wanted to pop in and add to your reflections on the Laine magazine post, I think ( or at least the way I take your videos) is more a reflection on ¨ok if we see these trends both in knitting designers and high street , and you like these, please know you can replicate a similar vibe with these patterns¨. I try to do something similar with some of the recent content I put. It is nice to see alternatives in your videos to highly popular designers (nothing bad with them, they are popular for a reason) but using your platform to offer alternatives for all tastes is just really cool and shows you worry about facilitating visibility to many different interpretations of a stitch or combination of. These are some of my favourite videos. Have a lovely day!

[@highfiberknits]

Thank you! I am so glad this resonated with you!

[@airwavesintheair]

I think trends can be part of slow fashion and sustainable fashion, when we focus on selecting the trends we love and will wear again and again. That's a tricky skill to develop, and something we should give ourselves more grace about. It's about curating a collection that makes you happy and excited to wear, that also feels (relatively) cohesive and representative of you!

[@mossy.andthemoon]

You look absolutely GLOWING in this video! It was my first thought when the video started, and now as you talk about your colors and blue... Great video as always 😊

[@highfiberknits]

Thank you so much!

[@metasymphony]

The colours are pretty and I do like Florence’s mixed rib cami but otherwise I’m not into any of these trends. Which is fine, we all have different tastes and no shade to people who like these styles! I just find boat necks only suit people with a dainty frame, and lace looks better on solid tones. Truly chaotic/scrappy stripes are cool though, always enjoy seeing those pieces.

[@smilinglizards1]

Wet Coast Wools in Vancouver has blueberry ice cream in stock!

[@highfiberknits]

Just placed the order!! Thank you!!!

[@camie89]

I think I'd would try a boat neck. The construction is simple enough right?! I've never tried one on even in commercial wear, so I'd be intrigued. Let's all be adventurous!

[@highfiberknits]

I say go for it!!

[@chairenn]

Love the little "revelation" you had about the colour seasons! I'm a soft autumn, and for a good while I just thought that certain colours would be off limits for me from now on... Luckily I recognised that way of thinking was not great for my self-expression, and I've now slowly started introducing black and some cooler tones back into my life haha. Sometimes the feeling/vibe the colour itself evokes feels a lot more important than whether it's flattering on me! Great video as always, these trend round-ups are some favourites of mine 🙏

[@highfiberknits]

Yes! To all of this!! I listen to the Sustain This podcast and Alyssa Beltempo, who is one of the hosts, always talks about how clothing makes you feel, and I think this is something I try to be more cognizant of now!

[@tabeabatch862]

This has nothing to do with knitting, but where did you buy the blue top you’re wearing? I want the same one !

[@highfiberknits]

Thank you! It’s from Aritzia. It is one of their contour fabrics and I love that the off should pieces stay in place

[@SundayMorningKnits]

I'm a soft summer and have avoided black for so long (which, like you said, has been super limiting!) but I recently got a pair of super trendy black glasses and I ADORE them and think they look so good on me! So I totally agree that trends can be freeing and you might learn something about your style/colouring!

[@Anniie126]

Not me slowly finishing my Darjeeling Blouse by Trust the Mojo in the blueberry ice-cream shade right now 😅I'm using DROPS Safran in the colourway 05 it's totally the same colour as the KfO one! I simply fell in love with the shade back in March and I could not resist - it must have been fate. So if you want that colour, I recommend DROPS Safran cotton yarn!

[@highfiberknits]

Thanks for the recommendation!! I love when folks comment that they are making something “on trend”; it’s quite validating 😂😂

[@emmakates]

i have the same reservations about boat neck tops! i also have narrow shoulders, and i feel like that type of neckline would gape even more on me because of that. i crocheted one top that gapes on me and it’s really limited the wearability

[@tulpenballerina]

In the 1st video I saw of you you wore a muted lilac jumper. I looked so good on you and I remember thinking that this must be the best colour on you. I am really in to colour analysis. I never thought of you as a warm colour season type. I think you´re just neutral enough to rock the cooler as well as the warmer colours as long as they are muted.

[@highfiberknits]

You’re not the first person to make this observation! I do think my makeup choices can have a big impact on the overall look. I.e. I really try to do warmer and more orangey makeup with warmer outfits and cooler pinks with cooler tones. I wonder now if the times I have felt the colors were off in videos was because of a clash in the makeup??

[@grape123]

I really love this series you do, that’s all:)

[@nikitinaknits]

Beautiful trends , I enjoyed the video ❤ thank you!

I think both the all over lace and the lace + stripes trends kinda show some influence (even if subtle) from vintage knitting in the overall knitting environment. Some designers state this literally in their pattern descriptions (like the Barbroe Top from Knitting for Olive, and Along Avec Anna with her most recent striped tank, which is a shout out to the 70's), but even when they don't, the influence is noticeable to someone who is familiar with this niche. If you go to Ravelry and check Sun-Glo patterns, "Your Victory Jumper", "P&B Wools 182", "P&B Wools C-1027", Vista by Patons and Baldwins, "Sirdar 886", the Peacock Feather Jumper by Weldons or the Bestway panflets 2075 and 1934, you'll find some of the most popular vintage patterns all using this trend. This style can also be found a lot in the A Stitch in Time books by Susan Crawford, or the patterns by Andi Satterlund, which are either vintage reproductions and vintage inspired, and another lovely one that comes to mind is the Maureen by Squidney Knits. Rowan yarns also released a looot of patterns in these styles in the past, like Alouette by Sarah Dallas, Amandier by Martin Storey, Rosa by Marie Wallin, Hahana by Lisa Richardson or Cambern by Kathy Zimmerman. I think it would actually be nice to watch a pattern round up that brought up "old" alternatives to new trends. By the way, the boat neck is also a trend from vintage knitting, but there it was done in sweaters (both short sleeves and long sleeves), not so much in sleeveless tops. Probably because sleeveless tops weren't a thing, except for vests 😅 As for the color thing, even the warm paletters (Autumn/Spring) have their blues and purples. You do look good in those softer, dustier purples, even the cooler versions, so by no means stop wearing them! I remember at some point in the beginning of the podcast you used to knit a lot with purple, so I suppose you like the color? Color analysis shouldn't be about making us abandon colors, but at most searching versions/shades of those colours that are more suitable for us, or at least alternatives to them (thinking about those palettes that don't really get black)

[@highfiberknits]

That’s so insightful! It also acknowledges how so many trends are really iterations on past trends and that almost ALL design is referential to an extent. Also, it sounds like you’ve been a viewer for a while! So, thank you so much for engaging with my content and our community here; it truly does mean a lot to me 😊

[@ellamirabella5870]

nice video !! just to be correct : the love letter top from our queeen kutovakika isn't in testkitting right know. The pattern already came out last summer ...

[@highfiberknits]

Thank you! I have added a pinned comment with this correction 😊

[@Life_of_loops]

Yes also loving the blues, I have cast I the twist loop top in knitting for olive blue lavender x

[@highfiberknits]

Oh yes! I saw that on your feed and had to do a double take scroll back! So good!!!!

[@Life_of_loops]

@@highfiberknits 💗 thank you 🥰 I’m very excited to have it too wear x

[@catblues8645]

I'm a bit behind on the colour trends as I'm just discovering lime green and orangey red or reddish orange for myself, and of course I'm aware that those are "the ghosts of seasons past" when it comes to your videos, but I don't mind AT ALL. I've been all about royal blue, turquoise and teal in the last years and it feels good to branch out. I love all intense colours but found some softer ones sneaking into my stash as well 😆 TBH I don't really give two hoots what's trendy right now and what isn't. And I have to say, I intensely dislike high and wide necklines, I'm the "medium chunky" kind and prefer to show off my curves with a deep v-neck, especially in summer. But the great thing is that we knitters don't have to rely on what fashion brands offer, we can just make our own 🥰

[@highfiberknits]

I love everything about what you have said!! It’s a testament to how many makers truly are mindful and slowly crafting for the joy of what speaks to us 🥰

[@highfiberknits]

I love everything about what you have said!! It’s a testament to how many makers truly are mindful and slowly crafting for the joy of what speaks to us 🥰

[@sarasynfox]

I think there are a few reasons to pay attention to the trends that are up and coming. First, if a certain style/technique is trending, there's likely going to be a lot more new patterns featuring it. It's a great time to look at inspiration for what people are doing with it, and if that's your vibe, it means you have a lot to choose from. However, if you absolutely are not on board with the current trend, it tells you that maybe you'll be better to take inspiration from older patterns and that you might not have as much luck with the newer stuff. Paying attention to the trends is also great for learning new techniques. If everyone's doing it right now, then there will be tons of resources for how to do it and troubleshooting guides if you find it complicated or tricky. Plenty of help is available. Also, with things like color or content trends, you're going to see a lot of the popular colors or yarn contents showing up at your LYS, so it's something to be aware of. It also may mean if you're on the fence about buying that yarn, and it's in the currently trending color or fiber content, chances are better that it won't be there when you come back if you decide to sit and think on it. All things to think about. It doesn't mean knitters should only knit what's trendy. It just means those are the things that are likely to be taking over the new knitting patterns and Instagram feeds, so something to be aware of.

[@highfiberknits]

Absolutely agreed!!

[@truesummerknits]

As a true autumn (maybe deep but I feel like you could borrow from both) you have some amazing blues and purples in your palette! That dusty violet is a great example of a color in your palette that people think of as cool. Being warm doesn’t mean you can’t wear blues or purples, there are just certain blues and purples that look best! You have a clear and soft appearance, which I think is more important when choosing colors for you specifically and cool/warm comes after in my opinion. I’ve seen some beautiful muted blues and purples that might lean ever so slightly warm that have looked great on you! (Sorry for the long comment but color analysis is my thing)

[@highfiberknits]

No worries for a longer comment! Building on the discussion with viewers is one of the things I am most grateful for in this space! I do hope to continue using blues and purples this year as I find ones that I am attracted to 😊

[@venmanjenny]

I just saw the KNITTING FOR OLIVE COTTON MERINO - BLUEBERRY ICE CREAM at Wool & Co if that helps!

[@highfiberknits]

Thank you!!!! 🙏

[@verylikecheryl]

Yeah, knitting is slow and deep. Its trends are like waves on the ocean, as opposed to ripples on the pond of fast fashion.

[@highfiberknits]

I love this analogy!!!

[@ruthallan4289]

Hi Emily. Try Art of Yarn, they currently have 5 balls of blueberry ice cream KFO merino. Always love your podcasts

[@highfiberknits]

BRB checking that out ASAP!!

[@saraw8503]

I received a Lands End catalogue. There was a sleeveless top and split hem they called “Drifter Crew Neck Sweater Vest,” in a Breton stripe. I need this top. I am considering a Petite Knit Slipover lightly modified to dupe this garment.

[@highfiberknits]

I love this idea!

[@anicesubject]

I haaaaate the tie front trend. I'm more ok with the patterns that have positive ease, but the negative ease ones just look like gapping and feel like they're made exclusively for people who are quite thin.

[@highfiberknits]

This is such an important reflection! I really only commented on fit preferences related to body type in the boat neck portion of the video, but it is always a relevant and valid piece of decision making!

[@user-sy8pn2ld2d]

Is there a pattern for that stripe sweater with the collar? The one at 10:51. I have some scraps of one type of yarn and this looks like what I want.

[@highfiberknits]

I believe it’s the Stripe Overload by Spektakelstrik

[@My_slow_story]

The tie cardigan (Vienna Blouse) was first released by Sandnes Garn before the famous Ganni and all dupes. I really hate giving credit to designers who jumped on trend year later ....Creabea to name one. And (by unpopular opinion) I found her patterns ok, but lacking finesse..I get the easy tee pattern in DK...but really? So many great designers with perfected fit and beautiful clever design vs chunky simple tee. Not sold.

[@highfiberknits]

I hear your point about timelines! I think it goes to show that even that tastemakers, so to speak, use reference points and can take inspiration from elsewhere and creative endeavours are rarely a spontaneous thing that comes out of nowhere. I think you also bring up an important idea about crediting. These videos for me are often a synthesis of what I see, and with social media it can be hard to trace back the “origins” of such trends, but it is certainly something to be mindful of!

[@sykoskier18]

I'm sorry to say but, your comments on "does it fit all bodies" is talking about bodies that are smaller/petitie sized. plus size girlies have had to adapt patterns to fit our bodies for ever. Like every time. So much so that there is a rift between designers who are size inclusive or not. so, i don't really appreciate hearing a critique of "does it look good on all bodies?" when you ONLY apply that to a smaller chest and you don't apply that to all patterns. You could have said "i'm concerned how it would look on ME" and share some of your insecurities, however masking your insecurities as "size inclusiveness" is not it.

[@highfiberknits]

Thank you so much for sharing your perspective. I appreciate your feedback and understand your concerns because even though I shared these comments in a sincere spirit of reflection and inclusivity, my intentions don’t negate how my comments can be received negatively. Size inclusivity continues to be a crucial topic that needs to be discussed thoughtfully and respectfully. I apologize for my comments coming off as insensitive or exclusive, and I will strive to do better in the future to be more aware of whether I am stating a personal concern about fit as a generalization. Your comments have also revealed some aspects of this discussion that I should approach with more nuance. Patterns that might be considered “size inclusive” because they are graded for a large range of bust sizes are not necessarily graded to fit well for all sizes or account for the variety in not only bust sizes, but variety in bust shape and body shape. This is especially hard when we only see slim and small-chested folks posing in ways that don’t accurately show how knitwear moves and feels through daily life and wear. I think this is what I was trying to get at, but I didn’t communicate it that way. Thank you again for raising this. I am grateful that you trust this space enough you share your thoughts so that I can always be improving and realigning my content with my priority for inclusivity, and I am happy to continue this conversation!