Summer may not be here yet, but spring is well and truly here. It’s time to get ready for the warmer weather, so if you like it, start knitting a little top for the warm days ahead.

To tell you the truth, knitted tops aren’t my thing. I’m so cold (and sunburn so easily 🦞) that I rarely part with my long sleeves, even in the height of summer. Especially since cotton and linen didn’t really win me over the only times I tried knitting with them (a bunch of years ago, and I’m sure yarns have come a long way since then, so I’ll have to try again one of these days!) That doesn’t stop me from regularly falling in love with patterns written by my colleagues. If you’re interested in knitting a lightweight top for summer, but don’t know where to start looking for patterns, I’ve put together a small selection below. And for those who prefer long sleeves, some look like they have easily extendable sleeves 😉

The fingering ones

From left to right and top to bottom:

• Este by Justyna Lorkowska: small details that make all the difference, with a little lace on the shoulders and a very simple construction.
• S’tival Top by Christine Rouvillé: a play of textures to enhance every silhouette.
• Tidewater Tee by Alexandria Wenninger: a twisted round yoke and an all-knit reverse side for a touch of originality.
• Lolita Duby ‘s Mochi: those little ruffles!
• Aurelia Tee by Anna Strandberg: with its oversized fit, it invites you to relax and unwind.
• Whakairo Top by Francoise Danoy: lace and foam stitch take center stage here for a soft, flowing fall.
• Xyris by Audrey Borrego: its magnificent lace back, are we talking about it or not?

Larger wires

From left to right and top to bottom:

• Francis de Olga Buraya-Kefelian: her crossed back!
• The Maya Top by Gavriella Treminio: I love the little rolled edges that remind me of one of my favorite t-shirts.
• Filigree Tee by Julie Knits in Paris: a good basic with a touch of lace that adds just the right amount of petit-truc-en-plus.
• Anker’s Summer Shirt by PetiteKnit: no need to introduce it now, it’s also available in a fingering verison, a children’s version, a sweater version, etc.
• Valentine by Christelle Nihoul: a combination of intricate lace and ease that can be used for both casual and formal wear.
• Kim blouse by Mlle Pétronille: I think this is my favourite of the whole selection! Lace, intricate details, ease, it’s got it all!
• Wutton by Xiaowei Design: another good basic that I think would also work well as a cozy winter sweater.

My propensity for clicking on the favorites button is legendary (yes, I have over 8000 favorites on Ravelry, one of these days I’ll have to sort them out 🙈 ), so I haven’t been able to include all the patterns I’ve selected here, but you’ll be able to find them in a bundle I created for the occasion. I hope you’ll find what you’re looking for among all these pretty models. 🌱🌸

Do you like knitted tops? Do you prefer them with short sleeves or as tank tops?