The Best of Summer with Interweave Knits Summer 2023

Admittedly, summer and I don’t have the best relationship. This fair-skinned, curvy lady melts with temps above 75 degrees, and I’m downright cranky when humidity is involved. For the past several years, I’ve tried to commit to learning to love summer—or at least tolerate it better. It’s tough. One thing that has helped me get to a better place is knitting.

Until relatively recently, summer knitting was challenging for me; my favorite wool yarns would felt in my sweaty hands. And who wants a lapful of a project during a heat wave? So, I just avoided knitting from June through August. I was intimidated by “summer yarns” after some unsuccessful projects because I was unfamiliar with the qualities and characteristics of non-wool yarns. But exploring linen, cotton, and silk yarns—and actively choosing to get to know them better—has opened the door to knitting year-round.

Related: Our Favorite 100% Cotton Yarns

Knits Summer Highlights

In this special summer collection of Interweave Knits Summer 2023, we’re celebrating those summer blends and highlighting their best features. In a comprehensive technical article from contributor Karen Frisa, we’re sharing a swatch study that dives deep into the properties of several of the yarns featured in this issue. You’ll see how these different blends respond to blocking and wearing. With the information learned, you’ll be prepared to plunge into making one of the 10 fantastic garments in the collection.

The Interweave Knits Summer 2023 Patterns

Click the arrows to left and right on the slideshow below to see the collection.

These garments come together to create the ultimate summer wardrobe, and each piece lends itself to a different reason to love summer. Jennifer Kent’s Cricket Tank is the perfect, easygoing top to wear to a ball game. Dress up Blazenka Simic-Boro’s Abundant Tee for a summer night out with friends. The Quench Top, by Fiona Munro, is sure to be your go-to when looking for something great to wear to a street fair.

I could go on, but the point is this: The Interweave Knits Summer 2023 projects will have you knitting all summer long and wearing handknits that are comfortable, stylish, and enviable. So much so that you won’t want summer to end—that is, until fall rolls around and wool is again in hand.

Serial yarn sniffer Kerry Bogert loves to spend her time knitting when she’s not collaborating with the team at Interweave or editing Interweave Knits magazine. Her passion for making things with her hands is only matched by her love for her children and a well-attenuated stout. Kerry endeavors to never stop learning, buying yarn, or collecting beads. Read her latest articles at Interweave.com.