Knit with Nature KAL: A Summer Knit A Long You Don’t Want to Miss!

Hey y’all! Welcome back to YoungFolk Knits! If you’re new here, I’m Kaci, your resident fiber arts enthusiast, small farm dweller in Arkansas, and your virtual knitting buddy. Around here, we talk all things knitting, sewing, spinning, crochet—you name it. And today, I’m so excited to share a project that’s got summer vibes written all over it: the Knit With Nature KAL.

Yep, we’re swapping out the wool for breezy, breathable, plant-based yarns and embracing warmer weather with a knit-along (KAL) that’s as fun as it is seasonally perfect. So grab a glass of iced tea and let’s dive into everything you need to know!

Why Knit with Plant-Based Yarns for Summer?

As much as I adore my wool stash, when that Arkansas summer humidity hits, wool just isn’t the smart choice. Enter: plant-based yarns like cotton, linen, bamboo, hemp, silk, and ramie. These fibers are breathable, lightweight, and oh-so-perfect for warm weather garments and accessories.

They’re soft, cool against the skin, and create that perfect drape you want in summer tops and scarves. So if you’re already sweating just thinking about your next wool sweater project, it’s time to give plant-based yarns a spin!

The Knit With Nature KAL: All the Details

I’ve partnered with my friends at WoolyKnit to host the Knit With Nature KAL from May 2nd through June 2nd, 2025. It’s going to be such a fun and inspiring way to kick off our summer knitting!

Here’s how to join in:

✔️ Use a plant-based yarn:
Cotton, bamboo, silk, linen, hemp—anything summery and breathable qualifies. It doesn’t have to be from Wooly Knit to participate (though using their yarn does score you an extra entry for the prize!).

✔️ Pick your project:
Knit or crochet anything that fits the summer wardrobe theme—tops, scarves, accessories—just make sure it’s something you’ll want to wear when the temps are high.

✔️ Share your makes on Instagram:
Tag @youngfolknits and @woolyknit, and use the hashtag #KnitWithNatureKAL. That’s how we’ll find your beautiful work and enter you in the prize drawing!

✔️ Follow both accounts to be eligible
Also, make sure you’ve posted your project by June 2nd.

Bonus: If you use Woolly Knit yarns and tag them, you’ll get an extra entry for the prize!

A Sweet Deal from Wooly Knit

To make it even easier to dive into this plant-based adventure, Wooly Knit is offering an exclusive 20% off discount on all cotton and linen yarns during the KAL period.

Just use the code KACIKAL20 at checkout between May 2nd and June 2nd. Plus, you’ll receive a FREE pattern for the Lottie Top, which makes for a perfect summer garment to knit with your discounted yarn. Now that’s a win-win.

My Yarn Picks for the KAL

Okay, y’all—I’ve got some stunning yarns from Wooly Knit that I’m using for my own projects, and I am so excited to show you what I picked out.

🧵 Cotton Cones

• Mustard Cotton Yellow: This fingering weight cotton is lightweight, soft, and perfect for holding double to get a DK gauge. I’m obsessed with the color—it’s buttery and warm and feels like summer in a skein.
• Blue Jeans: You guessed it, the perfect washed-denim hue. I’ve got plans for a bandana-style summer accessory in this shade. It’s going to match everything and be that easy grab-and-go piece.
• Copper Brown: Deep and earthy, this one’s ready to be transformed into a full T-shirt. Each cone is 400g, so you’ve got plenty of yardage to play with.

🧵 Linen-Cotton Blend Cones

• 
  Cork Cream: This one is so soft and drapey, I had to do a double take. It’s a lace weight, but held double it’s perfect for fingering weight projects. I love the gentle tone—it’s flattering, classic, and not too stark like a bright white.
• Donegal Orange: Y’all, this color glows. I don’t know how they did it, but this orange is everything. I fell in love instantly and knew it needed to become a summer top.

What I’m Knitting: Pattern Picks

I couldn’t decide on just one project, so I’ve been digging through my pattern library and thinking out loud (yes, I do that!) about what I want to cast on. Here are a few that made the shortlist:

🌿 Party Line Scarf
Released last year, this one is close to my heart. It’s a great little sport weight summer scarf, but you can adapt it to fingering or DK. I’ve been dreaming of making a new version in a bandana shape—especially in that Blue Jeans color! https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/party-line-scarf

🌿 Sabai Top by Suzanne Müller
This is a sleeveless top with a 20-stitch gauge that’s light, flowy, and simple. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sabai-top Perfect for high-humidity days when you want something breezy. The Donnle Orange would make this pattern really shine (literally and figuratively!).

🌿 Darjeeling Blouse by Trust The Mojo
This one is soooo tempting. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/darjeeling-blouse It’s a sport weight button-up blouse with a lace hem, flat stockinette body, and saddle shoulders. The construction is interesting and the details are darling. I might go for it!

🌿 Plain Yoke Tee by Le Knit
A 22-stitch gauge circular yoke tee that’s worked top-down and all in the round—no flat knitting, which is amazing when working with cotton or linen (hello, hand relief!). https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/plain-yoke-tee-22 The clean fit and delicate sleeves make this a top I’d wear constantly.

Why Plant-Based Knitting is So Rewarding

Knitting with cotton or linen does take a bit of getting used to—there’s less elasticity than wool—but the end result is so worth it. You get garments that breathe, drape beautifully, and actually get worn during the summer months. That’s a win in my book.

Plus, these fibers are so versatile. Whether you’re knitting a crop top, a wrap, or even a little headband or scarf, plant-based yarns give you that effortless summery feel.

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Let’s Knit Together!

I really hope you’ll join us for the Knit With Nature KAL. It’s all about celebrating the beauty of natural fibers, embracing seasonal creativity, and knitting pieces we’ll actually want to wear in the heat.

Don’t forget:

• Use code KACIKAL20 on WoolyKnit’s site for 20% off cotton and linen
• Grab your free Lottie Top pattern
• Tag your makes with #KnitWithNatureKAL on Instagram
• Follow @youngfolknits and @woolyknit to enter the prize drawing

I’ll be sharing my progress both here on YouTube and on Instagram (@youngfolk.knits), so be sure to follow along.

Got summer projects on your mind already? Let me know in the comments what you’re planning to cast on! Until next time—

Happy Knitting, y’all!