My Top 10 Summer Yarns for Warm Weather Knits!
Hey y’all! Summer knitting season is officially here, and if you’re anything like me, you’re probably swapping your woolly knits for breezy, plant-based yarns that actually feel good to wear when it’s hot outside. Living in Arkansas, I can tell you that even the lightest wool is a no-go once we hit triple digits (with a healthy side of humidity!). So today, I’m sharing my go-to summer yarns — all perfect for keeping cool while still enjoying your favorite cr
Whether you’re into cotton, linen, bamboo, or even silk blends, there’s something here for every warm-weather project. I’m also slipping in a few favorites that straddle the line with some light wool content but still breathe beautifully.
Why Plant-Based Yarns?
Before diving into the faves, let’s talk about why plant-based yarns are so perfect for summer. They’re breathable, lightweight, and generally more comfortable in hot weather than wool. But they’re not always the easiest to knit with — some can be tough on the hands. That said, the payoff is totally worth it when you get a drapey, airy top at the end.
1. Knitting for Olive Cotton Merino
This is a blend of 70% cotton and 30% extra fine merino wool — the perfect compromise for folks who want the comfort of cotton with just a touch of wooliness. It’s a fingering weight yarn that feels light and wearable even with the merino content. https://www.blackmountainyarnshop.com/products/knitting-for-olive-cotton-merino-fingering?_pos=1&_sid=bf8fcdd0f&_ss=r&variant=42218609606735
I used this in the Hey Sailor Top by Andrea Mowry, and I was really happy with the result — it’s soft, has great drape, and held up beautifully in mosaic colorwork. I’ve also got plans to knit a Friday Tee by Petite Knit with it soon. And pro tip: hold it double for a DK weight if you’re knitting for spring or fall!
2. Sonder Yarn Co – Fleece & Flax
This wool and linen blend is rustic, versatile, and perfect for that unique look. It works at multiple gauges, which makes it a great stash staple. Melissa from Sonder used it for the Lumme Tee (DK gauge) by Sari Nordlund — even though she held it single. I’m about to follow her lead! https://sonderyarnco.com/products/fleece-flax?variant=45679484535029
Plus, the mini skeins make it easy to do colorwork without buying full skeins. Perfect for summer tees with a pop of contrast!
3. The Wandering Flock – Cotton Lino
Let’s talk luxury. Cotton Lino blends organic cotton, mulberry silk, linen, and baby alpaca. It’s got softness, sheen, and a lovely little halo. I’m working it into another Ranunculus (my summer fave), and it’s just the dreamiest yarn to knit with. https://www.blackmountainyarnshop.com/products/the-wandering-flock-cotton-lino?_pos=1&_sid=6aa2b0d8c&_ss=r
It’s sport weight, and I’m knitting mine on US 10s for a light, open fabric that breathes like a dream.
4. Universal Yarn – Bamboo Pop
This one’s a budget-friendly gem. A 50/50 bamboo and cotton blend, Bamboo Pop feels soft and smooth in your hands — no dryness like some cottons. It’s labeled DK, but it reads like a sport weight to me.
I’m eyeing a Sari Nordlund tee for this yarn in the color “Penny” (aka #150) — a warm copper tone with a slight marl that adds subtle texture.
5. Camellia Fiber Co – Flax Base
One of my absolute favorite indie dyers out of Nashville! Their Flax base comes in both fingering and DK weight and blends alpaca, silk, and linen. The drape is next-level. It’s got that silk glow but toned down by the alpaca and linen so it doesn’t look shiny or synthetic.
One thing to note: dye colors on this base appear lighter than on superwash merino, so plan accordingly when picking colors!
6. Sandnes garn – Tynn Line
This yarn is a plant-based triple threat: 53% cotton, 33% viscose, and 14% linen. It comes in three weights — fingering (Tynn), DK (Line), and chunky (Tykk). I personally prefer holding Tynn double for a DK gauge. It just gives me more control and better drape.
Also: they come in 50g skeins, which I love for summer tops. No need to overbuy for short sleeves. The only downside? You can’t spit splice plant fibers, but a Russian join works great.
7. Yarn Jam – Silk Linen Fingering
This 65% silk, 35% linen yarn is a stunner. It clocks in at nearly 500 yards per skein, so you get plenty of yardage. I’m currently using it for a Lacy Loop Tee, holding it double for a DK gauge.
The new color I’m using, Terracotta, is gorgeous — and while it’s not listed just yet, keep your eyes peeled. Yarn Jam’s developing new shades that are worth the wait.
8. Cosy posy Yarn Co – DK Linen Blend
CPY’s yarns are always dreamy, and this base (available in fingering and DK) is no exception. I test knit a tank by Sari Nordlund in the DK weight and absolutely loved it. Soft, breathable, and the stitch definition was amazing. It blocked like a dream and has held up beautifully.
I’m also knitting an Outline Tee using lush Lino in a super fun lemony yellow (banana pepper, anyone?). No itch here — this is one for all the wool-sensitive folks!
9. Farmer’s Daughter Fibers – Foxy Lady
Another favorite, this yarn blends merino and silk in a single-ply fingering base. It has shine and softness that really makes lace stitches pop. I’m using it for Tegna by Caitlin Hunter — a bottom-up lace top that I swear I will finish one day!
The color “One Stab” is absolutely stunning — when you see the fabric, it truly looks and feels like something money can’t buy.
10. Purl Soho – Cotton Pure
This 100% cotton yarn is what I used for the Rosenlund Top by Sari Nordlund — a knockout pattern with twisted stitches, honeycomb cables, moss stitch, and lace. The stitch definition on this yarn is unreal.
It’s sport weight, so it’s perfect for summer tops that aren’t too heavy. Bonus points for a classic and sophisticated color palette!
11. Pascuali Nepal (bonus)
This one’s a bit of a wild card — a blend of organic cotton, linen, and nettle! The fiber content (60% cotton, 28% linen, 12% nettle) gives it a crisp texture with great stitch definition. It’s breathable and lightweight, ideal for summer knits.
I used it last year in a top by caidree, and it turned out beautifully.
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
Those are some of my favorite plant-based yarns for summer — but I know there are so many others out there! If you’ve got a favorite summer yarn (especially one I didn’t mention), drop it in the comments. I’m always looking for new yarns to try and love hearing what’s working for you.
Thanks for hanging out with me and catch the video here!
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