As temperatures heat up for summer, it’s the perfect time to highlight our favorite warm-weather yarn: Cotton Fleece!

While some crafters take a break from knitting or crocheting during the heat of summer, we know there are plenty of die-hard crafters out there who switch to lighter weight yarns. Hopefully your summer involves some relaxing time, which goes along perfectly with knitting or crafting time!

Cotton Fleece is one of our most well-loved yarns, but in case you’re not familiar with it, here is a run-down of the specs: Cotton Fleece is made with 80% pima cotton and 20% wool.  The feel and finish are very similar to 100% cotton yarn. But, the touch of wool gives it a little spring and memory that cotton yarn lacks. Cotton Fleece is a DK-weight or light worsted-weight. Also included in this line is Cotton Fine, which is exactly half the thickness of Cotton Fleece but with the same construction, fiber content, and color palette. Cotton Fine is a fingering or sock weight yarn and one of our favorites for weaving projects (see our previous blog posts on Handwoven Kitchen Towels and Handwoven Baby Blankets). Weavers: be sure to try Cotton Fine on half-pound cones for easy warping.

Available in over 50 colors, the color palette of Cotton Fleece & Cotton Fine is definitely geared toward spring and summer garments and accessories as well as projects for babies and kids. You’ll find a wide array of brights and pastels along with soft neutrals. This yarn is technically handwash-only. However, I’ve had great success with machine washing projects made with Cotton Fleece and Fine. Just remember to test-wash a swatch first, then be sure to use cold water and a gentle machine cycle.

Of course, the creative possibilities are endless with this versatile yarn! Here are a few pattern ideas to cast on this summer.

Knit a lightweight garment this summer to throw on during a cool evening—or prepare for the first chilly day when fall comes around.

Majorelle is a boxy pullover knit with Cotton Fleece in a single color – the pattern is published in Vogue, Spring/Summer 2020.

The casual Baja Hoodie would be perfect for travel, or a great gift for a guy or gal. This pattern can be found in Interweave Knits, Summer 2019.

For our crocheters – we love the Convallaria Tam & Mitts set from Interweave Crochet, Spring 2020 and the Mint Shawl from Simply Crochet, Issue 82.

A lightweight, airy pair of socks knit with Cotton Fine would be the perfect travel project for summertime. We love these Floating Island Socks.

Our pattern round-up wouldn’t be complete without some adorable baby and kid patterns.  The Black-and-White Blanket from Knit Simple would be a fun knit and great gift.

There’s not much cuter than a hand-knit baby romper – we love this Romper from Knit Simple in any color for a little one.

We would love to see what you’re making with Cotton Fleece and Cotton Fine this summer! Please join our community group, Spinning Yarns—if you haven’t already—and be sure to share photos, tips, and inspiration in our new Cotton Fleece & Fine group!

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