Summer may be winding down, but knit and crochet summer tops are highly versatile. When crafted in a breathable yarn, summer tops easily layer over and under warmer clothing. They keep you cool during the last of summer’s balmy days, and pair beautifully with cardigans and coats as temperatures drop in the fall. And who doesn’t love the lack of long sleeves when knitting a top? No Second Sleeve Syndrome need apply.

Right now, we’re still running our Brown Sheep Summer Make Along. The MAL ends the first full week of September, so remember: if you make *anything* in Cotton Fleece, Cotton Fine, or Wildfoote Sock Yarn, tag it on social media with #BrownSheepSummerMAL to be eligible to win 4 skeins of the yarn of your choice. You can also post it to our Brown Sheep Summer Make Along group for more chances to win. We’re choosing a winner for each yarn. Many of the following tops qualify!

The following tops comprise both knit and crochet options. We hope they inspire you to cast on a beautiful summer top in Brown Sheep this season!

Leafy Lace Top

The Leafy Lace Top in Cotton Fine boasts a gorgeous, all-over lace pattern that lives up to its name. Incredibly versatile, this is the kind of knit top we see moving through the seasons. Pair it with a cardigan, wear it over a contrasting long sleeve top for a real pop of color, or layer it over a maxi dress to really work your summer wardrobe. A timeless design and universally flattering silhouette make the Leafy Lace Top one of our favorite summer tops.

Find the Leafy Lace Top here.

Sunbeam Cover-Up

The Sunbeam Cover-Up crocheted in Cotton Fleece is the ultimate top for beating the heat. The openwork crochet pattern creates a breezy, airy fabric great for layering over summer and fall dresses, tank tops, tees, and bathing suits. The curved front panel adds extra visual and textural interest, and we could see some really fun color pairings featured there.

Download the Sunbeam Cover-Up here.

Bauxite Top

The Bauxite Top in Cotton Fine is an instant summer classic. The dead-simple chevron lace pattern looks more complicated than it is and adds lovely detail to both back and front. An oversized fit, deep armholes and an equally deep v-neck back beg layering. The whole effect is light and airy, perfect for keeping cool in the summer or dressing up a fall outfit.

Find the free instructions for the Bauxite Top here.

Cozy Cowl Neck Tee

The Cozy Cowl Neck Tee in Superwash Sport (Nature Spun would make an excellent substitute!)  features an all-over lace stitch pattern for a light and breezy top. A cowl neck sets off the design, which also boasts loose, flutter sleeves. The lace fan stitch and draped cowl lends this crocheted top a romantic feel—perfect for late summer days and early fall nights.

Find the free crochet pattern for the Cozy Cowl Neck Tee here.

Olivine Top

The Olivine Top knit with Cotton Fleece sports a modern feel and boasts a figure-flattering fit. We love the timeless mesh lace, and because you work the pattern on larger-than-called-for needles, the knitting really flies by. If you’re looking for a top to sneak into this year’s Brown Sheep Summer MAL and you don’t have a lot of time to spare, the Olivine Top is a great choice!

Download the pattern for the Olivine Top here.

Two-Way Crocheted Ribbed Top

Originally crocheted with Brown Sheep Sportweight, you could easily substitute Nature Spun or Cotton Fine to make the Two-Way Crocheted Ribbed Top. Just like the Olivine Top, this is a top you could crochet fairly quickly for the Brown Sheep Summer Make Along. We love the versatility of offering both a halter top silhouette and a v-neck so it can be worn both ways.

Download the pattern for the Two-Way Crocheted Ribbed Top here.

Rebecca Top

The Rebecca Top has long been a favorite of ours. Knit in Cotton Fine, two strands of yarn are held throughout the entire garment, creating a gorgeous ombre effect. The flared fit is adorable and incredibly flattering, and the little eyelets that border the neckline and armholes add the perfect finishing touch.

Download the Rebecca Top for free here.

Cecilia Top

Published just a month ago, we’re predicting the Cecilia Top is destined to be incredibly popular among crocheters. Worked in a fingering weight yarn (perfect for Cotton Fine!), the Cecilia Top is lacy without being completely transparent. The batwing sleeves impart a flowy feel, while a ribbed hem polishes the fit.

Find the free instructions for the Cecilia Top here.

 

Are you knitting or crocheting a top this summer? What are your favorite patterns? Let us know!

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