I knit all year round, but it can get hard sometimes with the sun beating down on my wool, not to mention the pain of not being able to wear my creations for months.  So I've rounded up a bunch of free knit and crochet patterns for summery items, that won't heat up your crafting hands, and you can put right on when you're finished!  Starting with tops... I love this Smocked Top by Rebecca Hatcher!

 

The blue blog patterns has a pattern for nothing but a t-shirt - cute!



Weaverknits designed this Something Shiny tunic on knotions:



Knitty has tons of great summery patterns, like Coachella by Fathom Harvill:



And Thira by Beverly S. is also on Knitty:



Crystal Palace Yarns has this free Summer Net Shell pattern:



And the girl from auntie offers this summer funnel sleeveless top:



If you're in the mood for something more complex, Classic Elite yarns has the pattern for Michele Rose Orne’s Summer Set by the Sea Top:



If you're knitting for a little one, this ruffled summer top by Knitting Adventures is super cute:



For a summer day cover up, check out Gudrun Johnston's Shetland Shorty on Knitty:



Moving to garments below the top, momsknitting.com has a pattern for the perfect summer skirt:



And Canadian Living offers this knitted sarong pattern:



Spun Magazine has a set of summer sock patterns (not a fan of flip flops personally, but I like the short socks with the pom pom!):



And one more Knitty pick - Jennifer L. Appleby designed these cute Breeze summery socks:



And now for some head accessories, the Craft Yarn Council of America offers this crocheted kerchief pattern:



I absolutely love this giant floppy hat - Witterings - by Anna Bell on My Fashionable Life:



Tangle has a pattern for this Summer Slouchy Hat, made with bamboo yarn:



And a couple crochet hats... knitomatic.com offers this Flower Pot Sun Hat:



And lastly, Cloudy Crochet has this Fast & Easy crocheted summer brimmed hat:



Hope that keeps you going though the hot months!  There are tons out there, so let me know if you want more summer fibery projects and maybe I'll do a part 2 when it gets even hotter!  Let us know any of your favorite lightweight patterns, and show off your creations in the forums!