Four Handmade Layers for Late Summer and Beyond
The last weeks of summer are always slightly awkward to dress for. Warm at midday, cooler by dinner, and rarely predictable.
Luckily, handmade wardrobes are particularly good at the in-between.
A light bolero, an open-stitch tunic or a small knitted accessory can stay in rotation long after the hottest days have passed. Here are four of our latest patterns to make now and keep wearing into the season ahead.
The Meadow Bolero
The Meadow Bolero was made for late-summer layering.
Designed by Meredith Cerys, it is constructed from individually crocheted flower motifs using two strands of Perfect DK Ombre held together. The result is colourful and textured, but still light enough to wear over a dress, vest top or simple long-sleeved layer.
Its freeform construction also leaves room to make it your own. Motifs can be moved, added or rearranged to adjust the width, sleeves and overall length.
GET THE FREE MEADOW BOLERO PATTERN
Ombre Oasis Tunic Tee
It may be called a tee, but Ombre Oasis works just as well as a layer.
The open crochet fabric keeps it light, while the relaxed shape leaves enough room to wear it over a vest top now and a fitted long-sleeved top later. Perfect DK Ombre takes care of the colour changes, so the finished garment has plenty of movement without constant yarn changes.
Designed by Heather C. Gibbs, the pattern includes sizes XS–5XL and can be adjusted in both length and fit.
GET THE FREE OMBRE OASIS TUNIC TEE PATTERN
The Midnight Lantern Shawl
Some evenings call for just one ebb xtra layer.
The Midnight Lantern Shawl is a triangular crochet design by Carmen White, made with 365 Days Cotton DK. Its repeating lantern motifs create a soft, flowing fabric that can be worn loosely across the shoulders or wrapped around the neck when the temperature drops.
The combination of cotton yarn and an open motif makes it light enough for the end of summer, without feeling out of place as autumn arrives.
GET THE FREE MIDNIGHT LANTERN SHAWL PATTERN
The Honeyloop Bandana
Not every seasonal update needs to be a whole garment.
The Honeyloop Bandana is a small, satisfying knit designed by Abbie Mycroft. Worked flat in Softease, its lace pattern grows naturally from the narrowest point before being finished with simple i-cord ties.
Wear it in your hair during the last warm days, then tie it around your neck or add it to layered outfits as the season changes.
GET THE FREE HONEYLOOP BANDANA PATTERN
Keep the Handmade Layers Going
There is no need to pack away every summer make as soon as September appears.
The right handmade piece can move easily between seasons: worn on its own while the sun is out, then layered differently when the days begin to cool.
All four patterns are available as free digital downloads.