How to enjoy fiber arts in the heat of summer
5 tips to help you beat the heat for knitters, crocheters, spinners, etc.
Hi friend,
The coziness of wool with it’s gorgeous texture created through cables, bobbles, color work, and brioche, makes it a wonderful craft during Autumn’s chilly mornings with rainy days, crisp leaves and a steaming mug of tea close by. As Autumn stretches into Winter and the days get colder and darker, snuggling on the sofa with a fiber project like knitting or crochet and a favorite movie or playlist in the background, is such a perfect way to spend an afternoon.
The summer is… less so. I love to knit and enjoy it year round, but I find a natural tendency to switch up the types of projects I’m working on when it is hot outside. I live in the desert of Arizona where we’ve just broken records in July 2023 with a month straight of days averaging 115*F/46*C. These kinds of temperatures require lots of indoor time, hiding out in AC. But even then, the thought of a sweater or blanket piled in my lap as I knit just isn’t very appealing. Fiber Arts are a year-round passion for me, but the hot months of summer definitely influence the projects I choose to work on. Other parts of the northern hemisphere spend more time outdoors in summer, and knitting can be a fantastic portable project.
A few ideas to help make fiber arts more enjoyable during warm weather:
Size matters: choose small
My favorite projects in summer include socks and hats. Both are small and portable, making them easy to throw into a bag and knit on the go. I’ve knitted at the beach, by the lake, on a hike through the desert (once we’ve stopped and are taking a break, of course. Hiking and knitting at the same time is not recommended if there is a chance you’ll trip and land face-first in a spiny cactus!).
Be intentional with your fiber type
Wool has magical qualities of helping us stay cooler in warm weather and warmer in cool weather. After all, it serves this fantastic purpose for sheep! But there are so many options to fiber artists even beyond wool. Cellulose fibers like linen and hemp, or silk blends, make for wonderful cool-weather knitting and crochet.
Keep it simple
If you will be crafting on-the-go while enjoying summer weather, choose a project that is fairly simple. If you have to keep a close eye on charts for that gorgeous and intricate lace shawl, it might feel challenging when you are also trying to take in the scenery at the lake/mountain/local park. A simple pattern with garter stitch, stockinette, or an easily memorizable pattern repeat, helps you to enjoy knitting and also not miss out on the sights and sounds around you while you are out exploring.
Choose your craft
Fiber arts include many crafts, such as spinning yarn, weaving, and felting. I find myself naturally drawn to more spinning projects in the summer. I get the same tactile experience of working with wool, exploring colors, and the immense pleasure of making something with my own two hands. But the wool isn’t sitting on my lap like with knitting. Embroidery, sewing, and other textile arts are also fantastic year-round options.
A word on yarn weight
For knit and crochet items, choose a lighter weight yarn (meaning, a finer yarn). Fingering, sport, or DK weight yarn will feel cooler in your hand because it is a finer, thinner yarn. Heavier (and therefore, warmer) yarns include aran and bulky weights.
It goes without saying that ultimately, you should pursue any craft and project that sparks your interest and feels good to you! But these tips can help guide you if you’re struggling with balancing your fiber arts crafts in this heat.
I’d love to hear from you in the comments. Do you tend to change up your projects or materials as through the seasons? What tips and suggestions do you have for fiber related crafts in hot weather?
Big hugs,
Melissa