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10 New Knits for the Maker’s Life: Summer 2026

This is the issue that makes summer knitting feel effortless, with breezy fibers and 10 fresh designs.

Debbie Blair Apr 23, 2026 - 4 min read

10 New Knits for the Maker’s Life: Summer 2026 Primary Image

Think knitting is only for cold weather? The breezy fibers and fresh designs in the Summer 2026 might just change your mind. This Breezy Pullover by Karen Bourquin is knitted in 100% hemp yarn. Photo by Gale Zucker

Welcome to our Summer 2026 issue, filled with warm-weather handknits made from some of our favorite yarns—from breezy plant fibers like cotton, silk, hemp, and linen to classic wool. We headed to Florida to photograph this issue and meet some rare and crossbreed sheep—stay tuned for more on that fun location destination next week. In the meantime, take a look inside our latest issue and discover what’s inspiring us to keep knitting as temperatures rise.

Mastering Garter Stitch Seams

Even if you’re familiar with common seaming techniques, seaming garter stitch edges on your sweaters, blankets, and other favorite projects is notoriously annoying. Knitting author, teacher, and designer Kate Atherley shows us four different ways and talks about when they’re the most useful (page 44). See how she explores ridges and valleys, bumps and selvedges—her go-to method will probably surprise you!

Then put your new skills to the test in the Ripple Vest by Nadya Stallings on page 48.

Even if you’re familiar with the usual methods, seaming garter stitch edges can be frustrating, but Kate Atherley shares four effective methods—and you can put them into practice with the Ripple Vest. Swatch photo by Matt Graves; vest photo by Gale Zucker

Irish Wool Revival: From Galway Sheep to Your Needles

Author Lisa Chamoff takes us to Ireland to learn about the revitalization of the rare Galway sheep and wool (see page 12). Then take a look at knitting teacher and designer Heavenly Bresser’s deep dive into several Irish wool yarns on page 18—yarns that are probably available at a yarn store near you.

Journey to Ireland to explore the revival of rare Galway sheep and their wool, followed by an in-depth look at Irish wool yarns. Sheep photo by Lisa Chamoff; swatch photo by Matt Graves

Summer Cast-On: Lace & Swatches

To kick off your summer knitting, why not cast on the Bloomin’ Tank by Jenny Williams on page 32 with its beautiful lace-panel front. And flip to page 28 to see how our editors put four very different yarns to the test by swatching with alternative yarns for the Bloomin’ Tank to discover varied drape, texture, and density.

Cast on the Bloomin’ Tank, then explore how our editors test four distinct yarns through swatching to compare drape, texture, and density. Tank photo by Gale Zucker; swatch photo by Matt Graves

Take a peek at the Table of Contents (click to enlarge).

How do I get my copy?

  • Current subscribers: Check your inbox on April 23 for your digital copy, and watch your mailbox in the coming weeks for the print edition.
  • Just want to give it a try? You can buy a single issue from the Farm & Fiber Knits Shop starting April 23.
  • Or you can subscribe and get 4 issues a year, plus all the other perks (110+ digital patterns, exclusive articles, and more).

Debbie Blair is the associate editor of Farm & Fiber Knits, Handwoven magazine, and LTM’ s fiber retreats. Having dabbled in dozens of crafts since she was old enough to hold a crayon, she feels blessed to have found a career that touches on two of her passions—art and alpacas.

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