Crochet Summer Capsule Wardrobe [PART 1]: Colours, Yarns & Patterns

Why a Crochet Capsule?

A handmade wardrobe is a dream for many reasons - sustainability, custom fit, creative freedom, and the joy of slow fashion. As I became more confident with crochet, my ambition grew, and I saw the potential to create my own ‘big’ project.

I’ve always struggled to find summer pieces that I love as much as my autumn and winter wardrobe. I naturally gravitate toward deep, rich tones that flatter my coloring, but summer fashion often leans towards pastels and bright colors that don’t feel like me. This capsule became an opportunity to explore lighter tones that still suit me while maintaining a cohesive and wearable aesthetic.

Choosing the Colour Palette

I started with too many ideas and a palette that was somewhat autumnal. As I sketched through it, I quickly realised that my initial colours didn’t quite give me the breezy, summery vibe I envisioned and that I do not, realistically, have the time to do it all - on top of all my other projects. I had to be reasonable and strategical.

After researching color palettes and reflecting on shades I’ve received compliments on, I narrowed it down to:

• Teal: Has enough depth to suit my jewel tone preference and be wearable in the evening but is also bright enough to work during a sunny day

• Light Blue: Soft and airy, with a vintage feel

• Cream: A neutral base that pairs well with everything and suits me better than pure white

• Very Light Green (Pistachio, Sage, Mint): A fresh, slightly earthy contrast - inspired by a nail polish I loved called Green Zen.

Funnily enough, the colours above are my default for working out but I never really gravitate towards them for everyday wear.

This palette complements my existing wardrobe and allows for some mix-and-match combinations. It also pairs easily with black, brown, and red if I want to incorporate non-crochet pieces later. I am especially excited to test it out with some burnt orange tones. 

source : https://pin.it/4E81zYUhv

Natural Fibers & Yarn Choices

I wanted to use natural fibers but, as a beginner, didn’t want to break the bank in case a project didn’t turn out as expected. Cotton became the perfect choice - lightweight, breathable, and beginner-friendly. One of my first yarn purchases was a green-gold cotton that I originally intended for a bikini. My first attempt (see my First 3 Months of Crochet article) was too small, so I was excited to try again as part of this capsule.

I also wanted to experiment with more complex motifs and lacework, so a beach cover-up seemed like the perfect project.

From left to right: Sheepjes Catona in Dark Teal, Sheepjes Catona in Bluebell, DROPS Safran in Pistachio ice cream and Sheepjes Catona in Old Lace.

4. Shapes & Silhouettes: What I’m Making

My capsule wardrobe needed to have versatility, so I aimed for a mix of staple pieces that could be layered or worn on their own.

My final selection includes:

• Off-the-Shoulder Feminine Top: Inspired by a vintage dress I loved (and unfortunately ruined in the wash). I wanted to recreate its baby blue, puff-sleeve, off-the-shoulder silhouette.

  • I selected this pattern from Mati Denmark as it checks all the boxes even though the sleeves are more subtle than what I originally had in mind.

  • The Anglaia pattern was also a contender but I just preferred Allegra.

  • I am looking forward to testing adding elastic to crochet garments. A whole new world of possibilities will open up and I will drown in projects but hey - it's already the case anyways.

• Beach Cover-Up Dress: I wanted to challenge myself to a new motif and some lacework. It needed to have some sort of tie-back or belt option for shape.

  • I browsed some patterns on Etsy and the Island dress by Juuul makes immediately caught my eye. The minimalist flower stitch is just so cute!

  • I have made the whole front panel (see below) so far, including the straps. I am hoping to have it done for my trip to Portugal in a week! (a bit delulu but who needs sleep?)

• Wrap Dress: One of my favorite flattering silhouettes, and it is surprisingly difficult to find good ones so why not make my own? 

  • Again from Mati Denmark (she has a lot of modern silhouettes and it all looks fairly approachable), the belle dress looked like exactly what I wanted.

    • And OMG the teal yarn I got is GORGEOUS (see below)!!

    • So far I have started the back panel to test things out, no major progress to report on - yet.

• Cream Shorts: I wanted them light and airy, high waisted with a slightly flared, skirt-like shape. 

  • This was harder to find since the trend seems to be mini, micro, low-rise boy shorts - unwilling to be arrested for public indecency, I chose another path - and selected this youtube tutorial from KnitcroAddict .

  • Not started yet.

• Bikini: A simple design to let the yarn shine. It is done, top and bottom! The finished look is definitely more Copacabana than full coverage! (see results on my instagram)

  • there are tons of simple and free tutorials on youtube and I plan on posting a super short explanation for the top on Instagram. I think Bikinis are a great beginner project!

Bonus Pieces - Still Debating it

I’m still debating whether to add a final piece - maybe a hat, bag, a fun shaped bikini top or kimono-style layer. I might even sew a few complementary items to round out the collection. Not sure yet... 

What’s Next?

This is just Part 1! In Part 2, I’ll show the finished pieces, share styling tips and combinations, and reflect on the entire process.

📌 Follow along on Instagram for behind-the-scenes updates.

👉 [Part 2 Coming soon]

Curious about how I got started with crochet? Check out my progress update from my first three months!