Spring and Summer 2026 Knitting Trends
- Susanna
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
The year has barely begun but it's time to start planning your summer weather knits. Here are the five key trends from the DROPS spring & summer 2026 pattern collections. The vote might already but over so keep an eye on their website for the patterns as they're released over the coming weeks and months.
Elbow Room
The first thing that immediately struck me looking at the photos is that this season's short sleeves are not short.
The oversized trend continues... in sleeves. Sweater sleeves that don't reach the wrist are wide, flowy and — most of the time — hit the elbow or just below. Of course there are a few that expose a little bit more skin but if you want to be trendy (and safe from sunburn) this summer, wear a sweater with sleeves that protect your shoulders and upper arms.
Sleeve Structure
Speaking of sleeves, the sleeve constructions that dominate this season are raglans and set-in sleeves with a dash of saddle shoulders thrown in.
European shoulders are still very much on the forefront but now they're paired with — as they should — set-in sleeves. A classic English tailored shoulder reaches just the head of the shoulder, supporting the weight of the garment. Over the past couple of years we've seen shoulder seams that extend well beyond this point in conjunction with dropped sleeves, so much so that the European shoulder has practically become synonymous with sleeve heads that droop unattractively down the back of the sweater. No more!
To counterpoint the droop-less set-in sleeves, raglan seams have gained extra length and now extend far below the natural underarm level. Sure, you need a little vertical ease so that the sweater doesn't burrow into your underarms but this much? It's as if the models are wearing sweaters three sizes too large.
Vertical Thinking
Another big trend on the DROPS collection is stitch patterns going up and down rather than side to side.
Cables, lace columns, or narrow strips of texture going vertically from the neck to the hem is the way to decorate your sweaters this summer. In some examples they're all over the garment, in others used sparingly as an accent such as running down the sleeve or just on the fronts of a cardigan.
Flare Up
A knitterly way to inject a little girly into you wardrobe is with flared hems and sleeves.
Although the majority of this season's collection is quite squarish in shape with minimal finishing, it does contain a few feminine details such as flaring, peplums, ruffles, trumpet sleeves, and other fluttery bits. Used sparingly, they can add a little interest in an otherwise modest garment, such as on the spaghetti-strap dress above.
Neon City
The overall color palette for the spring and summer is very muted, demure pastels but there is one striking exception: neon stripes.
A way to break out from the pastel monotone is to pair a white or neutral background color with narrow stripes done in a brightly-colored or color-changing yarn. They pop out like neon lights! Use them on sweaters, cardigans, tops, and socks for a dash of fun. I particularly like the crayon-striped cardigan (second from left).
Which trend got your attention? Sound off in the comments!
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