A423 Lace Cardigan

A423 Lace Cardigan

A fantastic idea you can do with Spiral yarns! Download this free guide now to create your own Lace Cardigan.

How to Knit the Lace Cardigan

Create a lightweight knitted lace cardigan featuring a delicate lace stitch pattern, ribbed edges and a flattering fitted silhouette. This elegant cardigan is designed with set-in sleeves and button front closure, making it a versatile handmade layer for everyday wear.

The cardigan is knitted in separate pieces and joined together, with the lace pattern adding texture and visual interest throughout the body and sleeves.

Project: Lace Cardigan

Pattern: A423

Craft type: Knitting

Difficulty: Intermediate

Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL

What You Will Need

Materials

  • Lincraft Spiral Yarn
  • XS: 3 x 100g balls
  • S: 4 x 100g balls
  • M: 4 x 100g balls
  • L: 5 x 100g balls
  • XL: 5 x 100g balls
  • XXL: 5 x 100g balls
  • 7 buttons

Equipment

  • 4mm knitting needles
  • 3 stitch holders
  • Wool needle for sewing seams and finishing
  • Scissors

Alternative Yarns

This cardigan is designed using Lincraft Spiral yarn. When choosing an alternative yarn, select a yarn with a similar weight, drape and stitch definition to maintain the lace pattern and garment fit.

  • 8ply Wool Blend Yarn – provides warmth and good stitch definition.
  • Merino Blend Yarn – creates a soft lightweight cardigan.
  • Cotton Blend Yarn – suitable for a breathable summer cardigan.
  • Bamboo Blend Yarn – provides softness and elegant drape.
Helpful hint: Lace garments rely on accurate tension. Always knit a tension square before starting, especially when substituting yarn.

Measurements

Size Fits Bust Garment Measure Length Sleeve Length
XS 70cm 75cm 50cm 25cm
S 80cm 85cm 51cm 25cm
M 90cm 95cm 52cm 25cm
L 100cm 105cm 53cm 25cm
XL 110cm 115cm 54cm 25cm
XXL 120cm 125cm 55cm 25cm

Tension

Using 4mm needles:

  • 22.5 stitches x 26 rows = 10cm x 10cm over stocking stitch

Knitting Abbreviations

  • K: knit
  • P: purl
  • K2tog: knit two stitches together
  • K1, sl 1, psso: knit one, slip one, pass slipped stitch over
  • Yfwd: yarn forward
  • St(s): stitch(es)
  • Rep: repeat
Pattern note: Lace patterns use yarn overs and decreases to create the open decorative sections. If there are not enough stitches to complete a full lace repeat, work those stitches in stocking stitch instead.

Construction Overview

The Lace Cardigan is constructed in five stages:

  1. Knit the back piece.
  2. Knit the left and right front pieces.
  3. Knit both sleeves.
  4. Join shoulders and side seams.
  5. Add neckband, front bands and buttons.

Knit the Back

  1. Using 4mm needles, cast on stitches according to your chosen size.
  2. Work the rib band:
    K1, P1 rib.
  3. Continue in stocking stitch while working the lace pattern sections.
  4. Continue until the back measures approximately 29cm from the beginning.
  5. Shape raglan armholes by decreasing at each end of rows.
  6. Place remaining stitches onto a stitch holder.

Knit the Front Pieces

Work the left and right fronts separately, following the lace pattern and raglan shaping.

  1. Cast on stitches for your chosen size.
  2. Work rib edging.
  3. Continue with the lace pattern.
  4. Shape the raglan armhole.
  5. Shape the neckline.
  6. Place remaining shoulder stitches on a holder.

Knit the Sleeves

  1. Cast on sleeve stitches.
  2. Work the sleeve lace pattern.
  3. Increase stitches evenly as required.
  4. Continue until the sleeve measures approximately 25cm.
  5. Shape the sleeve raglan section.
  6. Leave remaining stitches on a holder.

Assemble the Cardigan

  1. Join raglan seams.
  2. Join side seams.
  3. Sew sleeve seams.
  4. Sew in all loose ends.

Add the Neckband

  1. Pick up stitches around the neckline.
  2. Work ribbing using K1, P1 rib.
  3. Cast off loosely in rib.

Add Front Bands and Buttons

  1. Pick up stitches along the right front edge.
  2. Work rib band.
  3. Create seven buttonholes evenly spaced.
  4. Repeat for the left front edge without buttonholes.
  5. Sew buttons securely into position.

Customisation Ideas

  • Use a gradient yarn for a colour-changing lace effect.
  • Add contrasting buttons for a statement finish.
  • Make a shorter cropped cardigan style.
  • Use a neutral yarn for an everyday wardrobe staple.
  • Add a decorative crochet edge around the front bands.

Care

Follow the care instructions for your chosen yarn.

Reshape the cardigan while damp and dry flat to maintain the lace pattern and garment shape.

Get a copy of the instructions Download guide