Stunning & Free: Your Next Lace Cardigan Knitting Pattern Awaits!
There’s something undeniably elegant and rewarding about knitting with lace. The delicate stitches create beautiful texture and drape, making them perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to your handmade wardrobe. If you’ve been dreaming of knitting a lace cardigan but aren’t sure where to start (or just love free patterns!), you’re in the right place! We’ve rounded up a stunning collection of free lace cardigan knitting patterns from talented designers and yarn companies.
Whether you prefer seamless top-down construction, classic seamed pieces, or specific lace motifs like eyelets, cables, or intricate panels, you’ll find a variety of options here. We’ve included patterns for different yarn weights, sizes, and skill levels – from approachable intermediate designs to those requiring a bit more challenge.
Browse through these beautiful options, click the links to download the patterns, and cast on your next favorite cardigan!
Download Your Free Patterns
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Lise – a delicate, feminine cardigan
Designer: Rachel Søgaard
Yarn Weight: Fingering (Filcolana Tilia)
Size Range: S (M) L (XL)
Source: Filcolana
A delicate, feminine cardigan with a vintage feel, knitted from the bottom up. The body is worked flat to the armholes, featuring k1, p1 ribbing for the hem, charted lace panels along the front edges, and Stockinette stitch for the rest. Sleeves are worked separately in the round with ribbed cuffs, followed by an increase round for a puff effect, then Stockinette to the armholes. The body and sleeves are joined for the yoke, which is shaped with decreases on both body and sleeves initially, then primarily on the sleeves, concurrently with neck shaping. Shoulders are joined using the 3-needle bind-off. Finishing includes picking up stitches for ribbed neck and front edges, creating buttonholes on the right front band, sewing on buttons, and grafting underarm holes. The cardigan has a relatively short body length.
Balada Cardigan
Designer: Filipa Carneiro
Yarn Weight: Sport (Rosários 4 Balada)
Size Range: S, M, L (Finished Bust: 86–116 cm)
Source: Rosários 4
This cardigan is knitted seamlessly from the bottom up. The body is worked in one piece up to the armholes, featuring a tubular cast-on broken rib hem. Above the hem, the fronts incorporate vertical lace panels (Charts A and B) while the back is worked in Stockinette stitch, with increases included for chest shaping. At the armholes, the fronts and back are separated and worked flat up to the shoulders, which are joined using a 3-needle bind off. Sleeves are picked up from the armhole edges and knitted down to the cuffs in the round, including shaping with German short rows for the cap and finishing with a broken rib cuff. Finally, the neckband and button bands are picked up along the edges and worked in broken rib stitch, with buttonholes included on the right front band.
Knit Vertical Lace Cardigan
Designer: Svetlana Avrakh
Yarn Weight: DK (Patons® Linen™)
Size Range: XS/S–4/5XL (To fit chest 28″–62″, Finished chest 38″–59½”)
Source: Yarnspirations
This intermediate-level cardigan is knitted in pieces (back, two fronts, and sleeves) from the bottom up and seamed. It features K1P1 ribbing for the hems and button bands, with the main body incorporating vertical lace panels in the Quatrefoil Eyelet and front Eyelet Lace patterns, alongside sections of Stockinette stitch. Shaping is included for the armholes, shoulders, and a V-neck. The front pieces have integrated rib extensions at the neckline which are sewn together at the back neck. Sleeves are set in, and the pattern includes instructions for buttonholes on the right front.
Julieta
Designer: Filipa Carneiro (@filipa_nionoi)
Yarn Weight: Fingering/Sport (Rosários 4 Falésia)
Size Range: Single size (Size 8, Finished Bust 146 cm)
Source: Rosários 4
This cardigan is knitted from the bottom up. The body is worked seamlessly up to the armholes, featuring a lace stitch pattern for the front panels and Stockinette stitch for the back. At the armholes, the fronts and back are separated and worked flat up to the shoulders. After joining the shoulders (using a 3-Needle Bind Off), sleeves are picked up around the armhole and knitted in the round, starting with short rows to shape the sleeve cap and decreasing towards a ribbed cuff. A ruffle is then picked up and knitted in the round around the cuff. A collar is picked up at the neckline, and 2×2 ribbed button bands (including buttonholes) are picked up along the front edges.
Margareta Lace Sleeve Cardigan
Designer: Melissa Leapman
Yarn Weight: Worsted (Cascade Yarns® Cantata, Gauge: 17 sts x 25 rows = 4” in Stockinette st with larger knitting needles, suggesting Worsted weight)
Size Range: S–XL (Finished Bust: 35″–47″)
Source: Cascade Yarns
An intermediate-level cardigan knitted in pieces (back, two fronts, and sleeves) and seamed. It features K1P1 Rib for the lower hems and bands, Stockinette stitch for the main body, and a central Lace Panel on the sleeves. Shaping is included for the armholes, V-neck, shoulders, and sleeve caps. After assembly, a neckband and separate button/buttonhole bands are picked up along the edges and worked in K1P1 Rib, with buttonholes on the right front.
Aallotar lace cardigan Novita Wool Cotton
Designer: Sari Nordlund
Yarn Weight: Worsted (Novita Wool Cotton)
Size Range: 6 sizes (indicated by numerical stitch counts, e.g., 90(98)106…)
Source: Novita
This cardigan is knitted in pieces (back, left front, right front, and sleeves) and seamed. It begins with a ribbed lower hem, transitioning to Stockinette stitch with periodic horizontal lace “stripes” worked across the fabric using multiple charts. Body pieces are shaped with increases for width and decreases for armholes, V-neckline, and shoulders. Sleeves feature a central lace panel with Stockinette sides and are shaped with increases along the length before binding off the cap. Finishing involves seaming the pieces, picking up stitches along the front edges and back neckline for a continuous ribbed border with buttonholes on the right front, setting in the sleeves, and sewing on buttons.
Cleome Cardigan
Designer: Rachel Brockman
Yarn Weight: Worsted (Rico Design Luxury Natural Silk Blend)
Size Range: Extra Small–5X (Finished Bust: 33¼”–65¾”)
Source: Universal Yarn
An advanced-level cardigan featuring intricate panels of undulating cables and lace diamonds, knit flat in pieces from the bottom up and seamed. Made with a luxurious blend of silk, wool, and cotton, it is designed with a slightly cropped length and tailored fit with set-in sleeves. The pattern includes ribbed or textured hems/cuffs, shaping for the neckline and armholes, and a single buttonhole on the right front. Stitch patterns are provided in both written and charted formats.
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Knit Lacey Short Cardigan
Yarn Weight: DK (Bernat® Softee® Cotton™)
Size Range: XS/S–4/5XL (To fit bust 28″–62″, Finished bust 36″–62″)
Source: Yarnspirations
An intermediate-level short cardigan knitted in pieces (back, two fronts, two sleeves) from the bottom up and seamed. It features an Eyelet Rib pattern for the lower hems and cuffs, and an all-over Lace pattern for the main body and sleeves. Shaping is included for armholes, a V-neck, shoulders, and sleeve caps. After assembly, a combined buttonhole and button band is picked up along the front and neck edges using a circular needle and worked horizontally in knit rows, incorporating buttonholes on the right front. Sleeves are set in.
Boxy Owl Hole Cardigan
Designer: Joan Horton
Yarn Weight: Worsted (Cascade Yarns® Elysian)
Size Range: Small–2X (Finished Chest: 36″–56″)
Source: Cascade Yarns
An Easy Intermediate level cardigan knitted in pieces (back, two fronts, and two sleeves) and seamed. It features a textured main body in the unique Boxy Owl Hole Stitch pattern, contrasted with specific Rib stitch variations for the lower hem and Stockinette stitch in the sleeves. The pattern includes integrated Garter stitch selvages designed to ease seaming. Shaping is worked for the armholes, V-neck, and shoulders (joined with a 3-Needle Bind Off). Garter stitch button bands with 8 buttonholes are added to the front edges, and a ribbed neckband is picked up and worked after assembly. Sleeves are set in.
Ellie Cardigan
Designer: Cheryl Beckerich
Yarn Weight: Worsted (Cascade Yarns® 220 Merino)
Size Range: S–3XL (Finished Bust: 36″–56″)
Source: Cascade Yarns
An intermediate-level cardigan knitted in pieces (back, two fronts, two sleeves) from the bottom up and seamed. It features a simple ribbed hem and cuffs, Stockinette stitch for the back and sleeves, and prominent, complex texture/cable/lace panels on the fronts. Shaping is worked for the armholes, shoulders (joined with 3-Needle Bind Off), and a V-neck. Ribbed button bands/neckband are picked up along the front and neck edges, with buttonholes on the right front. Sleeves are set in.
Llamerino Cardi
Designer: Melissa Leapman
Yarn Weight: DK (Cascade Yarns® Llamerino)
Size Range: Small–2X (Finished Bust: 36″–60″)
Source: Cascade Yarns
An intermediate-level cardigan knitted in pieces (back, two fronts, and sleeves) and seamed. It features a lower body worked in a textured Lace Pattern, transitioning to Garter stitch and then Stockinette stitch for the upper body. Sleeves start with a Garter stitch cuff and continue in Stockinette with shaping. Shaping is included for armholes, V-neck, shoulders, and sleeve caps using fully-fashioned increases and decreases. Front bands and a neckband are picked up and worked in Garter stitch after assembly, including buttonholes on one front.
Anchor Bay Lace Cardigan
Designer: Cheryl Beckerich
Yarn Weight: Fingering/Sport (Cascade Yarns® Anchor Bay, Gauge: 25 sts & 28 rows = 4”)
Size Range: XS–XXL (Finished Bust: 33″–48″)
Source: Cascade Yarns
An intermediate-level cardigan knitted in pieces (back, two fronts, two sleeves) and seamed. It features a Broken Rib pattern for the lower hems and a prominent Hourglass Lace pattern for the main body and sleeves. Shaping is included for the armholes, V-neck, shoulders (joined with a 3-Needle Bind Off), and sleeve increases/caps. A Button/Neck Band is picked up along the front edges and back neck, worked in Broken Rib, and includes buttonholes on the right front.
Short Sleeve Lace Cardi
Designer: Marilyn Peters
Yarn Weight: Worsted/Aran (Cascade Heritage Silk held double)
Size Range: To fit Bust 34″–40″ (S-XL)
Source: Cascade Yarns
An advanced-level cardigan knitted in pieces (back, two fronts, two sleeves, front bands, neckband) and seamed, using two strands of yarn held together throughout. It features ribbing for the hems, bands, and cuffs, and a main body/sleeve pattern incorporating increases, decreases, and yarn overs to create a lace-like texture. The design includes short sleeves, ribbed button and buttonhole bands, a separate ribbed neckband, and a button closure. Shaping is worked for the fronts (including V-neck decreases) and back.
Leaf Ring Cardigan
Designer: DROPS design – Skill Level: Intermediate
Yarn Weight: Super Bulky (DROPS Wish)
Size Range: S – XXXL (Finished Chest: 88-140 cm / 34⅝”-55″)
Source: DROPS Design
This knitted jacket/cardigan is worked seamlessly from the top down, starting back and forth on a circular needle from mid-front for the neck edge and round yoke. It features a ribbed neck edge, followed by a round yoke worked in a “leaf pattern / lace pattern”. The yoke is then divided for the body and sleeves. The body is worked back and forth on a circular needle in Stockinette stitch with garter stitch band edges and a final ribbed section at the hem. Sleeves are worked in the round on double-pointed needles or using the Magic Loop technique, mainly in Stockinette stitch with a ribbed cuff. Buttonholes are worked into the right front band during knitting. Buttons are sewn on during finishing.
Madragoa Cardigan
Designer: Filipa Carneiro
Yarn Weight: Fingering (Rosários 4 Madragoa)
Size Range: S, M, L (Finished Bust: 91–110 cm)
Source: Rosários 4
This cardigan is knit flat from the top down with raglan shaping. Construction begins with separate lace band sections for the neckline, which are then joined with picked-up stitches for the back neck. The body and sleeves are shaped simultaneously with raglan increases, incorporating lace panels. At the armholes, sleeve stitches are placed on hold while the body is completed, featuring lace panels between sections of Stockinette stitch, and ending with a final lace edge. Sleeves are later worked downwards from the held stitches in Stockinette stitch with shaping, finished with a matching lace edge, knitted flat, and seamed with mattress stitch. Made with 100% silk yarn, the pattern highlights the contrast between delicate lace and simple stockinette.
Ruston
Designer: Berroco Design Team
Yarn Weight: Worsted (BERROCO ARNO)
Size Range: Finished Bust: (36, 40, 44, 48) [52, 56, 60, 64]”
Source: Berroco
An intermediate-level cardigan worked seamlessly from the bottom up to the underarms before being divided for the back and fronts, which are worked flat. It begins with a Garter stitch lower hem. The main body features Eyelet and Diamond pattern panels, with other sections and the upper back transitioning to Stockinette stitch. Sleeves are worked in the round up to the underarms, then the caps are worked flat. Raglan shaping is used for the armholes and sleeve caps. The pieces are assembled by seaming the raglan sleeve caps to the body sections, then sewing side and sleeve seams. A Garter stitch front and neckband is picked up and knit after assembly.
Free knitting pattern for a relaxed fit lace cardigan
Designer: Berroco Design Team
Yarn Weight: Aran (BERROCO MERCADO)
Size Range: Finished Bust: (40, 44, 48) [52, 56, 60] {64, 68, 72}” / (101.5, 112, 122) [132, 142, 152.5] {162.5, 172.5, 183} cm
Source: Berroco
An intermediate-level cardigan knitted in pieces (back, two fronts, and two sleeves) and seamed. It features a Lace Pattern across the majority of the fabric, with Stockinette stitch borders on the body pieces and sleeves, and a garter ridge incorporated into the lace pattern repeat. The fronts also include a wider Stockinette stitch band section incorporated into the pattern. Shaping is worked for the armholes on the back and fronts, and for a V-neckline on the fronts. Sleeve width is shaped with increases along the length. Finishing involves seaming the pieces together and picking up stitches around the neckline for a Garter stitch neckband. The design is for an open-front cardigan where the fronts do not fully meet.
Novita Venla: Valssi (Waltz) lace cardigan
Designer: Lea Petäjä
Yarn Weight: Fingering (Novita Venla)
Size Range: S/M, L/XL, 2XL
Source: Novita
This feminine cardigan is knitted in pieces (back, two fronts, two sleeves) featuring a dainty lace pattern and then seamed. It starts with a ribbed hem, transitioning to stockinette stitch with periodic horizontal “lace stripes” worked across the fabric. The back and fronts are shaped for armholes, neckline (V-neck), and shoulders. Sleeves feature a central lace panel with stockinette stitch edges and are shaped with increases before binding off the cap. Finishing involves seaming, picking up stitches for ribbed neckline and front bands (including buttonholes on the right front), attaching sleeves, and sewing on buttons.
Women’s cardigan Novita Nordic Wool
Designer: Lea Petäjä
Yarn Weight: Worsted (Novita Nordic Wool)
Size Range: 5 sizes (indicated by numerical stitch counts, e.g., 91(95)…)
Source: Novita
This cardigan is knitted seamlessly in one piece from the top down using circular needles. It begins with a ribbed neckband, followed by a round yoke featuring a charted lace pattern with integrated increases, transitioning to Stockinette stitch with further increases. The stitches are then divided for the body and sleeves, with sleeve stitches placed on hold. The body is worked in Stockinette stitch with underarm cast-on stitches and includes increases for shaping before finishing with a ribbed hem. Sleeves are worked in the round from the held stitches, picking up stitches from the underarm, shaped with decreases along the length, and ending with a ribbed cuff. Ribbed buttonbands with buttonholes are picked up along the front edges after the main knitting is complete.
Briar
Designer: Berroco Design Team
Yarn Weight: Fingering (BERROCO ULTRA WOOL FINE)
Size Range: Finished Bust: (35½, 38¾, 43) [46¾, 50¾, 54¾, 58¾] {62½, 66½, 70½}”
Source: Berroco
This intermediate-level cardigan is constructed by working the body flat in one piece up to the underarms, starting with 1×1 ribbing and transitioning to charted pattern stitches (Charts 1 and 2). At the underarms, the piece is divided, and the back and front panels are worked separately and flat, incorporating raglan armhole shaping and neck shaping on the fronts. Sleeves are knitted flat starting with ribbing, then working a charted pattern (Chart 3) with increases for width and shaping the raglan cap. The charted patterns include elements like yarn overs, decreases, and bobbles. The pieces are assembled by sewing the sleeve seams and raglan seams. Finally, ribbed button bands (including buttonholes) are picked up along the front edges and a ribbed neckband (also with a buttonhole) is picked up around the neckline.
Porcia
Designer: Berroco Design Team
Yarn Weight: DK (BERROCO MODERN COTTON DK)
Size Range: Finished Bust: 33¾”–57¼”
Source: Berroco
An intermediate-level cardigan primarily worked in sections that are later joined. The body is knit in one piece flat from the bottom up to the underarms, featuring a ribbed hem and an all-over Dot Tie pattern. Sleeves are worked separately in the round, also starting with ribbing and continuing in the Dot Tie pattern. The body and sleeves are then joined, and the raglan yoke is worked in one piece flat with raglan shaping and neck shaping. After the yoke is complete, ribbed button bands are picked up along the front edges (including buttonholes on the right front) and a ribbed neckband is picked up around the neckline. The pattern uses circular and double-pointed needles.
Esplanaden Cardigan
Designer: Ditte Lerche
Yarn Weight: DK/Light Worsted (Filcolana Arwetta Classic and Tilia held together)
Size Range: S (M) L (XL) 2XL
Source: Filcolana
This lovely cardigan is knitted back and forth from the top down with a seamless round yoke featuring a simple eyelet pattern. It uses one strand of Filcolana Arwetta Classic and one strand of Tilia held together throughout. After the yoke is completed with increases, the work is divided for the body and sleeves, with underarm stitches cast on. The body is worked back and forth in Stockinette stitch with a twisted rib hem. Sleeves are worked in the round in Stockinette stitch with twisted rib cuffs and include decrease shaping. Finally, twisted rib front edges are picked up and knitted, with buttonholes worked into the right front band.
Cropped Lace Cardigan
Designer: jenny watson designs
Yarn Weight: DK/Sport (Araucania Malipulli)
Size Range: To Fit Bust 71/76 cm – 122/127 cm (28/30 in – 48/50 in)
Source: Araucania
This cardigan is knitted in pieces (left front, right front, back, and two sleeves) and then seamed. It features 2×2 ribbing for the lower hems and borders, Stocking Stitch for the sleeves, and a specific patterned stitch incorporating increases, decreases, and yarn overs for the main body of the fronts and back above the ribbing. Shaping is worked for the armholes, V-neckline, and sleeve tops. After the main pieces are complete and shoulder seams are joined, stitches are picked up for a ribbed neckband and separate ribbed left and right front borders, with buttonholes created on the right front border. Sleeves are set in, and side and sleeve seams are joined during finishing.
Branchville
Designer: Amy Christoffers
Yarn Weight: Chunky (BERROCO ULTRA WOOL CHUNKY)
Size Range: Finished Bust: 38½”–68¼”
Source: Berroco
An intermediate-level cardigan worked in sections and joined for a seamless yoke. The body is knit in one piece flat from the bottom up to the underarms, featuring a 1×2 ribbed hem and charted pattern stitches. Sleeves are worked separately in the round to the underarms with ribbed cuffs and charted patterns. The body and sleeves are then joined, and the raglan yoke is worked in one piece flat with raglan and neck shaping, continuing the established patterns. Finishing involves grafting the underarm stitches, picking up and knitting ribbed button bands (including buttonholes) along the front edges, and a ribbed neckband.
Pantomime
Designer: Else Schjellerup
Yarn Weight: Fingering (Filcolana Saga, based on gauge: 30 sts = 4″ on 3mm needles)
Size Range: S, M, L, XL (Fits chest circumference 90-116 cm)
Source: Filcolana
This cardigan is knitted seamlessly from the top down. It features a rib eyelet pattern throughout and a 6-stitch wide raglan panel. Construction begins with knitting a rib neckband, then picking up stitches to form integrated front bands and the back. A raglan yoke is shaped with increases. After the yoke is complete, the work is divided; the body is worked separately with side increases for an A-line shape and finishes with ribbing and a specific bind-off. Sleeves are worked separately in the round. The design is described as tight-fitting with a light A-shape, intended to hang loosely without buttons.
Ready to Cast On?
There you have it! A beautiful selection of free lace cardigan knitting patterns waiting for you. From top-down seamless wonders to seamed pieces with intricate details, there’s a project here for nearly every skill level and style preference. Lace knitting can seem intimidating, but with these detailed patterns, you’ll be creating stunning garments in no time.
Why wait? Find your perfect lace cardigan project, download the pattern, and cast on your next creation today. Share your finished projects with us!
