The Eyelet & Lace Cardigan by Patons is a feminine women’s cardigan combining an openwork lace pattern with a classic button-front shape and long sleeves.
The lace creates the main visual interest through the lower body and sleeves, while the upper part of the cardigan becomes simpler. The result is a cardigan that feels decorative without being overly ornate.
This is a particularly nice choice if you enjoy traditional lace knitting but want to make a practical garment rather than a shawl or accessory.
Quick Pattern Information
- Pattern: Eyelet & Lace Cardigan
- Designer: Patons
- Garment: Women’s cardigan
- Sizes: XXS–XL
- Sleeves: Long sleeves
- Style: Button-front lace cardigan
- Yarn Used: Patons Jet 12 ply
- Skill Level: Intermediate
- Construction: Knitted flat
- Get the free pattern: Free Pattern
What Makes This Cardigan Interesting?
The lace is the reason to choose this pattern.
Rather than covering the entire cardigan in openwork, the design uses the eyelet-and-lace pattern as a strong feature before transitioning into a plainer upper section.
That gives the cardigan a slightly more structured appearance than an all-over lace cardigan and allows the openwork to stand out.
The ribbed front bands, buttons and collar add a more traditional finish, making this a cardigan that could work with both casual and dressier outfits.
Who Is This Pattern Best For?
I would place this firmly in the intermediate category.
It is best for a knitter who is already comfortable making garments and wants to introduce more lace knitting into their wardrobe.
You’ll also want to be comfortable paying attention to a repeating stitch pattern. Although the cardigan contains simpler sections, the decorative areas aren’t the sort of knitting where I would want to stop watching the pattern entirely.
If you’ve only knitted scarves and other simple rectangular projects, I would probably make an easier cardigan first.
For a gentler introduction to garment knitting, see Knitting Bee’s beginner cardigan knitting patterns.
Yarn Used
The original cardigan was designed for Patons Jet 12 ply, a wool and alpaca blend.
This is worth noting because the yarn contributes to the character of the finished cardigan. Wool provides warmth and structure, while alpaca can give knitted fabric additional softness and a slightly more luxurious feel.
If you’re considering a substitute, don’t choose one based solely on colour or ball size. Check the requirements given in the original pattern and make sure your chosen yarn is suitable for the design.
Knitting Bee Pattern Notes
Best feature: The contrast between the decorative eyelet-and-lace sections and the simpler upper cardigan.
Best for: Intermediate knitters who enjoy lace and want to move from lace accessories into garment knitting.
Style: Feminine, traditional and slightly romantic rather than minimalist.
Warmth: Despite its openwork appearance, this isn’t necessarily a lightweight summer cardigan. The original wool-and-alpaca yarn makes it better suited to cooler weather and transitional seasons.
Consider before choosing it: This is a traditionally constructed cardigan rather than a modern seamless project. If avoiding finishing is one of your main priorities, I would choose a different design.
Is This the Right Lace Cardigan for You?
Choose this pattern if you like lace that is noticeable but doesn’t dominate the entire garment.
It’s also a good option if you prefer a cardigan with a more traditional shape. The long sleeves, button front and collar give it the feel of a classic knitted cardigan, while the eyelet pattern prevents it from looking too plain.
I wouldn’t choose it as a first cardigan. But for someone who has already made a garment or two and wants something with more knitting interest, there’s considerably more here to enjoy.
What to Check Before You Start
Before buying your yarn, visit the original Patons pattern and check the requirements for your particular size, including the recommended yarn quantity, needles, gauge and additional materials.
It’s also worth reading through the complete pattern before starting so you know whether its construction and lace knitting techniques suit your experience level.
Knitting Bee gives you an overview to help you decide whether this is a cardigan you’d like to make; you’ll need the original Patons instructions to knit it.
More Free Cardigan Knitting Patterns
Find many more styles in our collection of free cardigan knitting patterns for women.
If the openwork is what attracted you to this design, browse more free lace cardigan knitting patterns.
You can also explore free knitting patterns for women for more cardigans, sweaters, tops, vests and accessories.