Florence Sweater in Rowan Fine Lace - Downloadable PDF

Florence Sweater in Rowan Fine Lace by Lisa Richardson – Knitting Pattern Summary

The Florence Sweater is an elegant, lace-weight knitted sweater designed by Lisa Richardson and published by Rowan. This free downloadable PDF pattern is rated as intermediate in difficulty and produces a beautifully delicate, feminine sweater worked in a two-colour lace pattern. The design is available in five sizes to fit bust measurements ranging from 32–34 inches up to 48–50 inches, making it a versatile project for a wide range of knitters.

What Is Being Made

The finished garment is a classic pullover sweater with a refined, lightweight silhouette. Key finished measurements include a garment length of 60–68 cm (approximately 23½ to 27 inches) depending on size, a width at the underarm ranging from 45.5 cm to 69 cm (18 to 27 inches), and a sleeve seam length of 44–46 cm (approximately 17½ to 18 inches). The sweater is constructed with separate front and back pieces along with set-in sleeves, making it a satisfying intermediate-level construction project.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for Rowan Fine Lace, a luxurious lace-weight yarn, used in two colourways to create the two-tone lace effect. The specific shades referenced in the pattern are:

• Yarn A: Retro 923
• Yarn B (a contrasting shade used for the lace pattern rows)

Rowan Fine Lace is an ultra-fine, lightweight yarn that lends itself beautifully to intricate lace knitting, producing a gossamer-thin, drapey fabric with excellent stitch definition. Its delicate weight makes it ideal for the open, airy lace motifs featured throughout this sweater.

Needles

Two needle sizes are used in this pattern:

• 2¼ mm (US 1) needles – used for the ribbed welts and cuffs
• 2¾ mm (US 2) needles – used for the main lace pattern body and sleeves

The use of a smaller needle for the ribbing ensures a neat, firm edge that contrasts with the more open lace fabric of the body.

Tension

The pattern specifies a tension of 32 stitches and 46 rows to 10 cm, measured over the lace pattern using 2¾ mm (US 2) needles. Achieving correct tension is especially important in lace-weight knitting, as even small variations can significantly affect the drape, size, and appearance of the finished garment. Knitters are strongly advised to work a tension swatch before casting on.

Techniques Used

The Florence Sweater employs a range of knitting techniques appropriate for an intermediate-level knitter:

• Two-colour knitting – Yarns A and B are alternated across specific rows to create the tonal lace effect, requiring confident yarn management and neat colour changes.
• Lace knitting – The body of the sweater is worked in a repeating lace pattern that creates an open, decorative fabric with a rhythmic, structured repeat.
• Ribbing – The welts and cuffs are worked in a 1×1 rib (knit 1, purl 1 alternating), providing elasticity and a tidy finish at the edges.
• Standard sweater construction – The garment is knitted in separate pieces (front, back, and sleeves) and then seamed together, a classic construction method that allows for careful blocking and finishing of each piece individually.

Stitches Used

The following stitches and techniques appear throughout the pattern:

• Knit (K) and Purl (P) – the foundational stitches used throughout ribbing and lace pattern rows
• 1×1 Rib – alternating knit and purl stitches across two set-