Grace - ladies cardigan with 3/4 sleeves

Grace Ladies Lace Cardigan with ¾ Length Sleeves

Garment Overview

Grace is an intermediate-level ladies cardigan designed by Jennifer Lee, featuring elegant lace patterning throughout, set-in three-quarter length sleeves, and decorative knitted i-cord ties. This downloadable knitting pattern is available in four sizes ranging from Small (31½ ins bust) to Extra Large (43¼ ins bust), with finished garment measurements from 34¼ to 47¼ inches across the bust. The cardigan length measures approximately 21¾ to 22¾ inches, while the ¾ sleeves are a consistent 12½ inches in length across all sizes.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This pattern employs intermediate knitting techniques centered around lace construction. The lace design requires careful attention to yarn forward increases paired with corresponding decreases to maintain stitch counts and create the openwork pattern. The pattern specifically notes that yarn forward stitches (yfwd) must be balanced with either slip-knit-pass-slipped-stitch (sl 1, K1, psso) or knit-two-together (K2tog) decreases to ensure proper shaping throughout the garment. Beyond the lace work, the cardigan incorporates set-in sleeve construction, which requires shaping at the armhole and sleeve cap for a fitted silhouette. Decorative knitted i-cord ties provide both functional and aesthetic details, adding a refined finishing touch to the cardigan closure.

Materials and Gauge

The Grace cardigan is designed to be worked in Panda Soufflé 8ply yarn, a DK weight yarn. Yardage requirements range from 8 balls (1000 metres) for Size Small to 11 balls (1375 metres) for Size Extra Large, with each ball weighing 50 grams and providing 125 metres of yarn. Knitters should note that yardage consumption varies based on individual knitting tension and yarn characteristics.

The pattern is worked on 4.00mm [UK 8, US 6] knitting needles, with a required tension of 18.5 stitches and 32 rows to 10 centimetres (4 inches) measured over the lace pattern. Two double-pointed needles of the same size are needed for constructing the i-cord ties, and a wool needle is required for seaming the garment pieces together.

Pattern Structure and Sizing

• Size S: Fits 80cm (31½ ins) bust; finished measurement 87cm (34¼ ins); 8 balls yarn required
• Size M: Fits 90cm (35½ ins) bust; finished measurement 100cm (39½ ins); 9 balls yarn required
• Size L: Fits 100cm (39½ ins) bust; finished measurement 107cm (42¼ ins); 10 balls yarn required
• Size XL: Fits 110cm (43¼ ins) bust; finished measurement 120cm (47¼ ins); 11 balls yarn required

Difficulty Level and Skill Requirements

Rated as an intermediate pattern, Grace is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to work with lace techniques. The intermediate difficulty reflects the need for careful attention to lace shaping, where balancing yarn overs and decreases is essential to achieving the intended design. Knitters should be comfortable with reading pattern instructions, managing multiple stitch manipulations, and executing set-in sleeve construction.