Lace and Garter Stitch Cardigan - Knitting Pattern For Women in Debbie Bliss Dulcie by Debbie Bliss

Lace and Garter Stitch Cardigan Knitting Pattern for Women – Debbie Bliss Dulcie

This knitting pattern by Debbie Bliss produces a beautifully textured women's cardigan combining an intricate lace pattern with classic garter stitch. Worked flat in pieces and seamed together, the design is suited to intermediate knitters who are comfortable reading multi-row stitch repeats and working yarn-over increases alongside various decrease techniques. The finished garment is a relaxed, elegant cardigan available in three generous size ranges, making it a versatile addition to any handknitted wardrobe.

Sizes and Finished Measurements

The pattern is written to fit chest sizes 81–96 cm (32–38 in), 101–117 cm (40–46 in), and 122–137 cm (48–54 in). Finished chest measurements are 111 cm (43¾ in), 149 cm (58¾ in), and 186 cm (73¼ in) respectively, offering a generous, relaxed fit. Finished lengths range from 54 cm to 60 cm (21¼ in to 23½ in), and sleeve lengths range from 45 cm to 49 cm (17¾ in to 19¼ in).

What Is Being Made

The project is a women's cardigan featuring a combination of a 10-row repeating lace stitch panel and garter stitch sections. The lace pattern creates an open, decorative fabric with a rhythmic interplay of yarn-overs and decreases, while the garter stitch sections add structural contrast and a clean, classic texture. The result is a lightweight yet visually rich layering piece ideal for cooler seasons.

Construction and Techniques

The cardigan is constructed using a seamed, worked-flat method. Individual pieces — including the back, fronts, and sleeves — are knitted separately on straight needles and then joined by sewing the seams. A circular needle is also called for, most likely used to pick up and work the front bands or neckband. This traditional construction approach gives the finished garment clean, stable edges and a structured silhouette.

• Worked flat: All pieces are knitted back and forth in rows rather than in the round, making the pattern accessible to knitters who prefer straight-needle working.
• Seamed construction: Finished pieces are sewn together, which adds durability and shape retention to the cardigan.
• Lace knitting: A 10-row lace repeat forms the main fabric of the body and sleeves, requiring careful attention to stitch counts and pattern placement.
• Garter stitch: Sections of garter stitch (knitting every row) provide textural contrast and are worked at a different tension to the lace fabric.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The pattern features two distinct stitch patterns, each with its own gauge swatch requirement:

• Lace pattern (10-row repeat): A detailed, 10-row repeating lace stitch that uses a combination of yarn-forward increases (yfwd, yon, yfrn), right-leaning decreases (k2tog), left-leaning decreases (ssk), and centred double decreases (sl 1, k2tog, psso). Purl stitches are worked on right-side rows to create defined columns within the lace motif. The gauge for this pattern is 16 stitches and 19 rows to 10 cm (4 in) using 7 mm needles.
• Garter stitch: Every row is knitted, producing a ridged, reversible fabric. The gauge for garter stitch is 15 stitches and 26 rows to 10 cm (4 in) using 7 mm needles — note that the row gauge differs significantly from the lace section, which is an important consideration when working the pattern.
• Key stitches used: knit (k), purl (p), yarn forward (yfwd), yarn over needle (yon), yarn forward and