Lotus Lace Cardigan

Lotus Lace Cardigan by Donna Estin Designs

Project Overview

The Lotus Lace Cardigan is an all-season knitted cardigan designed by Donna Estin and available as a downloadable PDF pattern. This intermediate-level knitting project features delicate lace detailing throughout, making it versatile enough to layer over tank tops during warmer months or wear as a standalone piece in cooler seasons. The cardigan is designed to be worn with 4 inches of positive ease for comfortable, relaxed-fit styling.

What You'll Create

This cardigan pattern is offered in five finished bust measurements: 32.25 inches, 37.75 inches, 41.75 inches, 44.25 inches, and 48.25 inches, allowing for customization across multiple size ranges. The finished garment provides a sophisticated, feminine silhouette enhanced by lace patterning that adds visual interest and breathability.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The Lotus Lace Cardigan employs lace knitting techniques as the primary stitch pattern, requiring intermediate-level knitting skills. The pattern features two distinct stitch patterns:

• Lotus Lace stitch – the main decorative pattern used throughout the body of the cardigan
• Border Lace stitch – a complementary lace pattern used for finishing edges and transitions

Both stitch patterns are worked over blocked gauge measurements, with the Lotus Lace achieving 30 stitches and 42 rows over 4 inches, while the Border Lace measures 26 stitches and 47 rows over the same 4-inch span. Lace knitting involves strategic yarn overs and decreases to create openwork patterns, requiring attention to stitch placement and pattern repeats.

Materials and Tools Required

Yarn: This pattern calls for Knit Picks Capretta yarn in the Cream colorway. The yarn is a premium blend of 80% Fine Merino Wool, 10% Cashmere, and 10% Nylon, providing softness, warmth, and durability. Each ball contains 230 yards and weighs 50 grams. The pattern requires 6 to 10 balls depending on the finished size selected (6 balls for the smallest size, increasing to 10 balls for the largest 48.25-inch bust measurement). This yarn weight is classified as 4-ply, a medium-weight yarn suitable for creating fabric with good drape and definition in lace patterns.

Needles and Notions: The cardigan is worked on US 2 (3mm) circular needles measuring 32 inches in length, or a needle size adjusted to obtain proper gauge. Additional notions include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and transitions, scrap yarn or a stitch holder for securing stitches during construction, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends and finishing.

Gauge and Sizing

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this lace cardigan to fit correctly. The Lotus Lace stitch gauge is 30 stitches and 42 rows per 4 inches when blocked, while the Border Lace gauge is 26 stitches and 47 rows per 4 inches when blocked. Blocking is recommended after completion to even out the lace stitches and achieve the intended finished measurements.

Pattern Details

This downloadable PDF pattern (Pattern ID: 440D, SKU 2005) is provided by independent designer Donna Estin Designs. For pattern support and questions, crafters can contact donnaestindesigns@gmail.com or visit www.DonnaEstinDesigns.com. The pattern is copyrighted by Donna Estin Designs as of 2020.