Lace Stitches Cardigan

Lace Stitches Cardigan by Sian Brown

What is Being Made

The Lace Stitches Cardigan is a women's knitted cardigan designed by Sian Brown, available in four sizes to fit bust measurements from 95cm (37½in) to 129cm (50¾in). This intermediate-level knitting project features elegant lace patterning throughout and is constructed to a finished length of 65-68cm (25¾-26¾in) from cast-on edge to shoulder, with short sleeves measuring 15-16cm (6-6¼in).

Techniques Used

This cardigan employs fundamental knitting construction techniques combined with decorative lace work. The garment is worked primarily in the round using circular needles, with ribbed edging created using smaller needles to provide structure and definition. The lace patterning requires understanding of yarn-over increases and decreases to create the openwork design, making this an intermediate-level project suitable for knitters with basic shaping experience.

Stitches Used

The Lace Stitches Cardigan incorporates the following stitches and abbreviations:

• Knit (k) and purl (p) for foundational fabric
• Yarn over (yo) to create decorative eyelets and lace openings
• Slip, knit 2, pass slipped stitch over (sk2po) for centered decreases within the lace pattern
• Slip (sl) and pass slipped stitch over (psso) for additional decrease techniques
• Purl 2 together through back loop (p2togtbl) for left-leaning decreases on wrong-side rows
• Stockinette stitch (st st) for smooth fabric sections

The lace patterns are worked over multiple rows, with yarn overs paired strategically with decreases to maintain stitch counts while creating the characteristic openwork design. The pattern repeats create a balanced, symmetrical appearance across the front and back panels.

Materials

This cardigan requires 11 to 16 balls of 50g yarn depending on size, using Conway and Bliss Lolli in Parma Violet 08. The yarn is a DK weight (light worsted), which creates a fabric with good drape suitable for lace work. Knitting needles required include a pair of 3.75mm (US 5) needles for ribbed edging and a pair of 4mm (US 6) needles for the main fabric, along with a 4mm (US 6) circular needle for seamless construction. The cardigan is finished with 7 buttons for the front closure.

Tension and Sizing

Achieving correct tension is essential for this project. The pattern specifies 22 stitches and 30 rows to 10cm (4in) over stockinette stitch using 4mm needles, and 20 stitches and 30 rows to 10cm (4in) over the lace patterns also using 4mm needles. Gauge swatching before beginning is recommended to ensure the finished cardigan meets the intended measurements across all four available sizes.