Lace Trim Shirt

Lace Trim Shirt by Sian Brown

What Is Being Made

This is a knitted cardigan shirt designed by independent designer Sian Brown, featuring elegant lace trim detailing. The garment is sized to fit bust measurements from 82cm to 107cm (32 to 42 inches), with corresponding actual chest measurements ranging from 89cm to 116cm (35 to 45½ inches). The cardigan offers a classic silhouette with a length to shoulder of approximately 60 to 65cm (23½ to 25½ inches) and consistent sleeve length of 47cm (18½ inches) across all sizes.

Techniques and Construction

This intermediate-level knitting project employs fundamental shaping techniques combined with decorative lace elements. The construction begins with a ribbed edge created using smaller needles, followed by a transition to larger needles for the main body. The pattern incorporates strategic decreasing methods, including p3tog (purl three together) decreases that create the lace trim effect and contribute to the garment's shaping. The cardigan features button closures, with six buttons specified in the pattern.

The garment is worked primarily in stockinette stitch (alternating knit and purl rows), which provides a smooth, classic fabric suitable for displaying the lace trim details. Yarn forward (yf) techniques are employed to create the openwork lace sections that define this design. The pattern includes shaping rows that reduce stitch counts strategically to achieve the fitted silhouette.

Stitches Used

• Knit (k): The primary stitch forming the fabric structure
• Purl (p): Used in combination with knit stitches to create stockinette stitch and decorative elements
• Make 1 (m1): An increase stitch for adding stitches where shaping requires
• Slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over (skpo): A left-leaning decrease stitch
• Purl 3 together (p3tog): A decrease that removes two stitches while creating the lace trim effect
• Yarn forward (yf): Creates the openwork characteristic of lace patterns

Materials and Tools

This pattern requires 5 to 7 balls of 100g yarn depending on the size selected, using Patons 100% cotton 4ply yarn in white (shade 1691). The 4ply weight provides a lightweight, breathable fabric ideal for a cotton cardigan shirt.

Two pairs of knitting needles are required: 2.75mm (US size 2) needles for the ribbed edges and 3.25mm (US size 3) needles for the main body. The pattern specifies a tension of 28 stitches and 36 rows to 10cm (4 inches) over stockinette stitch using the 3.25mm needles, which is essential to achieve the correct finished measurements.

Additionally, six buttons are required to complete the cardigan front closure.