Knitting patterns for cardigan sweaters with lace stitches. Most patterns are free.
To get the knitting patterns, scroll down the page to the individual pattern you want and click on the link to that pattern.
These patterns are not my designs but links to other designers who have generously shared their patterns. If you have questions about how to knit a specific pattern, please contact the designer directly.
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Free Patterns
Que Será Cardigan
Long sleeved lace cardigan sweater with a 12 row repeat lace pattern. Lace chart on Knitty page and written lace instructions on Ravelry page (links below). Sizes XS, S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X. DK weight yarn. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Kirsten Kapur for Knitty
- Get the free knitting pattern
- See the Ravelry page (with written lace instructions)
- Consider supporting Knitty on Patreon
Lace and Cable Cardigan
Long sleeved cardigan sweater with a 12 row repeat cable and lace pattern. Sizes X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, XL, 2X/3X, 4X/5X. DK weight yarn. Designed by Patons
Sweet Springs Cardigan
Long-sleeved lace sweater knit with a 12 row 12 stitch repeat lace pattern. Designed by Amy Christoffers. DK weight yarn. This pattern was featured in Season 10 of Knit and Crochet Now! and is free with registration at Annie’s
- Get the free knitting pattern with free registration at Annie’s
- Get the Knit and Crochet Now video tutorial for $3.99 (includes instruction for 2 patterns and other techniques)
Krydda Cardigan
Long-sleeved cardigan features a flattering V-neck and a lace stitch that starts at the yoke wraps around from the fronts to meet in the back. Worked seamlessly in one piece from the top-down. Designed by Madeleine Nilsson. Sizes XS (S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X). Available in English and Swedish.
Mallow Cardigan
Elegant and graceful, this cardigan designed by Berroco features a stunning floral lace back and edging. Sizes X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, 1X and 2X.
Ariosa Wrap Cardi
Short-sleeved shawl collar cardigan sweater knit with easy 4 row repeat Lace Rib, stockinette, and ribbing. Designed by Cecily Glowik MacDonald. Bulky weight yarn. Sizes 34 (37, 40, 43, 46)“. Pictured project by lgebbia who modified the collar.
Aphrodite Waistcoat
Long sleeveless cardigan vest knit with a 4 row repeat lace stitch. Sizes 84[95:106:117]cm (33[37½:41¾:46]in). Designed by Sue Hanmore for Artesano. DK weight yarn.
More Free Patterns
Round Neck Lace Cardigan
Long sleeved cropped sweater with knit in a 4 row repeat lace stitch. Sizes to fit bust: 30-50 inches. Designed by Patons. A kit is also available.
Hint of Lace Cardigan
Deborah Newton designed this cropped cardi with three quarter sleeves and lace detail. Recommended yarn available on pattern page.
- Get the free knitting pattern for registration at Annie’s site
- Purchase the Knit and Crochet Now episode with demo of this pattern – purchase not necessary to get pattern
Olivia Cardigan
Janet of Yellow, Pink, and Sparkly designed this mohair cardi with ribbed sleeves, an all over eyelet pattern and a crocheted edging. One size, so you’ll have to adapt for other sizes.
Surry Hills
Maria Magnusson’s cropped cardigan features a lace pattern and long sleeves. Knit seamlessly from the bottom up, the sweater has a little shaping on the sides and a seamless set-in ¾ sleeve. Sizes XS, S, M, L, XL
Wayside Lace Cardigan
Schoppel-Wolle Design Team’s cardigan features cables and lace and is designed to be worn open or wrapped and pinned closed. XS/S, M/L
Serenity Cardi
Tanis Gray’s hooded cardigan sweater features an easy all-over lace pattern. S, M, L, 1X, 2X
Cap Sleeve Cardigan
A single-button cardigan with horizontal lace panels and garter-stitch edging, first featured in Prima May 2012. Sizes XS(S:M:L)
The Mead Sweater
Designed by Norah Gaughan, this cable and lace cardigan wrap is a rectangle shawl with sleeves that drapes over the shoulders. 46 – 51″ wide x 24 – 25″ long. Recommended yarn available on pattern page.
Patterns for Purchase
Pavonis Cardigan
Dramatic lace waterfall cardigan knit as a rectangle end to end with sleeves added afterward. You can also throw an end over your shoulder like a shawl. Designed by Robynn Weldon.
Dramatic Lace Wrap Cardigan
Bold leaf lace panels define the front, hem, and back of this gorgeous top-down design. The slight fullness of the sleeves gives the cardigan a kimono-like air and makes this an easy layering piece. Finished Bust Measurements: 31 (35, 39, 43, 47, 51, 55)". Designed by SweaterBabe. Worsted weight yarn. Pictured project by malusica
Cardigan with Lacy Peplum
Empire waist short-sleeved cropped cardigan with different lace designs on bodice and peplum. To fit bust: 32-42 inches. DK weight yarn. Designed by Jenny Watson. A kit is also available.
- Get the knitting pattern at Deramore's
- Get the kit for less than $16
- Get the recommended Deramores Studio DK Yarn (45+ colors)
Miss Me Yet Cardigan
Long-sleeved sweater knit in Openwork Rib Lace – a simple 6 stitch by 4 row repeat and features pockets. Sizes 30¾, 34¾, 38¾, 42½, 46½, 50½, 54½” / 78.1, 88.3, 98.4, 108, 118.1, 128.3, 138.4 cm. Designed by Deb Hoss Knits