Knitting patterns for cardigan sweaters featuring lace stitches. Most patterns are free. Updated 11/24/21.
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
Miki (aka Mary Louise)
An elegant, etherial cardigan with a delicate lace pattern with flattering collar. Sizes 34/36 - 38/40 - 42/44 - 46/48 - 50/52 in. Designed by Heidi Sunday
Sixtine Cardigan
Lace cardigan sweater with an 8 row repeat lace pattern. Sizes 34/36 - 38/40 - 42/44 - 46/48 - 50/52 in. Fingering weight yarn. Designed by Phildar Design Team
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)
Lorinda Cardigan
Cardigan knit lace on yoke, hem, and sleeves, inspired by waves. Lace yarn overs and decreases are worked on the right side rows only. Knit in one piece from the bottom up and is completely seamless. Sizes XS (S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X). DK weight yarn. Designed by Emily Nora O'Neil for Knitty
Wisteria Cardigan
Lace cardigan knit sideways in a 4 row repeat Old Shale lace pattern. Great showcase for gradient or ombre yarn. Sizes XS/S and M/L. Lace weight yarn. Designed by Olga Radchuk
Diamond Lace Cardigan
Lace cardigan sweater with a shawl collar knit with 16 row of folded diamond lace. Sizes Chest: 29 [33, 37, 41, 45, 49, 53] inches. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Mercedes Tarasovich as Girl Friday for Knitty
Cables And Lace Cardigan
Cardigan sweater knit with a 4 row repeat lace and 8 row cable panels. Sizes Finished Bust 37 (40, 42, 47, 49) in. (94 (101.5, 106.5, 119.5, 124.5) cm). Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Lion Brand.
My Fair Cardi
Lace cardigan sweater knit in one piece with a 6 row repeat Feather and Fan lace stitch. Sizes Finished Chest: 37 (40½, 44, 50½, 53)”. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Debbie Stoller for Red Heart
Easy Eyelet Cocoon Cardigan
Easy cardigan sweater knit in one piece with a 2 row repeat lace stitch. Sizes XS/S/M, L/XL/2XL, 3/4/5XL. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Red Heart
More Free Patterns
Curio Cardigan
Cropped lace cardigan sweater knit with diamond lace motif, lace cuffs, and twisted rib hem. Sizes XS[S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, 6X]. Sport weight yarn. Designed by Rachel Brockman for Knitty
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. 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
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.
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.
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
Zarah Cardigan
No longer free. Lace cardigan knit with a gorgeous combination of simple lace motifs on the front, back, and sleeves. The pattern is written line by line for all sizes, making this an ideal first lace knit for knitters new to lace. Sizes To fit bust: 32(34:36:38:40:42:44) in. DK weight yarn. Designed by Debbie Bliss
Analeigh Cardigan
Lace cardigan sweater worked in one piece from top to bottom and embellished front and back with lace and cable pattern like leaves, which can be worked either from charts or from written descriptions. Sizes to fit bust: 30 (34, 38, 42, 46, 50, 54, 58) inches / 76 (86, 96, 107, 117, 127, 137, 147) cm bust circumference. Designed by IrmianDesign. Worsted weight yarn.
Vala Cardigan
Cardigan sweater with lace and cable design inspired by leaves or flames on front. Sizes to fit bust: 31 (33 3/4, 36 3/4, 40, 43 1/4, 48)". Designed by IrmianDesign. Sport weight yarn.
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.
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
