Pure Lace Cotton Cardigan (Free Crochet & Knit Pattern)
Pure Lace Cotton Cardigan (Free Crochet & Knit Pattern)
Add a breath of airy elegance to your handmade wardrobe with the Pure Lace Cotton Cardigan. Featuring delicate textured lace stripes, puff stitch clusters, breathable mesh panels, and crisp knitted button bands, this timeless layer is perfect for breezy summer evenings and spring days.
Crafted with Ice Yarns Patna Cotton, a 100% pure cotton fine-weight yarn, this cardigan boasts incredible stitch definition, lightweight drape, and skin-friendly softness.
Materials Needed & Recommended Yarns
Primary Yarn:
- 100% Cotton Option (Natural & Breathable): Ice Yarns Patna Cotton (100% Cotton; 100g / 3.53oz, 300m / 328yds per ball) in White/Ecru.
- Cotton Blend Alternative: Ice Yarns Camilla Cotton or Ice Yarns Classic DK.
Yarn Category Link:
Explore more lightweight options in our Category 2 Fine Yarns Collection and Yarns for Summer Collection.
Skein Requirement & Size Calculator
| Size | Bust Measurement (Inches / cm) | Skeins of Ice Yarns Patna Cotton |
|---|---|---|
| XS | 28-30" / 71-76 cm | 4 Skeins (approx. 1050 m) |
| S | 32-34" / 81-86 cm | 4 Skeins (approx. 1180 m) |
| M | 36-38" / 91-96 cm | 5 Skeins (approx. 1320 m) |
| L | 40-42" / 101-106 cm | 5 Skeins (approx. 1460 m) |
| XL | 44-46" / 111-116 cm | 6 Skeins (approx. 1600 m) |
| 2XL | 48-50" / 121-126 cm | 6 Skeins (approx. 1750 m) |
| 3XL | 52-54" / 132-137 cm | 7 Skeins (approx. 1900 m) |
| 4XL | 56-58" / 142-147 cm | 7 Skeins (approx. 2050 m) |
| 5XL | 60-62" / 152-157 cm | 8 Skeins (approx. 2200 m) |
Tools & Pattern Specifications
- Crochet Hook (Main Body & Sleeves): US E-4 (3.5 mm) crochet hook.
- Knitting Needles (Bands & Neckline): US 3 (3.25 mm) 32" circular needles.
- Notions: 5–6 Matching 15mm buttons, Tapestry needle, Stitch markers, Measuring tape, Scissors.
- Gauge: 20 sts and 10 rows = 4" x 4" (10 x 10 cm) in Lace Pattern repeat using 3.5 mm hook after blocking.
Size Chart & Finished Measurements
Designed with approx. 3 to 5 inches (8–12 cm) of positive ease.
| Measurement (Inches / cm) | XS | S | M | L | XL | 2XL | 3XL | 4XL | 5XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finished Bust Circumference | 34" / 86cm | 38" / 96cm | 42" / 106cm | 46" / 116cm | 50" / 127cm | 54" / 137cm | 58" / 147cm | 62" / 157cm | 66" / 167cm |
| Total Body Length | 20" / 51cm | 20.5" / 52cm | 21" / 53.5cm | 21.5" / 54.5cm | 22" / 56cm | 22.5" / 57cm | 23" / 58.5cm | 23.5" / 60cm | 24" / 61cm |
| Sleeve Length | 18" / 46cm | 18" / 46cm | 18.5" / 47cm | 18.5" / 47cm | 19" / 48cm | 19" / 48cm | 19.5" / 49.5cm | 19.5" / 49.5cm | 20" / 51cm |
Glossary & Abbreviations (US Crochet & Knitting Terms)
- ch: Chain
- sc: Single Crochet
- dc: Double Crochet
- Cluster: (Yarn over, insert hook into st, pull up loop) 3 times, yarn over and pull through all loops on hook.
- sl st: Slip Stitch
- K: Knit (Knitting)
- P: Purl (Knitting)
- RS / WS: Right Side / Wrong Side
Step-by-Step Written Pattern
1. Main Lace Pattern Repeat (Worked over multiples of 4 sts + 2)
- Row 1 (DC Row): Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc across row. Turn.
- Row 2 (Mesh Row): Ch 4 (counts as dc + ch 1), *skip 1 st, dc in next st, ch 1; repeat from * across to last st, dc in turning ch. Turn.
- Row 3 (Cluster / Star Row): Ch 3, *Cluster in next space, ch 1, skip 1 st; repeat from * across. Turn.
- Row 4 (SC Row): Ch 1, sc in each st and ch-space across. Turn.
2. Back Panel
Using 3.5 mm crochet hook, ch 86 (98, 106, 118, 126, 138, 146, 158, 166).
Work Rows 1–4 of Main Lace Pattern Repeat until Back Panel measures 20 (20.5, 21, 21.5, 22, 22.5, 23, 23.5, 24)" / 51 (52, 53.5, 54.5, 56, 57, 58.5, 60, 61) cm. Fasten off.
3. Front Panels (Make 2)
Ch 42 (46, 50, 58, 62, 66, 70, 78, 82).
Work in Main Lace Pattern Repeat until piece matches Back Panel length. Shape neckline by working sl sts across the first 8 (8, 10, 10, 12, 12, 14, 14, 16) sts on the inner edge for the last 4 rows.
4. Sleeves (Make 2)
Ch 46 (50, 50, 54, 54, 58, 58, 62, 62). Work 1x1 ribbing or sc cuff for 1.5" (4 cm).
Proceed in Main Lace Pattern Repeat, increasing 1 st at each end every 4th row until sleeve st count reaches 74 (78, 82, 86, 90, 94, 98, 102, 106) sts. Work straight to final sleeve length. Fasten off.
5. Knitted Button Bands & Neckline Finishing
- Join shoulder seams and side seams.
- With 3.25 mm knitting needles, pick up and knit 3 sts for every 4 rows along Left Front Edge. Work 1x1 Ribbing (*K1, P1*) for 1" (2.5 cm). BO in pattern.
- Repeat for Right Front Edge, incorporating 5 evenly spaced buttonholes on Row 3.
- Pick up sts around Neckline and top of button bands. Work 1x1 Ribbing for 1" (2.5 cm). BO loosely.
- Sew buttons to Left Front Band.
Blocking & Finishing Protocol (100% Pure Cotton)
- Weave in Ends: Secure all ends neatly on the wrong side.
- Wet Blocking: Submerge finished cardigan in lukewarm water with mild wash for 15 minutes. Squeeze gently, pin flat to size chart measurements on blocking boards, opening up the cluster lace pattern. Allow to dry completely.
