If you are looking for free lace cardigan patterns, you have come to the right place. These openwork knit cardigans add a delicate, feminine touch to any outfit while remaining breathable and lightweight. Whether you need a lightweight knitted jacket for cool summer evenings or a cozy layering piece for spring, lace stitch repeats create beautiful drape and texture. Many of these designs feature simple yarn overs and decreases, making them suitable for adventurous beginners. You can easily adapt a summer cardigan knitting project by choosing cotton or bamboo yarn for extra softness. With clear knitting charts included, even complex lace becomes approachable and fun.
10 Free Lace Stylish and Modern Cardigan Patterns
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Free Pattern – Lace Beige Cardigan with Wide Sleeves
A cropped lace model with original tube sleeves and a variety of lace patterns.
Materials & gauge: Approximately 3 skeins of milky white yarn (100g = 450–500 m / 490–550 yds) for a US size 10–12 (bust approx. 39–40″).
US size 2–3 needles (2.5–3 mm).
7 buttons.
Stitch patterns:
The main body and sleeves (down to the elbow) are worked in Pattern #1: a 15-stitch repeat and 8 rows tall. The chart is for knitting in the round — both right-side (RS) and wrong-side (WS) rows are shown.
Knitting Chart
Cardigan hem stitch pattern
Symbol Key
- ⬜ knit stitch (k)
- ━ purl stitch (p)
- U yarn over (yo)
- <2 k2tog tbl (knit two together through the back loop)
- 2> k2tog (knit two together)
- ↑ k3tog (knit three together)
A Lace Сardigan like Brunello Cucinelli
The pattern here is simple but specific. It’s easier to knit on the wrong side of the pieces. The wrong side is slightly visible in the first photo.
Repeat is 10 stitches (plus 1 stitch for symmetry) and 4 rows.
If you work the pattern according to this chart, it will show on the wrong side.
All even-numbered rows are worked the same: k1, p9, k1.
The stitch is worked as a purl on both knit and purl rows (seed stitch).
Knitting Chart
Simbol Keys
- ━ purl stitch
- ☐ knit stitch
- \2/ knit 2 together (k2tog)
- U yarn over (накид)
- ↓ slip one as if to knit, knit one, pass slipped stitch over
- X the stitch is worked as a purl on both knit and purl rows (seed stitch).
Stylish Lace Jacket with an Unusual Mesh Stitch Pattern
Repeat – 6 stitches and 8 rows.
When working 5 stitches together as knit, the center stitch should be on top.
Knitting Chart
Simbol Keys
- | knit stitch
- \³/ knit 2 together (k2tog)
- U yarn over
- ⍜ Knit 5 stitches together with the center stitch on top
Minimalist Cardigan Knitting Pattern Free
A minimalist stitch pattern pattern will add a subtle touch of interest to the garment and break up the stockinette stitch with airy little eyelets. These eyelets can be arranged in clusters to form various shapes, or used as scattered individual accents throughout the fabric.
Knitting Chart
Simbol Keys
- | knit stitch
- \²/ knit 2 together (k2tog)
- \³/ knit 3 together (k3tog)
- U yarn over
- ↓ slip one as if to knit, knit one, pass slipped stitch over
Summer Lace Cardigan Idea. Free Pattern
Modern Lace Cardigan Knitting Pattern Free
Knitting Chart
Simbol Keys
- ━ purl stitch
- | knit stitch
- \²/ knit 2 together (k2tog)
- \³/ knit 3 together (k3tog)
- U yarn over
- ↓ slip one as if to knit, knit one, pass slipped stitch over
Lace Cardigan Knitting Pattern Free
This is a fairly popular stitch pattern that can be found in various versions. On the chart, all rows are for circular knitting — meaning the pattern is worked in both the right-side and wrong-side rows.
Knitting Chart
Symbol Key
- U yarn over (yo)
- \ slip, slip, knit (ssk).
- \2/ knit 2 together (k2tog)
- ☐ knit stitch
A Summer Top with a Simple Lace Pattern Free
Knitting Chart
Symbol Key
- ⬜ knit stitch (k)
- U yarn over (yo)
- \2/ knit 2 together (k2tog)
- ⬇︎ slip, slip, knit (ssk)
- \3/ knit 3 together (k3tog)
Knitting Pattern for a Gray Lace Cardigan
Straight silhouette — no waist shaping — but the wide ribbing at the edge gives it a slight fitted feel. Short sleeves ending above the elbow, worked in 1×1 ribbing, plus a wide ribbed hem. Armhole decreases for a set-in sleeve with light gathering. A horizontal button band and large wrapped buttons. I especially love the buttons on this one.
The simpler the stitch pattern, the more attention goes to the details — ribbing density, edge finishing, shoulder and side seams.
Knitting Chart
Symbol Key
- ⬜ knit stitch (k)
- U yarn over (yo)
- 2> knit 2 together (k2tog)
- <2 slip, slip, knit (ssk)
Women’s Fashionable Knitted Cardigan
Knitted cardigan back view.
Knitting Chart
Symbol Key
- | knit stitch (k)
- ━ purl stitch (p)
- ○ yarn over (yo)
- ⋋ slip, slip, knit (ssk)
- ⋌ knit 2 together (k2tog).
Elegant Knitted Cardigan
Simple stitch patterns — the main part (whole back, front inserts, and sleeve inserts) is worked in regular moss stitch. In the front and down the center of the sleeves, there are stripes with diamond lace motifs.
Since this is a ready‑to‑wear store model, the raglan is seamed, but we can knit it as a raglan bottom‑up or top‑down — whichever you prefer.
I’ve charted the lace stripes and added moss stitch along the sides for clarity. Feel free to adjust the width of the moss stitch stripes to fit your size.
Knitting Chart
Symbol Key
- ⬜ knit stitch (k)
- ━ purl stitch (p)
- U yarn over (yo)
- \2/ knit 2 together (k2tog)
- ↑ Slip 1 stitch, knit 2 together, pass slipped stitch over (Sl 1, k2tog, psso)
Once you master the basic lace motifs, you will find yourself reaching for these patterns again and again. A handmade lace cardigan also makes a thoughtful gift for friends and family. Feel free to experiment with different yarn weights to change the look from airy to more structured. For quicker projects, try a knitted bolero or topper version of the same lace stitch. Remember to block your finished cardigan to open up the lace fully and improve the shape. Start your next creative journey today with these beautiful free lace cardigan patterns.
