If you are looking for a free pullover knitting pattern with lace and cables that combines elegance with just the right amount of texture, this design is an excellent choice. The garment features an allover lace and cable pattern that creates a fabric with both openness and structure, suitable for intermediate knitters comfortable with chart reading and simple cable crossings. The V-neck shaping adds a flattering vertical line, while the set-in sleeves provide a classic silhouette that works well for everyday wear. This women’s pullover is knitted flat in pieces and seamed, making it a manageable project for those who prefer not to work in the round for the main body. With three sizes covering approximately 36 to 46 inch bust measurements, this lace and cable sweater pattern offers a versatile addition to any handknit wardrobe. The instructions below include every detail from the original design, translated into standard US knitting terminology.
Materials
- Yarn: 600 (650) 700 g of golden yellow yarn; 100% alpaca; 109 yards / 50 g
- Needles: US 4 (3.5 mm) and US 7 (4.5 mm) straight needles
- US 4 (3.5 mm) circular needle, 24 inches or longer, for neckband
- Cable needle
- Stitch holders or waste yarn
Sizes
To fit bust: 36–38 (40–42) 44–46 inches. Instructions are given for the smallest size, with changes for larger sizes in parentheses. Where only one number is given, it applies to all sizes.
Gauge
23.5 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in Lace and Cable Pattern (Pattern 2) using larger needles. Take time to check your gauge, as it directly affects the finished measurements.
Stitch Patterns
Pattern 1: Ribbing
Worked flat (stitch count is a multiple of 4 + 2 selvedge stitches).
Wrong side rows: Selvedge stitch, *purl 2, knit 2; repeat from * to last 3 stitches, purl 2, selvedge stitch.
Right side rows: Work stitches as they appear (knit the knits, purl the purls).
Circular rounds (stitch count is a multiple of 4 + 2): *Knit 2, purl 2; repeat from * around.
Pattern 2: Lace and Cable Pattern
Stitch count is a multiple of 15 + 6 + 2 selvedge stitches. Work according to the chart. Only right-side rows are shown; on wrong-side rows, work stitches as they appear and purl all yarn overs. Begin with the stitch before the right arrow, repeat the 15-stitch repeat between the arrows throughout, and end with stitches after the left arrow. Repeat rows 1–4 continuously.
Knitting Chart
Symbol Key
- + = edge stitch
- U = yarn over (yo)
- ⬜ = knit stitch (k)
- ― = purl stitch (p)
- ⬆ = Slip 2 stitches together knitwise, knit 1, pass both slipped stitches over (sl2tog-k1-psso) — center stitch on top.
- 1_/¯1 = Slip 1 stitch to cable needle and hold in back of work, knit 1, then knit the stitch from the cable needle (sl 1 to cn, hold in back, k1, k1 from cn)
- 1¯\_1 = Slip 1 stitch to cable needle and hold in front of work, knit 1, then knit the stitch from the cable needle (sl 1 to cn, hold in front, k1, k1 from cn)
Sweater Schematic
Back
With US 4 (3.5 mm) needles, cast on 98 (110) 126 stitches. For the lower band, work 7 cm (2¾ inches) = 23 rows in Pattern 1, beginning with a wrong-side row. On the last row of the band, evenly increase 15 (18) 17 stitches = 113 (128) 143 stitches. Change to US 7 (4.5 mm) needles and continue in Pattern 2.
When piece measures 53.5 cm (21 inches) = 150 rows (57 cm / 22½ inches = 160 rows; 61 cm / 24 inches = 172 rows) from the band, bind off for shoulder shaping at the beginning of each side as follows: bind off 15 (19) 23 stitches once, then on the next right-side row bind off 16 (20) 23 stitches once.
At the same time as the shoulder shaping begins, bind off the center 47 (46) 47 stitches for the neck and finish each side separately. To shape the neck edge, bind off 2 stitches at the beginning of the next right-side row on the inner edge.
Front
Work as for the Back, but for the V-neck, when piece measures 32.5 cm (12¾ inches) = 92 rows (36 cm / 14¼ inches = 100 rows; 39 cm / 15¼ inches = 114 rows) from the lower band, bind off the center stitch and divide the work. Finish each side separately.
For the neckline shaping, on the inner edge decrease 1 stitch every other row 21 times, then every 4th row 4 times.
Sleeves
With US 4 (3.5 mm) needles, cast on 46 (50) 66 stitches for each sleeve. For the cuff, work 7 cm (2¾ inches) = 23 rows in Pattern 1, beginning with a wrong-side row. On the last row of the cuff, evenly increase 37 (48) 47 stitches = 83 (98) 113 stitches. Change to US 7 (4.5 mm) needles and continue in Pattern 2.
When sleeve measures 33 cm (13 inches) = 92 rows (37 cm / 14½ inches = 104 rows; 40 cm / 15¾ inches = 112 rows) from the cuff, bind off all stitches.
Finishing
Sew shoulder seams.
For the neckband, with the US 4 (3.5 mm) circular needle, pick up and knit 134 stitches evenly along the neckline edge. Work 5 cm (2 inches) = 16 rounds in Pattern 1. On the first round, arrange stitches so that 2 knit stitches sit at the V-neck point. To shape the band, work the following decrease 3 times on every round and 6 times on every other round: knit the first stitch of the V-point together with the preceding stitch (k2tog), and knit the second stitch of the V-point together with the following stitch with a left-leaning decrease (ssk: slip 1 knitwise, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over). Bind off stitches in pattern. Set in sleeves. Sew sleeve seams and side seams.
This free pullover knitting pattern with lace and cables provides clear, size-inclusive instructions for creating a garment that balances decorative stitchwork with wearable shaping. The V-neck and set-in sleeve construction make it a satisfying project for knitters ready to move beyond basic sweaters. Whether you call it a lace and cable sweater or a women’s pullover, this design delivers timeless style with straightforward construction.
