Breezy Bloom Lace Cardigan Free Pattern – A Knitted Summer Layer

Are you ready to create the perfect lightweight layer for those warm summer evenings? The Breezy Bloom Lace Cardigan is an airy, open-front knit that features a delicate floral lace pattern, draping beautifully over dresses and tank tops. Knitted in a soft cotton blend, this cardigan is the epitome of breezy elegance. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or a confident beginner looking for a new challenge, this free pattern will guide you through every step to create a stunning, handmade wardrobe staple.

This pattern is designed to be both beautiful and achievable. The floral lace stitch, while intricate-looking, is a simple repeat that becomes rhythmic and meditative once you get going. The open-front design means no buttonholes or zippers—just clean lines and a relaxed, breezy silhouette. Let's dive into the materials you'll need and get those needles clicking!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather your supplies. Having everything ready will make your knitting experience smooth and enjoyable.

Yarn

• Weight: DK weight cotton or cotton-blend yarn (approx. 800–1000 yards for sizes S–L). A cotton blend is ideal for summer as it's breathable and drapes well.
• Suggested Fiber: Look for a soft, mercerized cotton or a cotton/bamboo blend for extra sheen and stitch definition.

Needles

• Main Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) circular needles, 24–32 inches long. The circular needle is used to accommodate the large number of stitches for the back and front panels.
• Sleeve Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) for working the sleeves in the round, or you can use the magic loop method with your circular needle if you prefer.

Gauge

• Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (blocked). Always knit a gauge swatch first! This ensures your finished cardigan will match the intended measurements.

Other Tools

• Stitch markers
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
• Scissors
• Blocking mats and pins (for finishing)

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is written for sizes S (M, L), with a finished bust measurement of 36 (40, 44) inches. Follow the numbers in parentheses for your size. Let's get started!

Abbreviations

• k = knit
• p = purl
• yo = yarn over
• k2tog = knit two together (right-leaning decrease)
• ssk = slip slip knit (left-leaning decrease)
• pm = place marker
• sm = slip marker
• BO = bind off
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side

Special Stitch Pattern: Floral Lace (multiple of 8 + 3 stitches)

This is the heart of the cardigan. The pattern is worked over 8 rows. Here's the breakdown:

• Row 1 (RS): k3, *yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k3; repeat from * to end.
• Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.
• Row 3: k2, *yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k3; repeat from * to last 5 sts, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k1.
• Row 4: Purl all stitches.
• Row 5: k1, *yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k3; repeat from * to last 6 sts, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k2.
• Row 6: Purl all stitches.
• Row 7: k2tog, *yo, k3, yo, ssk, k1; repeat from * to last 5 sts, yo, k3, yo, ssk.
• Row 8: Purl all stitches.

Repeat Rows 1–8 for the pattern. The yarn overs create the eyelet holes, while the k2tog and ssk decreases shape the leaf-like motifs.

Back Panel

1. Cast On: Cast on 83 (91, 99) stitches.
2. Hem: Work in stockinette stitch (knit on RS, purl on WS) for 2 inches, ending with a WS row. This creates a neat, rolled-free hem.
3. Begin Lace Pattern: Start the Floral Lace pattern, beginning with Row 1. Work even (without increases or decreases) until the piece measures 12 (13, 14) inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.
4. Armhole Shaping:
   • Bind off 4 (5, 6) stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows.
   • Decrease 1 stitch on each side every RS row 3 times as follows: k1, ssk, work to last 3 stitches, k2tog, k1.
5. Continue: Work even until the armhole measures 7 (8, 9) inches. Bind off all stitches loosely.

Left Front Panel

1. Cast On: Cast on 43 (47, 51) stitches.
2. Hem: Work in stockinette stitch for 2 inches, ending with a WS row.
3. Begin Lace Pattern: Start the Floral Lace pattern (begin with Row 1). Work even until the piece measures the same as the back to the armhole, ending with a WS row.
4. Armhole Shaping:
   • Bind off 4 (5, 6) stitches at the beginning of the next RS row (this is the armhole edge).
   • Decrease 1 stitch at the armhole edge every RS row 3 times.
5. Neck Shaping (simultaneous): When the armhole shaping is complete, begin neck shaping. At the neck edge (the end of RS rows), decrease 1 stitch every RS row 10 (11, 12) times. Note: You are decreasing at both the armhole and neck edges at different times—keep track carefully!
6. Finish: Work even until the armhole measures the same as the back. Bind off the remaining shoulder stitches.

Right Front Panel

1. Work exactly as for the left front, but reverse all shaping. This means the armhole bind-off happens at the beginning of a WS row, and the neck decreases happen at the beginning of RS rows (the neck edge is now at the start of the row).

Sleeves (Make 2)

1. Cast On: Cast on 43 (43, 51) stitches.
2. Cuff: Work in stockinette stitch for 2 inches.
3. Begin Lace Pattern: Start the Floral Lace pattern.
4. Increase: Increase 1 stitch on each side every 6th row until you have 63 (67, 75) stitches on your needles. Work the new stitches into the lace pattern as they increase.
5. Continue: Work even until the sleeve measures 12 (13, 14) inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.
6. Cap Shaping:
   • Bind off 4 (5, 6) stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows.
   • Decrease 1 stitch on each side every RS row until the cap measures 4 (4.5, 5) inches.
   • Bind off the remaining stitches.

Finishing and Assembly

1. Blocking: This is a crucial step for lace! Soak the pieces in lukewarm water with a gentle wool wash. Gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring). Lay the pieces flat on blocking mats and pin them to the specified measurements. Allow them to dry completely. Blocking opens up the lace pattern and gives it that beautiful, airy drape.
2. Seams: Sew the shoulder seams together using a mattress stitch or your preferred seaming method.
3. Sleeves: Set in the sleeves, matching the center of the sleeve cap to the shoulder seam. Sew the side seams and sleeve seams.
4. Edging: With the right side facing, pick up and knit stitches evenly along the entire front opening and neckline. Work in garter stitch (knit every row) for 4 rows. Bind off loosely. This simple edging prevents the cardigan from stretching out and gives it a clean, finished look.
5. Weave in Ends: Use your tapestry needle to weave in all loose yarn ends securely.

And there you have it—your very own Breezy Bloom Lace Cardigan! This beautiful, handmade layer is perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any summer outfit. The delicate floral lace and soft cotton blend make it a joy to knit and a treasure to wear. Happy knitting!