This elegant and lightweight lacy summer cardigan is an easy project using DK yarn and features an open shell pattern worked in treble crochet. Neutral and a contrast colour add visual interest (you can make it one colour too!) and the style is perfect for wearing from day-to-night.
The pattern is free to view here on my blog or you can upgrade to an ad-free PDF in my Etsy and Ravelry shops.
Your cardigan will look fab layered over a simple top or dress during the day on outings such as picnics in the park, leisurely strolls along the beach, or alfresco brunches with friends. The elegant lace pattern is also suitable for more formal events like outdoor weddings or evening gatherings.
The customizable length means you can pair this lacy cardigan with anything from shorts and sandals to jeans and heels, making an effortless transition from day-to-night in style.
The Carnation Kisses cardigan pattern is written in US crochet terms for sizes S through to 5X.
If you’re not ready to start this project yet you can bookmark this pattern by clicking the blue heart on the bottom right of the page.
Why you’ll Love to Crochet this Cardigan
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Supplies and Materials
- Drops Belle (DK) 53% cotton, 33% viscose, 14% linen (see measurements table for yarn amounts)
- 4mm / G-6 crochet hook
- Stitch markers
- Scissors
- Yarn needle
Yarn Choices
I enjoyed working with Drops Belle for my Larissa cardigan. It has such a lovely drape and shine! I’ve found it washes well too so I decided to use it again for this lacy cardigan.
Garn Studio’s Drops Belle is a breathable yarn that is made up of cotton (53%), viscose (33%) and linen (14%). Follow the instructions on how to care for your garment and it will keep its shape.
This yarn comes in balls of 50g / 120m /131 yds. I have worked out the yardage needed for each size in the separate colours and also total amount making it easy for you to substitute.
I used colour 02 (off white) and 11 (old pink) in my design. There are 20 colours to choose from but if you can’t find a combination that you like, browse YarnSub to see if you can find a substitute.
Gauge
16 stitches and 4 rows of treble crochet on a 4mm / G-6 hook = 10cm X 10cm
Finding it difficult to match my gauge? Adjust your stitch count using the stitch gauge converter tool.
Glossary
Stitches
You will need to be familiar with these stitches for the pattern:
US crochet terms
- Single Crochet (sc)
- Treble Crochet (tr)
- Treble 2 Together (tr2tog)
For my UK crocheters, the table below is a conversion of basic crochet stitches from US to UK.
| US Crochet Terms | UK Crochet Terms |
|---|---|
| single crochet (sc) | double crochet (dc) |
| half double crochet (hdc) | half treble crochet (htr) |
| double crochet (dc) | treble crochet (tr) |
| treble (tr) | double treble (dtr) |
| double treble (dtr) | triple treble (trtr) |
If you need help on how to work these stitches, follow the instructions in my crochet stitch library.
Abbreviations
The following abbreviations are used in this pattern.
| Abbreviation | |
| Chain | ch |
| Chain Space | ch-sp |
| Each | ea |
| Loop | lp |
| Remaining | rem |
| Repeat | Rep |
| Skip | sk |
| Stitch/es | st/s |
| Right Side | RS |
| Wrong Side | WS |
Garment Measurements
These are the final measurements and yarn amounts for your cardigan.
Sizes are based on guidance from the Craft Yarn Council.
| To Fit (inches) | Actual Width (inches) | Actual Length (inches) | Amount of Yarn (yards) Neutral Colour | Amount of Yarn (yards) Contrasting Colour | Amount of Yarn (yards) TOTAL |
| S 32 – 34 | 38 | 27.5 | 760 | 285 | 1045 |
| M 36 – 38 | 42 | 28 | 840 | 336 | 1176 |
| L 40 – 42 | 46 | 28.5 | 920 | 391 | 1311 |
| XL 44 – 46 | 50 | 29 | 1000 | 450 | 1450 |
| 2X 48 – 50 | 54 | 29.5 | 1080 | 513 | 1593 |
| 3X 52 – 54 | 58 | 29.5 | 1160 | 580 | 1740 |
| 4X 56 – 58 | 62 | 30 | 1240 | 651 | 1891 |
| 5X 60 – 62 | 66 | 30.75 | 1320 | 726 | 2046 |
How the cardigan pattern is worked
- The lower panel of my lacy summer cardigan is worked in a 3-row repeat shell pattern that uses treble crochet and single crochet stitches. This part of the cardigan is worked in a neutral colour. Customizing the length of the cardigan is easy. Work less pattern repeats in the lower panel for a shorter length or more repeats for a longer cardigan. Repeats end with row 4. The colour change takes place on the last row.
- The pattern then divides for the fronts and back and works from the armhole to the neck in a contrasting colour. This blends with the lower panel using treble crochets. If you prefer to work in one block of colour you can! The pattern will work just the same. (Note: I’ve given yarn amounts for the separate colours and for the total amount)
- After crocheting the lower and upper panels (in one piece) the shoulders are seamed.
And that’s it! Your cardigan is ready to be blocked and worn.
Lacy Cardigan Pattern Notes
- Pattern is written in US crochet terms.
- Size instructions are written thus S, (M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X).
- Repeated instructions are denoted with * for example, * sc in top of 3rd (middle) tr of shell, ch3, tr in sc, ch3 * rep to last shell.
- Chain 1 does not count as a stitch.
- Chain 4 counts as a treble.
- Cardigan is worked in rows and turned.
- Weave in ends as you go.
Skill Level
Easy
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Included in the lacy crochet cardigan pattern is:
- how the pattern is worked
- pattern notes
- clear written instructions
Crochet Lacy Summer Cardigan Instructions US Terms
Lower Panel
With a 4mm / G-6 hook and neutral colour
Ch 172, (188, 204, 220, 236, 252, 268, 284)
Row 1 (RS): tr in 5th ch from hook, tr in ea ch to end, ch1, turn (168, 184, 200, 216, 232, 248, 264, 280 tr)
Row 2: sc in base of ch1, * sk 3 sts, [tr, ch1 4 times, tr] in next st, sk 3 sts, sc in next st, * rep to end, ch7, turn.
Row 3: * sc in top of 3rd (middle) tr of shell, ch3, tr in sc, ch3 * rep to last shell, sc in top of 3rd tr of shell, ch3, tr in last st, ch4, turn.
Row 4: * 3tr in ch3-sp, tr in sc, 3tr in ch3-sp, tr in next st; * rep to last ch-sp, 3tr in ch3-sp, tr in sc, 3tr in 3ch of ch7 lp, tr in 4th ch of ch7, ch1, turn
Rows 2 to 4 form pattern
Row 5 – 28: rep rows 2, 3, 4 ending with row 4
Join contrasting colour at last pull through of tr in row 28
Fasten off neutral colour.
*if you are working in one colour, do not fasten off*
Dividing for fronts and back
Now working in contrasting colour
Right Front
Row 29: tr2tog, tr in next 39, (43, 47, 51, 55, 59, 63, 67) sts, place a st marker in next st, ch4, turn (leave rem sts unworked).
Row 30: tr in next st, tr across to last 2 sts, tr2tog, ch4, turn
Row 31: tr2tog, tr in ea st to end, ch4, turn
Row 32 – 37, (38, 38, 39, 40, 41, 41, 42) rep rows 30 and 31
Fasten off leaving a long tail to sew shoulder seam
Back
Join contrasting colour in lp of st marker, ch4
Row 29: tr in next 84, (92, 100, 108, 116, 124, 132, 140) sts, place a st marker in the next st, ch4, turn (leave rem sts unworked)
Row 30 – 37, (38, 38, 39, 40, 41, 41, 42) tr in ea st across, ch4, turn
Fasten off
Left Front
Rejoin contrasting colour in lp of st marker, ch4
Row 29: tr in ea st to last 2 sts, tr2tog, ch4, turn
Row 30: tr2tog, tr in ea st across, ch4, turn
Row 31 – 37, (38, 38, 39, 40, 41, 41, 42) rep rows 39 and 30
Fasten off leaving a long tail to sew shoulder seam
Shoulder Seam
Working on the WS, lay cardigan out flat and fold over the right and left front. Sew both shoulder seams.
Congratulations! Your lacy cardigan is ready to be blocked and worn.
Happy crocheting!
I’d love to know how you get on. You can leave a comment here on the blog, share you photos on my Facebook page, add the project in your Ravelry library or email me.
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Copyright Notice
The pattern and photographs of this design are the property of Sharon Goodwin at Jera’s Jamboree. This pattern and design are subject to copyright and are for personal, non-commercial use only. You may not share, resell, alter or redistribute this pattern in part or in whole. You may, however, sell any finished items you make. If you would like to include this pattern in a roundup, you may take one photo and link back to this pattern.