Carnation Kisses Lacy Cardigan Free Pattern – Airy Boho Knit

Wrap yourself in the delicate beauty of the Carnation Kisses Lacy Cardigan, a breezy open-front knit that whispers of summer gardens and romantic evenings. This free pattern combines soft lace panels with a relaxed fit, perfect for layering over dresses or jeans. The airy, leaf-like motifs and gentle blush color evoke the softness of carnation petals, making this cardigan a true statement piece for your handmade wardrobe.

Whether you're a seasoned knitter looking for a new lace challenge or a confident beginner ready to expand your skills, this pattern offers a rewarding project with stunning results. The open-front design means no buttonholes to fuss with—just beautiful, flowing fabric that drapes elegantly. Let's dive into creating this romantic, bohemian layering piece.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies to ensure a smooth knitting experience:

• Yarn: DK weight cotton or cotton-blend yarn (approx. 800-1000 yards for size M). A soft, breathable cotton in a delicate blush pink or your preferred color will showcase the lace pattern beautifully.
• Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) circular needles (32-inch length) for the body and US 6 (4.0 mm) double-pointed needles for the sleeves.
• Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, blocking pins and mats.

Gauge: 20 sts x 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch; 18 sts x 24 rows = 4 inches in lace pattern (blocked). Always knit a swatch and block it before measuring to ensure your finished garment matches the intended size.

Understanding the Pattern

This cardigan is worked in pieces and seamed together, making it manageable and portable. The lace pattern is a 12-row repeat that's easy to memorize after a few repetitions. Let's break down the key elements:

Sizes and Measurements

The pattern is written for sizes XS (S, M, L, XL) with finished bust measurements of 34 (38, 42, 46, 50) inches. Choose the size that gives you 2-4 inches of positive ease for that relaxed, boho fit.

Abbreviations

Familiarize yourself with these standard knitting abbreviations before starting:

• k = knit
• p = purl
• yo = yarn over
• k2tog = knit two together (right-leaning decrease)
• ssk = slip slip knit (left-leaning decrease)
• pm = place marker
• sl = slip
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side

The Lace Pattern (Multiple of 8 + 3)

This beautiful lace stitch creates delicate eyelets and leaf-like motifs. Here's the complete chart in written form:

Row 1 (RS): k3, *yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k3; rep from * to end

Row 2 and all WS rows: purl all sts

Row 3: k2, *yo, ssk, k3, k2tog, yo, k1; rep from * to last st, k1

Row 5: k1, *yo, ssk, k5, k2tog, yo; rep from * to last 2 sts, k2

Row 7: k2, *k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, k3; rep from * to last st, k1

Row 9: k1, *k2tog, yo, k3, yo, ssk, k1; rep from * to last 2 sts, k2

Row 11: k2, *k2tog, yo, k5, yo, ssk; rep from * to last st, k1

Row 12: purl all sts

Repeat rows 1-12 for the lace pattern. The yarn overs create the eyelets while the paired decreases keep the stitch count consistent.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now let's knit this beautiful cardigan! Follow each section carefully, and remember to check your gauge before beginning.

Back Panel

Cast on: Cast on 87 (95, 103, 111, 119) sts.

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 edge that transitions into the lace.

Begin Lace Pattern: Start the lace pattern (Row 1) and work until the piece measures 14 (14.5, 15, 15.5, 16) inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a WS row. This length gives you the relaxed, tunic-like fit.

Shape Armholes: Bind off 4 (5, 6, 7, 8) sts at the beginning of the next 2 rows. Then decrease 1 st each side every RS row 3 (4, 5, 6, 7) times. To decrease at the beginning of a row, ssk; at the end of a row, k2tog. Continue in pattern until the armhole measures 7.5 (8, 8.5, 9, 9.5) inches. Bind off all sts loosely.

Left Front Panel

Cast on: Cast on 43 (47, 51, 55, 59) sts.

Hem: Work in stockinette for 2 inches, ending with a WS row.

Begin Lace Pattern: Start with Row 1 of the lace pattern and work until the piece measures the same as the back to the armhole, ending at the armhole edge (this will be a WS row).

Shape Armhole: Bind off 4 (5, 6, 7, 8) sts at the beginning of the next row (the armhole side). Decrease 1 st at the armhole edge every RS row 3 (4, 5, 6, 7) times.

Shape Neck (simultaneously): When the piece measures 2 inches less than the total back length, begin neck shaping. At the neck edge (opposite the armhole), bind off 8 (9, 10, 11, 12) sts, then decrease 1 st at the neck edge every RS row 4 times. Continue until the armhole measures the same as the back. Bind off the remaining shoulder sts.

Right Front Panel

Work as for the left front, reversing all shaping. This means the armhole decreases happen on WS rows and the neck shaping on RS rows. To reverse the armhole decreases, work them at the beginning of WS rows using k2tog, and at the end of RS rows using ssk. Take your time here—mirroring shaping is straightforward but requires attention.

Sleeves (Make 2)

Cast on: Cast on 43 (47, 51, 55, 59) sts.

Cuff: Work in stockinette for 2 inches.

Begin Lace Pattern and Increase: Start the lace pattern and increase 1 st each side every 6th row until you have 63 (67, 71, 75, 79) sts. To increase, work an M1 (make one) or kfb (knit front and back) at each edge, being careful to incorporate the new stitches into the lace pattern as they accumulate.

Sleeve Length: Work even until the sleeve measures 17 (17.5, 18, 18.5, 19) inches from the cast-on edge.

Shape Cap: Bind off 4 (5, 6, 7, 8) sts at the beginning of the next 2 rows. Decrease 1 st each side every RS row until the cap measures 4 (4.5, 5, 5.5, 6) inches. Bind off the remaining sts.

Finishing and Assembly

Blocking: This step is crucial for lace! Block all pieces to the specified measurements. Soak the pieces in lukewarm water with a gentle wool wash, then gently squeeze out excess water (never wring). Lay flat on blocking mats and pin to the exact measurements, stretching the lace gently to open up the eyelets. Allow to dry completely.

Sewing: Sew the shoulder seams using a mattress stitch for a seamless finish. Set in the sleeves, matching the center of the sleeve cap to the shoulder seam. Sew the side and sleeve seams.

Front Bands: With the RS facing, pick up and knit stitches along the entire front edge, including the neckline. Work in garter stitch (knit every row) for 1 inch. Bind off loosely to maintain the stretchy edge.

Final Touches: Weave in all ends with a tapestry needle. Optionally, add a crochet chain tie at the waist or use a decorative pin to close the cardigan.

Tips for Success

• Mark your rows: Use a row counter or place a removable marker every 12 rows to track your lace repeats easily.
• Keep your lace pattern chart handy: Print it out and tick off each row as you complete it.
• Blocking is non-negotiable: The lace pattern truly shines after blocking—don't skip this step!
• Choose your yarn wisely: A cotton or cotton-blend yarn will give you the crisp stitch definition that makes lace patterns pop.

Your Carnation Kisses Lacy Cardigan will be a treasured addition to your wardrobe—a romantic, handcrafted piece that's perfect for warm days and cool evenings alike. Happy knitting!