The Dusk Bloom Racerback Bralette: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Lace-Trimmed Top

Introducing the Dusk Bloom Racerback Bralette

This isn't your basic bralette; it's a sophisticated layering piece featuring a delicate, floral-inspired lace panel at the center and a supportive, textured knit body. The racerback design and soft, breathable yarn make it perfect for warm-weather styling or as a unique, handmade gift. Whether you're lounging at home or layering under a sheer blouse, this pattern offers a beautiful blend of comfort and elegance. The combination of a smooth stockinette body with a delicate lace insert creates a garment that looks intricate but is surprisingly approachable for confident beginners.

Materials Needed

Yarn

• Weight: DK weight (8-ply) cotton or cotton-blend yarn
• Amount: Approximately 250-350 yards (sample uses 300 yards)
• Sample Yarn: 'Linen & Cotton' in 'Dusty Rose'

Needles

• US 4 (3.5mm) knitting needles (for ribbing and lace panel)
• US 6 (4.0mm) knitting needles (for main body)
• A set of double-pointed needles (DPNs) in US 4 (3.5mm) for the straps

Gauge

22 stitches and 30 rows = 4 inches in Stockinette stitch on US 6 needles, after blocking. Important: Take time to check your gauge for the best fit.

Notions

• Tapestry needle for weaving ends and seaming
• Stitch markers (optional)
• Scissors

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sizes & Abbreviations

Sizes: S (M, L). Finished bust circumference: 30 (34, 38) inches.

Abbreviations:

• CO = cast on
• BO = bind off
• k = knit
• p = purl
• k2tog = knit two together
• ssk = slip slip knit (slip two stitches knitwise, one at a time, then knit them together through the back loops)
• yo = yarn over
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• st(s) = stitch(es)

Pattern Notes

The bralette is worked flat in two main pieces (front and back) from the bottom up, then seamed at the sides. The lace panel is worked separately and sewn onto the front. The racerback straps are knitted in the round.

FRONT (worked flat)

Ribbing:

• With smaller needles (US 4), CO 72 (82, 92) sts.
• Row 1 (RS): *k2, p2; repeat from * across.
• Row 2 (WS): *p2, k2; repeat from * across.
• Repeat these two rows for 1.5 inches of ribbing, ending with a WS row.

Body:

• Switch to larger needles (US 6).
• Next Row (RS): Knit across.
• Next Row (WS): Purl across.
• Continue in Stockinette stitch (knit RS, purl WS) until piece measures 4 (4.5, 5) inches from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.

Shape Bust Darts (optional, for better fit):

• Row 1 (RS): K20 (23, 26), k2tog, k1, ssk, k20 (23, 26), k2tog, k1, ssk, k20 (23, 26). (68, 78, 88 sts)
• Row 2 (WS): Purl.
• Row 3 (RS): K19 (22, 25), k2tog, k1, ssk, k18 (21, 24), k2tog, k1, ssk, k19 (22, 25). (64, 74, 84 sts)
• Row 4 (WS): Purl.
• Row 5 (RS): K18 (21, 24), k2tog, k1, ssk, k16 (19, 22), k2tog, k1, ssk, k18 (21, 24). (60, 70, 80 sts)
• Row 6 (WS): Purl.
• Work even in Stockinette stitch for 2 inches, ending with a WS row.

Shape Armholes:

• BO 4 (5, 6) sts at beginning of next 2 rows. (52, 60, 68 sts)
• Next Row (RS): K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. (50, 58, 66 sts)
• Next Row (WS): Purl.
• Repeat these 2 rows 2 (3, 4) more times. (46, 52, 58 sts)
• Work even until armhole measures 5 (5.5, 6) inches from bind-off, ending with a WS row.

Shape Neckline:

• Next Row (RS): K15 (17, 19), BO 16 (18, 20) sts, k15 (17, 19).
• Work left shoulder first.
• Next Row (WS): Purl.
• Next Row (RS): K1, ssk, knit to end. (14, 16, 18 sts)
• Next Row (WS): Purl.
• Repeat these 2 rows 2 more times. (12, 14, 16 sts)
• Work even until armhole measures 7 (7.5, 8) inches from bind-off. BO all sts.
• Work right shoulder similarly, but on RS rows: knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.

BACK (worked flat)

• Work same as front until armhole shaping is complete. (46, 52, 58 sts)
• Work even until armhole measures 6 (6.5, 7) inches from bind-off, ending with a WS row.

Shape Racerback:

• Next Row (RS): K10 (12, 14), BO 26 (28, 30) sts, k10 (12, 14).
• Work left strap first.
• Next Row (WS): Purl.
• Next Row (RS): K1, ssk, knit to end. (9, 11, 13 sts)
• Next Row (WS): Purl.
• Repeat these 2 rows until strap measures 4 (4.5, 5) inches from bind-off, ending with a WS row. BO all sts.
• Work right strap similarly, but on RS rows: knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.

LACE PANEL (worked flat)

• With smaller needles (US 4), CO 17 sts.
• Row 1 (RS): K2, *yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k1; repeat from * to last 2 sts, k2.
• Row 2 (WS): Purl.
• Row 3 (RS): K2, *k1, yo, ssk, k2tog, yo, k1; repeat from * to last 2 sts, k2.
• Row 4 (WS): Purl.
• Repeat Rows 1-4 until panel measures 6 (7, 8) inches. BO all sts.

STRAPS (worked in the round on DPNs)

• With smaller DPNs (US 4), pick up and knit 8 sts along the top edge of the back strap. Join in the round, being careful not to twist.
• Knit every round until strap measures 8 (9, 10) inches. BO all sts.
• Repeat for other strap.

FINISHING

1. Sew side seams: Sew side seams of front and back pieces together using mattress stitch or your preferred seaming method.
2. Attach lace panel: Center the lace panel on the front of the bralette, aligning the bottom edge with the top of the ribbing. Sew in place along the sides and bottom using a whip stitch or invisible seam.
3. Attach straps: Sew the ends of the straps to the front armhole edges, positioning them about 2 inches from the center neckline. Try on the bralette to ensure the straps sit comfortably on your shoulders before securing.
4. Weave in ends: Weave in all ends with a tapestry needle.
5. Block to shape: Block the bralette to the finished measurements. Lay flat to dry, gently shaping the lace panel and smoothing the seams.

Enjoy your beautiful, handmade Dusk Bloom Racerback Bralette! This piece is perfect for layering or wearing on its own on warm days. The delicate lace panel adds a touch of elegance, while the racerback design ensures a comfortable, supportive fit.