Sizes: XS (S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X). Finished bust (approx): 40–44.6–48.8–53–57.2–61.4–65.6 in / 102–113–124–135–145–160–167 cm (see schematic for length options).
A long, open cardigan with a softly draping hood, worked flat in lace panels featuring a delicate star‑like eyelet motif. Worked from the hem up in three pieces (back and two fronts), with set‑in sleeves. The stitch pattern is chartless and easy to memorize: a single right‑side lace row followed by purl rows creates a subtle vertical motif that reads as little star clusters across the fabric.
Fingering weight / 4ply yarn recommended (soft merino/silk or merino/nylon blend for drape). Suggested yardage (imperial and metric): XS 1000 yds (915 m), S 1200 yds (1097 m), M 1400 yds (1280 m), L 1600 yds (1463 m), XL 1800 yds (1646 m), 2X 2000 yds (1829 m), 3X 2200 yds (2012 m). Adjust if using heavier or lighter yarn.
Star Lace pattern: 20 sts and 26 rows = 4 in / 10 cm, measured after blocking on main needles (US 6 / 4.0 mm). Important: choose needles to obtain gauge.
Worked flat in three panels: Back and two Fronts. Each panel is worked in the Star Lace pattern from lower edge rib up to armhole, then continue lace through the armhole shaping to shoulder. Sleeves are worked flat in the round or flat and seamed, then set in. Hood is worked from picked up neck stitches and seamed at crown.
k = knit, p = purl, yo = yarn over, k2tog = knit 2 together (R slant), ssk = slip, slip, knit (L slant), rep = repeat, RS = right side, WS = wrong side.
Row 1 (RS): k1, *yo, k2tog, k1, ssk, yo, k1; rep from * to last st, k1. Row 2 (WS) and every following WS row: purl. Repeat Rows 1–2 for pattern.
Note: Because Row 1 contains 2 yos and 2 single decreases per 7-stitch repeat the stitch count remains stable when you use multiples of 7 + 2 for edge stitches.
These cast‑on numbers are chosen to keep the lace repeat aligned across panels. At the given gauge they produce the finished bust widths listed earlier (allowing ease).
Using smaller needles (US 4 / 3.5 mm): With RS facing, cast on for Back or Front as above. Work 1x1 rib (k1, p1) for 1.5 in / 4 cm (or preferred band depth). Change to main needles (US 6 / 4.0 mm) and begin Star Lace pattern, ensuring your total stitch count still equals the cast-on number.
Work Star Lace chart (Rows 1–2) in pattern across each panel. Work until piece measures 17.5 (18, 18.5, 19, 19.5, 19.5, 20) in / 44.5 (45.5, 47, 48.5, 49.5, 49.5, 51) cm from cast-on edge, or desired length to underarm. End having completed Row 2 (WS).
Bind off at each armhole edge: On the next RS row, BO 3 (4, 4, 5, 5, 6, 6) sts at the armhole edge once, then continue pattern across remaining sts. Continue working straight in pattern until armhole depth measures 8 (8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11) in / 20 (21.5, 23, 24, 25.5, 27, 28) cm from underarm, ending with a WS row.
Work shoulders straight or shape with 2 (3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 4) sets of 4 sts: on RS row, bind off 4 sts at each shoulder edge every other RS row until remaining center stitches are reserved for the neck. Alternatively, place remaining shoulder stitches on holders for seaming. For a neat neckline, leave center 6–10 sts (adjust per size if desired) unworked on back neck when shaping shoulders, or bind off center neck together when joining fronts and back.
Work both fronts the same from bottom rib: cast on (see front cast-on numbers above), rib for 1.5 in / 4 cm, change to main needles and work Star Lace. When you reach the underarm length specified above, bind off 3 (4, 4, 5, 5, 6, 6) sts from the armhole edge once (matching back) and continue to work straight to shoulder height matching the back. Left and right fronts are mirror images: when shaping shoulder sts or neck, mirror decreases/BOs accordingly. If you prefer a button band, work an additional 6 sts at the band edge in garter stitch or 1x1 rib when casting on front panels (add 6 sts to the cast-on and work those in garter on RS rows), or pick up a band at finishing.
Cast on (multiple of 7 + 2) approximate sleeve cuff cast-on: XS 44, S 51, M 58, L 65, XL 72, 2X 79, 3X 86 sts. Work 1.5 in / 4 cm rib on smaller needles, change to main needles and work Star Lace across sleeve width. Increase for sleeve shaping evenly every 2.5 in / 6.5 cm until sleeve measures 17 (17.5, 18, 18.5, 19, 19.5, 20) in / 43 (44.5, 45.5, 47, 48.5, 49.5, 51) cm from cast-on, or until desired length to underarm. Maintain lace repeat when you increase: add increases in multiples that keep your stitch count compatible (increase in pairs directly in pattern columns). At underarm, bind off 3 (4, 4, 5, 5, 6, 6) sts at each sleeve head edge when setting in to match body armhole shaping, then shape the sleeve cap to match the armhole depth of body panels (use short rows or decreases to match). Alternatively, set sleeves in gently with easing if stitch counts differ slightly.
Neck pickup: With RS facing, pick up all neck stitches around neckline (both front edges and back neck) using main needles. You should have a multiple of 7 + 2 (if not, pick up or release a small number to reach a compatible count). Work in Star Lace for the hood, shaping as follows: Work 8 in / 20 cm from pickup for a shallow hood, 10–12 in / 25–30 cm for a deeper hood. Then divide hood into two halves and work each half separately, decreasing 1 st at the center back edge every RS row until 6–8 sts remain; bind off. Repeat on other half and seam crown using three-needle bind-off or mattress stitch for a smooth top seam. For a garter hood edge, work 6 rows of garter stitch on the cast-on front edge before picking up stitches for the hood, or pick up stitches and work a 1–2 in garter band at the hood front.
- To change ease, change needle size or adjust cast-on counts; maintain lace repeat (multiple of 7 + 2). - To omit hood, finish neckline with a ribbed or garter band. - To lengthen/shorten cardigan, add/subtract multiples of the 2-row lace repeat in the body and sleeves. - If you prefer seamless construction, this pattern can be adapted to a top‑down raglan with a lace yoke (advanced adaptation required to incorporate raglan increases into lace repeat).
Weave in ends. Steam lightly again for final blocking. Gently stretch the band to sit flat if you used garter for the hood or bands. Add lightweight buttons if desired (7–9 depending on length and spacing).
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Designer notes: Keep a stitch marker between pattern repeats when increasing or decreasing to preserve motif alignment. The Star Lace is forgiving and blooms beautifully after blocking; aim for even tension on YO areas for best star effect.