Elegant long-line cardigan worked in a flowing star-lace stitch with a cosy hood. Worked flat in separate pieces (back, 2 fronts, 2 sleeves, hood) and seamed. Button bands are picked up and knitted after seaming so fronts remain clean for the lace pattern. Suitable for DK / light-worsted yarn; sizes and stitch multiple are given so you can adjust to your gauge.
Choose size based on finished bust; pattern includes positive ease for layering. If you prefer closer fit, pick one size down.
Star Lace pattern: 24 sts and 28 rows = 4" / 10 cm, measured over the lace pattern on US 7 (4.5 mm). That is 6 sts per inch / 2.4 sts per cm. Take time to swatch in the lace pattern and block the swatch before measuring.
Multiple of 6 sts + 2 edge sts. Work the edge sts as garter selvedge (slip first stitch purlwise with yarn in front on RS rows, knit last stitch of every row) OR simply knit first and last 2 sts of every row in garter if you prefer.
Pattern repeat (worked over 8 rows):
Row 1 (RS): K2 (edge), *k1, yo, k2tog, k1, ssk, yo* repeat to last 2 sts, k2 Row 2 (WS): K2 (edge), purl to last 2 sts, k2 Row 3 (RS): K2, *k1, ssk, yo, k1, yo, k2tog* repeat, k2 Row 4 (WS): K2, purl to last 2 sts, k2 Row 5 (RS): K2, *k2, yo, k2tog, k2* repeat, k2 Row 6 (WS): K2, purl to last 2 sts, k2 Row 7 (RS): K2, *k2, ssk, yo, k2* repeat, k2 Row 8 (WS): K2, purl to last 2 sts, k2
Notes: The pattern above creates alternating star-like eyelets. Maintain the edge sts as garter selvedge for easy seaming and a stable edge for button-band pickup. When working increases or decreases (for armholes, sleeves, etc.) try to add or remove stitches in pairs or multiples of 6 where possible, or work increases inside a plain knit section so lace pattern is maintained.
These counts are: each piece (Back, Left Front, Right Front) is cast on so the lace multiple fits. Each piece count = (6n + 2). The totals below already include the 2 selvedge sts on the seam side.
These counts assume the center-front edge will be finished later by picking up for a button band; if you prefer to include the button band in your cast-on, cast on an additional 6–8 sts at each center-front edge and adjust the lace repeat accordingly (maintain lace multiple of 6 across the remaining stitches).
Using larger needles (US 7 / 4.5 mm) cast on Back cast-on stitches for your size (see counts above). Work a 2-st garter selvedge at each side as described, with Star Lace pattern across the body sts.
Setup rows: Work 6 rows garter (knit every row) for lower hem OR continue lace from the first row if you prefer a lace hem edge. If you work garter hem, begin the Star Lace pattern after hem rows with a RS row as Row 1 of the lace pattern. Make sure the stitch count remains the same.
Work Body Lace Pattern until the piece measures (from cast-on) the measurement to underarm: XS: 18" / 46 cm S: 18.5" / 47 cm M: 19" / 48.5 cm L: 19.5" / 50 cm XL: 20" / 51 cm 2X: 20.5" / 52 cm (or your desired length to underarm). End after a WS row so you are ready to shape the armholes on an RS row.
Armhole shaping (standard): Bind off at the beginning of next 2 rows: 3 sts (or 4 sts for larger sizes) then continue working pattern across remaining sts. Alternatively shape by decreasing 1x3 then 1x2 etc if you prefer a sloped armhole. Continue until armhole depth reaches 8.5" / 21.5 cm (XS) to 9.5" / 24 cm (2X) or a comfortable armhole depth. Bind off remaining shoulder stitches onto waste yarn for seaming if desired or bind off.
Each front: cast on noted front stitches for your size. Work same hem treatment as back (6 rows garter) then begin Star Lace pattern as for back. Work until piece measures the same as back to underarm.
Armhole shaping: Mirror back shaping — bind off same number of sts at armhole edge as you used on back. Keep center-front edge vertical and do not bind off for button band (leave stitches live), or bind off and later pick up for a band. Continue until shoulder to match back. Place shoulder stitches on holder/waste yarn.
Cast on sleeve sts (adjusted to lace multiple + 2): XS 86 • S 92 • M 98 • L 104 • XL 110 • 2X 116. Work 6 rows garter hem for cuff OR begin with 2–3" rib if you prefer.
Begin Star Lace pattern across sleeve. Increase for sleeve cap/ease: To keep lace alignment, increase 6 sts total every X inches: For example, increase 6 sts (3 sts each side of center of sleeve or 3 sts each end combined as M1) every 4" / 10 cm until you reach the sleeve bicep measurement: XS: finish at 14" / 35.5 cm circumference (86 -> ~86–92 depending on increases) S: 15" / 38 cm M: 16" / 40.5 cm L: 17" / 43 cm XL: 18" / 45.5 cm 2X: 19" / 48 cm
Make sure you keep total stitch count at points that suit the lace multiple; if you add 6 sts per increase round, the total remains compatible. When sleeve length from cast-on reaches the underarm depth (same as body measurement at that point), bind off for sleeve cap or leave stitches on holder to seam into armhole. For a smoother cap, shape with short-row cap or shallow binds as desired.
With RS facing and shoulder seams sewn (or after body is seamed), pick up stitches around the neckline: pick up approximately 80–100% of neck edge stitches depending on desired hood depth. A simple formula: pick up 60% of total neckline stitches to create a hood that sits comfortably: example pick up 120–140 sts for XS–S, up to 160–180 sts for larger sizes. To keep the lace pattern, adjust picked-up sts to a multiple of 6 + 2 if you plan to work Star Lace across the hood. Alternatively work the hood in stockinette or garter and add a Star Lace center panel.
Work hood flat in rows: Knit in Star Lace for approx 10–12" / 25–30 cm depth (or desired). Then fold and seam top center back of hood with mattress stitch. For a rounded hood, decrease 6 sts evenly every 1" for 6–8 times until a small number remains, then BO. For a simple square hood, work the required length and seam the straight edges together.
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