The Gossamer Gable Cardigan: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Delicate, Openwork Lace Cardigan

Wrap Yourself in Romance: The Gossamer Gable Cardigan

Imagine a cardigan so light and airy, it feels like wearing a gentle summer breeze. The Gossamer Gable Cardigan is exactly that—a stunning, openwork lace knit that drapes beautifully over dresses, tanks, or tees. This free knitting pattern creates a delicate, ethereal garment with a simple, repeatable lace pattern that looks far more complex than it is. Whether you're a confident beginner looking for a rewarding project or an experienced knitter seeking a quick, romantic make, this cardigan is your perfect companion. The soft, heathered lavender shown here adds a touch of romance, but feel free to choose any fingering weight yarn that speaks to you. Let's get started on creating your new favorite layering piece.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. Using the correct materials ensures your cardigan will have the perfect drape and fit.

• Yarn: Fingering weight yarn (approx 800-1000 yards for size M). The sample uses a soft, heathered lavender.
• Needles:
  • US 6 (4.0 mm) circular needles (32-inch or longer for magic loop or working flat).
  • US 4 (3.5 mm) needles for ribbing.
• Notions: Stitch markers, stitch holders or waste yarn, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors.
• Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch on larger needles, after blocking. Blocking is essential to open up the lace and achieve the correct dimensions.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This cardigan is worked flat in one piece from the top down, with raglan increases for the sleeves and a delicate lace pattern on the body. Follow these detailed steps carefully, and you'll have a beautiful, custom-fit garment.

Sizes and Finished Measurements

• Sizes: XS (S, M, L, XL)
• Finished Bust: 32 (36, 40, 44, 48) inches

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on
• BO: Bind off
• k: knit
• p: purl
• yo: yarn over
• k2tog: knit two together
• ssk: slip slip knit (decrease)
• pm: place marker
• sm: slip marker
• RS: right side
• WS: wrong side

Pattern Notes

• This cardigan is worked flat in one piece from the top down, with raglan increases for the sleeves and a delicate lace pattern on the body.
• The lace pattern is a simple 4-row repeat that creates a beautiful, airy fabric.
• Blocking is essential to open up the lace and achieve the correct dimensions.

Instructions

Yoke

1. With smaller needles, CO 80 (84, 88, 92, 96) stitches.
2. Work in k1, p1 ribbing for 1 inch.
3. Switch to larger needles.
4. Set-up Row (RS): k12 (13, 14, 15, 16) (left front), pm, k8 (8, 8, 8, 8) (left sleeve), pm, k40 (42, 44, 46, 48) (back), pm, k8 (8, 8, 8, 8) (right sleeve), pm, k12 (13, 14, 15, 16) (right front).
5. Increase Row (RS): *Knit to 1 stitch before marker, yo, k1, sm, k1, yo; repeat from * 3 more times, knit to end. (8 stitches increased)
6. Next Row (WS): Purl all stitches.
7. Repeat these 2 rows until you have 40 (44, 48, 52, 56) stitches on each front, 40 (44, 48, 52, 56) stitches on each sleeve, and 80 (88, 96, 104, 112) stitches on the back. End with a WS row.

Separate Sleeves

1. Knit across left front stitches, place next 40 (44, 48, 52, 56) sleeve stitches on a holder, CO 4 (4, 6, 6, 8) stitches for underarm, knit across back stitches, place next 40 (44, 48, 52, 56) sleeve stitches on a holder, CO 4 (4, 6, 6, 8) stitches for underarm, knit across right front stitches.

Body

1. You now have 140 (152, 168, 180, 200) stitches for the body.
2. Begin working the lace pattern:
   • Row 1 (RS): k1, *yo, ssk, k2, k2tog, yo, k1; repeat from * to last stitch, k1.
   • Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.
   • Row 3 (RS): k2, *yo, ssk, k2tog, yo, k3; repeat from * to last 2 stitches, k2.
   • Row 4 (WS): Purl all stitches.
3. Repeat these 4 rows until the body measures 12 (13, 14, 15, 16) inches from underarm, or desired length, ending with a WS row.
4. Switch to smaller needles. Work in k1, p1 ribbing for 1 inch. BO loosely in pattern.

Sleeves

1. Transfer sleeve stitches from holder to larger needles. Pick up and knit 4 (4, 6, 6, 8) stitches from underarm. You have 44 (48, 54, 58, 64) stitches.
2. Work in stockinette stitch (knit every round) for 1 inch.
3. Decrease Round: k1, k2tog, knit to last 3 stitches, ssk, k1. (2 stitches decreased)
4. Repeat decrease round every 6 (6, 8, 8, 10) rounds until 30 (32, 36, 38, 42) stitches remain.
5. Continue even until sleeve measures 14 (15, 16, 17, 18) inches from underarm, or desired length.
6. Switch to smaller needles. Work in k1, p1 ribbing for 1 inch. BO loosely in pattern.

Finishing

1. Weave in all ends.
2. Block the cardigan to open up the lace pattern and achieve the correct measurements.
3. Sew on buttons if desired (optional).

Your Gossamer Gable Cardigan is now complete! Enjoy the delicate, airy beauty of your handmade creation. It's the perfect piece for adding a touch of romance and elegance to any outfit.