The Lovely Lightweight Lace Crochet Cardigan pattern is a free and a beginner crochet pattern that is made to measure, size inclusive and designed to fit your measurements. The full crochet instructions are posted below for you to view for free.
When we started this blog our mandate was to never post a crochet pattern that we wouldn’t want to wear on a regular basis. In a world of changing trends, that was something we have stuck to. Sometimes we start from wanting something in our wardrobe … and not wanting to buy it (like this simple crochet tee) or finding a fascinating yarn that we are curious as to how it falls out (like this gorgeous color changing top).
However we haven’t really started from a stitch. We usually have the yarn in place or the design in mind…but we don’t typically start from a stitch. Well that’s how the Lovely Lightweight Lace Crochet Cardigan started. We have used this stitch before and it just really appeals! It’s pretty much double crochets, but the combination looks amazing and we love crocheting into spaces.
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We used one of our favorite yarns that has a beautiful drape. It is a cotton bamboo blend and you can find all the details in the section Crochet Materials below. We also went up a few hook sizes. It worked up even faster and gave us even more drape. We didn’t really know where we were heading with this one and at one stage thought pockets, collars or even a hood. However towards the end we could see the best part of it was its simplicity and the only thing we added was a cute contrasting trim using the same yarn.
We have been wearing this over cute denim shorts, skirts and dresses while its hot and summery. It looks so cute over a swim suit too – like a beach cover up cardigan. We also plan to wear it into early fall over jeans and long sleeves. You will love how it completely changes the look when thrown over a basic t-shirt!
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DESCRIPTION of The Lovely Lightweight Lace Crochet Cardigan
The Lovely Lightweight Lace Crochet Cardigan is a beautiful textured cardigan that is easy and beginner friendly. It does not feature any buttons, pockets or collars and uses primarily the double crochet stitch. The cardigan is designed to be worn loose and oversized and is best crocheted using a light draping yarn. The Lovely Lightweight Lace Crochet Cardigan is finished with a contrasting trim around the opening.
This crochet cardigan is a free and easy crochet pattern available as a size inclusive made to measure pattern. It is a beginner friendly crochet pattern and we used a weight 3 yarn. The Lovely Lightweight Lace Crochet Cardigan pattern can accommodate for different gauges however we recommend you use a gauge similar to ours.
CROCHET MEASUREMENTS & SIZES
Like most of our crochet patterns, The Lovely Lightweight Lace Crochet Cardigan is designed to be made to measure ie. tailored to your unique body measurements. At Kiks + Jack Crochet, we believe that if you’re going to invest the time and love into making your own clothes, they should fit you perfectly. Instead of giving fixed stitch counts for standard sizes like S to 5XL, we guide you through creating a custom-fit piece based on your personal measurements and your own gauge (so no need to match ours exactly with a swatch).
We list all the measurements you’ll need below, along with tips on how to take them accurately. We recommend writing them down and keeping them nearby as you follow the pattern. We’ll also walk you through calculation examples using our sample measurements, but be sure to adjust everything based on your own. For those who prefer to work from standard sizes, we’ve included a handy measurement chart further down as well.
To crochet The Lovely Lightweight Lace Crochet Cardigan you will need the following measurements and you should write them down for easy reference:
Chest/Bust: Measure around the fullest part of your chest/bust. Do not draw the tape too tightly.
Finished length: Measure from where you would like the cardigan to end, up to the top of your shoulder. We wanted our cardigan quite long and it hits below our hips.
Upper Arm Measurement: Measure around the widest section of the upper arm located above the elbow eg bicep or it could be closer to the top of your arm.
Length to Armpit Measurement: Measure from where you would like the cardigan to end up to your armpit.
Arm Length: With arm slightly bent, measure from armpit to wrist (or where you would like the sleeve to end)
Wrist Circumference: Measure from one point on your wrist all around your wrist.
Standard Sizing (For Reference)
If you would like to use standard sizing for the chest/bust – then for XS (S, M , L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL) use approximately 28-30 (32-34, 36-38, 40-42, 44-46, 48-50, 52-54, 56-58, 60-62) inches or 71-76 (81-86, 91-96, 102-107, 112-117, 122-127, 132-137, 142-147, 152-158) centimetres.
If you would like to use standard sizing for arm length – then for XS (S, M , L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL) use approximately 16.5 (17, 17, 17.5, 17.5, 18, 18, 18.5, 18.5) inches or 42 (43, 43, 44.5, 44.5, 45.5, 45.5, 47, 47) centimetres
If you would like to use standard sizing for upper arm – then for XS (S, M , L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL) use approximately 9.75 (10.25, 11, 12, 13.5, 15.5, 17, 18.5, 18.5) inches or 25 (26, 28, 30.5, 34.5, 39.5, 43, 47, 49.5) centimetres
Note: The Lovely Lightweight Lace Crochet Cardigan is designed as an oversized fit with significant positive ease.
CROCHET GAUGE
The Lovely Lightweight Lace Crochet Cardigan pattern is made to measure and can accommodate for different crochet gauges. You do not need to swatch our gauge exactly however we suggest you use similar weight yarn and hook to achieve the same effect.
We used a weight 3 yarn (DK, Light Worsted) and a 5.5mm hook for our version.
We also highly suggest you use a draping yarn.
CROCHET MATERIALS for The Lovely Lightweight Lace Crochet Cardigan
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Yarn brand: Coboo by Lion Brand Yarn. Weight 3/DK/ Light Worsted. 100g skein and 232 yards (or 212m).
You can also purchase Coboo here and we always check this for great deals.
Kiks + Jack Crochet’s version is approximately XS and had a finished width of approximately 18 inches and a finished length of 24 inches. We used approximately 3.8 skeins in total, or 882 yards (or 806 m). We also edged our opening with a contrasting trim so if you would like to do the same you will need a small amount of a secondary color.
Other great substitutions to use for The Lovely Lightweight Lace Crochet Cardigan include:
Happy Place by Hobbii. Weight 3/Light Worsted/DK and
Softee Cotton by Bernat. Weight 3/DK/Light Worsted.
Crochet Hook (we used a 5.5mm and a 5mm). We use many different crochet hooks and if you are looking for some great budget friendly ergonomic crochet hooks try these from Amazon. It comes in a set and the grip and the shape is amazing for beginner crocheters. We also love the slightly more pricey crochet hooks from Clover Crochet Hooks and the beautiful Furls Crochet Hooks (these are so stunning, we just love looking at them!)
Measuring Tape. We use a super budget friendly measuring tape. Make sure it has cm and inches (not all patterns are written with both). We are always crocheting on the go so we like our tapes small and compact and we put one in our design area, one in our bag and one in our car. Retractable works best! We use these super cheap mini measuring tapes from Amazon
Stitch Markers. We use these locking crochet stitch markers from Amazon and these stitch markers that do not lock. They are cheap and colourful.
Blocking Pins. You should buy more pins than you think you need. If you are going to take the time to block don’t skimp on the pins. We like T shaped stainless steel pins that don’t rust when they get wet. We love these blocking T pins from Amazon and the tin means the pins don’t fall out on the floor.
Yarn Needle. Buy blunt needles with large eyes for yarn. We use these Yarn Needles because we like the convenient bottle, they are budget friendly and we get lots of them!
Scissors. We love these thread snippers because they are cheap, we get two of them AND they come with a case (some don’t). Don’t carry these without the case! After you use thread snippers you won’t want to snip with scissors.
CROCHET STITCHES & ABBREVIATIONS
The Lovely Lightweight Lace Crochet Cardigan pattern is written with US terms.
ch = chain (With one loop on your hook, yarn over and pull through the loop)
sc = single crochet (Insert hook into desired stitch. Yarn over and pull through the stitch. You now have two loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through all two loops)
dc = double crochet (Yarn over and insert hook into desired stitch. Yarn over and pull through the stitch. You now have three loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops. You now have two loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through all two loops)
sl st = slip stitch (Insert hook into desired stitch. Yarn over and pull through the stitch and the loop on your hook)
ch-2 sp = chain 2 space (eg. crochet into the space and not the stitch)
tch = turning chain
st = stitch
sk = skip stitch
* = repeat the instructions following the * as directed
Note unless stated otherwise in The Lovely Lightweight Lace Crochet Cardigan pattern, turning chains do not count as a stitch if there are 1 or 2 chains and the turning chain does count as a stitch if there are 3 or 4 chains.
SUMMARY of CONSTRUCTION for The Lovely Lightweight Lace Crochet Cardigan
The Lovely Lightweight Lace Crochet Cardigan is made by first crocheting a main back panel. We will then crochet two front panels with some gentle shaping, and this will make up the front of the cardigan.
We will then crochet the sleeve panels and shape them so they are wide enough to fit over the widest part of your arm. We will crochet the sleeve panel until it reaches the required length. We will seam the two front panels and the back panels at the shoulder and then seam sleeves directly on to the panels.
Finally we crochet a contrasting edge on to the neck opening of The Lovely Lightweight Lace Crochet Cardigan.
PERMISSIONS AND COPYRIGHT for The Lovely Lightweight Lace Crochet Cardigan
You may not publish or share any pattern on this website www.kiksandjackcrochet as your own including this pattern The Lovely Lightweight Lace Crochet Cardigan. Except as permitted by the copyright law applicable to you, you may not reproduce or communicate any of the content on this website, including files downloadable from this website, without the permission of the copyright owner, Kiks + Jack Crochet.
You may not use any Kiks and Jack Crochet photo as your own photo.
You may crochet items to sell using The Lovely Lightweight Lace Crochet Cardigan pattern upon permission by email at [email protected]. Please link back to this post in exchange.
CROCHET PATTER INSTRUCTIONS for The Lovely Lightweight Lace Crochet Cardigan
Crochet the Back Panel
Calculate the length of your initial foundation chain as follows:
| Instructions | Kiks + Jack Crochet Example |
| Halve your “Chest/Bust Measurement“ | Our chest/bust measurement = 32 inches around Half our chest/bust measurement = 32/2 = 16 inches |
| Add additional 2-3 inches for positive ease and a slightly oversized look | 16 inches + 2 inches = 18 inches |
Chain a length as calculated above and count the stitches at the same time. Do not pull the chain too tight when you measure it.
Your foundation chain needs to end on a multiple of 10 (we prefer to round up as we like a more oversized look).
Write this number down as you will need it for the front panel.
Add 5 more additional chains.
Kiks + Jack Crochet Example: Our chest/bust measurement = 32 inches around and we have to chain 18 inches as per our calculation above. We reached approximately 18 inches after chaining 68 chains (not a multiple of 10). We add 2 more chains to give a total of 70 chains (a multiple of 10). We then add 5 more chains to take us to a total of 75 chains in our initial foundation chain.
Row 1: dc in 4th ch from hook, dc in next ch, *sk next 3 ch, [2dc, ch2, 2dc] in next ch, sk next 3ch, 1dc in each of next 3 ch, rep from * across the row until end. Turn
Row 2: ch3, dc in 2nd st, dc in 3rd st, *[2dc, ch2, 2dc] in next ch-2 sp, sk next 2st, 1dc in each of next 3 st, rep from * across the row and end with dc in top of tch. Turn
Row 3-4: repeat row 2
This is a great time to pause and conduct an intuitive check on the width of your cardigan. After working approximately 4 rows, hold it up against your body to see how it fits. If it looks right, keep going. But if it seems too wide or too snug, now is the easiest time to adjust. You’ll need to start over and change the number of starting chains, ensuring you follow all stitch multiple rules. Sometimes yarn stretches more than we expect, or we realize we prefer a looser or more fitted feel, so trust your instincts and make any changes now while it’s still easy to tweak.
Repeat row 2 until the back panel reaches a length equal to your “Finished Length Measurement“. Fasten off.
Kiks + Jack Crochet Example: Our “Finished length measurement ” is 24 inches so we repeat row 2 until the length of the back panel reaches 24 inches.
Crochet the Front Panel (Make 2)
You will now crochet 2 panels that will make up the front of your cardigan.
Lets calculate the initial foundation chain for the front panel.
| Calculation | Kiks + Jack Crochet Example |
| How many total chains did you crochet in your initial foundation chain for the back panel without the additional 5 chains? | We crocheted 70 chains. |
| Divide this number by 2 | 70/2 = 35 chains |
| Round down to the nearest 10 or keep as is if it is already a multiple of 10. | Round to 30 chains. |
| Add 5 more chains | 30 + 5 = 35 chains |
Chain a length with the same number of chains as calculated above. Try to crochet with the same tension as you used for the back panel.
In Kiks + Jack’s example we would chain 35 chains.
Row 1: dc in 4th ch from hook, dc in next ch, *sk next 3 ch, [2dc, ch2, 2dc] in next ch, sk next 3ch, 1dc in each of next 3 ch, rep from * across the row until end. Turn
Row 2: ch3, dc in 2nd st, dc in 3rd st, *[2dc, ch2, 2dc] in next ch-2 sp, sk next 2st, 1dc in each of next 3 st, rep from * across the row and end with dc in top of tch. Turn
Repeat Row 2 until the length of your front panel is approximately equal to your “Length to Armpit Measurement”.
We will now gently shape the front panels.
Do not fasten off.
Shape Front Panel for Neckline
Place the front panel in front of you so that the working yarn is on the left hand side. Place a locking stitch marker at the top right hand side. This stitch marker represents the centre of your cardigan and we assume your working yarn is at the edge of your cardigan.
We are going to use Shaping Rows A – F below to create a gentle V neck.
Pick up the working yarn on the edge and you are working towards the centre represented by your stitch marker.
Shaping Row A (working towards the centre of your top ie. towards the SM): ch3, dc in 2nd st, dc in 3rd st, *[2dc, ch2, 2dc] in next ch-2 sp, sk next 2st, 1dc in each of next 3 st, rep from * across the row however at the end instead of crocheting 3dc in a row, stop after 1dc. Turn
Shaping Row B (working towards the edge of your top ie. away from the SM): sl st into next 3 st, ch3, [1dc, ch2, 2dc] into ch-2 sp, *sk next 2st, 1dc in each of next 3 st, [2dc, ch2, 2dc] in next ch-2 sp, rep from * across the row ending with 1dc in top of tch. Turn
Shaping Row C (working towards centre): ch3, dc in 2nd st, dc in 3rd st, *[2dc, ch2, 2dc] in next ch-2 sp, sk next 2st, 1dc in each of next 3 st, rep from * across the row and when you reach the last cluster crochet only 2dc into ch-2 sp. Turn
Shaping Row D (working towards the edge): ch3, sk next 2st, 1dc in each of next 3 st, *[2dc, ch2, 2dc] in next ch-2 sp, sk next 2st, 1dc in each of next 3 st, rep from * across the row ending with 1dc in top of tch. Turn
Shaping Row E (working towards the centre): ch3, dc in 2nd st, dc in 3rd st, *[2dc, ch2, 2dc] in next ch-2 sp, sk next 2st, 1dc in each of next 3 st, rep from * across the row. Turn
Shaping Row F (working towards the edge): sl st in next 2 st, ch3, dc in next st, *[2dc, ch2, 2dc] in n next ch-2 sp, sk next 2st, 1dc in each of next 3 st, rep from * across the row ending with 1 dc in top of tch. Turn
Now we will stop shaping and finish the front panel using non shaping rows G-H below. Note, we will be crocheting an edge around your neckline to straighten the edge later.
Optional Tip: Place the front panel up against you. If you would like to shape a little more you can repeat a few more rows of A – F in that order. If you do this and would still like to add some non shaping rows afterwards, then make sure you end on either Shaping Row D or Shaping Row F.
Non Shaping Row G: ch3, dc in 2nd st, dc in 3rd st, *[2dc, ch2, 2dc] in next ch-2 sp, sk next 2st, 1dc in each of next 3 st, rep from * across the row until you reach the last cluster. At the last cluster [2dc, ch2, 2dc] in the ch-2 sp, sk next 2 st, 1 dc in the remaining stitches and end with 1dc in top of tch. Turn
Non Shaping Row H: ch3, dc in 2nd st, dc in next st until you reach cluster, *[2dc, ch2, 2dc] in next ch-2 sp, sk next 2st, 1dc in each of next 3 st, rep from * across the row ending with 1dc in top of tch. Turn
Continue crocheting Non Shaping Row H until the Front Panel length is equal to the length of the Back Panel.
Fasten of.
Remember you need two front panels.
Crochet the Sleeve Panel (Make 2)
| Calculation | Kiks+Jack Crochet Example |
| What is your “wrist circumference measurement”? | Our wrist circumference measurement is 6.5 inches. |
| Add 3 inches | 6.5 inches + 3 inches = 9.5 inches |
Chain a length as calculated above and count the stitches at the same time. Do not pull the chain too tight when you measure it.
We want your total foundation chain to be a multiple of 10 stitches (divides evenly into 10). If it is not add more chains to ensure your total chain ends on a multiple of 10 stitches.
Add 5 more additional chains.
Kiks + Jack Crochet Example: We reached approximately 9.5 inches after chaining 40 chains. 40 is a multiple of 10 so we leave as is. We add an additional 5 more chains to achieve a total of 45 chains.
Row 1: dc in 4th ch from hook, dc in next ch, *sk next 3 ch, [2dc, ch2, 2dc] in next ch, sk next 3ch, 1dc in each of next 3 ch, rep from * across the row until end. Turn
Row 2: ch3, dc in 2nd st, dc in 3rd st, *[2dc, ch2, 2dc] in next ch-2 sp, sk next 2st, 1dc in each of next 3 st, rep from * across the row and end with dc in top of tch. Turn
Repeat row 2 until the length of the sleeve panel is approximately 1/2 way up your forearm. At this point take a measurement of the width. We need this width to equal approximately your “Upper Arm Measurement” + 2 inches so that it can fit over the widest part of your arm.
Kiks + Jack Example: Our sleeve panel started at 9.5 inches wide and we need to increase this width to 14 inches wide.
To expand the width of the sleeve panel we will now crochet as follows (remember ch3, counts as a st):
Row a: ch3, dc in 1st st, dc in 2nd st, dc in 3rd st, *[2dc, ch2, 2dc] in next ch-2 sp, sk next 2st, 1dc in each of next 3 st, rep from * across the row and end with 2dc in top of tch. Turn
Row b: ch3, dc in 2nd st, dc in each st until you reach the first cluster, *[2dc, ch2, 2dc] in next ch-2 sp, sk next 2st, 1dc in each of next 3 st, rep from * across the row across the row until you reach the last cluster. At the last cluster [2dc, ch2, 2dc] in the ch-2 sp, sk next 2 st, 1 dc in the remaining stitches and end with 1dc in top of tch. Turn
Row c: ch3, dc in 1st st, dc in 2nd st, dc in each st until you reach the first cluster, *[2dc, ch2, 2dc] in next ch-2 sp, sk next 2st, 1dc in each of next 3 st, rep from * across the row across the row until you reach the last cluster. At the last cluster [2dc, ch2, 2dc] in the ch-2 sp, sk next 2 st, 1 dc in the remaining stitches and end with 2dc in top of tch. Turn
Repeat Rows b-c in this order until the width of your sleeve panel is equal to approximately your “Upper Arm Measurement” + 2 inches. When you have achieved this stop crocheting Row c and ONLY crochet Row b.
Continue to crochet Row b until the total length of your sleeve panel, is equal to your “Arm Length Measurement“.
You will later check the sleeve length again under “Assembly” so that you can ensure you have the perfect fit.
Fasten off.
Remember you need to crochet two identical sleeve panels.
Assembling The Lovely Lightweight Lace Crochet Cardigan
Kiks + Jack Crochet strongly recommends blocking all your panels before assembling the Lovely Lightweight Lace Crochet Cardigan. Blocking helps even out your pieces and gives your cardigan a clean, professional finish.
To block your panels, we like to pin each piece onto an old yoga mat, shaping and smoothing the edges so the front and back panels match, and the sleeves are the same shape. Once everything is pinned in place, spray the panels with water, paying extra attention to the edges to be sure they’re thoroughly damp. Leave the pins in until the pieces are completely dry.
Step 1: Seam the Front and Back Panels at the shoulder.
Place a front panel on top of the back panel and line it up at the side and shoulder. With a yarn needle and matching yarn, seam the panel together across the shoulders. Start from the edge and seam up to the end of the front panel. Fasten off. Do the same with the second front panel on the other side of the back panel.
Step 2: Line up your sleeves at the midway point to the shoulder and seam. Open up the two panels (now seamed at the shoulders) so that the right side is facing the floor and the wrong side is facing upwards. Take one of your crocheted sleeves and fold it in half lengthways. Place a stitch marker at the top of your sleeve at the centre point. With the wrong side of the sleeve facing up, attach this stitch marker to the left edge of the left shoulder seam.
Do the same on the right side with the other sleeve.
Tip: This is a great moment to check your sleeve length. We recommend temporarily attaching the sleeve panel to the body using a few locking stitch markers so you can try it on for fit. If you’d like your sleeves longer (we love an oversized style that drapes past the fingertips), just add more rows to your sleeve panel. To do this, unpick the final knot where you fastened off, rejoin your yarn, and crochet as many extra rows as you need. If you prefer shorter sleeves, unpick the knot and unravel (frog) rows until you reach the length you want. Remember to adjust the second sleeve the same way so both sides match evenly.
When everything is perfect, using a yarn needle and matching yarn, seam the sleeves to the main panels (wrong side facing up).
See diagram below. For illustrative purposes only and not drawn to completeness or scale.
Step 3: Seam the sides of the shirt and the bottom of the sleeve together. Fold the panels and sleeve panels at the seamed shoulders so that your cardigan is facing wrong side out. With a yarn needle and matching yarn, seam the sides of the two panels together up to the armpit and along the bottom of the sleeve.
Fasten off.
Crochet the Neckline Edge for The Lovely Lightweight Lace Crochet Cardigan
Turn the cardigan correct side out.
Use a smaller hook size. We dropped from a size 5.5mm to a 5mm.
Attach a contrasting yarn (or keep as one color if you prefer) at the bottom of your front panel. Start with the side that works best for you.
ch1, sc around the entire front opening from one end at the bottom all around the neckline to the other end. Try to crochet evenly around the neckline, the distance of one stitch. You can crochet 1sc into regular spaces and 2sc into larger spaces. End on an even number. Turn
ch3, sc into 2nd st, *ch2, sk1, sc into next st, rep from * until you reach the other end, ending with a sc in the last st.
Fasten off.
Finish & Celebrate The Lovely Lightweight Lace Crochet Cardigan
Weave in all your ends.
Congratulations you have finished The Lovely Lightweight Lace Crochet Cardigan and we hope you enjoyed this free crochet pattern.
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