• Empire Lace Cardigan Knitting Pattern — view 1
  • Empire Lace Cardigan Knitting Pattern — view 3
  • Empire Lace Cardigan Knitting Pattern — view 4
  • Empire Lace Cardigan Knitting Pattern — view 5
1 4

Empire Lace Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Empire Lace Cardigan Knitting Pattern

A little lace, with room for everyday wear

Knit a children’s cardigan with a lace band just below the arms and a gently widening shape. The button bands grow with the body, so the delicate detail comes without sewing on separate front bands at the end.
  • Confident beginner
  • Nine sizes · Ages 3 months–10 years · Charted and written lace

Digital knitting pattern

£6.99 GBP
£6.99 GBP
Sale Sold out
  • Follow the lace from a chart or written instructions
  • Knit the button bands as you go
  • Choose by actual chest measurement across nine child sizes

What is inside the pattern?

English instructions for nine sizes, with both charted and written lace directions and a schematic.

The seamless top-down raglan includes optional short rows at the back neck for a more fitted neckline.

Is this the right level for me?

Confident beginner comfortable with garment basics. Cast on, knit, purl, increase, decrease, work yarn overs, bind off and knit small circumferences in the round.

The raglan yoke is worked flat. Hold the sleeves while completing the body and its lace band, then work each sleeve in the round. Optional back-neck short rows add a shaping choice.

Finished size & fit

Sizes: 3 / 6 / 12 / 18 months, then 2 / 4 / 6 / 8 / 10 years.

To fit body chest, in size order: 40.5 / 43 / 45.5 / 48.5 / 53.5 / 58.5 / 63.5 / 67.5 / 71 cm.

Finished garment chest at underarms: 45 / 49 / 50 / 52.5 / 56.5 / 61.5 / 66.5 / 70 / 75 cm. Age is a guide; compare actual measurements and the amount of ease you want.

Materials needed

Sport-weight yarn around 125 m per 50 g. Approximate amounts in size order: 320 / 366 / 411 / 457 / 503 / 594 / 686 / 777 / 869 m.

3.5 mm circular needles and matching DPNs for sleeves; 3.25 mm circular needles and matching DPNs for cuffs, or sizes needed for gauge.

Four stitch markers, tapestry needle, two pieces of scrap yarn, and 1.3 cm buttons. Button counts by size: 5 / 6 / 6 / 7 / 7 / 8 / 8 / 9 / 9.

Delivery and Refund Policy

Digital Delivery:

  • Instant PDF download after purchase.
  • Download link active for 30 days.

Technical Issues:

Returns and Refunds:

  • No returns or refunds after download.
  • Duplicate purchase? Email support@knitcy.com for a refund.
View full details

Picture the finished project

Empire Lace Cardigan Knitting Pattern — view 4

The finished project

The lace is a detail, not the whole garment

A narrow lace band marks the empire line below the underarms. The rest of the cardigan leaves the shape and yarn colour to carry the look.

Wear it over a simple top or dress. The button front gives a practical opening, while the widening body adds movement below the lace.

From the first stitch to the finish

Empire Lace Cardigan Knitting Pattern — view 5

Your time with the needles

The front bands are already there when you finish

Work from the neckline down with raglan increases and knit-as-you-go button bands. At sleeve separation, the body stays in one piece.

The lace comes as a focused section before the remaining body knitting. With both written directions and a chart, you can choose the format you prefer for that section.

A few things before you begin

Choose your size, check your yarn and plan your first stitches.

Do I have to pick up a button band afterwards?

No. The front button bands are knitted as you go.

Do I have to read a lace chart?

No. Both a chart and written instructions are provided for the lace pattern.

What gauge should I aim for?

24 stitches × 32 rows per 10 cm in stockinette after blocking, using the larger needles.

How do I receive my pattern?

After payment, follow the download link with your order. Save the file so you can return to the instructions when you’re ready to make it.

Make a cardigan with just enough lace to feel special.

Choose your yarn and make the project your own.

Get the Pattern · £6.99