A wide lace border adorns the bottom of this square-necked cardigan, creating a balanced look that flatters many body types. With this sweater, you can travel back to preindustrial times by knitting the lace border; during the Industrial Revolution, inexpensive machine-made lace from Nottingham adorned clothing and homes all across England.

Difficulty Intermediate

Finished Size 31.5 (35.5, 39.5, 43.5, 47.5, 51.5)“ bust circumference, buttoned. Cardigan shown measures 31.5”; modeled with 1.5” of negative ease.


Yarn Valley Yarns Northfield (70% merino wool, 20% baby alpaca, 10% silk): #08 summer plum, 8 (10, 10, 11, 12, 13) balls. Yarn distributed by WEBS.

Needles Sizes 6 (4 mm) and 8 (5 mm): 32” circular. Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.

Notions Markers; stitch holders; waste yarn; tapestry needle; six 5/8” buttons.

Gauge 20 sts and 28 rows = 4” in St st on larger needles.

Notes The body of this cardigan is worked in one piece to the underarm, then divided for working the fronts and back separately. The sleeves are worked flat and seamed.