Carnation Kisses Lacy Cardigan Free Knitting Pattern – Floral Mesh Boho Layer

Introducing the Carnation Kisses Lacy Cardigan

Wrap yourself in a cloud of delicate floral mesh with this breezy, open-front cardigan. The Carnation Kisses design features an all-over lace pattern that mimics scattered carnation petals, creating a romantic, boho-inspired layer that's perfect for throwing over summer dresses or adding a soft touch to cozy winter knits. This free knitting pattern is designed for women of all skill levels who are ready to dip their toes into lacework—and the results are absolutely stunning.

With its loose, flowing silhouette, three-quarter length sleeves, and no-button open front, this cardigan is as practical as it is beautiful. The intricate lace texture is surprisingly simple to knit once you get into the rhythm of the 14-row repeat, and the finished garment drapes beautifully thanks to the lightweight fingering weight cotton yarn. Whether you're a seasoned lace knitter or a confident beginner looking for a challenge, the Carnation Kisses cardigan will quickly become a staple in your handmade wardrobe.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies to ensure a smooth knitting experience:

• Yarn: Fingering weight cotton or cotton-blend yarn (approximately 900–1100 yards for sizes S/M). Choose a soft, breathable cotton for warm-weather wear, or a cotton-wool blend for year-round versatility. The sample shown uses a delicate blush pink with subtle ivory and sage green accents.
• Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) circular needles, 32 inches or longer (for working back and front panels flat). You may also want a second pair for sleeves if you prefer not to transfer stitches.
• Stitch markers: At least 4–6 markers to help track pattern repeats and shaping.
• Tapestry needle: For weaving in ends and seaming.
• Blocking mats and pins: Essential for opening up the lace pattern and achieving the correct measurements.
• Scissors and measuring tape.

Gauge

To achieve the correct fit, it's crucial to check your gauge before starting:

• Stockinette stitch: 22 stitches and 30 rows = 4 inches (10 cm)
• Carnation Lace pattern: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches (10 cm), after blocking

If your gauge is off, adjust your needle size accordingly. Remember that lace patterns often grow significantly after blocking, so always block your swatch before measuring.

Sizes and Measurements

This pattern is written for sizes S (M, L, XL). Finished bust measurements are 36 (40, 44, 48) inches, and the length from shoulder to hem is 22 (23, 24, 25) inches. The cardigan is designed to be worn with positive ease—the open front means it should drape loosely over your body.

Stitches and Abbreviations

Familiarize yourself with these standard knitting abbreviations before you begin:

• k = knit
• p = purl
• yo = yarn over
• k2tog = knit two together (right-leaning decrease)
• ssk = slip slip knit (left-leaning decrease)
• k3tog = knit three together
• sl1, k2tog, psso = slip one stitch, knit two together, pass slipped stitch over (double decrease)
• pm = place marker
• sm = slip marker

Special Stitch Pattern: Carnation Lace

The Carnation Lace pattern is a 14-row repeat worked over a multiple of 8 + 1 stitches. The lace creates delicate floral motifs with eyelets and yarn-overs that resemble scattered carnation petals. Follow the chart below or the written instructions carefully.

Row 1 (RS): k1, *yo, k3, sl1, k2tog, psso, k3, yo, k1; repeat from * to end.

Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Row 3: k2, *yo, k2, sl1, k2tog, psso, k2, yo, k3; repeat from * to last 6 sts, yo, k2, sl1, k2tog, psso, k2, yo, k2.

Row 4: Purl all stitches.

Row 5: k3, *yo, k1, sl1, k2tog, psso, k1, yo, k5; repeat from * to last 6 sts, yo, k1, sl1, k2tog, psso, k1, yo, k3.

Row 6: Purl all stitches.

Row 7: k4, *yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, yo, k7; repeat from * to last 5 sts, yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, yo, k4.

Row 8: Purl all stitches.

Row 9: k3, *k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, k5; repeat from * to last 6 sts, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, k3.

Row 10: Purl all stitches.

Row 11: k2, *k2tog, yo, k3, yo, ssk, k3; repeat from * to last 6 sts, k2tog, yo, k3, yo, ssk, k2.

Row 12: Purl all stitches.

Row 13: k1, *k2tog, yo, k5, yo, ssk, k1; repeat from * to end.

Row 14: Purl all stitches.

Repeat rows 1–14 for the pattern. Place a marker after every pattern repeat to help you keep track of your place, especially when working on long rows.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Back Panel

Cast on: Cast on 89 (97, 105, 113) stitches.

Garter edge: Work 4 rows in garter stitch (knit every row). This creates a neat, rolled edge that complements the lace.

Begin pattern: Start the Carnation Lace pattern with Row 1. Work even in pattern until the piece measures 20 (21, 22, 23) inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a wrong-side row.

Shape shoulders: Bind off 8 (9, 10, 11) stitches at the beginning of the next 6 rows (3 times on each side). After all bind-offs, you will have 41 (43, 45, 47) stitches remaining for the back neck. Bind off these stitches loosely.

Left Front Panel

Cast on: Cast on 45 (49, 53, 57) stitches.

Garter edge: Work 4 rows in garter stitch.

Begin pattern: Start the Carnation Lace pattern with Row 1. Work even until the piece measures 18 (19, 20, 21) inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a wrong-side row.

Shape neck: At the beginning of right-side rows, bind off as follows: 6 stitches once, then 3 stitches once, then 2 stitches once, then 1 stitch twice. This removes a total of 13 stitches for the neckline. You will have 32 (36, 40, 44) stitches remaining.

Continue: Work even in pattern until the piece measures the same as the back panel to the shoulder.

Shape shoulder: Bind off 8 (9, 10, 11) stitches at the beginning of the next 3 right-side rows. Bind off the remaining 8 (9, 10, 11) stitches.

Right Front Panel

Work exactly as for the left front panel, but mirror all shaping. This means neck decreases are worked at the beginning of wrong-side rows, and shoulder bind-offs are also worked on wrong-side rows. The lace pattern itself is symmetrical, so you don't need to alter the stitch pattern—just reverse the shaping side.

Sleeves (Make 2)

Cast on: Cast on 49 (53, 57, 61) stitches.

Garter edge: Work 4 rows in garter stitch.

Begin pattern: Start the Carnation Lace pattern with Row 1.

Increase for shaping: Increase 1 stitch at each side every 6th row, 10 (12, 14, 16) times total. Work the increases in stockinette stitch at the edges, keeping the lace pattern centered. To increase, use your preferred method (e.g., knit front and back or make one). After all increases, you will have 69 (77, 85, 93) stitches.

Work even: Continue in pattern until the sleeve measures 17 (18, 19, 20) inches from the cast-on edge.

Bind off: Bind off all stitches loosely. Repeat for the second sleeve.

Finishing and Assembly

Blocking

Blocking is essential for lace knitting—it opens up the pattern and ensures your garment measures correctly. Soak all pieces in lukewarm water with a gentle wool wash for 20–30 minutes. Gently squeeze out excess water (never wring), then lay pieces flat on blocking mats. Pin each piece to the measurements listed above, paying special attention to the lace panels. Allow to dry completely before seaming.

Seaming

Shoulder seams: With right sides together, sew the shoulder seams using mattress stitch or a whip stitch.

Sleeves: Set in the sleeves by matching the center of the sleeve cap to the shoulder seam. Pin the sleeve into the armhole, easing any fullness, and sew in place.

Side and sleeve seams: Sew the side seams from the underarm down to the hem, then continue down the sleeve seams to the cuff. Use a mattress stitch for an invisible finish.

Front Bands

With the right side facing, pick up and knit approximately 90 (95, 100, 105) stitches along each front edge, including the neck shaping. Work in garter stitch for 6 rows, then bind off loosely. This creates a neat, narrow band that won't curl.

Neckband

Pick up and knit stitches around the entire neck edge, including the top of the front bands. Work 4 rows in garter stitch, then bind off loosely. This finishes the neckline neatly and helps the cardigan sit comfortably on the shoulders.

Final Touches

Weave in all loose ends with a tapestry needle. Give the finished cardigan a final light steam or block to even out the seams.

Optional closure: Since this cardigan has no buttons, you can add a simple crochet chain tie at the waist or use a decorative pin to close it. A vintage brooch or a leather belt would also look lovely with the boho aesthetic.

Wearing and Caring for Your Cardigan

The Carnation Kisses cardigan is designed to be a versatile layering piece. Wear it open over a sundress in the summer, or pair it with a long-sleeve tee and jeans for cooler evenings. The lightweight cotton yarn makes it perfect for transitional weather.

To care for your handmade garment, hand wash in cold water with a gentle detergent and lay flat to dry. Reshape while damp to maintain the lace's beautiful drape. With proper care, this cardigan will last for years and become a treasured piece in your handmade wardrobe.

We hope you enjoy knitting the Carnation Kisses Lacy Cardigan! The combination of delicate lace, soft cotton, and a flattering open-front silhouette makes this a truly special project. Happy knitting!