Cream Open-Lace Crochet Button Crop Cardigan Pattern – Free Puff-Lace Cardigan

This open lace crochet cardigan pattern makes a cropped, short-sleeved button cardigan in natural cream cotton. It is worked in an airy open puff-lace stitch with a deep V-neck, scalloped neckline, scalloped hem, scalloped sleeve edging and five wooden buttons. The pieces are worked flat with a 4 mm hook and DK cotton yarn, and the finished Small / Medium cardigan fits a 36–38 in / 91.5–96.5 cm bust and measures 16.25 in / 41 cm long.

The pattern is written in US crochet terms with row-by-row stitch counts, a full crochet diagram and step-by-step tutorials. It is rated advanced intermediate because it combines puff-lace, V-neck and armhole shaping, button bands and scalloped edging. If you are new to lace, start with our guide to how to read crochet patterns, refresh your double crochet and foundation chain, then browse more free crochet patterns, including our Granny Square Top and Skirt Set, Striped Maxi Dress and Mesh Bucket Hat, or the full free crochet cardigan and top patterns collection.

Jump to: Skill level | Size and gauge | Materials | Abbreviations | Construction | Back panel | Front panels | Sleeves | Button bands | Scalloped edging | Assembly | Checklist | Diagrams | FAQ

About This Open Lace Crochet Cardigan Pattern

Project	Detail
Pattern type	Cropped short-sleeved button cardigan in open puff-lace with V-neck, scalloped neckline, hem and sleeve edging.
Skill level	Advanced intermediate (see skill level).
Crochet terms	US crochet terminology (see how to read crochet patterns)
Finished size	Single adult women’s size Small / Medium, 36–38 in / 91.5–96.5 cm bust, 16.25 in / 41 cm long.
Yarn and hooks	360–430 g DK cotton or cotton-blend yarn, 4 mm hook for the body, 3.5 mm hook for bands and edging.
Construction	Back, left front and right front worked flat from the hem up, shoulders and sides seamed, sleeves worked directly into the armholes, bands and scalloped borders added last.

This pattern includes written row-by-row stitch counts plus a crochet diagram and tutorial charts. Block every piece before seaming so the puff-lace stays open and the scalloped edges lie flat.

1. Skill Level – Advanced Intermediate Crochet Cardigan

Advanced intermediate.

This pattern uses open puff-lace fabric, separate front and back panels, V-neck shaping, short sleeves, button band, buttonhole band, scalloped neckline, scalloped hem, scalloped sleeve edging, and full garment assembly.

2. Finished Size and Gauge

Single adult women’s size: Small / Medium.

Area	Finished Measurement
Bust circumference	36–38 in / 91.5–96.5 cm
Back width	18.25 in / 46.5 cm
Each front width before band	9.25 in / 23.5 cm
Body length from shoulder	16.25 in / 41 cm
Length from hem to underarm	10.5 in / 26.5 cm
Armhole depth	7 in / 18 cm
Shoulder width each side	4.25 in / 11 cm
Back neck width	6.25 in / 16 cm
Front V-neck depth	7.25 in / 18.5 cm
Sleeve length from armhole	5.75 in / 14.5 cm
Sleeve opening circumference	13.75 in / 35 cm
Button band width	0.75 in / 2 cm
Buttons	5

Gauge after blocking:

Gauge Area	Measurement
Open puff-lace fabric	16 pattern positions = 4 in / 10 cm
Open puff-lace rows	11 rows = 4 in / 10 cm
Single crochet edging	18 sc = 4 in / 10 cm

Gauge tip: lace stretches a lot when blocked, so swatch the open puff-lace and measure after blocking. Enter your swatch into our free Gauge Calculator to see how many pattern positions and rows you need if your gauge is off.

3. Materials for the Open Lace Crochet Cardigan

Material	Amount
DK cotton or cotton-blend yarn, natural cream	360–430 g
Crochet hook for body	4 mm
Crochet hook for bands and edging	3.5 mm
Wooden or coconut buttons, 14–16 mm	5
Stitch markers	18
Yarn needle	1
Sewing needle and matching thread	Required
Blocking pins	Required
Measuring tape	Required

Recommended yarn: firm cotton, cotton-bamboo, or cotton-linen blend. The fabric needs enough structure to keep the scalloped edges visible.

Yarn and hook tip: use our Yarn Estimator to check how much yarn you need if you adjust the size, and the Hook Size Converter to match the 4 mm and 3.5 mm hooks to your local sizing. Not sure which cotton to buy? See our guide to the best yarn for crochet projects.

4. Stitch Abbreviations and Stitch Definitions

US crochet terms.

Abbreviation	Meaning
ch	chain
sl st	slip stitch
sc	single crochet
hdc	half double crochet
dc	double crochet
puff	puff stitch
sc2tog	single crochet 2 together
BLO	back loop only
st / sts	stitch / stitches
sp	space
rnd	round
RS	right side
WS	wrong side
sk	skip
FO	fasten off

Stuck on a line? Paste any row into our Pattern Decoder, search puff, sc2tog or BLO in the Abbreviation Lookup, or use the US / UK Detector to confirm your terms match this US-term pattern.

Stitch Definitions

Single Crochet:

Insert hook into indicated stitch or space, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.

Half Double Crochet:

Yarn over, insert hook into indicated stitch or space, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through all 3 loops.

Double Crochet:

Yarn over, insert hook into indicated stitch or space, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over and pull through 2 loops, yarn over and pull through final 2 loops.

Puff Stitch:

Yarn over, insert hook into indicated stitch or space, yarn over and pull up loop 3 times in the same place. There will be 7 loops on hook. Yarn over and pull through all 7 loops. Ch 1 to close. The closing ch does not count as a separate stitch.

sc2tog:

Insert hook into next stitch, yarn over, pull up loop. Insert hook into following stitch, yarn over, pull up loop. Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops.

Back Loop Only Single Crochet:

Work sc into the back loop only of the indicated stitch.

Reverse Single Crochet:

Working from left to right, insert hook into previous stitch, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.

Picot:

Ch 3, sl st into the same stitch where the ch-3 began.

Pattern Position

For this pattern, one “pattern position” means one vertical placement point in the lace row. A mesh row contains dc posts and ch-1 spaces. A puff row contains sc posts, puff posts, and ch-2 bridges. The written count after each row is the full row width in pattern positions.

Open Puff-Lace Setup Mesh Row

Worked over an odd number of stitches.

Ch 4, turn. Ch 4 counts as first dc and ch-1. Sk next st, *dc in next st, ch 1, sk next st; repeat from * across to final st, dc in final st.

Count remains the same number of pattern positions as the previous row.

Example over 73 stitches: 37 dc posts and 36 ch-1 spaces.

Open Puff-Lace Puff Row

Worked into a mesh row.

Ch 1, turn. Sc in first dc, *ch 2, puff in next dc, ch 2, sc in next dc; repeat from * across.

For 73 pattern positions: 19 sc, 18 puff stitches, and 36 ch-2 spaces.

For 37 pattern positions: 10 sc, 9 puff stitches, and 18 ch-2 spaces.

Open Puff-Lace Recovery Mesh Row

Worked into a puff row.

Ch 3, turn. Ch 3 counts as dc in first sc, *ch 1, dc in next puff, ch 1, dc in next sc; repeat from * across.

Count remains the same number of pattern positions.

Open Puff-Lace Round

Worked over an even stitch count.

Mesh Round:

Ch 4, sk next st, *dc in next st, ch 1, sk next st; repeat from * around. Sl st to 3rd ch of beginning ch-4.

Puff Round:

Ch 1, *sc in next dc, ch 2, puff in next dc, ch 2; repeat from * around. Sl st to first sc.

Recovery Mesh Round:

Ch 3, *ch 1, dc in next puff, ch 1, dc in next sc; repeat from * around. Sl st to top of beginning ch-3.

Scallop Edge

Worked over a multiple of 4 stitches.

*Sc in next st, sk next st, 5 dc in next st, sk next st; repeat from *.

One repeat creates 1 scallop over 4 base stitches.

5. Parts List

Part	Quantity	Color
Back panel	1	Cream
Left front panel	1	Cream
Right front panel	1	Cream
Short sleeves	2	Cream
Right button band as worn	1	Cream
Left buttonhole band as worn	1	Cream
Front and neckline scallop border	1 continuous edging	Cream
Lower hem scallop border	1 continuous edging	Cream
Sleeve scallop borders	2	Cream
Buttons	5	Wood / coconut

6. Construction Overview – How the Cardigan Is Made

1. Crochet the back panel from lower hem upward.
2. Shape the back armholes.
3. Shape the back neck and shoulders.
4. Crochet the left front panel from lower hem upward.
5. Shape the left V-neck and armhole.
6. Crochet the right front panel as a mirror image.
7. Sew shoulder seams.
8. Sew side seams, leaving armholes open.
9. Work both short sleeves directly into the armholes.
10. Work the right button band.
11. Work the left buttonhole band.
12. Work scalloped edging around the front opening and neckline.
13. Work scalloped edging around the lower hem.
14. Work scalloped edging around both sleeve openings.
15. Sew buttons opposite buttonholes.
16. Block the cardigan to final measurements.

7. Part-by-Part Crochet Cardigan Instructions

Tip: the puff-lace rows repeat in a simple Puff Row, Recovery Mesh Row sequence. If a line is confusing, paste it into the Pattern Decoder and keep our guide to reading crochet patterns open while you work.

Back Panel – Open Puff-Lace Crochet Cardigan

Use cream yarn and 4 mm hook.

Foundation: Ch 74. (New to starting a chain? See how to start a crochet chain.)

Row 1 RS: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across.

Count: 73 sc.

Row 2 WS: Work Open Puff-Lace Setup Mesh Row.

Count: 73 pattern positions.

Rows 3-30: Work in established open puff-lace pattern as follows:

Row	Row Type	Count
3	Puff Row	73
4	Recovery Mesh Row	73
5	Puff Row	73
6	Recovery Mesh Row	73
7	Puff Row	73
8	Recovery Mesh Row	73
9	Puff Row	73
10	Recovery Mesh Row	73
11	Puff Row	73
12	Recovery Mesh Row	73
13	Puff Row	73
14	Recovery Mesh Row	73
15	Puff Row	73
16	Recovery Mesh Row	73
17	Puff Row	73
18	Recovery Mesh Row	73
19	Puff Row	73
20	Recovery Mesh Row	73
21	Puff Row	73
22	Recovery Mesh Row	73
23	Puff Row	73
24	Recovery Mesh Row	73
25	Puff Row	73
26	Recovery Mesh Row	73
27	Puff Row	73
28	Recovery Mesh Row	73
29	Puff Row	73
30	Recovery Mesh Row	73

Back Armhole Shaping

Row 31 RS: Sl st across first 5 pattern positions, work Puff Row across to final 5 pattern positions, leave final 5 pattern positions unworked.

Count: 63 pattern positions.

Row 32 WS: Work Recovery Mesh Row even.

Count: 63 pattern positions.

Row 33 RS: Sl st across first 3 pattern positions, work Puff Row across to final 3 pattern positions, leave final 3 pattern positions unworked.

Count: 57 pattern positions.

Rows 34-43: Work even in established lace pattern.

Row	Row Type	Count
34	Recovery Mesh Row	57
35	Puff Row	57
36	Recovery Mesh Row	57
37	Puff Row	57
38	Recovery Mesh Row	57
39	Puff Row	57
40	Recovery Mesh Row	57
41	Puff Row	57
42	Recovery Mesh Row	57
43	Puff Row	57

Back Neck and Shoulder Split

Row 44 WS: Work Recovery Mesh Row across first 17 pattern positions for right back shoulder. Leave center 23 pattern positions unworked for back neck. Join a second strand of yarn after the 23 unworked neck positions and work Recovery Mesh Row across final 17 pattern positions for left back shoulder.

Counts: 17 right shoulder / 23 back neck / 17 left shoulder.

Rows 45-47: Work each shoulder separately.

Row	Row Type	Count Per Shoulder
45	Puff Row	17
46	Recovery Mesh Row	17
47	Puff Row	17

FO both shoulders.

Back panel measurement before edging: 18.25 in wide x 16.25 in long.

Left Front Panel as Worn

Use cream yarn and 4 mm hook.

Foundation: Ch 38.

Row 1 RS: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across.

Count: 37 sc.

Row 2 WS: Work Open Puff-Lace Setup Mesh Row.

Count: 37 pattern positions.

Rows 3-20: Work in established open puff-lace pattern.

Row	Row Type	Count
3	Puff Row	37
4	Recovery Mesh Row	37
5	Puff Row	37
6	Recovery Mesh Row	37
7	Puff Row	37
8	Recovery Mesh Row	37
9	Puff Row	37
10	Recovery Mesh Row	37
11	Puff Row	37
12	Recovery Mesh Row	37
13	Puff Row	37
14	Recovery Mesh Row	37
15	Puff Row	37
16	Recovery Mesh Row	37
17	Puff Row	37
18	Recovery Mesh Row	37
19	Puff Row	37
20	Recovery Mesh Row	37

The outer edge is the armhole side.

The inner edge is the center front V-neck edge.

Left V-Neck Shaping

Row 21 RS: Work Puff Row across to final 2 pattern positions at center front edge. Leave final 2 positions unworked.

Count: 35 pattern positions.

Row 22 WS: Work Recovery Mesh Row even.

Count: 35 pattern positions.

Row 23 RS: Work Puff Row across to final 2 pattern positions at center front edge. Leave final 2 positions unworked.

Count: 33 pattern positions.

Row 24 WS: Work Recovery Mesh Row even.

Count: 33 pattern positions.

Row 25 RS: Work Puff Row across to final 2 pattern positions at center front edge. Leave final 2 positions unworked.

Count: 31 pattern positions.

Row 26 WS: Work Recovery Mesh Row even.

Count: 31 pattern positions.

Row 27 RS: Work Puff Row across to final 2 pattern positions at center front edge. Leave final 2 positions unworked.

Count: 29 pattern positions.

Row 28 WS: Work Recovery Mesh Row even.

Count: 29 pattern positions.

Row 29 RS: Work Puff Row across to final 2 pattern positions at center front edge. Leave final 2 positions unworked.

Count: 27 pattern positions.

Row 30 WS: Work Recovery Mesh Row even.

Count: 27 pattern positions.

Left Armhole and Neck Shaping

Row 31 RS: Sl st across first 5 pattern positions at armhole edge, work Puff Row across to final 1 pattern position at center front edge, leave final 1 position unworked.

Count: 21 pattern positions.

Row 32 WS: Work Recovery Mesh Row even.

Count: 21 pattern positions.

Row 33 RS: Sl st across first 3 pattern positions at armhole edge, work Puff Row across to final 1 pattern position at center front edge, leave final 1 position unworked.

Count: 17 pattern positions.

Rows 34-47: Work even in established lace pattern.

Row	Row Type	Count
34	Recovery Mesh Row	17
35	Puff Row	17
36	Recovery Mesh Row	17
37	Puff Row	17
38	Recovery Mesh Row	17
39	Puff Row	17
40	Recovery Mesh Row	17
41	Puff Row	17
42	Recovery Mesh Row	17
43	Puff Row	17
44	Recovery Mesh Row	17
45	Puff Row	17
46	Recovery Mesh Row	17
47	Puff Row	17

FO, leaving a 16 in / 40 cm shoulder-seaming tail.

Right Front Panel as Worn

Use cream yarn and 4 mm hook.

Foundation: Ch 38.

Row 1 RS: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across.

Count: 37 sc.

Row 2 WS: Work Open Puff-Lace Setup Mesh Row.

Count: 37 pattern positions.

Rows 3-20: Work in established open puff-lace pattern.

Row	Row Type	Count
3	Puff Row	37
4	Recovery Mesh Row	37
5	Puff Row	37
6	Recovery Mesh Row	37
7	Puff Row	37
8	Recovery Mesh Row	37
9	Puff Row	37
10	Recovery Mesh Row	37
11	Puff Row	37
12	Recovery Mesh Row	37
13	Puff Row	37
14	Recovery Mesh Row	37
15	Puff Row	37
16	Recovery Mesh Row	37
17	Puff Row	37
18	Recovery Mesh Row	37
19	Puff Row	37
20	Recovery Mesh Row	37

The inner edge is the center front V-neck edge.

The outer edge is the armhole side.

Right V-Neck Shaping

Row 21 RS: Leave first 2 pattern positions at center front edge unworked. Join yarn in next pattern position and work Puff Row across remaining positions.

Count: 35 pattern positions.

Row 22 WS: Work Recovery Mesh Row even.

Count: 35 pattern positions.

Row 23 RS: Leave first 2 pattern positions at center front edge unworked. Join yarn in next pattern position and work Puff Row across remaining positions.

Count: 33 pattern positions.

Row 24 WS: Work Recovery Mesh Row even.

Count: 33 pattern positions.

Row 25 RS: Leave first 2 pattern positions at center front edge unworked. Join yarn in next pattern position and work Puff Row across remaining positions.

Count: 31 pattern positions.

Row 26 WS: Work Recovery Mesh Row even.

Count: 31 pattern positions.

Row 27 RS: Leave first 2 pattern positions at center front edge unworked. Join yarn in next pattern position and work Puff Row across remaining positions.

Count: 29 pattern positions.

Row 28 WS: Work Recovery Mesh Row even.

Count: 29 pattern positions.

Row 29 RS: Leave first 2 pattern positions at center front edge unworked. Join yarn in next pattern position and work Puff Row across remaining positions.

Count: 27 pattern positions.

Row 30 WS: Work Recovery Mesh Row even.

Count: 27 pattern positions.

Right Armhole and Neck Shaping

Row 31 RS: Leave first 1 pattern position at center front edge unworked. Join yarn in next pattern position, work Puff Row across to final 5 pattern positions at armhole edge, leave final 5 positions unworked.

Count: 21 pattern positions.

Row 32 WS: Work Recovery Mesh Row even.

Count: 21 pattern positions.

Row 33 RS: Leave first 1 pattern position at center front edge unworked. Join yarn in next pattern position, work Puff Row across to final 3 pattern positions at armhole edge, leave final 3 positions unworked.

Count: 17 pattern positions.

Rows 34-47: Work even in established lace pattern.

Row	Row Type	Count
34	Recovery Mesh Row	17
35	Puff Row	17
36	Recovery Mesh Row	17
37	Puff Row	17
38	Recovery Mesh Row	17
39	Puff Row	17
40	Recovery Mesh Row	17
41	Puff Row	17
42	Recovery Mesh Row	17
43	Puff Row	17
44	Recovery Mesh Row	17
45	Puff Row	17
46	Recovery Mesh Row	17
47	Puff Row	17

FO, leaving a 16 in / 40 cm shoulder-seaming tail.

Shoulder Seams

Use cream yarn and yarn needle.

1. Place front and back panels RS together.
2. Sew left front shoulder 17 pattern positions to left back shoulder 17 pattern positions.
3. Sew right front shoulder 17 pattern positions to right back shoulder 17 pattern positions.
4. Leave the center 23-pattern-position back neck opening unsewn.
5. Weave all seam ends into WS.

Shoulder seam count per side: 17 pattern positions.

Side Seams

Use cream yarn and yarn needle.

Left side seam:

• Sew from Row 1 through Row 30.
• Leave Rows 31-47 open for armhole.

Right side seam:

• Sew from Row 1 through Row 30.
• Leave Rows 31-47 open for armhole.

Each armhole opening has:

Area	Count
Front armhole row-edge sections	17
Back armhole row-edge sections	17
Total row-edge sections	34

Left Sleeve – Short Puff-Lace Sleeve with Scalloped Edge

Sleeve is worked directly into the armhole.

Use cream yarn and 4 mm hook.

Join yarn at underarm seam.

Round 1 Pickup Round: Ch 1. Work 2 sc into each of the 34 armhole row-edge sections. Sl st to first sc.

Count: 68 sc.

Round 2 Mesh Round: Ch 4, sk next st, *dc in next st, ch 1, sk next st; repeat from * around. Sl st to 3rd ch of beginning ch-4.

Count: 68 pattern positions.

Round 3 Puff Round: Ch 1, *sc in next dc, ch 2, puff in next dc, ch 2; repeat from * around. Sl st to first sc.

Count: 17 sc, 17 puffs, 34 ch-2 spaces.

Round 4 Recovery Mesh Round: Ch 3, *ch 1, dc in next puff, ch 1, dc in next sc; repeat from * around. Sl st to top of beginning ch-3.

Count: 68 pattern positions.

Round 5 Puff Round: Repeat Round 3.

Count: 17 sc, 17 puffs, 34 ch-2 spaces.

Round 6 Recovery Mesh Round: Repeat Round 4.

Count: 68 pattern positions.

Round 7 Puff Round: Repeat Round 3.

Count: 17 sc, 17 puffs, 34 ch-2 spaces.

Round 8 Recovery Mesh Round: Repeat Round 4.

Count: 68 pattern positions.

Round 9 Stabilizing Round: Ch 1. Sc in each dc and each ch-1 sp around. Sl st to first sc.

Count: 68 sc.

Round 10 Scallop Edge: Ch 1. *Sc in next st, sk next st, 5 dc in next st, sk next st; repeat from * 17 times. Sl st to first sc.

Count: 17 scallops.

FO.

Right Sleeve

Work same as left sleeve.

Counts:

Round	Count
1	68 sc
2	68 pattern positions
3	17 sc + 17 puffs + 34 ch-2 spaces
4	68 pattern positions
5	17 sc + 17 puffs + 34 ch-2 spaces
6	68 pattern positions
7	17 sc + 17 puffs + 34 ch-2 spaces
8	68 pattern positions
9	68 sc
10	17 scallops

FO.

Right Button Band as Worn

Use cream yarn and 3.5 mm hook.

With RS facing, join yarn at lower right front opening.

Row 1 Pickup Row: Ch 1. Work 84 sc evenly from lower hem up the right front opening and along the right V-neck edge to the shoulder.

Count: 84 sc.

Pickup distribution:

Section	Count
Lower straight front edge	40 sc
V-neck slope	39 sc
Upper shoulder edge connection	5 sc
Total	84 sc

Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across.

Count: 84 sc.

Row 3: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across.

Count: 84 sc.

Row 4: Ch 1, turn. Sc BLO in each st across.

Count: 84 sc.

Row 5: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across.

Count: 84 sc.

FO.

Button placement:

Button	Band Position
Button 1	Between sts 11 and 12
Button 2	Between sts 27 and 28
Button 3	Between sts 43 and 44
Button 4	Between sts 59 and 60
Button 5	Between sts 75 and 76

Do not sew buttons until the left buttonhole band is complete.

Left Buttonhole Band as Worn

Use cream yarn and 3.5 mm hook.

With RS facing, join yarn at upper left shoulder/V-neck edge and work downward to lower hem.

Row 1 Pickup Row: Ch 1. Work 84 sc evenly down the left V-neck edge and left front opening to the lower hem.

Count: 84 sc.

Pickup distribution:

Section	Count
Upper shoulder edge connection	5 sc
V-neck slope	39 sc
Lower straight front edge	40 sc
Total	84 sc

Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across.

Count: 84 sc.

Row 3 Buttonhole Row: Ch 1, turn. Sc in first 10 sts, ch 2, sk next 2 sts, sc in next 14 sts, ch 2, sk next 2 sts, sc in next 14 sts, ch 2, sk next 2 sts, sc in next 14 sts, ch 2, sk next 2 sts, sc in next 14 sts, ch 2, sk next 2 sts, sc in final 8 sts.

Count: 84 sts.

Buttonhole positions:

Buttonhole	Skipped Stitches
Buttonhole 1	Sts 11-12
Buttonhole 2	Sts 27-28
Buttonhole 3	Sts 43-44
Buttonhole 4	Sts 59-60
Buttonhole 5	Sts 75-76

Row 4: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each sc and work 2 sc into each ch-2 buttonhole sp across.

Count: 84 sc.

Row 5: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across.

Count: 84 sc.

FO.

Front and Neckline Scallop Border

Use cream yarn and 3.5 mm hook.

Work after both button bands are complete.

With RS facing, join yarn at lower right front corner.

Round 1: Ch 1. Work 208 sc evenly around the full front and neckline edge in this order:

Area	Count
Right front band outer edge	84 sc
Right front neck transition	10 sc
Back neck opening	20 sc
Left front neck transition	10 sc
Left front band outer edge	84 sc
Total	208 sc

Sl st to first sc.

Round 2 Scallop Round: Ch 1. *Sc in next st, sk next st, 5 dc in next st, sk next st; repeat from * 52 times. Sl st to first sc.

Count: 52 scallops.

FO.

Lower Hem Scallop Border

Use cream yarn and 3.5 mm hook.

With RS facing, join yarn at right side seam along lower hem.

Round 1: Ch 1. Work 160 sc evenly around the lower edge, including both front lower band edges. Sl st to first sc.

Count: 160 sc.

Distribution:

Area	Count
Back lower edge	72 sc
Right front lower edge including band	44 sc
Left front lower edge including band	44 sc
Total	160 sc

Round 2 Scallop Round: Ch 1. *Sc in next st, sk next st, 5 dc in next st, sk next st; repeat from * 40 times. Sl st to first sc.

Count: 40 scallops.

FO.

Buttons

Use 5 wooden or coconut buttons.

Sew buttons to the right button band as worn.

Button positions:

• Button 1: between sts 11 and 12.
• Button 2: between sts 27 and 28.
• Button 3: between sts 43 and 44.
• Button 4: between sts 59 and 60.
• Button 5: between sts 75 and 76.

Sew each button with at least 8 secure passes of thread.

8. Stitch Counts for the Open Lace Cardigan

Back Panel

Section	Count
Foundation chain	74 ch
Row 1	73 sc
Row 2	73 pattern positions
Rows 3-30	73 pattern positions each row
Row 31	63 pattern positions
Row 32	63 pattern positions
Row 33	57 pattern positions
Rows 34-43	57 pattern positions each row
Row 44 split	17/23/17
Rows 45-47 shoulders	17 pattern positions each shoulder

Each Front Panel

Row / Section	Count
Foundation chain	38 ch
Row 1	37 sc
Row 2	37 pattern positions
Rows 3-20	37 pattern positions each row
Row 21	35 pattern positions
Row 22	35 pattern positions
Row 23	33 pattern positions
Row 24	33 pattern positions
Row 25	31 pattern positions
Row 26	31 pattern positions
Row 27	29 pattern positions
Row 28	29 pattern positions
Row 29	27 pattern positions
Row 30	27 pattern positions
Row 31	21 pattern positions
Row 32	21 pattern positions
Row 33	17 pattern positions
Rows 34-47	17 pattern positions each row

Sleeves

Section	Count Per Sleeve
Armhole row-edge sections	34
Pickup round	68 sc
Mesh rounds	68 pattern positions
Puff rounds	17 sc + 17 puffs + 34 ch-2 spaces
Stabilizing round	68 sc
Scallop edge	17 scallops

Bands and Edging

Area	Count
Right button band	84 sc per row
Left buttonhole band	84 sc per row
Buttonholes	5
Buttons	5
Front/neckline border Round 1	208 sc
Front/neckline scallops	52
Lower hem Round 1	160 sc
Lower hem scallops	40

9. Placement Order and Visual Layout

Bottom layer pieces:

1. Back panel
2. Left front panel
3. Right front panel
4. Left sleeve
5. Right sleeve

Middle layer pieces:

1. Shoulder seams
2. Side seams
3. Sleeve pickup rounds
4. Right button band
5. Left buttonhole band

Top layer pieces:

1. Front and neckline scallop border
2. Lower hem scallop border
3. Sleeve scallop borders
4. Buttons

No leaves are used.

No stems are used.

No appliqué is used.

No doily base is used.

No diagonal layout is used.

Visual Placement

• Open puff-lace fabric covers the full body and sleeves.
• Front panels form a deep V-neck opening.
• Button band sits on the wearer’s right front edge.
• Buttonhole band sits on the wearer’s left front edge.
• Scalloped border frames both front edges and the neckline.
• Scalloped lower border runs around the cropped hem.
• Scalloped sleeve edging finishes each short sleeve.
• Five buttons are centered vertically on the front opening.

10. Assembly and Blocking Instructions

1. Block panels before seaming

• Back panel: 18.25 in wide x 16.25 in long.
• Each front panel: 9.25 in wide before button band.
• Keep lace rows horizontal.
• Do not stretch puff rows flat.

2. Sew shoulder seams

• Join 17 front shoulder positions to 17 back shoulder positions on each side.
• Keep the 23-position back neck opening centered.

3. Sew side seams

• Sew Rows 1-30 on each side.
• Leave Rows 31-47 open for armholes.
• Match row edges evenly.

4. Work sleeves

• Pick up 68 sc around each armhole.
• Work 7 lace rounds plus stabilizing round.
• Finish each sleeve with 17 scallops.

5. Work button bands

• Work right button band with 84 sc per row.
• Work left buttonhole band with 84 sc per row.
• Confirm 5 buttonholes are evenly spaced.

6. Work front and neckline scallop border

• Pick up 208 sc around the front and neckline.
• Work 52 scallops.
• Keep scallops facing outward and lying flat.

7. Work lower hem scallop border

• Pick up 160 sc around the lower edge.
• Work 40 scallops.
• Center scallops at front edges and side seams.

8. Sew buttons

• Sew 5 buttons on the wearer’s right band.
• Align each button directly opposite its buttonhole.

9. Final blocking

• Button cardigan closed.
• Pin bust width to finished measurement.
• Pin V-neck edges evenly.
• Pin lower scallops downward.
• Pin sleeve scallops outward.
• Steam lightly or wet block according to yarn label.
• Let dry completely before wearing.

11. Final Checklist

• Back panel starts with ch 74.
• Back Row 1 has 73 sc.
• Back Rows 3-30 have 73 pattern positions.
• Back armhole shaping reduces to 63, then 57 pattern positions.
• Back neck split is 17 / 23 / 17.
• Each front panel starts with ch 38.
• Each front Row 1 has 37 sc.
• Front V-neck shaping begins at Row 21.
• Each front shoulder finishes with 17 pattern positions.
• Shoulder seams join 17 positions to 17 positions.
• Side seams stop after Row 30.
• Rows 31-47 remain open for armholes.
• Each sleeve pickup round has 68 sc.
• Each sleeve has 17 final scallops.
• Right button band has 84 sc per row.
• Left buttonhole band has 84 sc per row.
• Five buttonholes are made.
• Five buttons are sewn.
• Front and neckline border has 208 sc.
• Front and neckline edge has 52 scallops.
• Lower hem border has 160 sc.
• Lower hem edge has 40 scallops.
• Puff-lace texture is visible across body and sleeves.
• Scalloped edging frames neckline, front opening, hem, and sleeves.
• Finished bust circumference is 36-38 in / 91.5-96.5 cm.
• Finished body length is 16.25 in / 41 cm.

12. Crochet Diagram, Tutorials and Visual Guides

Use these charts alongside the written pattern. The diagram shows the stitch key, the open puff-lace repeat, the garment panel shapes, the scalloped neckline, hem and sleeve edging, and the construction order. The tutorial charts cover the puff stitch, scallop and picot edge, V-neck and armhole shaping, button band and buttonholes, seaming, joining yarn and blocking.

Planning your project? Use our Project Planner to track yarn, hooks and deadline for this cardigan, and see our yarn quantity guide for more help estimating yardage.

Open Lace Crochet Cardigan Pattern FAQ

What yarn and hook do I need for this open lace crochet cardigan?

You need about 360–430 g of DK cotton or cotton-blend yarn in natural cream, a 4 mm hook for the body and a 3.5 mm hook for the bands and edging. Firm cotton, cotton-bamboo or cotton-linen blends keep the scalloped edges crisp. Use the Yarn Estimator and Hook Size Converter to adapt the materials, and read our best yarn for crochet projects guide.

Is this crochet cardigan pattern beginner friendly?

This pattern is rated advanced intermediate. It uses puff stitches, V-neck and armhole shaping, buttonholes, seaming and scalloped edging, so it suits crocheters who are already comfortable with lace and garment assembly.

What size does this open puff-lace cardigan make?

The pattern makes one adult women’s size, Small / Medium, with a finished bust of 36–38 in / 91.5–96.5 cm and a cropped body length of 16.25 in / 41 cm.

How do I make the cardigan larger or smaller?

To make it larger, add pattern positions in multiples of 2 + 1, add more rows for length and adjust the sleeve width. To make it smaller, reduce the pattern positions, work fewer rows and adjust the sleeve. A Large needs about 450–520 g and an X-Large about 540–620 g of DK yarn. Always swatch first with our Gauge Calculator.

How many buttons does the cardigan need?

Five wooden or coconut buttons, 14–16 mm, evenly spaced on the right button band opposite the five buttonholes on the left band.

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Want to learn the techniques first? Visit our crochet tutorials for step-by-step lessons, and try the free crochet calculators and tools for gauge, yarn, hooks and pricing.

Made your own open lace cardigan? We would love to see it, so get in touch and share your finished make.

Thank you! This original crochet pattern is intended for personal use and handmade small-batch finished items. Please do not copy, redistribute or resell the pattern itself.