Free Easy Lace Stitch Poncho Sweater Knitting Pattern
Looking for a gorgeous, lightweight top to knit for your spring and summer wardrobe? The Easy Lace Stitch Poncho Sweater is a versatile, beginner-friendly project that is as fun to make as it is to wear!
Whenever I design a knitted sweater, I find myself naturally gravitating toward poncho styles. While I love traditional sweaters, knitted sleeves can sometimes feel irritating. That’s why I love this design—it gives you the effortless, flowy drape of a poncho, but with a more flattering, slightly fitted silhouette instead of the usual boxy, oversized look.
The beautiful openwork lace stitch adds a delicate, feminine touch, making it a perfect transitional piece for any season. Knit it up in a breathable cotton yarn for a breezier summer look, or layer a long-sleeve top underneath during cooler weather.
About the Yarn
For the sample piece pictured, I used Big Twist Value yarn (100% acrylic) from Joann Fabrics in a stunning blue shade. It’s incredibly easy to work with and budget-friendly! However, if you are planning to wear this primarily as a summer top, you might want to swap the acrylic for a natural cotton or bamboo blend.
Pattern Details & Construction
- Skill Level: Advanced Beginner (Great for watching TV!)
- Sizes Available: Inclusive sizing from XXS to XXXL.
- Construction: Knit in 2 identical flat pieces (front and back) and seamed together at the shoulders and sides.
- Reversible: This pattern is completely reversible and looks identical on both sides!
- Customizable Length: I designed mine to be slightly cropped, but you can easily add more rows to make it a full-length sweater.
How to Choose Your Size
The bottom hem features a highly elastic K1, P1 ribbing, which hugs the waist beautifully. Because of the openwork nature of the lace stitch, the top section naturally blocks out wider without needing any complex increases.
I recommend choosing your size based on how loose or fitted you want the upper body to be. For reference, I am wearing the size XS in the picture, which measures 20 inches across the lace top section. If you prefer a more oversized poncho look, definitely size up!
MATERIALS & EXTRAS
- Yarn: Medium (4) weight yarn. (The XS size requires approximately 390 yards).
- Knitting Needles: Size US 8 (5 mm) straight or circular needles.
- Gauge: 16 stitches = 4 inches in garter stitch.
SIZE CHART (Measured Flat Across the Body)
| Size | Ribbed Hem Width | Top Lace Section Width |
| XXS | 13.5″ | 18.5″ |
| XS | 14.5″ | 20″ |
| S | 15.5″ | 21.5″ |
| M | 16.5″ | 23″ |
| L | 17.5″ | 24.5″ |
| XL | 19″ | 26″ |
| XXL | 20″ | 27.5″ |
| XXXL | 21″ | 29″ |
Custom Sizing Note: If you want to customize the width beyond these measurements, it’s incredibly simple. To make it smaller, decrease your cast-on edge in multiples of 6 (starting down from the XXS cast-on of 74 sts). To make it larger, increase in multiples of 6 (starting up from the XXXL cast-on of 116 sts).
DIRECTIONS (MAKE 2)
Starting at the bottom of the sweater:
CO 74(80,86,92,98,104,110,116) = XXS(XS,S,M,L,XL,XXL,XXXL)
BOTTOM RIBBED HEM:
1: *K1, P1; repeat from * across to the end.
Repeat row 1 until the hem measures 4 inches for all sizes.
MAIN BODY OF THE SWEATER (LACE STITCH):
1: K1, *K1, yo, k2tog; repeat from * across to the last stitch, K1.
2: K2, *K1, yo, k2tog; repeat from * to the last 3 stitches, K3.
Repeat rows 1 & 2 until the piece measures approximately 16.5 inches from the very beginning of the ribbed hem or your desired length ending with row 2.
FINISHING ROWS:
1 & 2: Knit across.
Bind off knitwise
SEWING THE 2 PIECES TOGETHER:
– On the top of the piece sew evenly on both sides for the shoulder seams leaving about 12 inches open for the neck opening. At this point try it on & see if you like the neck opening. You can always sew more or less until you reach your desired neck width!
– For the side seams leave about 10 inches open for the armholes and sew all the way down to the end of the bottom ribbed hem. Again try it on to see if you like the armhole openings as you can always sew more or less.
Who knew that such an easy stitch could make such a pretty summer sweater! I would love to see your finished projects. If you share on social media, be sure to tag me on Instagram so I can see your beautiful work!
Happy knitting!