Whispering Pines Lace Pullover Free Pattern – A Knitted Forest Mist Sweater

Wrap yourself in the quiet elegance of a misty forest with this ethereal lace pullover, featuring delicate picot edging and a flowing openwork pattern. Knitted in a soft, heathered sage yarn, this sweater drapes beautifully and adds a touch of woodland charm to any wardrobe. The lace pattern evokes dappled sunlight filtering through pine needles, creating a garment that is both cozy and refined. Whether you're a seasoned knitter looking for your next project or an adventurous beginner ready to expand your skills, this pattern offers a rewarding journey into lace knitting.

Materials Needed

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

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in heathered sage green (approx 1200-1400 yards depending on size). The heathered tones add depth and mimic the misty forest aesthetic perfectly.
• Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) circular needles, 24-32 inches long for the main body, plus US 5 (3.75 mm) circular needles for ribbing.
• Notions: Stitch markers, stitch holders or waste yarn, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and blocking pins.
• Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch on larger needles, after blocking. Achieving correct gauge is crucial for proper fit.

Sizes and Measurements

This pattern is available in sizes XS (S, M, L, XL). Finished bust measurements are 34 (38, 42, 46, 50) inches. The model shown wears size M with 2 inches of positive ease, giving the sweater a relaxed, slightly oversized fit with drop shoulders and long sleeves. Choose your size based on your actual bust measurement plus desired ease.

Abbreviations and Special Stitches

Familiarize yourself with these abbreviations before starting:

• k = knit
• p = purl
• yo = yarn over
• k2tog = knit two together (right-leaning decrease)
• ssk = slip slip knit (left-leaning decrease)
• pm = place marker
• sm = slip marker
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• rep = repeat

Special Stitch: Picot Bind-Off

This decorative bind-off creates tiny scalloped points along the neckline edge. Here's how to work it:

Bind off 2 sts, *slip remaining st back to left needle, cast on 2 sts, bind off 4 sts; rep from * to end. This creates a delicate, picot-edged finish that beautifully complements the lace pattern.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Body (Worked in the Round to Armholes)

Step 1: With smaller needles (US 5), cast on 180 (200, 220, 240, 260) sts. Join in the round, being careful not to twist your work. Place a marker at the beginning of the round to mark the side seam.

Step 2: Work k1, p1 ribbing for 2 inches. This creates a neat, stretchy hem that will hold its shape.

Step 3: Switch to larger needles (US 7). Knit all stitches, placing a marker after 90 (100, 110, 120, 130) sts to mark the other side seam. You now have the front and back divided evenly.

Step 4: Begin the lace pattern. This 12-round repeat creates the beautiful openwork design:

• Round 1: *K2, yo, ssk, k3, k2tog, yo, k1; rep from * to end.
• Round 2 and all even rounds: Knit all sts.
• Round 3: *K3, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k2; rep from * to end.
• Round 5: *K4, yo, ssk, k2tog, yo, k3; rep from * to end.
• Round 7: *K3, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, k2; rep from * to end.
• Round 9: *K2, k2tog, yo, k3, yo, ssk, k1; rep from * to end.
• Round 11: *K1, k2tog, yo, k5, yo, ssk; rep from * to end.
• Round 12: Knit.

Step 5: Repeat Rounds 1-12 until the piece measures 12 (12.5, 13, 13.5, 14) inches from the cast-on edge, or your desired length to underarm. End after an even round (a knit round) to ensure you're ready to divide the work.

Divide for Front and Back

Step 6: On the next round, work the lace pattern over the first 90 (100, 110, 120, 130) sts for the front. Place the next 90 (100, 110, 120, 130) sts on a holder or waste yarn for the back. Turn your work and continue flat on the front stitches only.

Front (Worked Flat)

Step 7: Continue in the lace pattern as established, working back and forth in rows. At each armhole edge (beginning of RS rows and beginning of WS rows), bind off 3 (4, 5, 6, 7) sts once, then 2 sts once, then 1 st twice. You will now have 76 (84, 92, 100, 108) sts remaining.

Step 8: Continue straight in pattern until the armhole measures 6 (6.5, 7, 7.5, 8) inches. Now you'll shape the neckline.

Step 9: On the next RS row: Work 28 (31, 34, 37, 40) sts in pattern. Join a second ball of yarn and bind off the center 20 (22, 24, 26, 28) sts. Work to the end of the row with the second ball. You'll now work both sides of the neck separately.

Step 10: At each neck edge, bind off 3 sts once, 2 sts once, then 1 st three times. Continue until the armhole measures 8 (8.5, 9, 9.5, 10) inches. Bind off the remaining 20 (23, 26, 29, 32) sts for each shoulder.

Back

Step 11: Return the held back stitches to your needle. Work flat in the lace pattern, shaping the armholes exactly as you did for the front (bind off 3 (4, 5, 6, 7) sts once, 2 sts once, then 1 st twice). Continue until the armhole measures 7 (7.5, 8, 8.5, 9) inches.

Step 12: Shape the back neck: On the next RS row, work 30 (33, 36, 39, 42) sts. Join a second ball, bind off the center 16 (18, 20, 22, 24) sts, and work to the end. Work each side separately, binding off at the neck edge 2 sts once, then 1 st twice. Continue until the armhole measures the same as the front. Bind off the shoulder stitches.

Sleeves (Worked in the Round)

Step 13: With smaller needles, cast on 40 (44, 48, 52, 56) sts. Join in the round, being careful not to twist. Work k1, p1 ribbing for 2 inches.

Step 14: Switch to larger needles. Knit 1 round, increasing 4 sts evenly spaced = 44 (48, 52, 56, 60) sts. Place a marker at the beginning of the round.

Step 15: Work the lace pattern in the round as for the body. At the same time, increase 1 st on each side of the marker every 6th round, incorporating the new stitches into the pattern as they accumulate. Continue increasing until you have 64 (70, 76, 82, 88) sts.

Step 16: Continue even (without increases) until the sleeve measures 17 (17.5, 18, 18.5, 19) inches from the cast-on edge, or your desired length. Bind off loosely to maintain the drape of the lace.

Finishing

Step 17: Sew the shoulder seams using mattress stitch or your preferred seaming method. Set in the sleeves, easing them to fit the armhole openings. Sew the side seams from the underarm down to the hem.

Step 18: For the neckline: With smaller needles, pick up and knit 96 (100, 104, 108, 112) sts around the neckline edge. Work k1, p1 ribbing for 1 inch. Bind off using the picot bind-off technique described above. This creates the delicate scalloped edge that gives the sweater its refined finish.

Step 19: Weave in all ends carefully, making sure to secure them well so they don't show through the lace pattern.

Step 20: Block the sweater to the specified measurements. This is a crucial step for lace knitting – pinning out the lace pattern opens up the stitches and reveals the beautiful openwork design. Use blocking wires or pins to shape the sweater and let it dry completely before wearing.

Your Whispering Pines Lace Pullover is now complete! The heathered sage yarn and delicate lace pattern create a garment that's perfect for cool forest walks or cozy evenings by the fire. The relaxed fit and drop shoulders make it comfortable for everyday wear, while the intricate lace and picot edging elevate it to something truly special. Enjoy your handmade piece of woodland charm!