Imagine a breezy afternoon in the countryside — sunlight dancing through leaves, the soft scent of wildflowers in the air, and you in a delicately hand-knitted lace top that feels as if it were spun by fairies themselves. This is the essence of cottagecore fashion — a celebration of slow living, natural beauty, and timeless craft.
Lace knit tops fit perfectly into this dreamy aesthetic. Lightweight, airy, and intricate, they work for picnics in meadows, market strolls, or simply lounging with a cup of tea and your favorite book. In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to make seven different lace knit tops — from delicate floral motifs to airy eyelet panels — all beginner-friendly but beautiful enough to turn heads.
Pattern 1: Meadow Breeze Lace Top – Beginner Friendly
Skill Level: Easy–Intermediate (basic lace stitches: yarn over, knit two together)
Materials
- Yarn: DK weight cotton or cotton-blend (ideal for breathability) – approx. 650–900 yds depending on size
- Needles: US 6 (4 mm) circular needles (24″ or longer)
- Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle, scissors, blocking mats & pins
Gauge
- 20 sts × 28 rows = 4″ (10 cm) in stockinette after blocking
Finished Size
- Bust: XS (32″) / S (34″) / M (38″) / L (42″) / XL (46″)
Pattern Overview
The Meadow Breeze Top is an airy, cropped lace tee featuring an easy eyelet pattern reminiscent of wind passing through tall grass. Knit flat in two panels (front and back) and seamed at the sides and shoulders, it’s a perfect first lace project.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Lace Repeat:
- Row 1 (RS): K2, yo, k2tog repeat to last 2 sts, k2
- Row 2 (WS): Purl across
- Front Panel:
- CO: 90 (98, 106, 114, 122) sts
- Work in lace repeat until piece measures 17″ from CO edge.
- BO loosely.
- Back Panel:
- Same as front.
- Assembly:
- Seam shoulders (approx. 4–5″ from armhole edge).
- Seam sides, leaving 7–8″ for armholes.
- Finishing:
- Block to measurements to open up lace.
Customization Ideas
- Lengthen the body for a tunic look.
- Add ribbon ties at the shoulders for a softer, romantic detail.
Styling Tips
Pair with a midi skirt, woven straw hat, and sandals for the ultimate countryside picnic outfit.
Pattern 2: Wildflower Whispers Lace Tank – Intermediate
Skill Level: Intermediate (introduces lace motifs and simple decreases)
Materials
- Yarn: Fingering weight linen-cotton blend – approx. 800–1,050 yds depending on size
- Needles: US 4 (3.5 mm) circular needles (24″ or longer)
- Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle, row counter, blocking mats
Gauge
- 24 sts × 32 rows = 4″ (10 cm) in lace pattern after blocking
Finished Size
- Bust: XS (30″) / S (34″) / M (38″) / L (42″) / XL (46″)
Pattern Overview
This romantic tank features vertical lace columns inspired by meadow wildflowers. The open stitchwork creates an airy fabric that drapes beautifully. Knit in the round from the hem up, then split for the armholes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Lace Panel Pattern (multiple of 12 sts):
- Row 1 (RS): K2, yo, ssk, k4, k2tog, yo, k2
- Row 2 (WS): Purl all sts
- Repeat Rows 1–2 for the pattern.
- Body:
- CO: 168 (192, 216, 240, 264) sts.
- Join in the round, pm for beg of round.
- Work in lace panel pattern until piece measures 14″ from CO.
- Armhole Shaping:
- Divide stitches into front and back.
- Work each flat, continuing in lace pattern, for 6″ more.
- Shoulders:
- BO 24 (26, 28, 30, 32) sts each side.
- Seam shoulders with mattress stitch.
- Finishing:
- Block gently to open lace.
Customization Ideas
- Add narrow I-cord straps for a camisole version.
- Extend body length for a beach cover-up.
Styling Tips
Wear over a bralette with a high-waist skirt for a perfect summer meadow look.
Pattern 3: Daisy Chain Lace Blouse – Advanced Beginner
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner (lace shaping with basic chart reading optional)
Materials
- Yarn: Sport weight bamboo – approx. 700–1,000 yds
- Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm)
- Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle, crochet hook for optional edging
Gauge
- 22 sts × 30 rows = 4″ (10 cm) in lace pattern after blocking
Finished Size
- Bust: XS (32″) / S (36″) / M (40″) / L (44″) / XL (48″)
Pattern Overview
The Daisy Chain Lace Blouse is a sweet, loose-fit top featuring rows of flower motifs. Worked flat in two panels and joined, with optional crochet trim for the sleeves.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Daisy Lace Pattern (multiple of 10 sts):
- Row 1 (RS): K1, yo, k2tog, k4, ssk, yo, k1
- Row 2 (WS): Purl all sts.
- Repeat Rows 1–2.
- Front Panel:
- CO: 100 (110, 120, 130, 140) sts.
- Work in daisy lace until 18″ long.
- BO.
- Back Panel:
- Work as for front.
- Assembly:
- Seam shoulders and sides, leaving space for armholes.
- Add crochet scallop edge if desired.
Customization Ideas
- Work in soft pastel shades for a truly vintage feel.
- Lengthen sleeves for a romantic boho blouse.
Styling Tips
Pairs beautifully with linen trousers or a prairie skirt.
Pattern 4: Willow Mist Lace Pullover – Intermediate
Skill Level: Intermediate (introduces lace with small cables)
Materials
- Yarn: Light worsted merino – approx. 1,000–1,400 yds
- Needles: US 6 (4 mm) and US 7 (4.5 mm)
- Notions: Cable needle, stitch markers, tapestry needle
Gauge
- 20 sts × 28 rows = 4″ (10 cm) in lace cable pattern after blocking
Finished Size
- Bust: XS (32″) / S (36″) / M (40″) / L (44″) / XL (48″)
Pattern Overview
This sweater blends wavy lace columns with subtle 2-st cables, giving a texture reminiscent of willow branches swaying in mist. Worked in the round to the armholes, then flat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Willow Lace Cable (multiple of 8 sts):
- Row 1: K2, yo, ssk, C2B, yo, k1
- Row 2: Purl.
- Repeat Rows 1–2.
- Body:
- CO: 176 (192, 208, 224, 240) sts.
- Work in pattern until 16″ from CO.
- Yoke & Sleeves:
- Separate front/back and sleeves.
- Work sleeves flat or pick up and knit later.
- Finishing:
- Block to open lace.
Customization Ideas
- Knit cropped for a trendy layering piece.
- Use mohair blend for extra softness.
Styling Tips
Perfect over a flowing dress or layered with a pinafore.
Pattern 5: Honeysuckle Lace Peasant Top – Beginner Friendly
Skill Level: Beginner Friendly (eyelet lace only)
Materials
- Yarn: DK cotton-linen – approx. 750–1,050 yds
- Needles: US 6 (4 mm)
- Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle, ribbon for neckline (optional)
Gauge
- 20 sts × 30 rows = 4″ (10 cm) in lace after blocking
Finished Size
- Bust: XS (30″) / S (34″) / M (38″) / L (42″) / XL (46″)
Pattern Overview
A simple peasant-style blouse with gathered neckline and loose sleeves. Knit in a basic eyelet pattern that’s easy for first-time lace knitters.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Eyelet Stitch:
- Row 1 (RS): K2, yo, k2tog repeat.
- Row 2 (WS): Purl.
- Body:
- CO: 160 (176, 192, 208, 224) sts.
- Join in the round.
- Work in eyelet until 15″ from CO.
- Neckline Gathering:
- Switch to smaller needles, knit 4 rows stockinette.
- Thread ribbon through YO holes.
- Finishing:
- Block lightly.
Customization Ideas
- Add embroidered flowers for cottagecore embellishment.
- Use contrasting ribbon.
Styling Tips
Tuck into a high-waist skirt with a woven basket bag.
Pattern 6: Morning Dew Lace Tee – Intermediate
Skill Level: Intermediate (alternating lace & stockinette panels)
Materials
- Yarn: Fingering silk blend – approx. 800–1,200 yds
- Needles: US 4 (3.5 mm)
- Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle
Gauge
- 24 sts × 32 rows = 4″ (10 cm) in lace after blocking
Finished Size
- Bust: XS (30″) / S (34″) / M (38″) / L (42″) / XL (46″)
Pattern Overview
Inspired by morning dew on grass, this tee has alternating lace panels and smooth stockinette, creating a striking yet simple texture contrast.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Lace Panel:
- Row 1: K1, yo, ssk, k3, k2tog, yo, k1
- Row 2: Purl.
- Repeat Rows 1–2.
- Body:
- Work lace panels separated by 6 sts stockinette.
- Knit until 18″ total length.
- Finishing:
- Block to shape.
Customization Ideas
- Use gradient yarn for dreamy transitions.
- Add beadwork at hem.
Styling Tips
Pair with cropped trousers and a cardigan for early spring walks.
Pattern 7: Rose Arbor Lace Crop – Advanced Beginner
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner (floral lace with simple shaping)
Materials
- Yarn: Sport cotton – approx. 600–900 yds
- Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm)
- Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle
Gauge
- 22 sts × 30 rows = 4″ (10 cm) in lace after blocking
Finished Size
- Bust: XS (28″) / S (32″) / M (36″) / L (40″) / XL (44″)
Pattern Overview
A cropped top with floral lace that evokes climbing roses. Perfect for layering over dresses or pairing with high-waist skirts.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Rose Lace (multiple of 14 sts):
- Row 1: K2, yo, ssk, k6, k2tog, yo, k2
- Row 2: Purl.
- Repeat for pattern.
- Body:
- Knit flat or in the round to 12″ length.
- BO.
- Finishing:
- Block well to open floral motifs.
Customization Ideas
- Add scallop crochet hem.
- Lengthen for full tee.
Styling Tips
Wear over a flowy dress with a straw sunhat.
Final Thoughts & Care Tips
Lace knit tops aren’t just garments — they’re wearable art that carry hours of meditative work and a touch of personal story. Whether you’re brand new to lace or a seasoned knitter, these 7 patterns offer something for every skill level.
Care Tips:
- Hand wash in cool water with gentle soap.
- Lay flat to dry to maintain shape.
- Store folded, not hung, to prevent stretching.
Cottagecore Styling Recap:
- Pair with flowing skirts, pinafores, or linen trousers.
- Accessorize with vintage jewelry or handkerchief headscarves.
- Keep the palette soft: creams, pastels, sage greens, and dusty roses.
