Knitted Lace Top Pattern (Dandelion Fluff)

In this blog post, you will see a knitted lace top pattern – dandelion fluff.

This lace knit top features a beautiful dandelion fluff design that looks intricate and delicate.

The pattern is perfect for intermediate-level knitters looking for a challenge, but it’s also easy to follow with clear instructions and charts.

It’s a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down, making it a great addition to any wardrobe.

Please scroll down to view the free pattern online or grab the inexpensive, ad-free PDF pattern in my shop here.

Lace Top Free Knitting Pattern

Skill Level – Easy (Advanced beginner knitters)

Notes

This beautiful classic top is made in 100% Pima Cotton from We Are Knitters in a rich terracotta color.

The unique lace pattern makes for an interesting project.
The tee has a relaxed fit, a featherlight feel, a crew neckline and side slits.
Its short sleeves are perfect for spring and summer.
The pattern is knit in two pieces: the front panel and the back panel.
Then, it’s put together with a side seam, a top-of-shoulder seam, and an underarm sleeve seam.

Scroll down to view the free pattern, or grab your printer-friendly, ad-free PDF here.

The shawl belongs in the Muses collection – 12 Summer Knits (The Muses Collection)

Copyright Info

Please do not copy, sell, redistribute, or republish this pattern.
If you wish to share this pattern, please provide a link to the pattern page only.
You may sell items produced using this pattern.
Do NOT use the copyrighted photos for your product listing.
For the copyright T&C, please read my Terms of Use.

Size Information

This top can be made in the following sizes…

S (M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL)

Bust Size (inches)

38 (42, 46, 51, 57, 63)

Waist Size (inches)

34 (38, 42, 47, 53, 59)

The pattern is written for all sizes starting with the smallest size – with changes for different sizes listed in all necessary places.

To follow patterns more easily, circle or highlight all numbers pertaining to your size before beginning.

Gauge – 16 sts/22 rows in 4 inches/10 cm in stitch pattern.

The supplies you need…

Yarn

The Pima Cotton From We Are Knitters in Canyon Rose (This cotton is 100% Pima Cotton / 100g/3.05oz/232 yds/212m.
Use my code – MGM4VHHAT – for 10 off on your WAK yarn order.
This is an Aran/Worsted/10 Ply yarn.

For the following sizes, you will need;

Small – 3 – (300g/696yds/636m)
Medium – 4 – (400g/928yds/848m)
Large – 5 – (500g/1,160yds/1,060m)
XL – 5.5 – (550g/1,276yds/1,166m)
XXL – 6 – (600g/1,392yds/1,272m)
XXXL – 6.5 – (650g/1,508yds/1,378m)

Needles

5.5 mm (US 9) knitting needles.
5.5 mm (US 9) 24″ circular knitting needles for the neck.
The top is worked back and forth on the needles – knit flat.

Notions

Scissors
Darning needle/yarn needle
Tape measure
Stitch holder

Knitting Abbreviations

Beg – Beginning
CO – Cast on
Cont – Continue
Dec – Decrease (cast off)
K – Knit
K2tog – Knit the next two stitches together (decrease)
Garter stitch – Knit every row.
SM – Slip marker
Sl – Slip
SSK – Slip, slip, knit (decrease)
St(s) – Stitch(es)
Patt – Pattern (work in the stitch pattern)
PM – Place marker
P – Purl
Rem – Remain(ing)
Rep – Repeat
RS – Right side
WS – Wrong side
WYIF – With yarn in front
YO – Yarn over

Abbreviations Chart

Multiple of 10 sts plus 5.
Repeat rows 1-12.

Video Tutorial

View a video tutorial that shows you how to knit the dandelion fluff stitch pattern.

Knitted Lace Top Pattern Instructions

Worked flat knitting back and forth on two needles:

BACK

(This stitch pattern is worked in multiples of 10 sts + 5)

Cast on 85 (95, 115, 125, 135, 145) sts.

Set Up – Work 2 rows in garter stitch.

Rows 1 and 3 (RS): *K2tog, YO, K1, YO, SSK, K5; rep from * to last 5 sts. K2tog, YO, K1, YO, SSK.
Rows 2 and 4 (WS): P2, WYIF sl 1, P2, *P7, WYIF, sl 1, P2; rep from * to end.
Row 5: Knit
Row 6: Purl
Rows 7 and 9: *K5, K2tog, YO, K1, YO, SSK; rep from * to last 5 sts, K5.
Rows 8 and 10: P5, *P2, WYIF sl 1, P7; rep from * to end.
Row 11: Knit
Row 12: Purl

Cont to repeat rows 1 – 12 until your piece measures = 32 (33, 34, 35, 36, 37) cm / 12.5 (13, 13.3, 13.7, 14, 14.5) inches.

Armholes

Row 1 (RS): Cast on 6 sts at the beg of the row, work in patt to end, and cast on 6 sts. 97 (107, 127, 137, 147, 157) sts.

Rows 2-4: Work in patt.

Cont to work 6 edge sts in garter stitch (move the markers to here) for the sleeve edges.

When the piece measures 55 (57, 59, 61, 63, 65) cm / 21.6 (22.4, 23.2, cast off the center 29 (29, 33, 33, 33, 33) sts for the neck and finish each shoulder separately.

The total number of sts rem = 68 (78, 94, 104, 114, 124) sts.

Each shoulder = 34 (39, 47, 52, 57, 62) sts.

Cont in pattern as before and cast off 1st for the neck at the beg of the next two rows from neck – 32 (37, 45, 50, 55, 60) sts.

Loosely cast off on the RS.

Repeat on the other shoulder.

FRONT

Cast on and work as on the back piece until the piece measures 44 (46, 48, 50, 52, 54) cm/17.3 (18.1, 18.8, 19.6, 20.4, 21.2) inches.

Next, place the center 17 (17, 21, 21, 21, 21) sts onto a stitch holder and finish each shoulder separately.

The total number of sts rem = 80 (90, 106, 116, 126, 136) sts.

Each shoulder = 40 (45, 53, 58, 63, 68) sts

Cont in the pattern as before and cast off for neck at beg of every row from the neck as follows…

Cast off 2 sts, 2 times, and 1st 4 times = 32 (37, 45, 50, 55, 60) sts rem on the shoulder.

Work until the piece measures 54 (56, 58, 60, 62, 64) cm/21.2 (22, 22.8, 23.6, 24.4, 25.1) inches and loosely cast off on the RS.

Making Up

Sew the shoulder seams inside the cast-off edge, then sew the underarm and side seams together using the mattress stitch or any seaming method of your choice.

If you wish you can leave a 10 cm cm/4-inch vent on either side of the seam near the bottom.

Weave in any loose ends.

Neck Edge

Pick up and knit from RS around 94 – 114 sts around the neck (including the sts on the stitch holder) on 24″ circular needles (size 5.5 mm/US 9).

Join in the round and work as follows…

Round 1 – Purl

Round 2 – Knit

Round 3 – Purl

Round 4 – Loosely cast off.

Finishing and Blocking

You may wish to block your tee; you can do that as follows:

Lay the item out on blocking mats, lightly stretch it into place, and pin it with blocking pins.
Spray with cold water.
Allow to dry completely.
Blocking tutorial – Blocking Knits.

Could you share your work with us?

I love seeing your finished projects on social media.

If you enjoyed this knitted lace top pattern, I’d love to see yours on Instagram, be sure to tag me @handylittleme or #handylittleme to be featured.

If you are on Facebook, stop over to the Handylittleme Facebook group and share a photo,

I’d love to see your work.

You can also find us on Pinterest and Etsy.

Happy knitting!

What Is The Dandelion Fluff Stitch?

The dandelion fluff stitch is a charming knitting technique that mimics the soft and airy appearance of dandelion seeds caught in the wind.

This creates elongated loops reminiscent of dandelion fluff.

Repeat these two rows to continue building the texture of the stitch pattern.

The dandelion fluff stitch adds a whimsical touch to scarves, shawls, and other projects, evoking the lightness and delicacy of nature.

What Is The Best Yarn For A Lace Summer Top?

When selecting yarn for a lace summer top, it’s essential to consider both the breathability of the fabric and the drape of the finished garment.

Organic cotton or a cotton blend yarn are excellent choices, offering a lightweight and breathable option that keeps you cool in warmer weather.

These yarns provide the necessary comfort for summer wear while still showcasing intricate lace patterns beautifully.

Additionally, viscose yarns can add a luxurious sheen and drape to your lace top, elevating its overall appearance.

However, if you prefer a bit more structure or warmth, you could opt for a cotton and wool blend, which combines the breathability of cotton with the added warmth and elasticity of wool.

Overall, lighter weight yarns are preferable for lace summer tops to ensure comfort and ease of wear during hot weather.

Learn everything about the different yarn weights here – Yarn Weight Guide {+ Conversion Chart}
Learn everything about yarn fibers here – Yarn Types Explained: A Guide To Different Fibers
Learn how to read a yarn label here – How To Read A Yarn Label (Step By Step)

How To Measure For A Summer Top?

To measure for a knitted lace top or summer top, you’ll need a flexible measuring tape and possibly a helper for accurate measurements.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Bust Measurement: Measure around the fullest part of your bust, ensuring that the measuring tape is parallel to the ground and not too tight or too loose.
Waist Measurement: Find the narrowest part of your waist, typically an inch or two above your belly button, and measure around it.
Hip Measurement: Measure around the fullest part of your hips, ensuring that the tape is parallel to the ground.
Torso Length: Measure from the prominent bone at the base of your neck (where your neck meets your shoulders) down to your natural waistline.
Shoulder Width: Measure across the top of your shoulders, from the edge of one shoulder bone to the edge of the other.
Armhole Depth: Measure from the top of your shoulder, where it meets your arm, down to where you want the armhole of the top to sit. This measurement will determine how snug or loose the armholes are.
Length: Decide how long you want your summer top to be, whether it’s cropped, waist-length, hip-length, or longer. Measure from the top of your shoulder down to your desired length.
Consider Ease: Depending on the style and fit you prefer, you may want to add some ease to your measurements for a looser or more relaxed fit. Conversely, if you prefer a more fitted look, you can subtract a bit of ease.

Once you have these measurements, you’ll be better equipped to choose or adjust a pattern to fit your body comfortably.

Don’t forget to take into account the stretchiness of the fabric you plan to use and any specific design elements of the top you have in mind.

Knitting Lessons

If you are new to knitting and need help with the basics, check out these posts here: Knitting Lessons (With Video Tutorials).

There, you will find step-by-step tutorials for all the different knitting techniques a newbie needs to know.

This includes how to cast on, how to bind off, how to knit the basic stitches, how to knit the knit stitches, how to knit the purl stitches, how to knit the stockinette stitch, how to knit the seed stitch, and how to knit the rib stitch.

How to make the mattress stitch, short rows, yarn over(yo), knit the slip stitch, use the magic loop technique, how to decrease knitting, fix knitting mistakes, measure gauge in knitting, how to insert pockets, and more.

Also included is a list of knitting abbreviations (UK + US terms), how to knit the linen stitch, and more.

And if you need more video tutorials to help you practice your basic knitting skills, check out my YouTube channel here – Handy Little Me – YouTube.

More Patterns You May Be Interested In…

Check out the patterns below for special stitches, classic silhouettes, and hand-knit cardigans.