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House of Lace is a size-inclusive, beginner-friendly lightweight sweater with simple lace in the shape of houses at the hem. It is intended to be worn with 4 - 8”/ 10 - 20 cm ease and is worked top-down so that you can try it on as you go.
Worked in fingering/sock yarn at a looser gauge, the sweater is light and airy for summer and makes a great layering piece for cooler weather. The boxy fit is very forgiving and easy to wear, with a floaty feel and gentle drape.

Difficulty: Beginner/advanced beginner.
The pattern includes “make one” increases, which are explained in the instructions, as well as kfb increases. German short rows, also explained in the instructions, create a graceful neckline. These techniques both have reference links with further instruction and pictures.
The simple lace at the hem has short repeats and very few rows, so it’s suitable for someone who is new to lace knitting. Instructions for the lace are written out row by row and a chart is provided as well.

Sizes: 1 (2, 3, 4) (5, 6, 7) (8, 9, 10) with finished bust of 32 (36, 40, 44)(48, 52, 56)(60, 64, 68)“/ 80 (90, 100, 110)(120, 130, 140)(150, 160, 170) cm

Yarn selection: Fingering/sock yarn. The sample was worked in Less Traveled Yarn “Paloma” in Mallard; this is a merino/silk blend. Many fibers/fiber blends would be suitable for this pattern, including wool, wool blends, and linen/linen blends.
Estimated quantity of yarn required: Approximately 150 (170, 180, 200)(220, 230, 250)(270, 290, 310) grams/ 700 (800, 850, 925)(1025, 1075, 1150)(1250, 1350, 1450) yds / 650 (725, 775, 850)(950, 975, 1050)(1150, 1250, 1325) m.
Less Traveled Yarn has kits with the correct number of skeins for each size; see them here.

Gauge: 22 stitches and 30 rows to 4”/ 10 cm in stockinette stitch before blocking

Needles:
Needle size: US #7 / 4.5 mm and #6/4.0 mm, or size needed to achieve gauge plus one size smaller.
Type of needles: 16”/ 40 cm circular needles in both sizes for cast-on at neck and beginning of yoke; 24”/ 60 cm or 30”/ 75 cm circular in larger size for body of sweater; DPNs in both sizes for sleeves (or longer circular needles, if you prefer to use the Magic Loop method for working in the round).

Notions
• Tapestry needle
• 5 stitch markers
• You will also need something to hold the sleeve stitches while the body of the sweater is worked: either 2 long lengths of scrap yarn in contrasting color or 2 long spare circular needles

Thank you to the fabulous test knitters of this shawl! If you might be interested in test knitting, join the Softyarn Designs newsletter list, where all of my tests are announced. When you sign up for the newsletter, you also get a free pattern that’s not available elsewhere (Simple Hat Worked Flat) plus subscriber-only promotions and other fun stuff. Join the list here.

With thanks to tech editor Nicky Jensen and test knitters Birdsoup, beadingfantasy, carmenlara60, goldwest, JackieKnits716, Katerinal1, libbadiah mlcatera, rwilliams, SandyPotvin, and smiles571