Looking for a light, lacy cardigan that blends feminine charm with vintage flair? This beautiful short sleeve peplum knit cardigan is an absolute gem from the past, and now you can make it yourself with our free vintage knitting pattern.
With its delicate lace panels, pretty waist tie, and classic button-down front, this cardigan is the perfect layering piece for spring and summer. Whether you’re brunching on a patio or heading to the office, it’s effortlessly elegant.
Sweet, stylish, and timeless — this peplum knit cardigan is a warm-weather essential.
Why You’ll Love This Pattern
This 1980s-era cardigan is all about soft textures and figure-flattering details. The eyelet lace gives a breezy, breathable fabric, while the ribbed peplum and waist tie create a gorgeous silhouette. The button front adds a polished finish and makes it easy to style over camis, tanks, or dresses.
Short sleeves for seasonal wear
Waist-cinching tie for a peplum effect
Eyelet lace stitch pattern that looks impressive but is beginner-friendly
Vintage-inspired and totally on-trend
Pattern Highlights
- Skill Level: Confident beginner to intermediate
- Yarn: Coats & Clark Red Heart Cotton Knit & Crochet Yarn (15–20 oz)
- Needles: U.S. Size 3 and 4 straight needles
- Gauge: 5 sts = 1”; 13 rows = 2”
- Notions: 6 small buttons, stitch holders, and optional hook for waist cord
- Sizes: Written for 10–12, with adjustments for 14–16 and 18–20
Styling Tips
- Pair with a flowy skirt (like shown) for an ultra-feminine daytime look
- Layer it over a slip dress or jumpsuit for something more modern
- Play with color — soft pastels or natural cotton tones work beautifully
The Free Pattern
The free pattern is below. If you are searching for the ad free version, or are in need of your next project, check out our Etsy store!
Don’t Forget the Finishing Touches
This pattern includes instructions for making your own twisted cord belt, which threads through the waist eyelet row for a snug, adjustable fit.
You’ll also learn how to make a perfect buttonhole band and get tips on blocking and seaming your cardigan for a polished, professional finish.
Directions are given for Size 10–12.
Changes for Sizes 14–16 and 18–20 are in brackets.
Please note, this is a vintage pattern and some of the materials listed in the pattern may no longer be available. Please be sure to match gauge to ensure your piece turns out.
MATERIALS
- Yarn: Coats & Clark Red Heart® 100% Cotton Knit & Crochet Yarn, Art. E.283
15 [17½, 20] oz of No. 592 Lavender - Needles: 1 pair each Nos. 3 and 4 (14″ length)
- Notions: 6 Buttons
GAUGE
5 sts = 1″; 13 rows = 2″
Use any size needles needed to obtain gauge.
SIZES
| Size | 10–12 | [14–16] | [18–20] |
| Bust (in) | 32½–34 | 36–38 | 40–42 |
| Width around body (excluding bands) | 35 | 39 | 43 |
| Length underarm to lower edge | 13½ | 14 | 14 |
| Sleeve width at upper arm | 12¼ | 13½ | 14½ |
| Sleeve seam length | 3 | 3½ | 4 |
BODY
With No. 3 needles, cast on 187 [203, 219] sts.
Row 1 (WS): P1, *k1, p1; rep from * across
Row 2: K1, *p1, k1; rep from * across
Rows 3–22: Repeat Rows 1 and 2
Row 23: Repeat Row 1
Row 24 (Eyelet Row):
Work in rib across first 8 sts, place on safety pin for buttonhole band;
*k1, yo, k2tog; rep from * to last 8 sts, place last 8 sts on holder for buttonband — 171 [187, 203] sts remain
Row 25: Repeat Row 1, treating each yo as a stitch.
Switch to No. 4 needles.
LACE PATTERN (established from here):
Row 1 (RS): P6 [7, 8], *yo, sl1, k1, psso, k1, k2tog, yo; p6 [7, 8]; rep from *
Row 2 (and all even-numbered rows): K6 [7, 8], *p5, k6 [7, 8]; rep from *
Row 3: P6 [7, 8], *k1, yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, yo, k1; p6 [7, 8]; rep from *
Row 5: P6 [7, 8], *k5, p6 [7, 8]; rep from *
Row 6: Repeat Row 2
Repeat Rows 1–6 twice more.
INCREASE ROW
When 3rd lace panel is complete:
- Increase 1 st before next lace panel
- Repeat this twice more before completing row — 175 [191, 207] sts
- Work 5 rows even
- For size 14–16: Repeat last 6 rows once more — 195 sts
- For size 18–20: Repeat last 6 rows twice more — 215 sts
- Work even until length is 13½ [14, 14]”, ending on WS
DIVIDE FOR UPPER SECTIONS
Dividing Row:
Work in pattern across first 38 [42, 46] sts → place on holder for right front
Bind off next 9 [11, 13] sts for underarm
Work in pattern until 81 [89, 97] sts are on needle → place on holder for back
Bind off next 9 [11, 13] sts
Work remaining sts → left front: 38 [42, 46] sts
LEFT FRONT
Armhole Shaping:
Dec 1 st at armhole edge every other row until 35 [38, 41] sts remain.
Work even until 5 [5½, 6]” from armhole start.
Neck Shaping:
- Row 1: Bind off first 8 sts
- Row 2: Work even
- Dec 1 st at neck edge every other row until 23 [25, 27] sts remain
- Work even to 7½ [8½, 9]” from armhole start
Shoulder Shaping:
- Row 1: Bind off 8 [9, 10] sts
- Row 2: Work even
- Repeat last 2 rows once more
- Bind off remaining sts
BACK
Armhole Shaping:
Join yarn to sts from holder.
Dec 1 st each end every other row until 75 [81, 87] sts remain.
Work even to 7½ [8½, 9]” from shaping start.
End on WS.
Shoulder Shaping:
- Bind off 8 [9, 10] sts at start of next 4 rows
- Bind off 7 sts at start of next 2 rows
- Place remaining 29 [31, 33] sts on holder
RIGHT FRONT
Join yarn and mirror shaping to match Left Front.
SLEEVES
With No. 3 needles, cast on 47 [51, 57] sts.
Work ribbing as for body for ½”, ending on RS.
Increase Row: Increase 14 [16, 16] sts evenly across — 61 [67, 73] sts
Switch to No. 4 needles and begin lace pattern as for body.
Work in pattern until sleeve measures 3 [3½, 4]”, ending on WS.
Top Shaping:
- Bind off 5 [6, 7] sts at beginning of next 2 rows
- Dec 1 st at each end every other row until 19 [15, 15] sts remain
- Work 1 row even
- Bind off 2 sts at start of next 4 [2, 2] rows
- Bind off remaining sts
BUTTONBANDS
Left (Buttonhole) Band:
Slip 8 sts from holder onto No. 3 needle, join yarn at inner edge.
Work ribbing as for body.
Make buttonholes evenly spaced:
1st: ½” above waist eyelet row,
2nd–5th: evenly spaced,
6th: 2″ above neckline shaping.
Leave sts on needle.
Right (Button) Band:
Slip 8 sts from holder, work as for left band, no buttonholes.
Leave sts on needle.
NECKBAND
With RS facing, and sts of buttonhole band on needle:
- Pick up and k 20 [24, 24] sts along right front neck
- Across back neck holder: k1, (p1, k1) 14 [15, 16] times
- Pick up and k 20 [24, 24] sts along left front neck
- Work ribbing across buttonband sts — 85 [95, 97] sts
Work ½” in ribbing, making 1 buttonhole as before
Continue for ¾” more
Bind off in ribbing
FINISHING
- Block and shape pieces
- Sew shoulder seams
- Attach bands
- Sew sleeve seams and sew in sleeves
- Sew on buttons
CORD
Lace cord through eyelet row above waist ribbing
Cut 3 strands, each 8 yards
Fold in half, knot ends
Anchor folded end and twist other end tightly
Fold in half again while taut — it will twist into a cord
Knot 1½” from each end
Trim ends
Thank you for trying the short sleeve peplum top pattern! Let us help you find your next knit or crochet project! Check out our entire free pattern library for more fun vintage patterns.
