The Red Sky at Night Cardigan is part of a matching knit set designed with light layering in mind. Featuring open lacework and a tailored silhouette, this cardigan offers a polished look that works for both workdays and weekends. The lightweight fabric makes it a smart option for changing weather, while the vintage-inspired lace adds interest without feeling fussy. Named after the old mariner’s saying, “Red sky at night, sailor’s delight,” this cardigan captures that same sense of calm, beauty, and promise—perfect for golden hour strolls and breezy summer evenings. Pair it with the coordinating tank top for a pulled-together outfit, or mix and match it with other seasonal staples.
Time: 30–35-hour pattern.
Skill Level: Intermediate.
Sizes written as XS (S, M, L, XL): Finished Bust Size 33.25 (37.5, 41.5, 45.75, 50)” to fit bust 30 (34, 38, 42, 46)”.
2-4” positive ease recommended.
Shown in size M.
Gauge: 23 sts and 33 rows = 4” [10 cm] in st st after wet blocking.
Materials
Yarn: Berroco Modern Cotton DK (60% Pima Cotton, 40% Modal Rayon; 335 yards [306 meters]/100 g): 6697 PPAC (3 (3, 3, 4, 4) balls).
Needles: US size 4 / 3.5 mm circular needles.
Notions: Scissors, tapestry needle, 2 stitch markers.
Abbreviations
BOR: Beginning of Round
m: marker
sm: slip marker
Special Stitches
Lace Pattern-flat- (6-st repetitions, 8-rnd repetitions)
Row 1: K1, *yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k1; rep from * to end.
Row 2 and all even rounds: purl to end.
Row 3: K1, *yo, k1, sk2p, k1, yo, k1; rep from * to end.
Row 5: K1, *k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, k1; rep from * to end.
Row 7: k2tog, *k1, (yo, k1) 2 times, sk2p; rep from * to last 6 sts, (k1, yo) 2 times, k1, ssk.
Row 8: purl to end.
Rep these 8 rows to make pattern.
Lace Pattern-in the round- (6-st repetitions, 8-rnd repetitions)
Rnd 1: *ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k1, yo; rep from * to end.
Rnd 2 and all even rounds: knit to end.
Rnd 3: *sk2p, k1, (yo, k1) 2 times; rep from * to end.
Rnd 5: *yo, k1, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog; rep from * to end.
Rnd 7: *k1, (yo, k1) 2 times, sk2p; rep from * to end.
Rnd 8: knit to end.
Rep these 8 rnds to make pattern.
Pattern Notes
The body is made flat, and shoulders are joined by Kitchener st or seaming at your choice. Sleeves are worked in the round and then joined to the armholes.
Hem starts with the lace pattern, that continues as a 12-st panel in mid back. Sleeves are worked in lace pattern.
When you BO, I suggest to sl the first st instead of knitting it.
Pattern
Body
CO 191 (215, 239, 263, 287) sts.
Part 1
Rows 1 (RS): K2, p1, sl1pwise wyib, p1, work Lace Pattern to last 5 sts, p1, sl1pwise wyib, p1, sl2 pwise wyib.
Row 2 (WS): P to last 2 sts, sl2 pwise wyif.
Rows 3-16 (16, 16, 24, 24): Rep rows 1-2, following lace pattern rows.
Part 2
Row 1: K2, p1, sl1 pwise wyib, K83 (95, 107, 119, 131), p2, pm, work Lace Pattern (13 sts), p2, pm, k to last 4 sts, sl1, p1, sl2 pwise wyib.
Row 2 and all even rows: [P to m, sm, k2] 2 times, p to to last 2 sts, sl2 pwise wyif.
Rows 3-8: Rep rows [1-2], following lace pattern rows.
Rep last 8 rnds 7 (7, 7, 7, 8) more times.
Note: If you want to adjust the final length of this piece, you can modify the number of rows, ending in Row 4 or Row 8 of lace pattern.
Divide Back and Front
K2, p1, sl1 pwise wyib, k35 (41, 47, 53, 59) (right front), BO 13 sts, k to 2 sts before m, p2, sm, work Lace Pattern (13 sts), p2, sm, k35 (41, 47, 53, 59) (back), BO 14 sts, k to last 4 sts, sl1 pwise wyib, p1, sl2 pwise wyib (left front).
Left Front
Set-up Row (WS): P to end. 39 (45, 51, 57, 63) sts
Part 1
Row 1 (RS): K to last 5 sts, k2tog, p1, sl2 pwise wyib. 38 (44, 50, 56, 62) sts
Row 2: P to end.
Rep last 2 rows 15 (15, 15, 15, 15) more times. 23 (29, 35, 41, 47) sts
Part 2
Row 1 (RS): K to last 4 sts, sl1 pwise wyib, p1, sl2 pwise wyib.
Row 2: P to end.
Rep last 2 rows 24 (24, 24, 24, 28) more times.
BO, or keep sts on holder to BO later using Kitchener st.
Right Front
Place Right Front sts hold into needle.
Set-up Row (WS): P to end. 39 (45, 51, 57, 63) sts
Part 1
Row 1 (RS): K2, p1, ssk, k to end. 38 (44, 50, 56, 62) sts
Row 2 (WS): P to to last 2 sts, sl2 pwise wyif.
Rep last 2 rows 15 (15, 15, 15, 15) more times. 23 (29, 35, 41, 47) sts
Part 2
Row 1 (RS): K2, p1, sl1 pwise wyib, k to end.
Row 2 (WS): P to to last 2 sts, sl2 pwise wyif.
Rep last 2 rows 24 (24, 24, 24, 28) more times.
BO, or keep sts on holder to BO later using Kitchener st.
Back
Place Back sts hold into needle.
Set-up Row (WS): [P to m, sm, k2] 2 times, p to end. 86 (98, 110, 122, 134) sts
Row 1 (RS): K to 2 sts before m, p2, sm, work Lace Pattern (13 sts), p2, sm, k to end.
Row 2 (WS): [P to m, sm, k2] 2 times, p to end.
Rows 3-8: Rep rows [1-2], following lace pattern rows
Rep last 8 rows 6 (7, 7, 7, 8) more times.
Divide Left and Right Back
Set-up Row (RS): K to 3 sts before m, BO 2 sts, rm, BO 14 sts, rm, BO 2 sts, k to end.
Left Back
Set-up row (WS): P to last 2 sts, sl2 pwise wyif. 34 (40, 46, 52, 58) sts
Row 1 (RS): K2, ssk, k to end. 33 (39, 45, 51, 57) sts
Row 2 (WS): P to last 2 sts, sl2 pwise wyif.
Rep last 2 rows 10 more times. 23 (29, 35, 41, 47) sts
Right Back
Set-up row (WS): P to end. 34 (40, 46, 52, 58) sts
Row 1 (RS): K to last 4 sts, k2tog, sl2 pwise wyif. 33 (39, 45, 51, 57) sts
Row 2 (WS): P to end.
Rep last 2 rows 10 more times. 23 (29, 35, 41, 47) sts
Sleeves (make 2)
CO 103 (103, 103, 103, 109) sts, join in the rnd, being careful to not twist the sts.
Sl first CO st from Left Hand Needle to Right Hand Needle, pass the last CO st over slipped st. Place beg of rnd (BOR) m. 102 (102, 102, 102, 108) sts.
Part 1 (in the round)
Rnds 1- 72 (72, 72, 80, 88): Work Lace Pattern rnds 9 (9, 9, 10, 11) times.
Part 2 (flat)
Row 1: CO 1st, work in lace pattern (flat) to end, CO 1 st (pick-up and knit 1 st below).
Row 2: P to end.
Rows 3-8: Rep rows 1-2, following lace pattern rows.
Note: If you want to adjust the final length of this piece, you can modify the number of rows, ending in Row 4 or Row 8 of lace pattern.
Finishing
Join right and left shoulders either by sewing (if you have previously BO the ends) or by a Kitchener st.
Sew Sleeves to armholes.
Weave in ends. Wash and block to desired measurements.