Knitting Lace and Cables with Sari Nordlund: My Summer Cast-Ons!
When summer calls for lighter knits but your creativity wants depth and texture, Sari Nordlund knitting patterns are the perfect answer. In this month’s update, I’m diving into elegant lace motifs, modern cables, and breezy constructions that make these designs not only stunning but also surprisingly approachable. Whether you’re new to lace knitting or already in love with cables, this post is packed with ideas and insights to inspire your next cast-on.
Discovering the Charm of Diona Tee
Let’s start with the Diona Tee, a seamless, top-down design that hits all the right notes for summer. With a graceful cable motif running along the front and back and 2x2 ribbing for structure, it delivers both visual interest and wearable ease. The instructions are clear, the charts are intuitive, and the fit is just lovely—thanks to subtle short row shaping around the neckline.
I’m knitting mine in a reclaimed silk blend from The Wool Kitchen that’s been in my stash since Edinburgh Yarn Fest 2019. Held double, it gives the fabric a smooth, cohesive texture while letting delicate copper speckles shimmer through. It’s one of those elegant summer knits that looks intricate but feels effortless on the needles.
A Dreamy Start with the Vanelia Tee
Next up is the Vanelia Tee, another gem by Sari Nordlund. This design drew me in with its ethereal lace yoke, reminding me of the much-loved Zweig sweater. Worked in fingering weight yarn, it creates an airy, breathable fabric—ideal for warmer weather.
I chose the Yellow Brick Road Graffiti colorway by La Bien Aimée, dyed on the Rosa Pomar Mondim base. It’s rustic yet refined, with just the right amount of speckled personality. The lace motif dances like sunlight on water, and the short row shaping adds subtle length at the back—a detail that I might adjust slightly for a custom fit.
From construction to aesthetics, the Vanelia Tee captures everything I love about Scandinavian knitting design: simplicity, elegance, and a deep attention to wearable detail.
Why I Keep Coming Back to Lace and Cables
Lace knitting and cables might seem like opposites—one open and airy, the other dense and sculptural—but in Sari Nordlund’s patterns, they coexist beautifully. Whether you’re knitting from her book Summer Knits or casting on one of her standalone designs, you’ll find a balance of clarity, customization, and modern style.
These pieces are ideal for knitters looking to move beyond stockinette while still enjoying seamless, top-down construction. The knitting chart patterns are well laid out, and even complex motifs feel manageable with a bit of focus and flow.
Plus, Nordlund’s designs are incredibly customizable. I’ve adjusted short row placements, yarn choices, and even the overall length to better fit my wardrobe. Each change makes the finished object feel more like mine.
Final Thoughts: Making Lace and Cables Your Own
This summer, I’m leaning into lace knitting patterns and cable knitting projects that feel both intentional and expressive. Designers like Sari Nordlund make it easy to explore new techniques while still ending up with something you’ll want to wear again and again.
So if you’ve been eyeing a project with a little more flair—a lace yoke sweater, a cable-detailed tee, or something with sleek shaping and a touch of texture—consider giving one of her patterns a try. They’re a beautiful blend of challenge and charm, and they just might become your new favorite summer staples.
This post was all about Sari Nordlund knitting patterns. What’s on your needles this season? Let me know in the comments or tag me with your lace and cable creations—I’d love to see what you’re making!