Are you ready to graduate from garter stitch and stockinette? There’s so much more to explore in the wonderful world of knitting! Today we’re talking about lace knitting stitches. These stitch patterns are much more interesting to knit than the basic ones and they really make a dramatic impact on your finished projects!
As you can imagine, there are so many lace knitting stitches out there. Knitting has been around for hundreds and hundreds of years, so there’s really no end in sight to exciting stitch patterns. It can actually be a bit overwhelming to go through page after page of them if you are looking for a good stitch to use in your next knitting project. That’s where we come in! We’ve curated 25 of our favorite lace knitting stitches for you to try. They are all in one convenient place here for you and there’s no broken links – yay!
If you have never tried your hand at any lace knitting stitches before then you might be a bit intimidated. Rest assured, we are featuring tutorials today that have a wide range of difficulty levels, and there are plenty of stitch patterns available for the less experienced knitters out there. It can take a bit of practice and determination to learn a new stitch pattern but the results are well worth the effort!
Lace knitting stitches can instantly upgrade the look of your next knitting project. Compared to plain old stitches like stockinette, these lace stitch patterns just look so much fancier! The other nice thing about lace knitting stitches is that they really contribute a lot to the drape of the fabric. This is a fabulous benefit especially for flowing garments, because nobody wants to wear a stiff sweater.
Whether you are looking for lace knitting stitches that just have a touch of lace or highly decorative stitch patterns that have more holes than not, you are sure to complete your quest by perusing this article. So what are you waiting for? Scroll down and prepare to be inspired!
Be sure to check out our lace knitting patterns, too!
Twisted Eyelet Rib
Twisted Eyelet Rib adds a new twist (literally) onto a classic rib stitch pattern. You get the generous stretch of ribbing along with the decorative look of eyelet lace. Talk about the best of both worlds! The stitch pattern makes use of knit, purl, and slip stitches along with yarn overs and PSSO’s.
Designer: Vicki Montei
Yarn: Aunt Lydia’s Classic Crochet (Size 10 Thread)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
____________________
Waving Hello
Chevrons and eyelets are an attractive pair that really bring out the best in each other. The stitch pattern for the adorably named Waving Hello stitch calls for knit and purl stitches along with yarn overs, knit 2 togethers, and SKP’s. I wonder if you could stagger the little chevron motifs to make it look like a V-formation of birds?
Designer: Elizabeth Smith
Yarn: Ewe Ewe Yarns Wooly Worsted (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the simple lace pattern!
____________________
Double Rhombus
I see the start of some really lovely socks made with the Double Rhombus stitch. Each side of this stitch pattern is different but they are both beautiful in their own way. I would be hard pressed to pick a favorite between the right side and “wrong side”! Basic knit and purl stitches are accompanied by knit 2 togethers and yarn overs to create these lace fabrics.
Designer: Elena Sokolova
Yarn: Alize Superwash (Light Fingering Weight #1)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
____________________
Horseshoe Lace
Horseshoe Lace was made to be in the spotlight. I can picture this stitch being used as the central motif in a triangle shawl or running down the arms of a sweater. It is sure to make any knitting project shine. Special techniques include the PSSO and the K2TOG.
Designer: Lyndsey Melvin
Yarn: (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
____________________
Lace Twist Argyle
This knitting stitch pattern defies all logic. It’s an argyle pattern made with one single color! In addition to slip slip knits and knit 2 togethers, the stitch pattern includes both right and left leaning versions of 3 different kinds of twisted stitches.
Designer: Fuzzy Logic
Yarn: None Specified
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
____________________
Mountain Peaks
There’s so much good stuff to notice about the Mountain Peaks stitch! I love all the different textures and the playful slant of the stitchwork. It’s loosely geometric in nature with a soft organic quality that keeps it from being too rigid. Basic knit and purl stitches are joined by yarn overs, knit 2 togethers, and slip stitches.
Designer: craftcookie
Yarn: None Specified
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
____________________
Waterfall Variations
There’s just something magical about the Waterfall Variations stitch pattern. The two types of lacework make for an attractive pairing, but you could also easily isolate one or the other stitch pattern and use it on its own. Special stitches include purl 2 togethers, knit 2 togethers, slip slip knits, slip slip purls, and yarn overs.
Designer: Olga Jamovidova
Yarn: (Light Fingering Weight #1)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
____________________
Eyelet Moss Stitch
If you are looking for lace knitting stitches that are on the simpler side, then look no further than the Eyelet Moss Stitch. With just knit, purl, and slip stitches you can recreate this fabulous stitch pattern. It’s a 4 row repeat that can easily be committed to memory and it’s a great choice for confident beginners who are ready to take the next steps in their knitting journey.
Designer: craftcookie
Yarn: None Specified
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
____________________
Lotus Flower Stitch
Test your mettle by purling together 3 and sometimes 5 stitches at a time to recreate the stunning Lotus Flower Stitch. With texture in spades and a touch of lace, this attractive stitch pattern is sure to inspire many treasured projects. The thick fabric that it produces provides great structure which is certain to be much appreciated.
Designer: craftcookie
Yarn: None Specified
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
____________________
Quatrefoil Cables and Lace
The Quatrefoil Cables and Lace stitch is here to impress. Six stitch cables form the intersections between the raised petals and easy eyelets are created using yarn overs. They are joined by slip slip knits and knit 2 togethers. You’ll need a cable needle for this one!
Designer: Pamela Young Designs
Yarn: None Specified
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
____________________
Lace Cable Stitch
Cables and lace may seem like an unlikely pairing, but they sure look cozy together in the Lace Cable Stitch. The twisting columns remind me of strands of DNA or trailing vines. Special stitches include slip slip knits, purl 2 togethers, and 4 stitch cables. A cable needle is required.
Designer: Knitting Unlimited
Yarn: Katia Panama (Superfine Weight #0)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
____________________
Dewdrop Stitch
The Dewdrop Stitch is a more decorative variation on knit ribbing. It retains the nice stretching capabilities of ribbing while adding a special flair with evenly spaced eyelets. Special stitches include knit 2 togethers and slip slip knits. I would love to see this stitch used in a scarf or a cute pair of leg warmers.
Designer: dianedepoitiers designs
Yarn: None Specified
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
____________________
Lacy Fans
If you really want to make an impression with your next knitting project, then you are going to love the Lacy Fans stitch. This stitch defies knitting expectations with its curved diagonal lines. You’ll get lots of practice with your yarn over, knit 2 together, and slip slip knit techniques when you are learning this new stitch.
Designer: Red Heart Design Team
Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
____________________
Growing Trellis
Growing Trellis stitch is a sophisticated take on a simple mesh or lattice stitch. Special stitches for this stitch pattern include knit 2 together, slip slip knit, and right cross. It would make a lovely lightweight throw or a gauzy shawl to drape around you on a chilly spring day. The balance between lace and texture is right on point.
Designer: Wendy Bernard
Yarn: Ewe Ewe Yarns Wooly Worsted (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
____________________
Old Shale Stitch
A variation on the feather and fan stitch, the Old Shale Stitch uses yarn over increases and knit 2 together decreases to make the rows of stitches undulate. The stitch pattern produces much softer waves than the harsh peaks and valleys of the chevron stitch. As an added bonus, this stitch pattern naturally creates a scalloped edge.
Designer: Knitting Unlimited
Yarn: None Specified
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
____________________
German Lace
German Lace stitch forms a dazzling sea of diamonds within diamonds. The majority of the stitch pattern is made up of knit, purl, and knit 2 together stitches along with yarn overs. There are also a few tricky spots where you slip 1, knit 2 together, and then PSSO.
Designer: Eva Marie Niles
Yarn: None Specified
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
____________________
Slip Stitch Honeycomb
I’ve got good news for you! The Slip Stitch Honeycomb stitch pattern uses no purl stitches whatsoever. If you know how to knit and how to slip stitches, then you’re already well on your way to learning this exciting technique. It’s a 4 row repeat with a subtle texture and a touch of lace.
Designer: Knitting Unlimited
Yarn: None Specified
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
____________________
Briar Patch Stitch
The Briar Patch Stitch gives off strong organic nature vibes with its wavy lines and texture contrasts. Special stitches for this pattern include slip slip knits, knit 2 togethers, and yarn overs. Lace knitting stitches like this one are a great choice if you relish a challenge.
Designer: Lindsey Melvin
Yarn: (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
____________________
Lace Ribs
When you think of rib stitches in knitting, something like the Lace Ribs stitch probably doesn’t come to mind. But maybe it should! The striking stitch pattern calls for knit and purl stitches along with purl stitches through the back loop, slip slip knit stitches, knit 2 togethers, and yarn overs.
Designer: Knitting Unlimited
Yarn: None Specified
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
____________________
Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend
There’s no shortage of diamonds in this dazzling stitch pattern. The geometric shapes are nested within each other – separated by both texture and lace. Special techniques include psso and k2tog. I can picture a very pretty lightweight sweater made with stitch that would be perfect for spring.
Designer: Lindsey Melvin
Yarn: (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
____________________
Trinity Stitch
The Trinity Stitch is named for the purl 3 together stitches used throughout that create those lovely little nubs of texture. You might have also heard this stitch referred to as the Cluster 3 Stitch. The stitch pattern also uses basic knit and purl stitches. It’s a great option for adventurous beginners.
Designer: Knitting Unlimited
Yarn: None Specified
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
____________________
Diamonds in Moss
Upgrade a basic moss stitch pattern with horizontal zig zags of lacework that mirror each other to form rows of diamonds on the surface of the work. Special stitches for this tutorial include k2tog, psso, and yo. It’s a veritable tour de force of texture and lace!
Designer: Gathered
Yarn: None Specified
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
____________________
Two Row Repeat Lace
Prepare for a bit of auto pilot knitting after you learn the easy Two Row Repeat Lace pattern. The pattern calls for knit and purl stitches along with yarn overs, knit 2 togethers, and purl 2 togethers. It’s perfect for knitting in front of the tv or while listening to the latest podcast.
Designer: So Woolly
Yarn: DROPS Paris (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
____________________
Arrowhead Lace
If you are looking for lace knitting stitches that are extra lacy, then look no further than the Arrowhead Lace Stitch. This stitch pattern includes a combination of special stitches like ssk, k2tog, and s2kp to create the bold zig zag lace.
Designer: Knitting Unlimited
Yarn: None Specified
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
____________________
Lattice & Columns
There’s something so very aesthetically pleasing about the combination of criss cross lines and strong vertical lines in the Lattice & Columns stitch. Special techniques include yarn overs and double vertical decreases.
Designer: Knitca
Yarn: Knitca Lovely Bamboo (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
____________________
Basic Lace Knitting Techniques
Lace knitting is a beautiful and intricate craft that can be used to create delicate patterns and airy fabrics. Whether you’re knitting lace shawls, socks, or seasonal tops, understanding the basic techniques is essential. Here are some of the most common techniques used in lace knitting, as seen in our lace knitting stitches above.
Understanding Lace Charts
A lace knitting chart is a visual representation of a lace pattern. It shows the number of stitches and rows, and how they should be worked to create the pattern. Reading lace charts can be a bit daunting for beginner lace knitters, but with practice, it becomes easier. It’s a good idea to start with simple lace designs and gradually move on to more intricate patterns.
Stitch Increases and Decreases
In lace knitting, stitch increase and decrease techniques are used to create the characteristic small holes and delicate patterns. The most used increase is the simple increase of the yarn over (YO), while the most common decreases are the single decrease (k2tog or ssk) and the double decrease (sl1, k2tog, psso), depending on which way you’d like the stitch to slant.
Working with Different Yarns and Needles
The choice of yarn and needle size can greatly affect the outcome of your lace knitting projects. Lace weight yarn and fine yarn are often used for delicate lace patterns, while worsted weight yarn or heavier weight yarn can be used for more robust designs.
The size of the needles (mm needles) will also affect the size of the stitches and holes in your lace. A good sense of the relationship between yarn and needle size is crucial for successful lace knitting.
Mastering Basic Techniques
Before moving on to more complex lace knitting techniques, it’s important to master the basics. This includes understanding how to hold the working yarn and needles (right needle and left hand needle), how to knit rows, and how to maintain your stitch count. A great place to learn and practice these skills is through video tutorials or a knitting group, such as a Facebook group.
Exploring Lace Knitting Projects
Once you’ve mastered the basic techniques, you can start exploring different types of projects. Lace shawls, such as the rectangular shawl, are a popular choice for many knitters.
Lace socks and seasonal tops are also good projects for practicing your lace knitting skill. You can start with easy patterns and gradually move on to more complex designs, even creating your own designs.
Learning Additional Techniques
As you progress in your lace knitting journey, you may want to learn additional techniques. This can include learning how to knit lace with different methods, such as the Turkish stitch, or how to create different types of eyelets and holes.
Remember, the key to successful lace knitting is practice. Start with easy lace patterns and gradually work your way up to more complex designs.
Final Thoughts on Lace Knitting Stitches
Will you be casting on one of these fabulous lace knitting stitches? I would love to hear all about your favorite lace stitch patterns and what you plan to make with them.
Don’t forget, sharing is caring! Send this free knitting pattern round-up to all your knitting friends so they can join in on the fun too! Bookmark this page or save the link to your Pinterest board for amazing knitting patterns.
I’ll see you next week for another free knitting pattern round-up. Make sure to follow the blog so you never miss a post. <3
Happy Knitting!