Don’t Be Afraid of Knit Lace!

I taught myself to knit from books.  My first project was a knit stole using only knit and purl stitches.  I liked my stole so much that I decided to make a lace stole using a vintage pattern I found in my stash of books.  I was half way through the project when I found out that most knitters consider lace a more advanced form of knitting.  In this case, ignorance was bliss.  Lace patterns can be tricky.  If you miss a yarn over or drop a stitch, the fabric can be very unforgiving.  It is also a good idea to use needles with long tapered ends so working stitches together will be easier. With those warnings, give lace a try.  I have the perfect pattern for you.  I used this pattern to make my stole and a scarf for my Mom, both with sock yarn (pictures below).  Just adjust the number of stitches for the desired width.  I also added a seed stitch border all around each project so the ends will lay flat. 

 

Knit Stole - Unblocked Fabric

Simple Lace Pattern

Work border bottom in either garter or seed stitch for desired number of rows.

Lace Row 1 – Work border stitches for desired with of side border.  Purl in each stitch of lace section, end with border pattern stitches.

 Lace Row 2 – Work border stitches, in lace section work *knit 3, yarn over, knit 3 together,  yarn over, repeat from * across row and end with knit 3.  Work border stitches.

Lace Row 3 – Work border stitches, in lace section work purl across row.  Work border stitches.

Lace Row 4 – Work border stitches, in lace section work *yarn over, knit 3 together, yarn over, knit 3, repeat from * across row ending with a yarn over, knit 3 together, yarn over.  Work border stitches.

Repeat rows 1 - 4 for desired length.  Complete project with border rows and bind off.