Openwork and Lace Stitches. Free lace knitting stitches by Knitting Bee.
Creating knitting stitches with a lacy effect requires you to master just a few moves!
Yarn Over (stitch increase)
The first stitch is the Yarn Over (yo), which is simply a strand of yarn laid across the right needle which creates a new stitch.
To create this:
1 – Bring the yarn to the front between the needles. If the last stitch was a purl then the yarn is already in the front.
2 – Take the yarn over the top of the right needle
3 – Bring the working yarn to where it needs to be in order to work the next stitch.
Decreases
Knit 2 Together (k2tog):
The right needle goes through both the second and first stitch on the left needle and the new loop is pulled through both stitches (creating one stitch out of two). This puts the second stitch on top of the first making the stitch look like it is slanting to the right. therefore, it is a right leaning decrease.
Slip, knit, pass stitch over (skp) and slip, slip, knit (ssk):
These are left leaning decreases. Slip knitwise (essential to avoid a crossed stitch). Both decreases produce the same result.
skp
ssk
Continue below for all our free lace knitting stitches!
A textured lace stitch that builds soft raised leaf shapes across the fabric. Worked over a simple repeating structure with increases and decreases that create a dimensional, sculpted effect. Perfect for panels, scarves, or statement sections in garments. 3D Leaf Lace Stitch 🌿 Knit This Sculpted Leaf Pattern Step-by-Step (Beginner Friendly Lace Look) Abbreviations M5…
Drop Stitch Ripple Lace Stitch Knitting Pattern The Drop Stitch Ripple Lace Stitch creates a flowing, wave-like texture with openwork columns that stretch and release across the fabric. The use of double yarn overs gives this stitch its signature elongated look, while the centered decreases pull the fabric inward to form a soft ripple effect.…
Waving Leaves Lace Knitting Stitch (24-Row Repeat) A flowing lace pattern that mimics the gentle movement of leaves in the wind. The eyelets travel across the fabric in one direction, then return, forming a soft, wave-like rhythm that gives this stitch its name. Ideal for scarves, shawls, and delicate panels. Stitch Details Knitting Pattern Instructions…
Elegant Crystal-Inspired Lace Stitch (Free Knitting Pattern) The Crystals Lace stitch is a delicate, geometric lace pattern that creates a repeating crystal-like texture across your fabric. It combines simple knit and purl structure with eyelets and decreases, making it both visually striking and easy to work once the rhythm is established. This is a great…
A simple eyelet lace to knit with offset lae eyelets on a stockinette stitch background. Follow the video tutorial with me to learn this beginner lace stitch! Cast On: Multiple: 4 + 3 Row Count: 8-row repeat Pattern: Row 1 (RS): knit Rows 2 and all even rows (WS): purl Row 3: k1, *k2tog, yo,…
Eyelet Rib brings softness to structure. It blends gentle lace eyelets into a ribbed framework, creating a fabric that feels light, flexible, and deliberately decorative. The eyelets open the stitch just enough to let light through, while the rib keeps everything grounded and wearable. It stretches comfortably, drapes well, and adds a feminine note without…
Intertwined Lace Cable. Rope like cables with intertwined with eyelet columns. Intertwined Lace Cable Chart (The number of stitches is divisible by 26 + 1 + 2 selvage stitches) knit according to the chart provided for right-side and wrong-side rows. Begin with 1 selvage stitch, repeat rapport A continuously, end with the stitch after rapport A…
The Royal Lamp stitch is an intricate lace design featuring tall, elegant openings that resemble lanterns or lamps lined up in a row. It’s built over a 23-stitch repeat and worked with sets of five yarn overs that are later twisted together, forming elongated, graceful eyelets framed by textured stitches. The result is a striking…