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!
Imperial Crowns Free Lace Knitting Stitch. The Imperial Crowns stitch is a delicate lace pattern built on graceful arches that resemble a row of tiny crowns. It combines double yarn overs, paired decreases, and shifting placement every twelve rows to create a soft, scalloped texture with openwork points. The alternating sections of lace and stockinette…
Polka Dot Eyelets Free Knitting Stitch. This reversible textured stitch pattern creates neat, evenly spaced eyelets on a smooth stockinette base — beautiful on both sides. It’s perfect for sweaters, cardigans, tunics, tops, shawls, scarves, stoles, and even blankets. The fabric is light, breathable, and full of movement, making it ideal for spring and summer…
Scarab Beetle Free Lace Knitting Stitch – The Scarab Beetle Free Lace Knitting Stitch is a simple yet striking lace pattern that creates small, symmetrical motifs reminiscent of scarab beetle wings. Built on a 10-stitch repeat with just a handful of rows, it alternates purl backgrounds with yarn overs, centered decreases, and short bands of…
Easy lace stitch patterns – The Witches Hats lace knitting stitch is a charming and beginner-friendly pattern that creates pointed lace motifs resembling little hats lined up in your fabric. This stitch is worked over a simple repeat of yarn overs, purl sections, and paired decreases, so your stitch count stays perfectly balanced row after…
Looking to bring elegance and natural beauty into your knitting? Leaf lace stitches are a timeless favorite, adding flowing lines, organic shapes, and eye-catching texture to any project. In this collection, we’ve gathered 10 free lace leaf knitting stitches that will inspire your next creation. You’ll find graceful options like the Wide Band of Leaves…
Amazing and exciting new ideas for lace stitch patterns below: See More: How to Read Knitting Charts Knitting charts are visual maps of stitch patterns. Instead of written instructions, they use symbols in a grid to show you what to knit, stitch by stitch. Once you get the hang of them, charts can actually be…
Sunflower Bobble Stitch Free Chart Knitting Pattern Bring texture and nature-inspired beauty into your knitting with this Sunflower Bobble Stitch. This free chart knitting pattern combines lace details and bobble stitches to create a striking floral motif that stands out against the background fabric. The design begins with two elongated, lace-knit leaves at the base…
Ladder Rib Stitch Free Pattern. The Ladder Rib Stitch combines slipped stitches, yarn overs, and double decreases to create a delicate “ladder” effect within a ribbed structure. The result is a textured, airy fabric with vertical openings reminiscent of miniature ladders, giving a decorative and light feel. It’s ideal for light sweaters, scarves, or any…