38+ Free Knitting Lace Stitches with Written Patterns

Lace knitting has a reputation for being intimidating, but once you understand the rhythm of yarn overs and decreases, it becomes one of the most meditative and rewarding types of knitting you can do. Whether you’re brand new to lace or looking to expand your stitch library, this collection of 38+ free knitting lace stitches with written patterns is exactly what you need. Each stitch is broken down clearly so you can follow along without needing to decode a complicated chart — though charts are wonderful tools once you get comfortable with them.

This guide covers everything from beginner-friendly eyelet patterns to more advanced lace motifs. You’ll find stitches suited for shawls, scarves, baby blankets, cardigans, table runners, and decorative home goods. Best of all, every pattern here is written out row by row, so you can knit with confidence at any skill level.

What Is Lace Knitting?

Lace knitting is a technique that uses yarn overs (abbreviated YO) paired with decreases to create deliberate holes in the fabric, forming delicate, openwork patterns. The yarn over adds a stitch, and the decrease removes one, keeping your stitch count balanced. The placement of these elements is what creates the design — from simple scattered eyelets to intricate flowing vines and floral motifs.

The two most common decreases used in lace are the knit two together (k2tog), which leans to the right, and the slip slip knit (ssk), which leans to the left. Many patterns also use the central double decrease (sl2-k1-psso), which creates a balanced center point. Learning to read these abbreviations is the first step to unlocking the world of lace.

Abbreviations Used Throughout This Guide

Before diving into the patterns, here’s a quick reference for abbreviations you’ll see repeatedly:

k — knit
p — purl
yo — yarn over
k2tog — knit two stitches together (right-leaning decrease)
ssk — slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
sl1 — slip 1 stitch purlwise
psso — pass slipped stitch over
sl2-k1-psso — slip 2 stitches together, knit 1, pass both slipped stitches over (central double decrease)
rep — repeat
RS — right side
WS — wrong side
pm — place marker
sm — slip marker

Beginner Lace Stitches

1. Simple Eyelet Stitch

This is the most fundamental lace pattern and the perfect starting point for new lace knitters.

Cast on a multiple of 4 stitches plus 1.

Row 1 (RS): K1, yo, k2tog, k2; rep from to end.
Row 2 (WS): Purl across.
Row 3: K3, yo, k2tog, k2; rep from to last 2 sts, k2.
Row 4: Purl across.

Repeat rows 1–4 for pattern.

2. Eyelet Rib

A flattering combination of ribbing and lace that works beautifully for cuffs, hems, or full fabric.

Cast on a multiple of 5 stitches plus 2.

Row 1 (RS): P2, k1, yo, k2tog, p2; rep from to end.
Row 2 (WS): K2, p3, k2; rep from to end.

Repeat rows 1–2 for pattern.

3. Feather Stitch

Simple and rhythmic, this stitch creates a gentle wave of eyelets that looks lovely in a lightweight yarn.

Cast on a multiple of 6 stitches plus 1.

Row 1 (RS): K1, yo, k2tog, k1, ssk, yo, k1; rep from to end.
Row 2 (WS): Purl across.

Repeat rows 1–2 for pattern.

4. Diamond Eyelet

A clean geometric pattern that creates evenly spaced diamonds across the fabric.

Cast on a multiple of 8 stitches plus 1.

Row 1 (RS): K4, yo, ssk, k6; rep from to last 5 sts, yo, ssk, k3.
Row 2 and all WS rows: Purl across.
Row 3: K2, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, k3; rep from to last 7 sts, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, k2.
Row 5: K1, k2tog, yo, k3, yo, ssk, k1; rep from to end.
Row 7: K2tog, yo, k5, yo, sl2-k1-psso; rep from to last 7 sts, yo, k5, yo, ssk.
Row 8: Purl across.

Repeat rows 1–8 for pattern.

5. Zigzag Lace

This creates a fun, energetic zigzag that’s surprisingly easy to memorize after the first repeat.

Cast on a multiple of 6 stitches plus 1.

Row 1 (RS): K1, yo, k2, sl1-k2tog-psso, k2, yo, k1; rep from to end.
Row 2 (WS): Purl across.
Row 3: K2, yo, k1, sl1-k2tog-psso, k1, yo, k3; rep from to last 5 sts, yo, k1, sl1-k2tog-psso, k1, yo, k2.
Row 4: Purl across.

Repeat rows 1–4 for pattern.

6. Little Shell Stitch

This tiny shell stitch creates a delicate scallop effect that works wonderfully for baby items.

Cast on a multiple of 7 stitches plus 2.

Row 1 (RS): K2, p5, k2; rep from to end.
Row 2 (WS): P2, k5, p2; rep from to end.
Row 3: K2, p2tog, yo, p1, yo, p2tog, k2; rep from to end.
Row 4: P2, k5, p2; rep from to end.

Repeat rows 1–4 for pattern.

7. Candle Flame Stitch

This pattern creates a tall, elegant flame shape that looks complex but is built from simple increases and decreases.

Cast on a multiple of 12 stitches plus 1.

Row 1 (RS): K1, yo, k3, ssk, sl1-k2tog-psso, k2tog, k3, yo, k1; rep from to end.
Row 2 (WS): Purl across.
Row 3: K1, k1, yo, k2, ssk, k1, k2tog, k2, yo, k2; rep from to end.
Row 4: Purl across.

Repeat rows 1–4 for pattern.

Intermediate Lace Stitches

8. Horseshoe Lace

One of the most beloved traditional lace patterns. The horseshoe shape is elegant and symmetrical.

Cast on a multiple of 10 stitches plus 1.

Row 1 (RS): K1, yo, k3, sl1-k2tog-psso, k3, yo, k1; rep from to end.
Row 2 (WS): Purl across.
Row 3: P1, k1, yo, k2, sl1-k2tog-psso, k2, yo, k1, p1; rep from to end.
Row 4: K1, p9, k1; rep from to end.

Repeat rows 1–4 for pattern.

9. Fern Lace

This flowing pattern mimics the graceful fronds of a fern and is a staple in traditional knitting.

Cast on a multiple of 10 stitches plus 1.

Row 1 (RS): K1, yo, k3, sl1-k2tog-psso, k3, yo, k1; rep from to end.
Row 2 (WS): Purl across.
Row 3: K2, yo, k2, sl1-k2tog-psso, k2, yo, k3; rep from to last 9 sts, yo, k2, sl1-k2tog-psso, k2, yo, k2.
Row 4: Purl across.

Repeat rows 1–4 for pattern.

10. Leaf Lace

A naturally shaped leaf motif that pairs beautifully with reverse stockinette backgrounds.

Cast on a multiple of 8 stitches plus 1.

Row 1 (RS): K1, yo, k2, sl1-k2tog-psso, k2, yo; rep from to last st, k1.
Row 2 (WS): Purl across.
Row 3: K1, yo, k1, sl1-k2tog-psso, k1, yo, k1; rep from to last st, k1.
Row 4: Purl across.
Row 5: K1, yo, sl1-k2tog-psso, yo, k1; rep from to last st, k1.
Row 6: Purl across.

Repeat rows 1–6 for pattern.

11. Vine Lace

This classic stitch creates a beautiful climbing vine effect and is a favorite for stoles and scarves.

Cast on a multiple of 9 stitches plus 4.

Row 1 (RS): K5, yo, k2, ssk, k2tog, k2, yo, k1; rep from to last 8 sts, yo, k2, ssk, k2tog, k2, yo, k1.
Row 2 (WS): Purl across.
Row 3: K4, yo, k2, ssk, k2tog, k2, yo, k1; rep from to end.
Row 4: Purl across.

Repeat rows 1–4 for pattern.

12. Old Shale (Feather and Fan)

One of the oldest and most recognizable lace patterns in knitting history. It creates beautiful waves.

Cast on a multiple of 18 stitches.

Row 1 (RS): Knit across.
Row 2 (WS): Purl across.
Row 3: (K2tog) 3 times, (yo, k1) 6 times, (k2tog) 3 times; rep from to end.
Row 4: Knit across.

Repeat rows 1–4 for pattern.

13. Cat’s Paw Lace

A charming and dainty pattern that creates small paw-like clusters of eyelets.

Cast on a multiple of 12 stitches plus 3.

Row 1 (RS): K3, k3, yo, ssk, k2, k2tog, yo, k3; rep from to end.
Row 2 and all WS rows: Purl across.
Row 3: K3, k2, yo, ssk, k2, k2tog, yo, k4; rep from to end.
Row 5: K3, k1, yo, ssk, k4, k2tog, yo, k3; rep from to end.
Row 7: K3, yo, ssk, k6, k2tog, yo, k2; rep from to end.
Row 8: Purl across.

Repeat rows 1–8 for pattern.

14. Snowflake Lace

Delicate snowflake clusters that make a stunning all-over pattern for winter accessories.

Cast on a multiple of 8 stitches plus 1.

Row 1 (RS): K1, ssk, yo, k3, yo, k2tog, k1; rep from to end.
Row 2 (WS): Purl across.
Row 3: K1, yo, ssk, k3, k2tog, yo, k1; rep from to end.
Row 4: Purl across.
Row 5: K2, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k3; rep from to last 7 sts, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k2.
Row 6: Purl across.
Row 7: K3, yo, sl2-k1-psso, yo, k5; rep from to last 6 sts, yo, sl2-k1-psso, yo, k3.
Row 8: Purl across.

Repeat rows 1–8 for pattern.

15. Bird’s Eye Lace

A crisp, neat pattern with small eyelet pairs arranged like a bird’s-eye view looking down on a grid.

Cast on a multiple of 4 stitches plus 1.

Row 1 (RS): K1, yo, sl1-k2tog-psso, yo, k1; rep from to end.
Row 2 (WS): Purl across.
Row 3: K2tog, yo, k1, yo, sl1-k2tog-psso; rep from to last 3 sts, yo, k1, yo, ssk.
Row 4: Purl across.

Repeat rows 1–4 for pattern.

16. Lotus Flower Lace

This beautiful eastern-inspired motif looks intricate but follows a satisfying, logical structure.

Cast on a multiple of 10 stitches plus 1.

Row 1 (RS): K1, k4, yo, ssk, k4; rep from to end. Wait — k1, k3, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, k3; rep from to end.
Row 2 (WS): Purl across.
Row 3: K1, k2, k2tog, yo, k3, yo, ssk, k2; rep from to end.
Row 4: Purl across.
Row 5: K1, k1, k2tog, yo, k5, yo, ssk, k1; rep from to end.
Row 6: Purl across.
Row 7: K1, k2tog, yo, k7, yo, ssk; rep from to end.
Row 8: Purl across.

Repeat rows 1–8 for pattern.

17. Chevron Lace

A timeless zigzag lace that creates bold chevron stripes with a lightweight, airy feel.

Cast on a multiple of 12 stitches plus 1.

Row 1 (RS): K1, yo, k4, k2tog, ssk, k4, yo, k1; rep from to end.
Row 2 (WS): Purl across.

Repeat rows 1–2 for pattern.

18. Razor Shell Lace

This classic shell pattern has a slight sharpness to its edges that gives it a more graphic look.

Cast on a multiple of 10 stitches plus 1.

Row 1 (RS): K1, yo, k3, sl1-k2tog-psso, k3, yo, k1; rep from to end.
Row 2 (WS): Purl across.
Row 3: P1, yo, k3, sl1-k2tog-psso, k3, yo, p1; rep from to end.
Row 4: K1, p9, k1; rep from to end.

Repeat rows 1–4 for pattern.

19. Oriel Lace

An elegant, panel-style lace stitch with a tall vertical