Lace Knitting Patterns Free Download
Rubi Panessa
Here you will find a selection of close ups of different patterns and textures used on DROPS designs. This is a very useful tool if you are searching for a certain type of pattern or when you are looking for inspiration for your own designs!
With over 30 years in knitting and crochet design, DROPS Design offers one of the most extensive collections of free patterns on the internet - translated to 17 languages. As of today we count 299 catalogs and 11253 patterns - 11249 of which are translated into English (US/in).
We work hard to bring you the best knitting and crochet have to offer, inspiration and advice as well as great quality yarns at incredible prices! Would you like to use our patterns for other than personal use? You can read what you are allowed to do in the Copyright text at the bottom of all our patterns. Happy crafting!
Shawls or lace blankets can be knit in a few different ways to form circles or almost-circle shapes. Typically they are knit from the centre out in rounds, with a number of increase points to form a spiralling octagon / pentagon, or with increase rounds at increasing distance from the centre, as in the pi shawl.
A crescent shape can be formed in a few different ways; either with short-rows and subtle decreases which curve the fabric into a banana shape, or by knitting end-to end and creating a curve by the way stitches are increased and decreased along the edges of the piece.
I grew up next to the ocean. I love the way that when you look out over the water, at the horizon the waves are tiny and indistinct and form horizontal lines. Nearer you they become more shapely until the waves at your feet or under the deck of your boat are big, curving, organic lumpy things. In response to this idea I developed the two lace patterns; one small scale, one large scale. And I knit the shawl lengthwise because it would not have looked right otherwise: the structure of the stitch patterns themselves dictated the form that the shawl would take.
From your initial concepts, get started by learning how to create lace charts from text instructions, and then how to create shaped lace charts, how to transition from one lace pattern to another, and how to design edging patterns that work with your chart repeat!
How to read the English Fern or Leaf Lace chart
If you can, right-click the chart image above and open it in a new window so you can refer to it.
Notice that the lace is worked over a multiple of 10 plus 1 stitches. This means you work it over 21, 31, 41, 51, etc., stitches. The orange outline shows the 10-stitch block that is repeated.
When you read a chart, read right side (RS) rows from right to left, and wrong side (WS) rows from left to right.
Notice the rightmost and leftmost stitches on Row 7. Do you see how they are different from the stitches inside the orange box? Inside the box, the decrease is a sl1-k2tog-psso (a left leaning double decrease). But on the right, there's a k2tog, and on the left, there's a ssk. The chart is showing you that special handling is needed on Row 7. This is because the "leaves" intersect on Row 7 (and again on Row 15), and they share a decrease when they intersect. But on the edge of the fabric, they don't intersect, and so have a single decrease instead of a double decrease.
Here's how you would read Row 1 of this chart: Knit 3, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, k5, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, k3.
And Row 3: Knit 2, k2tog, k1, yo, k1, yo, k1, ssk, k3, k2tog, k1, yo, k1, yo, k1, ssk, k2.
See? Not too hard, just read each square of the chart as you come to it and do what it tells you to do.
Working in multiples
So how do we use the chart to make a bigger piece of knitting?
Find the closest of multiple of 10 plus 1 to the size you want. Here's a chart of 6 x 10 plus 1 = 61 stitches.
The pattern within the orange outline repeats. But you usually have to work the pattern a little differently at the edges. I've outlined those in blue. The final repeat is identical except for that single ssk on Row 7. (Right click the image below and open in a new window to see a larger version).
And here's what this looks like:
Here's what it looks like in dk-weight yarn (this is an image from the Idiot's Guide to Knitting):
I can totally picture wearing this stunning lace shawl to the beach. It would look amazing over a blouse and a pair of jean shorts. You could also use it to add a little modesty covering to your swimsuit. The pattern calls for lace and garter stitches. The design is finished off with an eye-catching scalloped edging.
Versatility is the spice of life. This lightweight rectangular wrap can be snuggled around the shoulders or draped around the neck like a lace scarf. The lacework keeps it breezy and helps it work up quickly too despite the use of such thin yarn. Fun fact: the recommended yarn is made from recycled materials. How cool is that?!
Where my sock knitters at? Adding some lacework into your hand knit socks is such an easy way to make them feel a little extra fancy. This superb sock design is knit from the cuff down to the toe using the heel flap method. I could definitely use a pair of these for the upcoming fall and winter weather!
Squishy garter stitch and easy window lace are a match made in heaven for playful and cozy knit beanies for kids. This stitch combination also just so happens to be extra stretchy which is perfect for hats and especially perfect for growing noggins. The pattern calls for knit 2 togethers and yarn overs in addition to the basic knits and purls.
Elevate the basic wrap pattern with stunning knit lace. As you can see, this stunning outfit addition is fancy enough to wear over a dress for a day out on the town. The lacework on either end of the wrap serves as a decorative bookend for the textured section of twisted rib stitch in the middle.
An otherwise plain pair of fingerless gloves is given a head-turning makeover with the addition of a bit of lacework. All these lace knitting patterns are going to seriously upgrade your wardrobe! You will never want to take these gloves off after you put them on and you are going to receive so many compliments too.
Achieve a sophisticated and subtle ombre by holding two yarns together and changing only 1 color at a time with the gorgeous Osmosis Wrap. The rectangular shawl pattern is knit lengthwise with a 1 row repeat. Its simplicity makes it perfect for a bit of knitting in front of the tv after a long day.
Rows of stitches slant this way and that in this colorful crescent shaped scarf. The pattern uses easy eyelet lace to break up the pattern and add a touch of whimsy. You will love knitting this scarf in worsted weight yarn because it works up so quickly. At just over 250 yards, you will likely only need a single skein.
A lightly variegated yarn gives this lightweight scarf much more dimension and movement than a monochrome one would but still provides a calm enough backdrop to let the delicate lacework really shine. Special stitches for this auspicious design include knit 2 togethers and slip slip knits.
Large sections of brightly colored criss cross lacework take turns with solid sections of white garter stitch in this dance of the needles. It provides an excellent opportunity for using up partial skeins of yarn leftover from other projects. The whole thing is skewed at a jaunty angle thanks to the bias design.
This design pairs a wild variegated yarn with a solid colored yarn. The solid is the practical bit and the variegated adds a dash of magic for a balanced design that is both playful and practical. Garter stitch and easy lace are the hallmarks of the design. My favorite bit is the transition between colors at the center of the scarf.
This pattern is knit on the bias and yet the eyelet lace appears in perfectly horizontal rows across it. It must be magic! Along with eyelet lace, the pattern calls for stockinette and reverse stockinette stitches. I love the way that the ends of the scarf taper to a point and twirl ever so alluringly.
Designed to be a meditative knit with a four row repeat, special stitches for this chunky lace scarf include the centered double decrease. The designer chose a personal affirmation for each of the 4 rows and then repeated the words upon working each corresponding row to imbue the project with positive intentions.
The pretty patchwork of muted colors on this Entrelac Boho Scarf will have you feeling like a magical nomad. This project makes a great stash buster and it is so much fun to knit too. Sections of entrelac knitting criss cross the rectangular scarf in a sort of elongated square checkerboard pattern.
This design features generous sections of geometric lacework on either end of a wide swath of smooth stockinette. The thick yarn makes quick work of this project and yields a warm and cozy scarf despite the pop of lacework. It really is a marvel that the scarf appears so dainty and delicate even though it is made with super bulky yarn!
Turn the eyelet lace up to an 11 to create a meshwork of yarn in the Meshmerism scarf. The openwork stitches are bordered by generous sections of garter stitch that add the perfect touch of squish and structure. I especially love how the recommended yarn gradually shifts from blue to green.
While most lace scarf knitting patterns are worked widthwise, this pattern is knit lengthwise. Having to cast on all those stitches is worth the trade off of not having to switch colors in the middle of every row. You will love the relaxing and repetitive stitchwork as it is similar to feather and fan stitch.
I just love the all over lace design of this adorable scarf. It is fancy enough to wear to a party and casual enough to throw on over a blouse and jeans. My favorite bit is how the lacework forms little columns of zig zags. These zig zags are created with yarn overs and 2 different kinds of decreases.
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