Openwork stitches
Summer is the time when, among knitted patterns, lace stitches are the undisputed stars.
I've prepared 4 mini-lessons explaining the basic concept of all lace stitches.
Lesson 1: What are lace stitches and how to make them?
They're simply "holes."
No, not the ones you make by mistake... those are mistakes! 😄 It happens to all beginners; it's completely normal.
The lace stitch is a hole made on purpose!
How do you do it? It's easy; there's an almost mathematical rule:
1 yarn over + 2 stitches together (or 1 slip) = 1 lace stitch*
Note: On the return row, the yarn over must be worked without twisting the yarn, otherwise the "hole" will disappear.
Simple, right?
If you have any doubts, watch the video I've prepared for you.
Important!
The number of yarn overs must equal the number of decreased stitches (knitted together or slipped), otherwise the work will either widen or narrow.
https://youtu.be/i8B9mjq26-g?si=J2DNrXDS6Vz_w5KX
Lesson 2: How to make a row of lace stitches slanted to the left
Simple rows slanted to the left are a great starting point for learning many patterns.
Those slanted to the right, in my opinion, are a little more difficult.
You'll see them in lesson 3.
Watch the video and try to reproduce the pattern you see in the video.
https://youtu.be/Ro4ie-KLYh4?si=UPOr6imfILejQ_6A
Lesson 3: How to Make a Row of Lace Stitches Slanted to the Right
If you've already learned how to make a row of lace stitches slanted to the left, now you can learn how to make one slanted to the right.
The secret is very simple:
To make a row slanted to the right, first knit 2 stitches together and then yarn over.
To make a row slanted to the left, however, first knit 1 yarn over and then knit 2 stitches together.
That's it... or almost.
Of course, you need to do this in the right place. You'll see it better in the video.
https://youtu.be/Gu5Z-asCRtI?si=3nKS_q5Zqv_1YxIa
Lesson 4: How to Make a Zigzag Lace Stitch Row
Now you can combine what you learned in Lessons 2 and 3 and create beautiful zigzag stripes.
It may seem strange, but that's precisely the secret of lace stitch patterns: the left and right inclination.
Try making zigzag stripes following the video.
https://youtu.be/JFvKw_mOjgE?si=TVA7ZLec1JdaW8XQ
Now all you need is a little practice and you can unleash your creativity.
All you need to do is make a summer scarf to get familiar with lace stitches.
And if you use cashmere or fine yarns, it will be not only beautiful but also precious.
You'll see how satisfying it will be!
I'm rooting for you!!!
Alicja Kwartnik
for Hircus Filati
