Quick & Elegant Knitted Lace Single-Row Stitch (Easy Pattern + Tips)
The knitted lace single-row stitch is a delicate, openwork pattern that adds instant elegance to scarves, borders, and lightweight garments. It's based on a single repeat row (worked repeatedly), so it's easy to remember and suitable for confident beginners and experienced knitters alike. Below you'll find materials, abbreviations, the stitch pattern, and a few practical tips to help you get crisp, even eyelets.
Materials and tools:
- DPN 3.5 mm (US 4)
- Any cotton yarn (4)
Common abbreviations:
- k – knit
- p – purl
- k2tog – knit two together
- yo – yarn over
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- sel s – selvage stitch: always slip the first stitch knitwise, work to the last stitch, purl the last stitch.
Single-row lace stitch pattern:
Cast on a multiple of 4 sts, plus 2 selvage stitches. Cast on 26 sts.
Row 1: sel s, [p2, yo, k2tog] – repeat till the end, sel s.
Repeat Row 1 to form the pattern.
Tips and finishing notes:
- Keep an even tension on yarn-overs so the eyelets look uniform. If eyelets are too small, try loosening slightly on the yo row; if too large, tighten a touch.
- Because the pattern repeats the same row, count repeats when checking width rather than rows. A stitch marker every repeat can help keep track.
- For a neat edge, use the selvage stitch as written (slip first stitch knitwise, purl the last stitch of the row).
- Blocking a finished piece will open up the lace and even the edges—pin to shape while damp and allow to dry fully.
- This stitch makes a light, breathable fabric—great for summer accessories and decorative trims.
Close-up swatch of the knitted lace single-row stitch showing the repeating eyelet pattern.
Edge detail highlighting the selvage stitch and neat eyelets from the single-row lace repeat.