Twig Lace Stitch

When we want to make knitted lace more open, we can use double yarn overs. Or, we can take a different route and bind off stitches right in the middle of the lace pattern.

This is how the twig lace is formed.

The lines of bound-off stitches add lovely elements that look a lot like twigs.

This stitch is built over a simple four-stitch and two-row repeat, and it looks great on scarves, shawls, summer tops, beach coverups, sweaters, and light cardigans.

Here’s how we can add it to projects worked back and forth and in the round.

THIS STITCH IN A NUTSHELL

• Level of difficulty – Easy
• Reversible? No
• Textured? Yes
• Best for – Scarves, shawls, summer tops, beach coverups, sweaters, cardigans
• Stitch multiple – 4 stitches
• Row multiple – 2 rows / rounds

VIDEO TUTORIAL
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WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS

HOW TO KNIT TWIG LACE STITCH BACK AND FORTH

The pattern repeat is made of four stitches, but when we add this stitch pattern to a project worked flat, it is best to add an extra stitch for symmetry.

That’s why we cast on a multiple of 4 stitches + 1 stitch.

The natural side edges of this stitch are not particularly beautiful, so if you use this stitch to make a scarf, a shawl, or some other project with visible side edges, add selvedges or borders.

Use simple slip-stitch selvedges, like Silesian selvedges, or go for a more decorative treatment, like brioche selvedges. Or, better yet, choose from twelve options described in the “Neat Side Edges” book.

To keep the pattern instructions simple, I won’t add selvedges to my swatch. I’ll just show you how this lovely lacy texture is formed row by row. And you can add whatever edging you like.

Row 1 (right side): [ knit 1, yarn over, slip 1 purlwise with yarn in back, knit 1, pass the second stitch on the right needle over the first one and off the needle (just as we do when we bind off a stitch), knit 1, pass the second stitch on the right needle over the first one (binding off one more stitch), yarn over ], repeat the brackets to the last stitch, knit 1.

Row 2 (wrong side): purl all stitches.

Repeat these 2 rows over and over again, and you’ll see more and more twigs decorate the columns of stitches, framed by distinct lacy holes.

If you want to keep this lace less airy, place more stitches between the columns of twigs. To make 3-stitch wide spaces, work a repeat of [ knit 3, yarn over, slip 1 with yarn in back, knit 1, bind off 1 stitch, knit 1, bind off 1 stitch, yarn over ], repeat the brackets to the last 3 stitches of the row, knit 3.

Because we change the number of stitches between the lacy columns, we should adjust the number of stitches we cast on.

Since each column of twigs is made up of 3 stitches, for our example above, we should cast on a multiple of 6 stitches (3 stitches for the column of twigs + 3 stitches for the space between the columns) + 3 stitches for symmetry.

HOW TO KNIT TWIG LACE STITCH IN THE ROUND

There is no need to worry about symmetry when we add this stitch pattern to a seamless project.

We simply cast on a multiple of 4 stitches and arrange them on the needles, using any kind of setup that allows us to work in the round – double-pointed needles, two circular needles, or one circular needle (with or without using the magic loop method).

Join stitches in a circle and place a marker to mark the beginning of the round.

Round 1: [ knit 1, yarn over, slip 1 purlwise with yarn in back, knit 1, pass the second stitch on the right needle over the first one, knit 1, pass the second stitch on the right needle over the first one, yarn over ], repeat the brackets to the end of the round.

Round 2: knit all stitches.

Repeat these 2 rounds until your project is as long as you want it to be.

To give your project some foundation at the bottom, work one row or round in stockinette stitch before you start to work the 2-row/round pattern repeat.

If you work back and forth, this setup row will be a wrong-side row, so you will purl all stitches.

To add some foundation to a seamless project, knit all stitches for one round before you work round 1 of the pattern repeat.

The “twigs” keep the fabric from curling, even though this stitch pattern is based on stockinette stitch.

But the curl will appear if you add more stitches between the columns of twigs. To keep it from showing, add borders.

CHART

If you are not sure how to read a knitting chart, here’s a guide for beginners that explains what knitting charts mean, how to understand the symbols, why there is a red frame in a chart, and how to read lace, cable, or any other knitting chart when knitting back and forth or in the round.

GIVE IT A TRY!

Take any yarn and needles and cast on 9 stitches.

Follow instructions for rows 1 and 2 until you make 8 rows.

Look at the texture of your swatch. See how the two bound-off stitches make a slanted line that looks like a twig, and notice how the fabric doesn’t have any inclination to curl at the sides. It is rare for a stockinette-based stitch pattern.

What is the first project that comes to mind? When you submit your choice to the fully anonymous poll below, you will see what other knitters picked.

PATTERN CARD

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