Mesh Lace
About this stitch
*yo, k2tog* every RS row, purl every WS row — pure square mesh ground.
Lace blooms after wet-blocking — the unblocked fabric will look bunched and uneven. Knit lace at a needle 1–2 sizes larger than you would for stockinette at the same yarn weight; the open mesh requires the extra room to relax.
Further reading A primer on swatching Lace for accurate gauge.
Stitch chart
Read RS rows right-to-left, WS rows left-to-right. The bottom-right cell is row 1, stitch 1.
Row-by-row written instructions
- Cast on a multiple of 2 sts + 1.
- Refer to the chart above (read RS rows right-to-left, WS rows left-to-right) or follow the row-by-row instructions in the description.
- All WS rows are purled unless the chart shows otherwise.
- Repeat the 2-row pattern for length.
- Block aggressively to open the lace fully.
Abbreviations used
- k knit
- p purl
- yo yarn over
- k2tog knit two together (right-leaning decrease)
- ssk slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
- sk2p slip 1, k2tog, pass slipped st over
- sl slip purlwise
- tbl through the back loop
Knitter's tips
- Install a lifeline (a smooth contrast thread threaded through every live stitch) every 8–16 rows; ripping back lace without one is heartbreaking.
- Use stitch markers between every repeat so an error stays contained to one section.
- Block lace by soaking, squeezing out water, then pinning damp to a blocking mat — let dry fully before unpinning.
Editor's pick Why every knitter should keep a swatch journal.
Recommended materials
This stitch is most flattering in Fingering-weight yarn on 4 (3.5 mm) needles, at a working gauge near 24 stitches and 28 rows over four inches in stockinette. Open the yarn weight reference or the needle conversion chart for substitutions.