Oak Leaf Lace
About this stitch
Oak Leaf Lace is a 13-stitch × 18-row lace pattern in the Western tradition. Work the chart as drawn; all WS rows are purled unless the chart marks otherwise.
Use as an all-over fabric on shawls, stoles, and the bodies of summer cardigans, or as a feature panel on a sweater front. Lace is best at fingering or lace weight, knit at one or two needle sizes larger than stockinette gauge.
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 13 sts + 1.
- Work the chart for the 18-row repeat.
- Block firmly to open the lace.
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
Knitter's tips
- Lifeline every 8–16 rows.
- Pin every point of every scallop on the bound-off edge when blocking.
- A stitch marker between every repeat will save hours of tinking.
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.