Holey Knitting
There are a few different ways to knit lace but most knitted lace patterns use yarn overs (increases) and decreases. Basically the yarn overs make the holes in the knitting and the decreases keep the stitch count correct. If you need to increase or decrease to shape your knitting – as for a garment, and end up with stitches that do not fit the lace pattern, work these stitches in stocking stitch. Elongated stitches and dropped stitches will also make holey knitting. Knitted lace will often look narrower than it actually is and needs to be blocked to size.
The instructions here are for a very easy lace pattern that has only 1 pattern row which is worked on every row. It results in a fabric with vertical ridges joined by lacy holes.
You will need
ColourSpun Pure Cotton DK Yarn
5mm knitting needles
Abbreviations
- KÂ Â knit
- K2tog  knit 2 together
- YO Â yarn over needle (each YO counts as 1 stitch)
On knit rows bring yarn to front of work and then over needle to knit next stitch
Instructions
Cast on a number of stitches divisible by 3
Knit 3 rows (for the bottom border)
Repeat row 4 until your block is the size you require
Knit 3 rows
Cast off.
Other Stitch Patterns
Because you chose Holey Knitting, we have added links below to a few more Stitches you may like
Related Products
This Holey Knitting swatch was made using Pure Cotton – DK but would work equally well with any of our large range of Natural Yarns
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Holey Knitting?
Holey Knitting is a simple lace knitting technique that creates a fabric with vertical ridges joined by lacy holes. Because it has only one pattern row that repeats throughout, it is one of the easiest lace patterns to learn and memorise.
How does knitted lace create holes?
In knitted lace, yarn overs create the holes while decreases keep the stitch count correct. Because each yarn over adds a stitch and each decrease removes one, the overall stitch count stays the same while the lacy, open effect builds across the fabric.
What is the stitch multiple for Holey Knitting?
Cast on a number of stitches divisible by 3. Since the pattern also includes a three stitch border at each side, the border stitches are worked in plain knit to frame the lace panel neatly.
Does knitted lace need to be blocked?
Yes. Because knitted lace often looks narrower than it actually is before blocking, it needs to be blocked to its correct size and shape to open up the holes and show the pattern at its best.
What yarn works well for Holey Knitting?
Pure Cotton DK was used for this sample, since a smooth, light yarn shows the lace holes most clearly. However, the stitch works equally well with any ColourSpun natural yarn in a similar weight.
What can I make with Holey Knitting?
Because it creates a light, open fabric, Holey Knitting is well suited to summer tops, shawls, scarves, and baby blankets. It also works beautifully as a lace border or panel within a larger project.
