Eyelets are the simplest lace. A yarn over (yo) makes a new stitch with a small hole under it, and the k2tog next to it removes a stitch, so the count stays the same. Rows of eyelets on a stockinette background are pretty on baby things and are perfect for threading a ribbon.
| Stitch count | Flat: any odd number. In the round: multiple of 2 |
|---|---|
| Level | Easy |
| Curls at the edges | Yes, like stockinette |
| Reversible | No |
| Yarn use | Same as stockinette |
| Good for | Baby blankets, summer tops, shawl borders and threading a ribbon. |
How to knit eyelet lace flat
- Rows 1–4: stockinette (knit the right-side rows, purl the wrong-side rows).
- Row 5 (right side): k1, *yo, k2tog; repeat from * to end.
- Row 6 (wrong side): purl.
- Repeat rows 1–6.
How to knit eyelet lace in the round
- Rounds 1–4: knit.
- Round 5: *yo, k2tog; repeat from * to end.
- Round 6: knit.
- Repeat rounds 1–6.
Chart
Tips
- Purl the yarn overs on the wrong-side row like ordinary stitches.
- Block lace firmly to open up the holes.
- Stagger the eyelets (start with k2 instead of k1 on every other eyelet row) for a diagonal pattern.