How to Knit Fishnet Stockings

Fishnet stockings are an elegant, yet sexy, choice for legwear.

Fishnet stockings, though sometimes a risque accessory, are the perfect final touch to an outfit. Resembling their namesake, fishnet stockings are full of small holes to allow for skin exposure. When made as a thigh high, fishnets take on another level of sexy. For those who love fishnets, making a pair of your own may have crossed your mind. With the help of some needles and yarn, homemade fishnets are just a step away.

Things You'll Need

• Size 1 needle
• Size 3 needle
• Yarn
• 3-5 Yards of ribbon

Instructions

1. Using the number 1 one needle and doubled yarn, cast on 114 stitches. Knit every row with one knit stitch and one purl stitch until the piece measures two inches. After the piece reaches two inches, increase the number of stitches by one and begin using only one strand of yarn. Begin using the size three needles.

2. Knit the next row with the following pattern: knit one, place the yarn over, slip stitch one, knit two and pass the slip stitch over. Repeat until the end of the row. Complete the next row by purl stitching each stitch. Complete the next row by knitting one stitch, slip stitching one stitch and passing the slip stitch over, yarn over. Repeat the pattern to the end of the row. Complete the next row by purl stitching each stitch. Repeat this series of rows until the piece measures ten inches.

3. Shape the calf by knitting two together, yarn over, slip stitch one, knit two then pass the slip stitch over. Purl one stitch. Repeat this pattern of stitches for the next several rows until only 66 stitches remain. Complete the next row by knitting one, yarn over, slip stitching one, knitting two, and then pass the slip stitch over. Repeat. Purl stitch the next row. Complete the next row by knitting one stitch, slip stitching one stitch, pass the slip stitch over, yarn over. Repeat the pattern to the end of the row. Purl stitch the next row. Continue until the piece measures 21 inches.

4. Begin the next row with yarn over, then knit two together. Repeat to the end of the row to begin the heel. Knit the following row. Complete the next row by repeating the pattern of yarn over, then knitting two together. Knit the next row. Repeat the series of rows three times.

5. Knit the next row to begin the sock section of the stocking. Complete the next row by knitting until the last stitch, make one stitch, then knit the last stitch. Repeat these two rows four times. Begin the next row with yarn over, then knit two together. Repeat to the end of the row to begin the heel. Knit the following row. Complete the next row by repeating the pattern of yarn over, then knitting two together. Knit the next row. Repeat the series of rows until the sock section reaches desired length. Cast off and weave in all ends.

6. Lace the seams of the stockings together with the ribbon in a criss-cross pattern. Be sure to evenly align the seams. Repeat the same process to create the second stocking.

References

• V&A: 1940s Patterns to Knit: Fishnet Stockings
• Craftbits :Fishnet Style Stockings
• Knitty; Lolita Legs; Amy King; Summer 2004