How to Knit a Pillar Openwork Pattern

This lace pattern combines an attractive textured stitch with eyelets. The knitted columns in between the holes look like pillars with a twisting vine design running down them. It makes a dramatic scarf, shawl, blanket or vest. The pillar openwork is simple because there's only one pattern row made up of two stitch types. Once you learn those, it's easy to knit. Read on to learn how to knit a pillar openwork pattern.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• One ball of yarn
• Knitting needles

1. Buy one ball of double-knit (DK), sport or worsted weight yarn in a light color. Make sure there are no textures to cover up the subtle spiral design of the pillar openwork pattern.

2. Follow the recommendations on the ball band for needle size. Lace patterns usually call for larger needles, but in this case, the beauty is in the stitch pattern between the eyelet columns.

3. Cast on 23 stitches as the pillar openwork pattern takes a multiple of three plus two extra stitches.

4. Begin the first row by knitting the first stitch.

5. Make a yarn-over by placing the yarn in front of the left needle. Drape it over the right needle and hold it steady while you make the next stitch.

6. Insert the right needle into the next stitch as if you'll knit it. Slide it off the left needle so it's now on the right. Knit the next two stitches one after the other. Then pass the slipped stitch over these two knitted stitches.

7. Repeat Steps 5 and 6 down the row. You'll end up with one stitch, which you should knit. Purl all stitches in the second row.

8. Continue knitting your swatch by repeating these two rows. Bind off after 24 rows. Stretch the swatch slightly when blocking it to open the eyelets and show off the design of the pillar openwork pattern.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't use the pillar openwork pattern with dark yarns because no one will see the attractive stitch design.