How to Knit a Roman Stripe Pattern
Barbara Walker first introduced the Roman stripe lace pattern in the second of her stitch pattern books. It's simple for beginners because you only need to know how to do a yarn-over. Worked over seven rows, it's also reversible, making it perfect for scarves, shawls and blankets. Follow these directions to knit this pattern.
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Instructions
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The Simple Rows
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1
Pick a yarn in a light color and without texture so you can see the stitch work. Double-knit (DK) or sport weight is a good choice.
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2
Choose needles that are one or two sizes larger than what the ball band recommends. Size nine or 10 works well. It shows the criss-cross effect between the garter stitch rows but still produces open eyelets.
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3
Cast on 24 stitches, as the Roman stripe pattern works over an even number.
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4
Begin the second row by knitting one stitch. Purl across that row until you reach the last stitch, which you should knit.
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5
You'll knit across rows six and seven.
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6
Follow the instructions in the next section for the pattern rows.
The Pattern Rows
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7
Start the second row by knitting one stitch. Alternate between a yarn-over and one knit stitch across the rest of the row until you reach the last stitch, which you should knit. Instructions for a yarn-over are in the next step.
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8
Start the second row by knitting one stitch. Alternate between a yarn-over and one knit stitch across the rest of the row until you reach the last stitch, which you should knit. Instructions for a yarn-over are in the next step.
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9
Knit the first stitch of the third row. Then knit two stitches together across the entire row except for the last stitch, which you should knit.
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10
Begin rows four and five by knitting one stitch. Alternate between a yarn-over and knitting two stitches together until you reach the last stitch of the row. Knit that stitch.
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11
Continue the Roman stripe pattern until you've knit 28 rows. Block your swatch so the eyelets open nicely and the crossed stitches are visible.
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1
Tips & Warnings
You can work the Roman stripe pattern over six or eight rows, but then it won't be reversible.
