How to Knit a Zig Zag Lace Pattern

A zig zag lace pattern usually involves creating wavy lines out of eyelets in the knitted fabric. Most of these are complex. This one, however, only looks complicated. You just need to know three techniques to create a mesh texture with zig zag lines running down it. It's appropriate for dishcloths, washcloths, blankets and scarves.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A ball of yarn
• Knitting needles

The Odd-Numbered Rows

1. Use a worsted or double-knit (DK) weight yarn in a light color so you can see the zig zag pattern.

2. Check the ball band for the suggested needle size. Since the pattern is in the arrangement of stitches and not the eyelets, there's no need to pick a larger size needle as you would with other lace work.

3. Cast on 26 stitches. This zig zag lace pattern works over an even number of stitches and 12 rows but you need the extra 2 stitches for selvedge (see Step 1 in Section 2.)

4. Purl all stitches on the odd-numbered rows except for the selvedge stitches.

The Even-Numbered Rows

5. Make selvedge stitches for each row to frame the pattern. Slip the first stitch of each row onto the right needle as if you'll purl it. Also knit the last stitch of each row.

6. Create a simple pattern repeat for rows 2, 4 and 6 by making a yarn-over and then knitting 2 stitches together. To make a yarn-over, bring the yarn to the front of the left needle and place it over the right needle. To keep the yarn from slipping off, pinch it with your thumb and forefinger while you knit the next 2 stitches together.

7. Slip the first stitch of row 8 onto the right needle as if you're going to knit it. Knit the next stitch and then pass the slipped stitch over the knitted stitch on the right needle. Then make a yarn-over. Repeat this sequence of stitches until the end of row 8.

8. Repeat Step 2 for rows 10 and 12 of the pattern.

9. Knit 2 repeats of this 12-row lace pattern so you have 24 rows altogether. Block your swatch, being careful not to distort the natural shape of the zig zag rows.

[goldfinch]

on 2/23/2008 sounds interesting. i want to see how it differs from the pillar knitting you also posted. thank you for sharing! goldfinch