How to Knit a Lacy Chain Design

Once you have learned the basics of knitting, more diverse stitches can be mastered with practice. The Lacy Chain Design is a beautiful variation that adds elegance to any project. The stitches may seem intimidating at first, but you'll master them gradually. This pattern works wonderfully in a sweater or scarf.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Knitting needles
• Yarn

1. Cast stitches in multiples of 16 stitches onto your knitting needles with your choice of yarn.

2. Begin row 1 by knitting 5 stitches, then yarn over, slip 1, knit 1, pass the slipped stitch over the knitted one, knit 2, yarn over, slip 1, knit 1, pass the slipped stitch over the knitted one, knit 5. Knit row 2 in the purl stitch to the end.

3. Knit row 3 as knit 3, knit 2 together, yarn over, knit 1, yarn over, slip 1, knit 1, pass the slipped stitch over the knitted one, knit 2, yarn over, slip 1, knit 1, pass the slipped stitch over the knitted one, knit 4. Knit row 4 in the purl stitch to the end.

4. Carry on knitting in row 5 as knit 2, knit 2 together, yarn over, knit 3, yarn over, slip 1, knit 1, pass the slipped stitch over the knitted one, knit 2, yarn over, slip 2, knit 1, pass the slipped stitch over the knitted one, knit 3. Knit row 6 in the purl stitch to the end.

5. Knit row 7 as knit 1, knit 2 together, yarn over, knit 2, knit 2 together, yarn over, knit 1, yarn over slip 1, knit 1, pass the slipped stitch over the knitted one, knit 2, yarn over, slip 1, knit 1, pass the slipped stitch over the knitted one, knit 2. Knit row 8 in the purl to the end.

6. Continue by knitting row 9 as knit 2 together, yarn over, knit 2, knit 2 together, yarn over, knit 3, yarn over, slip 1, knit 1, slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over the knitted stitch, knit 2, yarn over, slip 1, knit 1, slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over the knitted stitch, knit 1. Knit row 10 in the purl stitch to the end.

7. Knit row 11 as knit 2, yarn over, slip 1, knit 1, slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over the knitted stitch, knit 2, yarn over, slip 1, knit 1, slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over the knitted stitch, yarn over, knit 2 together, yarn over, knit 2, knit 2 together, yarn over, knit 2 together. Knit row 12 in the purl stitch to the end.

8. Keep on going in row 13 as knit 3, yarn over, slip 1, knit 1, slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over the knitted stitch, knit 2, yarn over, slip 1, knit 2 together, slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over the knitted stitch, yarn over, knit 2, knit 2 together, yarn over, knit 2. Knit row 14 as purl stitch to the end.

9. Finish by knitting row 15 as knit 4, yarn over, slip 1, knit 1, slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over the knitted stitch, knit 2, yarn over, slip 1, knit 1, slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over the knitted stitch, knit 1, knit 2 together, yarn over, knit 3. Knit row 16 in the purl stitch to the end. Repeat these 16 rows to form the Lacy Chain pattern.

Tips & Warnings

• This pattern assumes a basic knowledge of casting on, stockinette and purl stitches and the ability to follow knitting instructions.