You know more than you realize

Basic Stitches of Lace 

There is no real mystery to the stitches used in most lace patterns. In fact, you probably know most of those already from your regular knitting.

But when we throw in knitting in tiny yarn, on tiny needles, and maybe even esoteric vintage lace edging instructions that you are attracted by and want to knit, it might seem overwhelming. Never fear. We’ll continue to take bit-sized steps in tackling these throughout the coming weeks.

So, this bit-size tutorial is moreso just to reinforce the common basic stitches that you probably already are well familiar with, and assure you that even if you only know these you probably are 80% (or more) on your way to being a star lace knitter.

This lovely, delicate lace edging uses basic stitches talked about in this Bit-size Tutorial.

I will share the lace edging shown above in a future month’s project, but wanted to encourage you now by seeing how beautifully even the basic stitches can come together.

Knit stitch

Usually the knit stitch is abbreviated by k followed by the number of knit stitches to make.

But in vintage or other short-hand instruction styles, there could just be a number; e.g. 2 for k2.

Purl stitch

Usually the purl stitch is abbreviated by p followed by the number of purl stitch to make.

Yarn over

The stitch that makes the extra loop, or opening in lace, is usually abbreviated yo in modern American instructions.

But vintage or non-US instructions might just use the term “over”.

Or they might just write “O” in short-hand abbreviated instructions.

Similar terms used in some instructions (e.g. UK-based) differentiate about how the extra loop is made. These include yfwd, yrn, yon, wl fwd. But they all boil down to the simple YO. I’ll do a tutorial on this specific area in the future.

There was one specialized method for doing a yarn over at the beginning of the row that we already covered. If you did not see that, or want to review it again, it is here.

And in this month’s project, it calls for the “yo twice” sequence (i.e. double yarn over). I am going talk about that in the next Tips & Techniques post, so be sure to look at that, too.

Right-slanting decrease

A common element of lace is the decrease stitch. This compensates for the increase stitch that a yarn over makes. Or it can be used to shape the edge of a lace edging.

By right-slanting, I mean a decrease that slants like this when viewed on the side of the knitting facing you: /

The most common right-slanting decrease you will encounter is k2tog = knit 2 stitch together. Something you’ve probably known forever. See, I knew you were already ready for lace stardom.

In vintage instructions, the decrease might just be written as “n” (meaning to narrow). Makes sense, right?

Left-slanting decrease

Whereas the method for making a right-slanting decrease is quite commonly established, the techniques for making a mirrored left-slanting decrease are less so. Again, this is a method that  compensates for the increase stitch that a yarn over makes. Or it can be used to shape the edge of a lace edging.

By left-slanting, I mean a decrease that slants like this when viewed on the side of the knitting facing you: \

The most common methods are either

• ssk  = slip, slip, knit (meaning you should slip 1 stitch as if to knit, and then slip another stitch as if to knit; insert left-hand needle into the 2 slipped stitches from left to right and knit these 2 stitches together
• skp = slip 1 stitch as to knit, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over

The ssk and skp produce basically the same results so they can be substituted for each other. Just use whichever you prefer for your style of knitting.

Of course, there are other stitch sequences that we are going to eventually turn up. Don’t worry though. I will help you through that. Meantime, just knit happy, knowing that you know lots about lace already.