Lace knitting has a reputation for being one of the most complicated techniques in knitting. It’s easy to see why, with its intricate shaping, delicate holes, and fine stitchwork.
Don’t be fooled, though — lace fabrics are actually created by layering simple increases and decreases, many of which you’ll probably already know.
In fact, there are hundreds of easy lace knitting patterns out there that can teach you to knit lace in no time.
In this article, we’ve hand-picked 17 modern lace knitting patterns for knitters of all skill levels, including absolute beginners.
You’ll find fashionable knitting patterns for lace sweaters, shawls, scarves and more. From simple eyelets to intricate diamond patterns, there’s no shortage of inspiration here.
Along the way, these patterns will introduce you to some of the most important stitch patterns in lace knitting, which you can use in both these projects and beyond. We’ll recommend the needles and yarn you’ll need, and explain all of the additional techniques you’ll need to know.
Later on, we’ll explain exactly how to knit lace patterns and share some of the most common lace knitting stitches you’ll come across in your journey.
17 Modern Lace Knitting Patterns For All Skill Levels
Let’s get straight to it. Here you’ll find 17 simple knitted lace patterns from knitwear designers all over the globe.
We’ve included both modern styles and vintage-inspired designs. Whichever look you go for, you’ll learn how to use small needles, light lace-weight yarn, and lace stitchwork to knit up a beautiful lace garment you’ll be proud to show off.
1. “Rosental” Lace Sweater Knitting Pattern

Price | $7.35/£5.93 |
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Techniques Required | Lace Knitting German Short Rows Raglan Increasing |
Suggested Yarn | Drops – Air |
Designer’s Website | “Rosental” Lace Sweater – ThisCosyNest on Etsy |
This airy lace sweater is light, delicate, and relatively easy to knit. It’s worked seamlessly from the top down using short rows, raglan increases, and round knitting. You can use light or worsted weight yarn, but remember: the lighter your yarn is, the more defined the lace pattern will appear.
Though it may feel complicated at first for newbie knitters, the knitting pattern includes tutorial videos and instructions for 5 sizes, so you’ll soon feel comfortable with all of the techniques involved.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
Needle Size | US Size 8/5mm Circular Needles |
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Yarn Weight | 50g = 150m |
Yarn Quantity | 6–10 Skeins |
2. Mohair Lace Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Price | $7.50/£6.05 |
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Techniques Required | Lace Knitting Round Knitting |
Suggested Yarn | Drops – Kid Silk |
Designer’s Website | Mohair Lace Cardigan Pattern – MashaZyablikova on Etsy |
Knitted with a blend of silk and mohair, this intermediate-level pattern includes step-by-step instructions, lace knitting charts for each key stage, and video tutorials for the most complicated sections.
The cardigan is worked from the bottom up in separate sections for the body and sleeves, which are worked flat and in the round respectively.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
Needle Size | N/A – See Pattern |
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Yarn Weight | 25g = 210m |
Yarn Quantity | 7–10 Skeins |
3. “To Be So Lonely” Lace Sweater

Price | $12.57/£10.37 |
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Techniques Required | Lace Knitting Round Knitting |
Suggested Yarn | Take Care Mohair – Wool and the Gang |
Designer’s Website | “To Be So Lonely” Sweater – KarasKnitEng on Etsy |
If you want to feel more comfortable with simple lace knitting, then this lace sweater pattern is for you. It’s designed with an oversized fit, dropped shoulders, and a luxurious lacy texture that you’ll want to knit over and over again.
Of course, regular lace-knitters will find this pattern easier to complete. However, as long as you’re familiar with picking up stitches and knitting in the round, you’ll be able to work your way through it in no time.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
Needle Size | US Size 10/6mm Circular Needles US Size 6/4mm Circular Needles |
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Yarn Weight | 50g = 100m |
Yarn Quantity | 350m–800m |
4. Easy Lace Shawl Knitting Pattern

Price | $6.00/£4.84 |
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Techniques Required | Lace Knitting |
Suggested Yarn | N/A – See Pattern |
Designer’s Website | Easy Lace Shawl Pattern – DarlingJadore on Etsy |
Inspired by Colorado’s autumnal landscape, this half-circle shawl pattern features a wavy lace border and a delicate eyelet lace pattern that intertwines with rows of traditional knit stitches.
Suitable for advanced beginners, it’s relatively easy to knit using light-weight yarn and 5mm circular needles.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
Needle Size | US Size 8/5mm Circular Needles |
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Yarn Weight | DK/Light Weight |
Yarn Quantity | 655m |
5. The “Lucy” Shawl

Price | $7.74/£6.24 |
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Techniques Required | Lace Knitting Increasing Flat Knitting |
Suggested Yarn | Vilja – Filcolana |
Designer’s Website | The “Lucy” Shawl – Gregoria Fibers |
The triangular-shaped “Lucy” shawl is knitted flat in a simple but addictive lace pattern. It comes with instructions for one size and is knitted from the tip using simple increases for the first half and decreases for the second.
The pattern requires just three skeins of light-weight yarn. Regardless of how you choose to style it, the final lace shawl is delicate, feminine, and light enough to wear all year long.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
Needle Size | US Size 2.5/3mm Circular Needles |
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Yarn Weight | 50g = 160 m |
Yarn Quantity | 3 Skeins |
6. Long Lacy Scarf Knitting Pattern

Price | $5.50/£4.44 |
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Techniques Required | Lace Knitting |
Suggested Yarn | N/A – See Pattern |
Designer’s Website | Long Lacy Scarf Knitting Pattern – DarlingJadore on Etsy |
We couldn’t complete this list without including a classic lace scarf knitting pattern that will add some style to your outfits in those colder months.
Worked up in worsted-weight yarn, this scarf is designed with a traditional rectangular shape and a geometric-style lacework pattern that rises and falls throughout the scarf from beginning to end.
If you’re looking for an easy lace pattern with great results, this one’s for you.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
Needle Size | US Size 8/5mm Circular Needles |
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Yarn Weight | Worsted/Medium Weight |
Yarn Quantity | 640m |
7. The “Copenhagen” Lace Sweater Pattern

Price | $11.02/£8.89 |
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Techniques Required | Lace Knitting Stockinette Stitch Moss Stitch Rib Stitch Raglan Decreasing |
Suggested Yarn | No 1 – Önling Brushed Lace – Mohair by Canard |
Designer’s Website | The “Copenhagen” Lace Sweater – Önling |
Designed by June Thomsen, the “Copenhagen” sweater is best suited to intermediate knitters looking for a project that involves a range of different techniques.
It’s knitted from the bottom up using wavy lace stitches, moss stitch, decorative raglan decreases and a touch of ribbing for the edges. It’s not the simplest of patterns, but you definitely won’t get bored!
Worked up with a yarn blend of angora and merino wool, the final sweater is not just fashionable — it’s super soft, too.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
Needle Size | US Size 9/5.5mm Double-Pointed & Circular Needles US Size 10/6mm Double-Pointed & Circular Needles |
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Yarn Weight | 50g = 180m (Yarn A) 25g = 210m (Yarn B) |
Yarn Quantity | 250g–400g (Yarn A) 100g–175g (Yarn B) |
8. The “Rigmor Tee” by PetiteKnit

Price | $6.57/£5.30 |
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Techniques Required | Lace Knitting Raglan Decreasing Rib Stitch |
Suggested Yarn | Mondial – Cashmere |
Designer’s Website | The “Rigmor Tee” – PetiteKnit |
Designed with a simple lace pattern throughout the body and sleeves, the “Rigmor Tee” by PetiteKnit is delicate, feminine, and perfect for ambitious knitters.
The body of the tee is worked in the round on circular needles, while the sleeves can be worked on either double-pointed needles or circular needles with the magic loop technique.
You’ll need to be familiar with basic ribbing for the neckline, reading lace charts for the body, and raglan decreases for shaping around the yoke.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
Needle Size | US Size 4/3.5mm Circular Needles US Size 2.5/3mm Circular Needles |
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Yarn Weight | 25g = 115m |
Yarn Quantity | 175g–300g |
9. Lace Socks Knitting Pattern

Price | $5.50/£4.44 |
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Techniques Required | Lace Knitting |
Suggested Yarn | N/A – See Pattern |
Designer’s Website | Lace Socks Knitting Pattern – DarlingJadore on Etsy |
Socks aren’t the easiest projects to knit, and lace socks are no different. Luckily, the results are worth it!
This knitted sock pattern from DarlingJadore is designed with beautiful lace detailing from heel to toe. They’re knitted seamlessly in the round with approximately 180 meters of worsted weight yarn, 3.75mm double pointed needles, and video tutorials to guide you through.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
Needle Size | US Size 5/3.75mm Double-Pointed Needles |
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Yarn Weight | Worsted/Medium Weight |
Yarn Quantity | 182m |
10. The “Telma” Scarf

Price | $7.74/£6.24 |
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Techniques Required | Lace Knitting Flat Knitting Garter Stitch |
Suggested Yarn | Kid Mohair – Mohair by Canard |
Designer’s Website | The “Telma” Scarf – Gregoria Fibers |
We absolutely love this lacy neck scarf pattern from Gregoria Fibers, and hopefully so will you. It’s small, ultra-modern, and versatile – so you can pair it with almost anything.
The scarf is knitted flat with just two skeins of thin mohair, which means you can indulge in your favorite yarn without breaking the bank.
It features a fun, easy lace pattern that even beginners will find it easy to work their way through.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
Needle Size | US Size 2.5/3mm Circular Needles |
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Yarn Weight | 50g = 350m |
Yarn Quantity | 1–2 Skeins |
11. “Cardigan No. 6”

Price | $7.44/£6.00 |
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Techniques Required | Lace Knitting Rib Stitch |
Suggested Yarn | Soft Silk Mohair – Knitting for Olive |
Designer’s Website | “Cardigan No. 6” – My Favourite Things Knitwear |
This delicate lace cardigan knitting pattern from My Favorite Things Knitwear is inspired by the Japanese knitting icon Hitomi Shida.
Knitted from top to bottom using charts, it features lace patterning all over, a relaxed silhouette, and delicate columns of ribbing throughout. This creates a fluffy, vintage-inspired knitted cardigan that feels just as good as it looks.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
Needle Size | US Size 10/6mm Circular Needles US Size 8/5mm Circular Needles |
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Yarn Weight | 25g = 225m |
Yarn Quantity | 250g–350g |
12. Lace Headband Knitting Pattern

Price | $5.50/£4.44 |
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Techniques Required | Lace Knitting |
Suggested Yarn | N/A – See Pattern |
Designer’s Website | Lace Headband Knitting Pattern – DarlingJadore on Etsy |
Suitable for advanced beginners, this pattern will teach you to work up a feminine knitted headband that makes for the perfect winter accessory.
It’s designed with a delicate, flowery lace pattern that cascades down the center. This lacework stands amidst a background of traditional knit stitches for a sturdy, stretchy base.
Knitted on 5mm needles with just 70 meters of yarn, it’s an excellent choice if you’ve got some spare worsted weight yarn to use up!
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
Needle Size | US Size 8/5mm Circular Needles |
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Yarn Weight | Worsted/Medium Weight |
Yarn Quantity | 70m |
13. “005 Lace Sweater” by Rowan

Price | $4.96/£4.00 |
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Techniques Required | Lace Knitting |
Suggested Yarn | Summerlite 4 Ply – Rowan |
Designer’s Website | “005 Lace Sweater” – Rowan |
Created by Rowan designer Chloe Thurlow, the “005 Lace Sweater” pattern is knitted using 100% cotton yarn. This creates a soft, matte finish and excellent stitch definition for your lacework.
It’s designed with shaped sleeves, a close-fitting waist, and a cropped silhouette. Knitwear has never looked so glamorous!
For sweater projects with a similar shape, you can also take a look at our collection of chunky cropped sweater patterns.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
Needle Size | US Size 1.5/2.5mm Needles US Size 2.5/3mm Needles |
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Yarn Weight | 50g =175m |
Yarn Quantity | 6 Balls |
14. Layered Lace Blanket Knitting Pattern

Price | $5.75/£4.64 |
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Techniques Required | Lace Knitting |
Suggested Yarn | N/A – See Pattern |
Designer’s Website | Layered Lace Blanket Pattern – KnitSewMake on Etsy |
This blanket pattern weaves together layers of different lace designs to create a striking texture and appearance. Worked up using a knitting chart, worsted weight yarn, and 4.5mm needles, it’s a great way to learn multiple types of lace stitch in the course of one project.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
Needle Size | US Size 7/4.5mm Circular Needles |
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Yarn Weight | Aran/Worsted Weight |
Yarn Quantity | N/A – See Pattern |
15. “In the Rye” Lace Scarf Knitting Pattern

Price | $4.67/£3.77 |
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Techniques Required | Lace Knitting Cable Knitting |
Suggested Yarn | N/A – See Pattern |
Designer’s Website | “In the Rye” Lace Scarf Pattern – CowlandOwl on Etsy |
This list wouldn’t be complete without a chunky knitted scarf pattern, too. This option from ‘cowlandowl’ on Etsy blends both cable knitting and lace knitting to create just that: a big, beautiful lace scarf that measures approximately 80 inches long and 12 inches wide.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
Needle Size | US Size 6/4mm Straight or Circular Needles |
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Yarn Weight | Worsted Weight |
Yarn Quantity | 740m |
16. “Collar No. 2”

Price | $4.96/£4.00 |
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Techniques Required | Lace Knitting Stockinette Stitch |
Suggested Yarn | Merino – Knitting for Olive |
Designer’s Website | “Collar No. 2” – My Favourite Things Knitwear |
You can wear this vintage-inspired lace collar over a sweater, a shirt, or a t-shirt. However you wear it, it’ll add an extra feminine touch to any outfit.
Available in three sizes, it’s knitted using 3mm circular needles, 2.5mm double pointed needles, and just 50g of merino yarn.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
Needle Size | US Size 2.5/3mm Circular Needles US Size 1.5/2.5mm Double Pointed Needles |
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Yarn Weight | 50g = 250m |
Yarn Quantity | 50g |
17. “Mrs H’s Summer Shawl”

Price | $11.02/£8.89 |
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Techniques Required | Lace Knitting Increasing |
Suggested Yarn | Skinny Singles – Hedgehog Fibers |
Designer’s Website | “Mrs H’s Summer Shawl” – Önling |
Knitted with a stunning open lace pattern, this lightweight and airy shawl is easy to knit and pairs with almost anything.
The pattern contains simple instructions for one size. It begins at the neck and uses increases on every second row to work the shawl down to its edge.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
Needle Size | US Size 6/4mm Circular Needles |
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Yarn Weight | 100g = 366m |
Yarn Quantity | N/A – See Pattern |
How to Knit a Lace Pattern: What You Need to Know
Lace knitting creates delicate and intricate patterns of tiny holes, lattices, and knots in your fabric. Lace designs can be formed in any type of knitted fabric, but stockinette stitch is the most common.
It’s usually worked with lightweight yarn and small needles between 3mm and 5mm in diameter.
There are dozens of different lace knitting stitches and patterns, each of which produces a different design. They can range from simple, symmetrical patterns to complex eyelets or flowing diamond shapes — and much, much more.
Regardless of their complexity, the majority of lace patterns can be broken down into a combination of classic knit and purl stitches, yarn overs, and ‘k2tog’ decreases. These techniques all come together to produce a unique texture and appearance.

The open structure and thin yarn used in lace knitting typically creates a lightweight and airy fabric. For this reason, it’s often used for small accessories and lighter clothing such as shawls, summer sweaters, and lightweight scarves.
Although the basic techniques involved are easy, lace knitting is often considered to be an advanced form of knitting due to the attention to detail involved. You’ll need to keep a close eye on the number of rows and stitches you’ve knitted, how consistent your gauge is, and more.
The Most Important Techniques in Lace Knitting
It might look intimidating, but you can knit a simple lace pattern with just a few basic skills:
The “Yarn Over” (yo)
The most common technique in lace knitting is the yarn over, which is abbreviated to ‘yo’ in most knitting patterns. A yarn over is a type of increase, which means it adds a new stitch to your needle that wasn’t there before.
When you add a new stitch using a yarn over, you then knit into the new stitch on the following round. Since there are no stitches preceding it, this creates a small hole in your fabric. In fact, accidental yarn overs — and the holes they create — are actually one of the most common mistakes in knitting.
Yarn overs can vary slightly depending on where you are in your project, which means some knitting patterns use different terms and abbreviations to refer to the same thing. You’ll see the same technique referred to as a ‘yarn forward’ (yf), ‘yarn round needle’ (yrn), and ‘yarn over’ (yo).
The “Knit 2 Together Yarn Over” (K2tog yo)
This is a very common pairing in lace knitting, and makes up a basic component of most knitted lace patterns. It’s a simple “knit two together” decrease that’s positioned directly next to a yarn over.
The ‘k2tog yo’ combination doesn’t affect your stitch count, as you’re essentially pairing a decrease with an increase. This means it won’t shape or slant your fabric. However, it does create a simple eyelet effect that you can work into your project.
This technique is often used in straight projects like scarves, or in the body of larger lace projects. It can also be used to make buttonholes.
Combining Decreases and Yarn Overs
The ‘yo’ and ‘k2tog yo’ are two basic techniques that will appear in the majority of lace knitting patterns. You should also be familiar with other types of decrease like “slip slip knit” (ssk) and the classic “knit two together” (k2tog) or “knit three together” (k3tog).
Once you’ve mastered these, there are dozens more increasing and decreasing methods in knitting, each of which produces a different effect.
The arrangement of these decreases, together with the small holes created by yarn overs, form the intricate and unique lace patterns that we know and love.
How to Read Lace Knitting Charts
Once you’ve chosen your knitting pattern, you’ll find the instructions written out in one of two ways.
Some designers will write out each stitch, while others will use a lace knitting chart to show the stitches. In some cases, you’ll be able to choose from both.
In lace charts, a yarn over is typically represented by an empty circle (like the hole it makes in your fabric). Decreases are usually shown as slanted lines, just like the lines they create in your fabric. By reading the chart, you can quickly get a good sense of how your lace pattern will look.

Just like intarsia charts, lace charts usually only show one repeat of the pattern. You won’t get a chart for the entire pattern, but you simply work the chart’s instructions as many times as necessary.
As always, we recommend checking the row numbers given, the instructions in the pattern, and any notes next to the chart before you start knitting.
Tips for Lace Knitting
In this section, we’ll briefly explain some additional tips that will help you get started with lace knitting.
In simple lace designs, the pattern is usually only present on the right side of the fabric. In this case, you simply purl your stitches on the wrong side of the work.
More complicated lace patterns involve working a lace pattern on both the right and wrong sides of your knitting. This can look impressive, but it’s worth getting comfortable with easier patterns before trying these out.
Good luck, and happy lace knitting!

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