pattern © 2009 by Jennifer L. Jones

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Taking advantage of a simple lace stitch is a great way to create an elegant effect that isn't as difficult at it looks. This 3x3 leaf stitch is easy to work and easy to memorize, and creates a nice, airy lace, made all the more impressive when a lovely yarn is used. Worked in a rectangle so it requires no shaping, it's modern, yet feminine.

Finished Measurements: 63 inches by 12.25 inches

Gauge: 15 st per 4 inches (gauge is not crucial for this project)

Yarn: sock weight - sample knit with one skein of Araucania Ranco Multy, 376 yds.

Needle Size: US 5 / 3.75mm

Notes

The sample was knit with a larger size needle than typically used for sock weight yarn. This results in the pattern being a little looser and more open, if you would prefer the pattern stitch to be firm, use a smaller needle and plan for more yardage and an extra pattern repeat to get the same dimensions.

Abbreviations

K = stitch

st = stitch

YO = yarn over (increase)

K3tog tbl = knit three stitches together through the back loops (double decrease)

Alternate double decrease = slip one stitch as if to knit, knit two together, pass slipped stitch over

Pattern

Cast on 49 st.

Knit two rows.

Row 1: K2, *K3, YO, K3tog tbl, YO, repeat from * to last 5 st, K5

Row 2: K2, purl to last 2 st, K2

Row 3: K2, *YO, K3tog tbl, YO, K3, repeat from * to last 5 st, YO, K3tog tbl, YO, K2

Row 4: K2, purl to last 2 st, K2

Repeat these four rows until only a few yards remain.

Knit two rows. Bind off.

Wash and block. 

Modifying the Pattern

The pattern stitch is a multiple of six stitches. This pattern has seven full repeats plus one half-repeat (so the wrap is symmetrical), and also has two edge stitches on each side (four total edge stitches). To make it wider or narrower, figure a multiple of six, plus three, plus the number of edge stitches.