Rose Lace Stitch (Knitting) — Panel or Scarf
Beautiful openwork with a subtle petal motif that reads as roses when blocked. This is a stitch-panel pattern: work any number of repeats across your piece (multiple of 18 sts) plus 2 edge sts. The written directions give a 2-row lace repeat (RS lace row + WS purl row) that is easy to memorize and repeats into a flowing rose-like lace. Shown measures and gauge are for a scarf sample; the pattern scales to blankets, shawls, panels or garments.
Finished sample
- Width: approx 8” (20 cm) using 2 repeats (36 sts) + 2 edge sts = 38 sts
- Length: 60” (152 cm) finished (adjustable)
Materials
- Yarn: Fingering weight (approx 400 yards / 366 meters per 100 g). Sample used 1 skein (approx 400 yd / 366 m) for a narrow scarf; for wider/longer projects, estimate 450–600 yd (411–549 m) depending on size.
- Needles (US, UK Old, Metric): Recommended circular or straight needles: US 6 — UK 8 — 4.0 mm. Use needles 1–2 sizes smaller or larger to reach gauge.
- Tapestry needle for weaving ends, stitch markers optional, blocking pins.
Gauge
20 sts x 28 rows = 4” / 10 cm in pattern (after blocking). If your gauge differs, change needle size to match.
Sizes & Casting On
Cast on any multiple of 18 stitches, plus 2 edge sts. (Example sample: cast on 38 sts = 2 edge sts + 2 repeats of 18 sts = 38.)
Abbreviations (US)
- k = knit
- p = purl
- yo = yarn over
- ssk = slip 1 knitwise, slip 1 knitwise, insert left needle into fronts of slipped sts and knit together (left-leaning decrease)
- k2tog = knit 2 together (right-leaning decrease)
Notes
- All even-numbered rows (WS): purl across unless otherwise instructed.
- Pattern repeat is 18 sts. Keep 1 edge stitch (garter or seed edge) at each side if you like; sample uses 1 garter edge stitch (k on RS, k on WS) at each side — the written instructions below presuppose 2 edge sts (k2 at ends) for a neat edge.
- This stitch is worked over a 2-row repeat: one lace shaping RS row, then a WS purl row. That keeps it simple while creating the rosey openwork when rows are repeated and blocked.
Stitch Pattern (2-row repeat)—Multiple of 18 sts + 2 edge sts
Row 1 (RS): k2, *yo, k1, ssk, k2, yo, k1, k2tog, k1, yo, k2, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo* repeat between * to last 2 sts, k2.
Row 2 (WS): purl across.
Explanation: Row 1 contains 10 plain knit stitches, 4 single decreases (ssk or k2tog) and 4 yos per 18-st repeat so the stitch count stays even after each repeat. The pairing of left- and right-leaning decreases and the placement of the yarn-overs creates small petal openings that read as rosebuds once blocked.
Edge options
- Garter edge (recommended): K on all RS and WS edge stitches. If using circulars, slip first stitch purlwise as edge and knit last stitch of row.
- Picot or scallop edge: Work a simple cast-on/cast-off picot if desired before blocking.
Sample Scarf Instructions (shown)
- Cast on 38 sts (2 edge sts + 2 repeats of 18 sts).
- Set-up rows: Row 0 (WS): purl across. Row 1 (RS): working pattern row (below), begin lace pattern.
- Work Row 1 and Row 2 (purl row) as a 2-row repeat until piece reaches desired length. End after a WS row (Row 2).
- Work 4 rows garter (knit every row) for a balanced finished edge if desired, then bind off loosely in pattern or knitwise, leaving a loose elastic edge for blocking.
Finishing
- Weave in ends with a tapestry needle.
- Soak gently in lukewarm water with wool wash, blot excess water between towels.
- Pin out to final measurements, spacing the motifs evenly. Block until fully dry to open the lace and reveal the rose petals.
Tips and Troubleshooting
- Markers: Place stitch markers at pattern repeat boundaries every 18 sts to help keep track.
- Fixing a dropped yarn-over: If you drop a yarn-over, use a crochet hook to pick it back up. If you drop a decrease, unpick carefully to the last intact row and re-knit the section.
- Tension: Keep yarn-overs snug but not tight; if they’re too tight the motif won’t open on blocking.
- Scaling: To make wider: cast on additional 18-st repeats. To make a shawl: increase repeats horizontally and vertically and consider adding a wider garter border.
Chart (optional)
If you prefer charts: design a 18-st wide chart where odd rows correspond to Row 1 above (symbols: blank = k, dot = p, O = yo, \ = k2tog, / = ssk) and even rows are all purl. Chart repeats horizontally every 18 sts and repeats vertically every 2 rows.
Pattern License & Contact
Copyright © PurlJam (PurlJam/Verde). For support or commercial license enquiries contact: team@verde.uk. Visit https://purljam.verde.uk and follow socials: #purljam.
Enjoy your rose lace knitting — block gently and watch the petals bloom.