purlJam

# LITTLE LACE SQUARE

A delightful beginner-friendly lace project perfect for learning the basics of lace knitting! This small square features a simple eyelet pattern framed by a garter stitch border. Ideal as a washcloth, dishcloth, or decorative piece. The easy 4-row repeat makes this an excellent introduction to yarn overs and decreases.

## MATERIALS

**Yarn**: Approximately 85 yards of worsted weight yarn (shown with 100% cotton for a washcloth, but any worsted weight fiber works beautifully)

**Needles**: US 7 (4.5 mm) straight or circular needles, or size needed to obtain gauge

**Notions**: 
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
- Blocking pins (optional but recommended for lace)

## GAUGE

18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch

*Gauge is not critical for this project, but will affect finished size and yardage*

## FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Approximately 8.5" x 8.5" square (after blocking)

## ABBREVIATIONS

- k = knit
- p = purl
- yo = yarn over
- k2tog = knit 2 stitches together (right-leaning decrease)
- RS = right side
- WS = wrong side
- st(s) = stitch(es)

## PATTERN NOTES

- This cloth is worked flat from bottom to top
- The lace pattern is a simple 4-row repeat with yarn overs creating eyelets
- Every yarn over is balanced by a k2tog, keeping stitch count consistent
- Wrong side rows are all knit (easy to memorize!)
- Slip first stitch of every row purlwise for a neat edge (optional)
- Block finished piece to open up the lace pattern

**Understanding the Lace Pattern:**
- **Yarn Over (yo)**: Wrap yarn around right needle to create a new stitch and an eyelet hole
- **K2tog**: Insert right needle through 2 stitches at once, knit them together as one stitch
- The yo adds a stitch; the k2tog removes a stitch - they balance each other!

## INSTRUCTIONS

**Cast On**
Cast on 38 sts using your preferred method (long-tail cast on recommended).

**Border Setup (Rows 1-6)**
Knit all stitches for 6 rows (creates garter stitch border).

*Stitch count check: 38 sts*

**Lace Pattern Section**
Work Rows 1-4 of the lace pattern 10 times total (40 rows).

**Row 1 (RS)**: K3, *yo, k2tog, k2; repeat from * to last 3 sts, k3.
- *Math check: 3 border + (8 repeats × 4 sts) + 3 border = 3 + 32 + 3 = 38 sts*

**Row 2 (WS)**: Knit all sts.

**Row 3 (RS)**: K3, *k2, yo, k2tog; repeat from * to last 3 sts, k3.
- *Math check: 3 border + (8 repeats × 4 sts) + 3 border = 38 sts maintained*

**Row 4 (WS)**: Knit all sts.

Repeat Rows 1-4 a total of 10 times (40 rows of lace pattern completed).

*After 10 repeats, you should have worked 40 lace rows + 6 border rows = 46 rows total so far*

**Top Border (Rows 47-52)**
Knit all stitches for 6 rows.

*Final stitch count check: 38 sts*

**Bind Off**
Bind off all stitches loosely in knit (a stretchy bind off is ideal for lace). Cut yarn leaving a 6" tail.

## FINISHING

1. **Weave in ends**: Use tapestry needle to weave in cast on and bind off tails securely on wrong side of work.

2. **Blocking (highly recommended)**: Soak finished cloth in lukewarm water for 10-15 minutes. Gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring). Lay flat on blocking surface or towel, pin to square shape, gently stretching to open up the eyelet holes. Allow to dry completely (24 hours).

3. **Care**: If using cotton, machine washable and dryable. For wool or delicate fibers, hand wash in cool water and lay flat to dry.

## VARIATIONS & TIPS

- **Size Adjustment**: To make larger, add multiples of 4 sts to the center section (must be divisible by 4 for pattern repeat). Add corresponding rows to maintain square shape.
- **Color Play**: Try alternating colors every 2 pattern repeats for striped lace!
- **Yarn Choice**: Cotton works beautifully for kitchen/bath use, wool blends create a soft decorative square
- **Learning Aid**: Place a stitch marker after the first 3 border sts and before the last 3 border sts to clearly mark the lace section

**Troubleshooting:**
- If your stitch count is off, check that every yo has a matching k2tog in that row
- If edges are tight, try slipping the first stitch of every row purlwise
- If lace doesn't show well, blocking is essential to open up the eyelets

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*Pattern designed for beginner lace knitters. Enjoy your first lace project!*