The Chain Lace Stitch (CLS) for needles is a stitch pattern to look like a large and open chain-like mesh that resembles crochet chains. Originally developed by Bethany Dailey for a knitting loom, now it is available as a stitch pattern for needles. I’ve used Bethany’s stitch pattern for my Chic Retreat Cowl before and it is a unique and eye catching stitch against traditional knitting. Knitting in the round instructions and flat knitting are included. Enjoy!
Chain Lace Stitch (CLS)
by Kristen Mangus
April 9, 2015
Notes:
- Makes a very large open netted stitch. Resembles crochet lace.
- Stitch pattern is over only 4 row in multiples of 4; Rows 2-4 are foundation rows to continue the same pattern or another.
- Follow additional notes for continuing pattern alternating the chains for an all over mesh design.
- Each chain gets knit several times and moves (slides) to the right needles and back to left to work. As an alternate you can use 2 DPN (double point needle) to work this stitch by working it as a panel.
- Chains created should be knit with tighter & tension. Make sure the k2tog is not too loose or will look slopy.
- Use stitch marker to mark beginning of row.
Instructions are for knitting in the round or flat panel; as it will look the same.
Abbreviations:
Sl pw – Slip 1 purl wise (slide stitch from left needle to right needle not twisting)
k – k knit
p – purl
k2tog – knit 2 together
p tbl – purl through back loop (twisted purl stitch; place needle behind left needle & insert the opposite direction as the k tbl; needles will be parallel and the points in the same direction). [Same as in Clapotis pattern if familiar]
rem – remain
st(s) – stitch(es)
CLS – Chain Lace Stitch
CO – cast on
WY – working yarn (Main WY is what is coming from the ball as usual, pattern toes al alternate with wraps made)
Multiple of 4
Main Pattern over 4 Rows:
Row 1:
Step 1 – *k, slide back to left needle, p tbl, slide back to left*, rep between *,* 2 times. Leave last p tbl on right needle.
Step 2 – Wrap right needle 5 times, k2tog, slide back to left. Drop working yarn. Take wrapped yarn off right needle and use as 2nd WY. p tbl, slide back to left, k, slide, p tbl, slide, k, slide, p tbl. There will be a ladder of yarn between 2 sts on right needle. Main WY coming out of bottom of last st on right needle.
Repeat Steps 1-2 till last st rem.
Every other chain will either have a ladder stronger between sts or nothing.
Row 2: *p, p ladder between sts 1 & 2, p, Thumb Cast On 1*, repeat between *,* to end of row. (Back to Original CO st count).
Row 3: k
Row 4: p
End of 1 Chain Lace Stitch Pattern and continue in desired stitch pattern. To continue more rows of CLS the pattern will shift the chains over one. See CONTINUING PATTERN instructions for this repeat.
CONTINUING PATTERN
**SET-UP for CLS after main pattern complete.
Row 1:
Step 1 – Slip previous stitch from last row on needle. k2tog, slide back to left needle, p tbl, slide back to left
*k, slide back to left needle, p tbl, slide back to left*, rep between *,* 1 time. Leave last p tbl on right needle.
Step 2 – Wrap right needle 5 times, k2tog, slide back to left. Drop working yarn. Take wrapped yarn off right needle and use as 2nd WY. p tbl, slide back to left, k, slide, p tbl, slide, k, slide, p tbl. There will be a ladder of yarn between 2 sts on right needle. Main WY coming out of bottom of last st on right needle.
Repeat Steps 1-2 till last st rem.
Every other chain will either have a ladder stronger between sts or nothing.
Row 2: *p, p ladder between sts 1 & 2, p, Thumb Cast On 1*, repeat between *,* to end of row. (Back to Original CO st count).
Row 3: k
Row 4: p
Repeat CONTINUING PATTERN Steps until desired length.
I hope you enjoy using the Chain Lace Stitch for needles. Use this to substitute loom stitches in my Chic Retreat cowl pattern for the Chain Lace Stitch on the loom! – Kristen Mangus
Chain Lace Stitch between Diamond Lace Stitch before Indian Cross Stitch field. Pattern Chic Retreat Cowl by Kristen Mangus.