How to Knit the Lace and Seed Stitch (Video + Written Pattern)

The lace and seed stitch alternates two fabrics in horizontal bands: eight rows of pebbly seed stitch, then six rows of a small eyelet lace. It looks like more work than it is.

It's an intermediate stitch because you track two things at once: which band you're in, and where you are in the six-row lace repeat. The lace uses only yarn overs and two simple decreases.

The thing that makes it work is pairing every yarn over with a decrease. Each lace row adds the same number of stitches it removes, so your count stays at 33 and the seed stitch bands line up.

Watch: Lace and Seed Stitch Video Tutorial

Watch for where the decreases sit relative to the yarn overs on Rows 3, 5 and 7; that placement is what draws the holes into a diamond.

What You Need

Yarn: medium (worsted) weight, as written. A smooth, light-colored yarn makes the eyelets easy to see and the seed stitch bumps easy to read, which matters while you're learning.

Needles: US 9 (5.5 mm), or the size that gives you the listed gauge.

Abbreviations (US terms): CO = cast on; K = knit; P = purl; YO = yarn over; K2tog = knit two together (a right-leaning decrease); sl 1, K1, psso = slip one, knit one, pass the slipped stitch over (a left-leaning decrease); sl 1, k2tog, psso = slip one, knit two together, pass the slipped stitch over (a double decrease).

Stitch multiple: multiple of 8 + 1. The swatch uses 33.

Lace and Seed Stitch Written Pattern

Size: 6"x6"

Gauge: Stockinette | 4" = 20 Stitches | 12 Rows

Yarn: Medium Weight Yarn

Knitting Needle Size: US 9 (or size to achieve gauge)

Stitches Worked Over a Multiple of 8 stitches + 1

Abbreviations: CO - Cast On; Sl 1, k1, psso – slip one, knit one, pass the slipped stitch over; K2tog – knit two together; YO – yarn over

Pattern:

CO 33 stitches.

Row 1: *Knit 1, Purl 1, repeat from *

Row 2: *Purl 1, Knit 1, repeat from * Repeat Rows 1 and 2 for a total of 8 rows.

Row 3: K1 *YO, sl 1, K1, psso, k3, k2tog, YO, K1, repeat from *

Row 4 and all even stitches: Purl all stitches

Row 5: *K2, YO sl1, K1, psso, K1, k2tog, YO, K1, repeat from *, K1

Row 7: *K3, YO, sl 1, k2tog, psso, YO, K2, repeat from * K1

Alternate 8 rows of seed stitch and 6 rows of lace pattern until your piece measures 6" from cast on edge.

Bind off all stitches, weave in ends, & block to 6x6" square.

Step-by-Step: How the Stitch Works

1. Work the seed stitch band. Rows 1 and 2 are seed stitch: knit the purl bumps and purl the knit Vs. Repeat the pair until you have eight rows.
2. Start the lace with Row 3. Knit 1, then in each 8-stitch repeat: yarn over, left-leaning decrease, knit 3, right-leaning decrease, yarn over, knit 1. Two holes, two decreases, count unchanged.
3. Purl every even row. Rows 4 and 6 are plain purl rows. Purl the yarn overs like ordinary stitches; they open into eyelets.
4. Row 5 moves the holes inward. The yarn overs shift one stitch toward the center of each repeat, so the eyelets angle toward each other.
5. Row 7 closes the diamond. A yarn over on each side of a double decrease puts two holes at the point. Then return to seed stitch for eight rows.

Tips and Common Mistakes

• Count after every lace row. You should have 33 stitches each time. If not, a yarn over or decrease was missed.
• Use stitch markers between repeats. A marker every 8 stitches shows you which repeat went wrong.
• Odd rows are the right side. Lace rows are worked on the right side, purl rows on the wrong side.
• Don't yank the yarn overs tight. Purl them at normal tension on the return row.
• Block it. Lace looks crumpled off the needles; a wet block opens the eyelets.

What to Make With the Lace and Seed Stitch

A scarf in sport or DK weight silk shows off both the drape and the eyelets; the seed bands keep the edges from rolling. A baby blanket in worsted weight uses the lace bands as stripes, and how to knit a blanket covers sizing. A cowl in DK weight, with the lace band on the fold, is a quick gift.

Related Stitches

• Knit Seed Stitch — master the seed bands on their own first
• Knit Trellis Lace Stitch — an all-over lace using the same yarn over and decrease pairs
• Knit Lace and Cable Stitch — lace combined with cables, the next difficulty step
• Browse every knit stitch tutorial

Yarn for This Stitch

Lace opens up best in a yarn with drape, and silk has plenty. Darn Good Twist Sport Weight Silk Yarn, recycled silk hand-dyed by artisans in India, makes a scarf in this stitch that hangs well and shows every eyelet; browse it with the rest of our sport weight yarn. For a sturdier blanket, use worsted weight yarn as the swatch does.

If you'd like a new skein to practice on every month, Yarn of the Month sends three hand-dyed skeins with a knit and crochet pattern written for them, $29 a month plus shipping.

Lace and Seed Stitch FAQ

Is the lace and seed stitch reversible?
Not quite. The seed stitch bands look the same on both sides, but the lace bands have a smooth stockinette face and a purl-bump back. Most people prefer the odd-row side.

Is it beginner-friendly?
It's a good first lace. The seed bands are easy, and the lace uses only yarn overs and simple decreases, with a plain purl row between each patterned row.

Does it curl?
The seed stitch bands hold it flat. With eight rows of seed stitch on either side of each lace band, the piece lies flat after blocking.