Crochet lace can seem intimidating, but each lace stitch is actually just a combination of the most basic stitches that you and I are familiar with! I’m new to crochet lace, but after combing through countless tutorials I found the most effortless and eye catching ones out there, along with step by step pictures I snapped while I was trying them out. For each stitch, I’ll also give you a few project ideas and patterns that you can use it for!
To practice these crochet lace stitches, I created a small swatch using WeCrochet Twill in Horchata Heather and a 3.5mm hook. You can follow the instructions to adjust the size of your swatch to create everything from lace coasters, cozies, baby blankets, scarves, cowls, and anything else vaguely rectangular!
Abbreviations:
- ch: chain
- ch-1 space: space created by a chain one from previous row
- dc: double crochet
- dc2tog: double crochet two stitches together to decrease
- sc: single crochet
- sk: skip
- x sc: single crochet x number of times
- *…*: repeat the instructions following the single asterisk as directed
- (…): work stitches between parentheses all in the same stitch or space
1. Iris Lace Stitch
This gorgeous lace stitch is as simple as can be and created by crocheting shell stitches on top of each other. The result is a delicate, fan-like look. This stitch only uses double crochet stitches and chains, and because the motif consists of repeating shells only, the pattern is extremely straightforward to follow. Since each subsequent shell is worked right in the center of the shell from the last row, it’s simple to figure out where to place your stitches.
The Iris stitch is an elegant stitch with lots of drape. It also is relatively stable since there are two stitches sitting on either side of the center chain, making this stitch suitable to lace-weight yarns. Pastels and bright colors would show this stitch off to its full advantage.
Iris Stitch Pattern:
Begin: Crochet a multiple of 4 chain stitches + 3.
Row 1: Beginning from the 5th chain from the hook, work (2 dc, ch, 2 dc) all in the same stitch. *sk 3 ch, (2 dc, ch, 2 dc) all in the next ch, repeat from * to last 2 ch, sk 1 ch, 1 dc in last ch, turn.
Row 2: 3 ch, sk first 3 dc, *(2 dc, ch, 2 dc) in ch-1 space, skip next 4 dc, repeat from * to last 2 ch, sk last 2 dc, 1 dc in turning chain, turn.
Row 3: Repeat row 2 until you reach desired length.
Crochet chart:
Step-by-step photos:
2) Work 2 dcs in the next ch-1 space
3) Finish the shell stitch: chain 1, work 2 more dcs. Repeat.
Video tutorial:
Iris stitch project ideas:
More blog posts for amigurumi beginners:
- My Foolproof Guide to Crocheting Amigurumi for Beginners
- What’s the best stuffing for amigurumi? (+ how to stuff!)
- How to Sew Amigurumi Parts Together (easy photo tutorial!)
2. V-Stitch Lace
This V-Stitch Lace pattern is a beautiful and simple delicate mesh stitch with a repeating “V” shaped pattern repeating over and over again. This stitch pattern is ideal for anything where you want an even, repeating motif, like for delicate summer shawls or other accessories.
It’s most suitable for fine, lace-weight yarn, and shows up beautifully in all different colors, from neutral to accent!
V-Stitch Lace Pattern
Begin: Crochet a multiple of 3 chain stitches.
Row 1: Beginning from the 4th chain from the hook, *sk 2 ch, work (dc, ch, dc) all in the next ch, repeat from * across, until there are 2 ch remaining. Sk 1 ch, dc, and turn.
Row 2: 3 ch (counts as a dc), sk the first stitch, *Work (dc, ch, dc) all in the next ch-1 space, repeat from * across, and work a dc on top of the turning chain.
Row 3: Repeat row 2 until you reach desired length.
Crochet chart:
Step-by-step photos:
2) Work 1 dc in the next ch-1 space
3) Chain 1
4) Work a second dc in the ch-1 space. Repeat across.
Video tutorial:
V-stitch lace project ideas:
3. Shell Network Lace Stitch
This beautiful lace switch is similar to the Iris stitch, but the extra chains make the lace fabric even more drapey and open, without compromising on simplicity. I love the look of the small shells contrasted with the spaces between the double crochet stitches!
The shell network stitch has a more delicate appearance because of the smaller clusters and more open columns between the fans. This is a popular choice for baby clothes and accessories. It lends itself well to pastel colors and is suited to cotton and wool-mix yarns!
Shell Network Lace Stitch Pattern:
Begin: Crochet a multiple of 8 chain stitches + 3.
Row 1: Beginning from the 6th chain from the hook, *sk 2 ch, work 5 dc in the next ch, sk 2 ch, 1 dc in next ch, ch 1, sk 1 ch, 1 dc in next ch, repeat from * to end, turn.
Row 2: Chain 4 (counts as 1 dc and 1 ch), sk first dc and next ch, 1 dc in next dc, *sk 2 dc, work 5 dc in next dc, sk 2 dc, 1 dc in next dc, ch 1, sk 1 ch, 1 dc in next dc, repeat from * ending last repeat by working a dc in the 2nd chain of the turning chain, and turn.
Row 3: Repeat row 2 until you reach desired length.
Crochet chart:
Step-by-step photos:
2) Finish working 5 dc in the 3rd stitch of the fan, and get ready to work a dc on top of the dc from last row.
3) Finish working 1 dc on top of the one from last row, chain, and repeat. Now repeat the whole sequence.
Video tutorial:
Iris stitch project ideas:
4. Tiny Arches Lace Stitch
This Tiny Arches Lace stitch is aptly named for its motif that looks like tiny suspension bridges or arches and leave a small triangular space between rows. Items made with this stitch will have amazing drape and will be so breathable — perfect for shawls or baby blankets in the summer!
Tiny Arches Lace Pattern
Begin: Crochet a multiple of 4 + 1.
Row 1: Dc in the 4th chain from the hook, then *ch 2, sk the next ch, sc in the next ch, ch 2, sk the next ch, dc in the next ch, repeat from * across, ending with a dc in the last ch, and turn.
Row 2: Ch 1, sc in each of the first 2 dc, *ch 3, sk the next ch-2 space, sk the next sc, sk the next ch-2 space, sc in the next dc, repeat from the * across, ending with an sc on top of the turning chain, and turn.
Row 3: Ch 3 (counts as dc), sk the first sc, dc in the next sc, *ch 2, sc in the next ch-3 space, ch 2, dc in the next sc, repeat from * across, ending with dc in the last sc, and turn.
Row 4: Repeat rows 2 and 3 until you reach desired length.
Crochet chart:
Step-by-step photos:
Tiny arches lace project ideas:
5. Openwork Lace Ripple Stitch
The openwork ripple stitch is a beautiful wavy stitch pattern that differs from traditional ripple stitches because of the delicate eyelets throughout. Because of the open nature of this stitch, lace fabric made from it is particularly delicate and beautiful, and suitable for light garments or blankets in the summer.
It’s most suitable for fine, lace-weight yarn, and shows up beautifully in all different colors, from neutral to accent. This last stitch pattern is a little more complex, but so worth it for the beautiful lacy ripple effect!
Openwork Ripple Lace Stitch
Begin: Crochet a multiple of 20 + 3 chain stitches.
Row 1: Beginning from the 4th chain from the hook, dc2tog over the next 2 ch, *work (ch 1, sk the next ch, dc in the next ch) 3 times, ch 1, sk next ch, 5 dc in next ch, work (ch 1, sk next ch, dc in next ch) 3 times, ch 1, sk next ch, dc5tog over the next 5 ch. Repeat from * across, ending with (ch 1, sk the next ch, dc in the next ch) 3 times, ch 1, sk next ch, 5 dc in next ch, work (ch 1, sk next ch, dc in next ch) 3 times, ch 1, sk next ch, dc3tog over last 3 ch, turn.
Row 2: Ch1, sc in each dc and ch-1 space across, ending with a sc in the top of the last dc2tog, turn.
Row 3: Ch3 (counts as dc), sk the first sc, dc2tog over the next 2 sc, *work (ch 1, sk the next sc, dc in the next sc) 3 times, ch 1, sk the next sc, 5 dc in the next sc, work (ch 1, sk the next sc, dc in the next sc) 3 times, ch 1, sk the next sc, dc5tog over the next 5 sc. Repeat from * across, ending by working (ch 1, sk the next sc, dc in the next sc) 3 times, ch 1, sk the next sc, 5 dc in the next sc, work (ch 1, sk the next sc, dc in the next sc) 3 times, ch 1, sk the next sc, dc3tog over the last sc, turn.
Row 4: Repeat rows 2 and 3 until desired length.
Crochet chart:
Step-by-step photos:
Video tutorial:
Openwork ripple lace project ideas:
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