This how-to will show you how to work the lace stitch. This technique is used in the Nice Time Sweater Pattern. It creates a gorgeous textured, drapey fabric.

Here we will use two strands of the Shiny Happy Cotton yarn when knitting (we have used nude pink and coral crush), as well as 8mm/US11 knitting needles.

In this picture we have worked 2 rows of lace stitch to get started! To begin knitting the lace stitch, first cast on an odd number of stitches. This pattern is made up of a repeat of two rows. Row 1 is worked on the right side, and Row 2 on the wrong side.

Row 1 of the lace stitch: Slip the first stitch knitwise by inserting the right-hand needle into the first stitch as if to knit, but instead slipping it off onto the right needle without knitting.

The next step is to make a lace hole. To do this, take your yarn, and wrap it around the back of your right needle from right to left so that it ends up in between the needles.

You will now knit the next two stitches together. This is done by inserting the right hand needle through both stitches and working as a normal knit stitch. Be sure to pick up all strands of yarn if you are knitting with two strands as we have here in this how-to!

To continue working your Row 1 (right side of work) you will repeat steps 4 - 6 until the end of the row. By making a yarn over, and then knitting the two stitches together, you are creating a stitch, but then also losing a stitch. Therefore your stitch count should never change!

Row 2 of the lace stitch: (wrong side). First slip the first stitch purlwise. This is done by inserting the right-hand needle into the stitch as if to purl, but instead slipping it off onto the right needle without working it.

We will now make the lace hole by wrapping your yarn around the front of the right needle from left to right, round the back, ending back in the middle again.

Now purl the next two stitches together. This is done by inserting your right-hand needle into 2 stitches, and working as you would for a normal purl stitch. M

To work your Row 2 (wrong side of work) you will repeat steps 8 - 10 until the end of the row. Continue alternating between Row 1 and Row 2 to create the lace stitch! This technique creates a really nice open fabric that looks great and is perfect for summer knits! ;)