Skulls: a free lace knitting stitch pattern

This isn’t secret code. This is the result of starting a secret code swatch back in August and having to start over because there were excellent skull faces in it. (It was not appropriate to have skull faces in that particular context.)

I’ve fiddled a bit with the design – removing the non-skull bits and elongating  the top a bit. I’m not sure the proportions are anatomically correct, but I like the effect, so.


(This is instead of Monday’s post.)

IMG_4605 scaledDoesn’t everyone take pictures of Hallowe’en themed swatches on their black cats? No?
Skulls: a free lace knitting stitch patternNotes:

  • This is a stitch pattern such as might be found in a stitch dictionary. It is not a pattern for a finished object. You will need to add selvedges or some other form of knitted stitches to either side.
  • Wrong side rows are not shown in chart. Purl them, working (k1, p1) in each double yo.
  • Skulls is a multiple of 10 stitches and 15 rows. I put a few plain rows of stockinette above and below the single vertical repeat that I worked for the swatch.
  • Designers, please feel free to use this stitch in your patterns. I’d like credit but won’t be offended if people don’t give it.
  • If you like my posts like this, please consider supporting me on Patreon or donating with my Paypal tip jar in the sidebar. Thanks!

Abbreviations:

  • 1/1 LC: Slip next stitch to cable needle and place at front of work, knit 1, then knit 1 from cable needle.
  • 1/1 RC: Slip next stitch to cable needle and place at back of work, knit 1, then knit 1 from cable needle.
  • k: knit.
  • k2tog: knit 2 stitches together as if they were 1. (Right-leaning decrease)
  • p: purl.
  • ssk: slip each of the next 2 stitches as if to knit, then knit them together through the back loop. (Left-leaning decrease)
  • yo: yarn over.

Row 1 (RS): *K2, k2tog, yo, k2, yo, ssk, k2.*
Row 2 and all even rows: purl, working (k1, p1) in each double yo.
Row 3: *K1, 1/1 RC, k2tog, yo x 2, ssk, 1/1 LC, k1.*
Row 5: *(K2tog, yo) x 2, k2, (yo, ssk) x 2.*
Row 7: *Yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo x 2, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo.*
Row 9: *K1, ssk, yo x 2, ssk, k2tog, yo x 2, k2tog, k1.*
Row 11: *K1, yo, ssk, k4, k2tog, yo, k1.*
Row 13: *K1, yo, k2tog, k4, ssk, yo, k1.*
Row 15: *K2, yo, ssk, k2, k2tog, yo, k2.*

Designers, please feel free to use these stitches in your patterns. I’d like credit but won’t be offended if people don’t give it. Thanks! – Naomi

If you like my posts like this, please consider supporting me on Patreon. Thanks!