Railroad Tracks: a free lace knitting stitch pattern

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This is the final result from my étude post last week. I am not sure everyone technically would call it lace, but it fits my personal definition. (It’s got deliberate holes in it.) It does have something to be remembered on every row, so if you prefer stitch patterns with rest rows, this isn’t for you. It’s otherwise pretty straightforward once you’re familiar with the bunny ears decrease. Columns of alternating YOs and decreases march up the fabric with reverse stockinette stitch between.

Feel free to change how many plain stitches are in the stockinette sections, or even make them wider and insert some other vertical lace design inside!

For best effect, don’t stretch it a lot when pinning it out. I stretched it vertically more than horizontally.

railroad tracks.JPG

Railroad Tracks: 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.
  • Railroad tracks starts with a multiple of 5+1 stitches. It varies between 5+1 and 6+1 stitches. I recommend ending with row 4 because of the way the fabric spreads, but if you need to end with the same number of stitches you started with, stop at row three. As written, it’s a multiple of 2+2 rows.
  • I’ve made a stitch map for it.
  • 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:

  • bunny ears back: work ssk but leave the second stitch on the needle. Knit 2 stitches together.
  • 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: yarnover.

Row 1 (RS): purl. [multiple of 5+1 sts]
Row 2 (WS): k1, *k2, yo, k3; work from *. [multiple of 6+1 sts]
Row 3: *p2, bunny ears back, p1; work from *, p1. [multiple of 5+1 sts]
Row 4: k1, *k2, yo, k3; work from *. [multiple of 6+1 sts]

Repeat rows 2-3, end with row 4.