Don’t let the idea of lace knitting scare you, this basic eyelet stitch knitting pattern is super easy and perfect for beginners!

Technically this basic eyelet stitch knitting pattern qualifies as lace knitting, but don’t let that fool you, it’s really very easy to knit. I use this pretty stitch in my Eyelet Sweet Baby Bonnet knitting pattern and it could not be simpler to knit. The tiny little eyelet holes add some interest and pattern to a background of stockinette, you’ll love this stitch!

What is a basic eyelet stitch?

Eyelets are an extremely basic version of lace knitting and are created with the combination of a yarn over stitch (a +1 increase) in tandem with a k2tog afterwards (a -1 decrease) this creates the little eyelet but leaves you with the same number of stitches in each row or round. This basic eyelet knitting pattern has a staggered pattern of eyelets on a stockinette stitch background.

What’s awesome about eyelet stitch?

• Eyelet stitch is classic and pretty.
• Eyelets are easy to knit once you learn how.
• Eyelet stitch knitting is lightweight (because of the holes) which makes it a great choice for spring and summer knitting projects.

What does basic eyelet stitch look like?

Here is a photo of the right side of a square swatch of basic eyelet stitch:

Here is a photo of the wrong side of a swatch of basic eyelet stitch:

As you can see, although the eyelets show on both sides, this stitch pattern is not reversible.

Tips & Tricks for knitting basic eyelet stitch:

• Keep your yarn overs tight so your eyelets aren’t too big.
• Blocking helps all lace stitches, including eyelets, a lot.
• Count after each eyelet row to make sure you still have the correct number of stitches and didn’t forget a stitch.

Basic Eyelet Stitch Knitting Pattern (knit flat)

Notes:

yo = yarn over

k2tog = knit two stitches together

Cast on a multiple of 5 stitches.

Row 1 (RS): knit all stitches

Row 2 (WS): purl all stitches

Row 3: (k3, yo, k2tog) repeat to the end of the row

Row 4: purl all stitches

Row 5: knit all stitches

Row 6: purl all stitches

Row 7: (k1, yo, k2tog, k2) repeat to the end of the row

Row 8: purl all stitches

Repeat rows 1-8.

Here is a chart showing how to knit basic eyelet stitch flat:

Basic Eyelet Stitch Knitting Pattern (in the round)

Notes:

yo = yarn over

k2tog = knit two stitches together

Cast on a multiple of 5 stitches and join to knit in the round.

Rounds 1-2: knit all stitches

Round 3: (k2, yo, k2tog) repeat to the end of the round

Rounds 4-6: knit all stitches

Round 7: (k1, yo, k2tog, k2) repeat to the end of the round

Round 8: knit all stitches

Repeat rounds 1-8.

Here is a chart showing how to knit basic eyelet stitch in the round:

Basic Eyelet Stitch Video Tutorial:

Yield: 1 swatch

How To Knit Basic Eyelet Stitch

Print

Don't let the idea of lace knitting scare you, this basic eyelet stitch knitting pattern is super easy and perfect for beginners!

Materials

• Worsted weight yarn

Tools

• US 7 (4.5mm) straight knitting needles (for knitting flat)
• US 7 (4.5 mm) circular knitting needles

Instructions

Basic Eyelet Stitch Knitting Pattern (knit flat)

1. Cast on a multiple of 5 stitches.
2. Row 1 (RS): knit all stitches
3. Row 2 (WS): purl all stitches
4. Row 3: (k3, yo, k2tog) repeat to the end of the row
5. Row 4: purl all stitches
6. Row 5: knit all stitches
7. Row 6: purl all stitches
8. Row 7: (k1, yo, k2tog, k2) repeat to the end of the row
9. Row 8: purl all stitches
10. Repeat rows 1-8.

Basic Eyelet Stitch Knitting Pattern (in the round)

1. Cast on a multiple of 5 stitches and join to knit in the round.
2. Rounds 1-2: knit all stitches
3. Round 3: (k2, yo, k2tog) repeat to the end of the round
4. Rounds 4-6: knit all stitches
5. Round 7: (k1, yo, k2tog, k2) repeat to the end of the round
6. Round 8: knit all stitches
7. Repeat rounds 1-8.

Notes

• yo = yarn over
• k2tog = knit two stitches together

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• 
  Lion Brand Yarn (1 Skein 860-108A Vanna's Choice, Dusty Blue Yarn
• 
  ChiaoGoo Single Point 9 inch (23cm) Bamboo Dark Patina Knitting Needle Size US 7 (4.5mm) 1031-7
• 
  Clover 3016/16-07 Takumi Bamboo Circular 16-Inch Knitting Needles, Size 7

Did you love this?

Follow me on Pinterest and use the pin buttons to pin this post for later!

If you liked this, you may also like some of my other posts…

• Author
• Recent Posts

Follow me

Cassie May

Craft and Knitwear Designer at Little Red Window Design

Welcome to Little Red Window! I’m Cassie, a professional craft and knitwear designer working in the field for more than 10 years. I have a degree in Art History from Northwestern University and a Master's Degree in Architecture and Design from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. I've designed more than 300 separate knitting patterns, hundreds of craft projects, and I love to bring joy to your crafts and knitting with well-designed, easy to understand tutorials and patterns.

Follow me

Latest posts by Cassie May (see all)

• Make It Yours: Customize and Personalize Any Craft Project - September 19, 2024
• Slip Knit Twist Hat Knitting Pattern - September 17, 2024
• Learn to Knit – p3tog (Purl 3 Together) - September 12, 2024