Easy Lace Stitch: 2-Rows & Reversible + Video (Scarves & Tops)

This easy lace stitch might be the one that finally makes you fall in love with lace knitting — even if those two words usually make you close the browser tab 😄.

I get it. Lace has a reputation — complex charts, long repeats, rows where you have to pay attention on both sides. It can feel like a completely different craft.

But this pattern? It’s lace for the rest of us (before I forget, it’s called Razor Shell Stitch)!

Just two rows. One of them is plain knit across. The repeat is short and those beautiful wavy edges? They happen all by themselves — no extra work needed.

Whether you want to knit a lightweight spring scarf, an airy summer shawl, or even a top, this is the stitch that might just make you fall in love with lace. 🧶

I made my swatch in 100% cotton yarn — and it stayed beautifully flat without any blocking needed. I’d love to try this in a wool or linen blend next — if you do, let me know how it turns out! 😊

If you’re a visual learner, here’s the step-by-step video so you can follow along easily (English & Continental styles):

And if you prefer the written instructions, keep scrolling down!

What Makes This Easy Lace Stitch Different

1. Row 1 is where all the magic happens — yarn overs and a double decrease create those delicate eyelets
2. Row 2 is just knit across — a proper “rest” row…
3. Both sides are pretty (not identical, but close enough to feel reversible)
4. Those wavy edges at the top and bottom? A lovely bonus that requires zero extra effort!

Materials

For this swatch I used:

US 8 (5 mm) bamboo needles (a set of double pointed needles with sharp tips, perfect for swatches, dishcloths and circular projects) #ad

And 100% cotton yarn (worsted weight, smooth, machine washable and comes in a beautiful color palette) #ad

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Abbreviations

How to Knit This Easy Lace Stitch in Just 2 Rows!

Pattern Notes

• Best in fingering, DK or worsted weight cotton or linen yarn (for light Spring-Summer projects)
• Use wool or its blends for a warmer scarf or throw
• The even rows form the right side of the work
• I’ll give you a couple of tricks for wavy edges!
  

Stitch Multiple

CO multiples of 6 + 3 (edge/selvedge sts included). For example: 6 * 4 = 24 + 3 = 27 sts.

Easy Lace Stitch Pattern Instructions

Row 1 (WS): K2, *yo, K1, sl1kw, k2tog, psso, K1, yo, K1*. Repeat from * to *, to last 2 sts, K2

Rows 2 (RS): K across

These 2 rows create the pattern. Repeat then until the desired length is reached.

When finished, BO purlwise after row 12 (WS).

Tips for Knitting This Easy Lace Stitch Successfully

1. Use stitch markers between repeats: They’re your best friend in lace knitting — place one every repeat and you’ll always know exactly where you are. If your stitch count is off at the end of a row, you’ll find the culprit immediately.

2. Count your stitches at the end of every row: Especially at the beginning. Lace is very forgiving once you know the rhythm, but it’s worth being careful until the pattern clicks.

3. Don’t be afraid of the yarn over. This is the stitch that creates those beautiful little holes — and it’s simpler than it looks! Just bring the yarn forward between the needles before knitting the next stitch. That’s it. If you forget one, do this!

4. Choose your yarn wisely: Smooth yarns show off lace beautifully — wool, cotton, linen, or their blends all work wonderfully. Avoid very fuzzy or fluffy yarns (like mohair alone) as they hide the eyelet detail. That said, a mohair blend can create an incredibly dreamy, soft result if that’s the look you’re going for!

5. Block your finished piece Cotton is a particularly great choice for this easy lace stitch — it shows off the eyelets beautifully and the fabric lays flat naturally, no blocking required. But if you do decide to block your piece, use pins along the top and bottom edges to make those wavy edges really sing!

6. Don’t overthink the bind-off Good news — no special technique needed here! Simply bind off knitwise on a wrong side row and you’re done. Just make sure not to pull too tight so those wavy edges can relax and do their thing.

What Can You Knit With This 2-Row Lace Pattern?

This is where it gets fun — because this pattern is surprisingly versatile for something so simple:

Scarves — the classic choice, and for good reason. The wavy edges give it a finished, elegant look without needing any border at all.

Shawls and wraps — the airy, open fabric is perfect for spring and summer layers. Works beautifully in cotton or linen yarn. If you want to know how many stitches to cast on, how much yarn you’ll need and measurements, follow my step-by-step formula.

Throws and lightweight blankets — the two-row repeat makes large projects very manageable. You won’t lose your place!

Tops and seasonal sweaters (in this post I’ll show you how to knit one made to measure; short, 3/4, or long sleeves, your choice!) — knit in a smooth cotton yarn, this stitch creates a lovely lightweight fabric with beautiful drape. Perfect for warmer months.

FAQ: Your Lace Knitting Questions Answered

Is this pattern suitable for beginners?

Yes! If you know how to knit, purl, do a yarn over and a basic decrease (knit two stitches together), you have everything you need. The two-row repeat makes it very forgiving and easy to memorize.

Do I need to block this stitch?

Blocking always helps lace look its best, but if you use cotton yarn like I did, you’ll find the fabric lays flat and the eyelets are already well-defined straight off the needles. A lovely bonus! 😊

Can I knit this in the round?

The pattern as written is for flat knitting. To adapt it for the round, you would need to adjust the plain knit row, as all rounds are worked from the right side in circular knitting.

What yarn weight works best?

This stitch works across a range of weights — from fingering/sock weight for a delicate shawl, to DK or even light worsted for a chunkier scarf with more visible eyelets. Try a small swatch to see which effect you prefer!

Before you Leave: Join the So Woolly Community!

If this pattern convinced you that lace isn’t so scary after all, wait until you see what’s coming next! I’m working on a collection of the easiest lace stitches I know — all one or two-row repeats, all beginner-friendly. 

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A big hug, and happy knitting,

Carolina – So Woolly 

PS: if you enjoy working with lace, you’ll find more inspiration in my Easy Lace Stitch Pattern collection.