How to Knit Eyelet Patterns: Ridged Ribbon and Cloverleaf

Discover how to knit eyelet patterns such as ridged ribbon and cloverleaf. Eyelet patterns generally have fewer openings than out-and-out knitted lace patterns; and eyelet patterns are characterized by small openwork motifs distributed over a solid stockinette (or other closed-stitch pattern) fabric.

The increase/decrease structure is usually easy to see in eyelet patterns, making them a good place to begin your lace exploration.

Try this ridged ribbon eyelet:

1. Cast on an odd number of sts.

2. Follow this stitch pattern:

   Rows 1 and 3 (RS): Knit.

   Row 2: Purl.

   Rows 4 and 6: Knit.

   Row 5: * K2tog, yo; rep from * to last st, k1.

A pretty way to dress up the ridged ribbon eyelet is to weave narrow satin ribbon in and out of a row of holes. Use a needle and thread to secure the ends. This is particularly effective on baby clothes.

You can also work this cloverleaf eyelet:

1. Cast on a multiple of 8 sts, plus 7 sts.

2. Follow this stitch pattern:

   Row 1 (RS): Knit.

   Row 2 and all WS rows: Purl.

   Row 3: K2, yo, sl 1, k2tog, psso, yo, * k5, yo, sl 1, k2tog, psso, yo; rep from * to last 2 sts, k2.

   Row 5: K3, yo, ssk, * k6, yo, ssk; rep from * to last 2 sts, k2.

   Row 7: K1, * k5, yo, sl 1, k2tog, psso, yo; rep from * to last 6 sts, k6.

   Row 9: K7, * yo, ssk, k6; rep from * to end of row.

   Row 10: Purl.

3. Repeat Rows 3–10.