Ultimate List of Lacy Open Crochet Stitches
There’s nothing that adds more elegance to a project like pretty, open crochet stitches. From accents on a bag or cardigan, to full-blown blankets and sweaters, lace stitches are just so beautiful to look at. The only problem is, with so many stitches out there, narrowing it down to one can be super intimidating. That’s why I’ve compiled this list of 24 of my favorite designs to help you narrow it down a bit!
What is an open stitch in crochet?
In crochet, the term “open stitch” refers to a stitch with a design that purposefully incorporates lots of holes or spaces in the fabric. This is otherwise known as crochet lace.
Open stitches are contrasted with closed stitches, which are purposefully designed to have a tighter, closed fabric.
While closed stitches are great for scarves and blankets, open stitches are wonderful for lighter, summer makes like shawls and cardigans.
Plus, open lacy stitches are just stunning to look at! You can form endless designs in the fabric, including flowers, shells, squares, and more.
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Open Crochet Stitches – the List
Without further ado, let me show you these amazing stitches! Most of these stitches are pretty easy to crochet. If you are a more experienced crocheter, you can also check out my list of advanced crochet stitches.
1. Drunken Granny Stitch
First up, meet the Drunken Granny Stitch. The reason for this one’s name is actually kind of humorous; it looks like a lopsided version of the classic Granny Stitch! Despite the name, though, this one actually has quite a beautiful texture, and would look fantastic in sweaters, cardigans, bags, etc.!
Designer: desert Blossom Crafts
Yarn Used: Sport Weight Yarn
2. Cross Over Stitch
If you’re looking for an even more versatile design, I think you’ll enjoy the Cross Over Stitch! This design has such a beautiful, unique texture. If you’re looking for a cute, cable-like look, than this one is definitely the stitch for you!
Designer: Desert Blossom Crafts
Yarn Used: Caron Simply Soft
3. Triangles and Cones Lace Stitch
Next, meet the Triangles and Cones Lace Stitch. Have you ever seen anything like this one? This stitch has an incredibly unique, geometric lacy design. Because of the lightness of this one, it would be particularly great for summer cardigans or shawls, though it would also make a beautiful accent stitch to a bag or sweater.
Designer: Raffamusa Designs
Yarn Used: Knit Picks Comfy Fingering Weight Yarn
4. Angel Stitch
Now here’s a holiday pattern: the Angel Stitch! Not only is this pattern gorgeous, but it’s so fun to make (I just love watching the little angels emerge)! Although this design has more of a Christmas-y flair, you can easily experiment with different colors and yarns to make this one your own for any time of year.
Designer: Desert Blossom Crafts
Yarn Used: Lion Brand Vanna’s Glamour
5. Triangle Lace Stitch
Another pattern I’d like to show you is the Triangle Lace Stitch. The thing I like most about this pattern is that the spaces and the little triangles pair up to make such a unique, double-triangle look. Not only that, but it’s a simpler pattern as well!
Designer: Knitting With Chopsticks
Yarn Used: WeCrochet Dishie
6. Snowflake Stitch
Next is another holiday design: the Snowflake Stitch! This stitch isn’t only lovely to look at, it’s perfect for almost any winter pattern! Use it in sweaters, table runners, cardigan accents, bags, the possibilities are truly endless!
Designer: Desert Blossom Crafts
Yarn Used: Lion Brand Vanna’s Glamour
7. Arcade Stitch With Bobbles
Have you been looking for a way to further spice up an arcade stitch? Or maybe you’re just looking for something really unique. Either way, I think you’ll love the Arcade Stitch With Bobbles!This beautiful stitch has such a unique look and can be incorporated into baby blankets, garments (like in sleeves, tops, etc.) shawls, you name it!
Designer: Fosbas Designs
Yarn Used: Lion Brand Superwash Merino
8. V-Stitch Chains
Are you looking for something that will really stand out? Look no further than the V-Stitch Chains! This gorgeous stitch is so different and neat. I love how it almost appears like little columns or bridges of some sort. If you’re looking to add a super unique touch to your crochet project, you should definitely check this one out!
Designer: Crochet n Create
Yarn Used: King Cole Comfort Yarm
9. Eiffel Tower Stitch
Next, let me introduce you to the Eiffel Tower Stitch. This stitch is quite elegant-looking and would add a beautiful touch to whatever project you decide to incorporate it into. This stitch would also be a great accent for just about any pattern!
Designer: Desert Blossom Crafts
Yarn Used: Premier Yarns Everyday Baby
10. Iris Stitch
Are you looking for a really pretty stitch? The Iris Stitch is the perfect thing! I absolutely love the tiny, flower-like stitches. Another thing I like about this design in particular is the way the edges scallop lightly. This would be a great pattern for a bag, blanket, edging, etc.!
Designer: Made by Gootie
Yarn Used: Paintbox Cotton DK Yarn
11. Coral Stitch
Next, meet the Coral Stitch. This stitch is beautiful to look at, I just love how it resembles the whimsical, lopsidedness of coral! This stitch is so pretty and would make a super fun accent stitch for almost any crochet project!
Designer: Desert Blossom Crafts
Yarn Used: Caron Simply Soft
12. Heart Stitch
Are you looking for a fun twist on your average heart crochet pattern? Check out the Heart Stitch! The thing I love so much about this pattern is that the heart motifs aren’t too overwhelming, so it makes a great stitch for almost any project all year round (not just for Valentine’s Day)!
Designer: Desert Blossom Crafts
Yarn Used: Worsted Weight Yarn
13. Crown Stitch
This next stitch pattern I’d like to show you is fit for a queen (get it?). The Crown Stitch uses a combination of v-stitches, single crochet v-stitches, and other simple stitches to create this gorgeous, regal design. You should definitely give this one a try!
Designer: Desert Blossom Crafts
Yarn Used: Mary Maxim Woodlands Yarn
14. Beautiful Shell Stitch
If you want to make an easier design, then I bet you’ll love the Beautiful Shell Stitch! This pattern primarily uses single and double crochets, so even beginners could easily catch on to this one! Though the final fabric of this one is pretty and lacy, it also thick and has a lot of stability, making it a great pattern to use for just about any project!
Designer: Rich Textures Crochet
Yarn Used: Pima Cotton Lion Brand Yarn
15. Stacked Shell Stitch
Next is another beachy pattern: the Stacked Shell Stitch. This pattern is quite similar to the last, except that the shells are a slightly bigger and the spaces in between are less pronounced, making this one a great variation to use for thicker projects.
Designer: Desert Blossom Crafts
Yarn Used: Red Heart Super Saver
16. Mori Lace Stitch
Another pattern I’d like to show you is the Mori Lace Stitch. This pattern uses Tunisian crochet, and is a great place to start if you haven’t tried it out before! Another cool thing about this pattern is that it’s super easy to modify (you can make the stitches staggered, or un-staggered!).
Designer: Knitter Knotter
17. Victorian Stitch
Are you looking for a vintage crochet stitch? If so, I bet you’ll like the Victorian Stitch! This stitch looks absolutely gorgeous in shawls, cardigans, scarves, etc.! And, since it’s literally just chains and double crochets, it’s super easy to recreate!
Designer: Desert Blossom Crafts
Yarn Used: Caron Simply Soft Party Yarn
18. Swirl Stitch
This next pattern is a fun one: the Swirl Stitch! Although from afar, this design appears to be a typical lacy pattern, if you look closer, you see the fun twists in each column! This stitch would be a fun accent in garments, edging for blankets or curtains, etc.!
Designer: Desert Blossom Crafts
Yarn Used: Red Heart Super Saver
19. Lacy Shell Stitch
Here’s another beginner friendly pattern: the Lacy Shell Stitch! This pattern has a beautiful subtle texture. Since this makes a denser fabric, it’s great for thicker projects like baby blankets, sweaters, you name it!
Designer: Blue Star Crochet
20. Cathedral Stitch
Are you wanting to crochet a more intricate stitch? This Cathedral Stitch is perfect! I love how this one resembles an ornate cathedral window. If you’re looking to add some interest to an otherwise basic crochet design, you should definitely give this one a try.
Designer: Desert Blossom Crafts
Yarn Used: Red Heart Super Saver
21. Foliage Stitch
Although we’re full speed into the summer months by now, it’s still never too late (or early) to make some fun, spring patterns! This Foliage Stitch is really just perfect for all seasons. Though using green yarn gives it an extra nature-y feel, you can experiment with all different kinds of colors to make it your own.
Designer: Desert Blossom Crafts
Yarn Used: Red Heart Super Saver
22. Lattice Stitch
Next, meet the Lattice Stitch. This stitch in particular is super simple to make as it only uses chains and single crochets. What I love about this pattern is that it’s perfect for when you need an openwork section for a design!
Designer: Desert Blossom Crafts
Yarn Used: Red Heart Super Saver
23. Squares Crochet Lace Stitch
Remember how I mentioned at the beginning that you can make endless types of open stitch shapes? Well, this is the Square Lace Stitch! While squares aren’t super commont to see in lace, this design features them in a truly beautiful way.
Designer: Knitting With Chopsticks
Yarn Used: Hobbii Amigo
24. Flying V-Stitch
V-Stitches are pretty, but what if you can make them more unique? Next up we have the Flying V-Stitch! I named this stitch because it reminded me of birds flying in a great big V in the sky.
Designer: Desert Blossom Crafts
Yarn Used: Red Heart Super Saver
25. Bobble Eyelet Stitch
Last, but certainly not least, we have the Bobble Eyelet Stitch. This stitch is neat because you get to do little bobbles, but also lacy eyelets right above them. It is simple enough to make, but adds some pretty texture to a project!
Designer: Desert Blossom Crafts
Yarn Used: Red Heart Super Saver
Questions About Open Stitches
How do you do a loose crochet stitch?
Looser, open stitches are usually formed by a combination of chain stitches and other stitches alternated according to the pattern. The more chains you have in between sturdier stitches, the more “loose” your fabric may be. But of course, tension also greatly effects the looseness of ANY crochet stitch.
What is a lacy crochet stitch?
A lacy crochet stitch is any kind of stitch with an open fabric with lots of holes. The terms “open stitch” and “lacy stitch” basically refer to the same thing, and can be used interchangeably.
How do you crochet a pineapple stitch?
Pineapple stitches is a specific kind of lace in crochet. This age-old stitch is made from a bunch of chain spaces that increasingly get smaller and smaller to form the shape of a pineapple. If you would like a simple tutorial, you can find one here.
Is crochet lace yarn efficient?
Generally speaking, shorter stitches like single crochet use the most yarn. Because crochet lace often uses taller stitches and a lot of chain stitches, I would say they are pretty yarn efficient, yes!
Do you have more stitch collections?
Yes! I also have made lists of textured stitches, masculine stitches, crochet stitches for scarves, open lacy stitches, and also advanced stitches. There is some crossover between the lists, but there are also lots of stitches unique to that category! If you are big into crochet stitches you will definitely love checking these out.
Conclusion
Open crochet stitches form a variety of beautiful designs! They can form shapes like squares, triangles, shells, flowers…the possibilities are practically endless! That’s what I love about crochet lace so much. It is a blank canvas for stunning, eye-catching fabrics. Hopefully this list gave you lots of stitch options for your next lacy project!
