29. Smyrna Lace

"Smyrna Lace" is a classic: diamonds framed by two rows of eyelets. One stitch is added every other row in the first half of the pattern, and then the added stitches are worked off in the same way in the second half, forming a gently scalloped lower edge. Unlike most of the patterns we have seen, only one stitch is worked into each double yarn over on the subsequent row.

You can download the full-size chart, verbal instructions and notes here.

Glancing at the chart one might expect all-pattern knitted lace (aka knitted lace) as discussed in the 12. Tunician Lace post, because both right-side and wrong-side rows employ yarn overs to form the design. However, Smyrna Lace falls into the alternating-pattern knitted lace category (aka lace knitting). A closer examination of the chart reveals that the eyelets above the diamond motifs are worked on wrong-side rows and the eyelets below the diamonds are worked on the right side. In the first half of a given row the yarn overs (lower eyelets or upper eyelets) of the previous row are knitted across plain, and in the second half of the row new yarn overs create the other part of the pattern. Thus instead of separate pattern rows and plain-knit rows, each row serves both functions.

Despite having been knit with the same yarn and needles as all the other samples, this one strikes me as looser, stretchier, perhaps due to the double yarn overs being worked as single stitches.

Next Week: Knife Pleated Edging