There’s something wonderfully meditative about knit lace. The steady rhythm of increases and decreases, the visual poetry of yarn overs and leanings—lace has a way of slowing you down and drawing you in. With Infinitum, my newest cowl and infinity scarf pattern, I wanted to capture that peaceful quality and make it accessible to everyone.
At first glance, lace can look complex, even intimidating. But here’s the secret: most knit lace patterns are easy—built from just three essential stitches: YO (yarn over), K2tog (knit two together), and SSK (slip, slip, knit). These three stitches are the heart of Infinitum, and once you understand how they work together, you’ll be able to knit lace with confidence and joy.
YO: Creating Space and Light in Knit Lace
The yarn over, or YO, is what gives knit lace its characteristic airiness. It’s not a traditional knit or purl stitch—instead, it’s a deliberate hole made by wrapping the yarn over your needle before the next stitch. This creates an eyelet that brings texture and openness to your fabric.
In Infinitum, YOs couple with mirrored decreases are placed in pairs, creating symmetrical openings that draw the eye. Each yarn over is balanced by a corresponding decrease, maintaining the stitch count while shaping the flow of the lace.
Tip: Don’t be afraid of YOs! Just bring the yarn forward between your needles, then over the right-hand needle before continuing to knit. When you come back to it on the next row, it’ll be waiting for you like a regular stitch—just knit right into it.
Mirrored Decreases: Creating Balance in Lace
One of the keys to beautifully symmetrical lace is the use of mirrored decreases—a pairing of left- and right-leaning stitches that shape the fabric in opposite directions.
In Infinitum, you’ll use K2tog (knit two together) and SSK (slip, slip, knit) as a matched set. The K2tog slants right, while the SSK slants left. When placed on either side of a yarn over, they create a centered opening that looks clean, balanced, and intentional.
This mirroring isn’t just about appearance—it helps keep your fabric from twisting or biasing in one direction. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference, especially in a pattern like Infinitum where the lace is mirrored across the center columns.
Understanding how these decreases interact gives you more control over your lace and helps the stitch pattern shine—no complicated techniques required.
K2tog: Leaning Right with Ease
The K2tog, or knit two together, is a right-leaning decrease. You simply insert your right needle into the next two stitches as if to knit (from right to left), then knit them together as one. It’s quick, neat, and creates a subtle slant that complements the flow of knit lace motifs.
In Infinitum, K2togs are used on one side of each lace section to create symmetry. They work hand-in-hand with SSKs, which lean the opposite way, to give the lace a mirrored, balanced look.
Tip: Make sure not to knit too tightly when working K2togs. Keeping your tension even will make your lace look smooth and relaxed.
SSK: Leaning Left with Grace
The SSK, or slip, slip, knit, is a left-leaning decrease. To work it, you slip two stitches knitwise (one at a time) onto the right needle, then insert your left needle into the front of those stitches and knit them together. The result is a soft, graceful slant in the opposite direction of the K2tog.
While it takes a tiny bit more effort than the K2tog, the SSK plays a crucial role in balanced lace designs. In Infinitum, it creates the perfect mirror to the K2tog, giving the lace panels their distinctive shape.
Tip: If your SSKs look a little looser than your K2togs, you’re not alone—it’s common! Try tightening up just slightly on the working yarn as you knit the two slipped stitches together.
Building Knit Lace Confidence with Infinitum
Because Infinitum is built entirely on these three stitches, it’s the perfect pattern for anyone looking to ease into knit lace. Whether you’re brand new to decorative knitting or you just want a soothing project that doesn’t require constant checking, this pattern is designed to help you relax into the rhythm.
You’ll cast on and begin working a simple lace panel that repeats in a mirrored formation. The pattern is easy to memorize and even easier to love—before you know it, your hands will move through the YOs, K2togs, and SSKs without a second thought.
The pattern includes three sizes so you can make exactly the piece you want:
- A close-fitting cowl for a touch of warmth
- A single loop scarf for a bit more drape
- A double-wrapped infinity for full cozy elegance
Yarn Spotlight: Cria DK by Primrose Yarn Company
If you’re looking for a yarn that adds softness, warmth, and just a touch of magic to your knit lace, let me introduce you to Cria DK from Primrose Yarn Company. With its irresistibly fuzzy halo and dreamy texture, it’s an ideal match for the Infinitum cowl and infinity scarf.
Cria DK is a DK-weight yarn with 270 yards per 100g skein, made from 80% baby Suri alpaca and 20% acrylic. What makes this yarn truly special is its construction: a strong acrylic core wrapped in a cloud of airy Suri fibers. The result is a fabric that feels plush, light, and gently glowing—like lace seen through soft-focus.
Despite its softness, Cria DK holds its shape beautifully, making it perfect for Infinitum’s simple mirrored lace. The yarn overs bloom, the decreases stay crisp, and the finished piece feels like a hug. It’s warm without being heavy, and the fuzzy halo lends a quiet elegance to even the simplest stitch patterns.
Even better? Cria DK comes in a jaw-dropping palette of 84 colors. Whether you’re drawn to moody neutrals, bold jewel tones, or delicate pastels, there’s a shade that will suit your vibe perfectly.
Depending on the size you choose, you’ll only need 1 or 2 skeins of Cria DK to complete Infinitum. One skein is enough for the close-fitting cowl, while two will give you a generous double-loop infinity scarf you can wrap and layer with ease.
Why we love Cria DK for Knit Lace:
- Dreamy soft halo that makes lace feel luxurious
- Incredible color range—something for everyone
- Easy yardage: 1–2 skeins for a full project
- Great stitch definition with a delicate, cozy feel
Whether you’re knitting for yourself or as a gift, pairing Infinitum with Cria DK turns a simple pattern into something extraordinary. You’ll love every stitch—and the finished piece will be one you reach for again and again.
Get the Detains for Infinitum – A Knit Lace Scarf and Cowl
Sizes
Circumference: 19 (38, 57)”/48 (96, 144) cm
Height: 12.5”/32 cm
Yarn
170 (340, 510) yds/155 (310, 465) m in DK weight yarn
Recommended Yarn
Primrose Yarn Co. Cria DK (80% Baby Suri Alpaca, 20% Acrylic) 270 yds/247 m, 100g – 1 (2, 2) skeins in Peach Fuzz
Needles & Notions
US 7/4.5 mm – 16 (32, 40)”/40 (80, 100) cm circulars (or needles needed to obtain gauge!)
Stitch markers
Tapestry needle
Gauge
17.5 sts & 25 rounds = 4”/10 cm in stockinette, after blocking
Techniques to Indulge In
Ribbing
YO’s
K2tog & SSK
Not Just a Pattern—A Peaceful Practice
Knitting lace isn’t just about the finished piece—it’s about what happens along the way. The feel of the yarn, the quiet counting, the little “click” of your needles—it all adds up to something more than a scarf. With just YO, K2tog, and SSK, you’re creating something intricate and beautiful, stitch by stitch.
So if you’ve been wanting to try lace but weren’t sure where to start, let Infinitum be your invitation. It’s proof that even the simplest stitches can create something breathtaking. And once you’ve mastered those three, a whole world of lace is at your fingertips.
Ready to cast on?
Grab your favorite fingering-weight yarn, choose your size, and let the rhythm of lace lead you into stillness.
→ Get the Infinitum pattern now and see how just three stitches can create infinite beauty.
