• Tutorial: Double Yarn Over
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Tutorial: Double Yarn Over

Browsing through the Easy, Everyday Openwork & Lace special issue, Sandi Prosser's beautiful piece, Layers of Lace Tunic, popped out with its unique stitch pattern and lovely colors. You'll want to knit this too, but first, let's go over the distinctive stitch known as the double yarn over.

I'll show you the method required for the stitch pattern, as well as my favorite way to deal with multiple yarn overs.

Part 1: The Yarn Overs

Step 1: Work to where the yarn overs will go.

Step 2: Wrap the yarn around the needle once, moving from the back to the front by going between the needles. Hold the working yarn over the needle at the back.

Step 3: Repeat Step 2.

Step 4: Work the next stitch as indicated in the pattern. You'll have two wraps around your needle between the first and last stitches worked. For multiple yarn overs, just keep repeating Steps 1-3 until you have the correct number of wraps.

Part 2: Working the Yarn Overs, Option A

Step 1: Work to where the yarn overs were placed.

Step 2: To maintain the established rib pattern of Sandi's pattern, knit into the first yarn over. You might have to hold the second loop so that it doesn't fall off the needle when you are pulling off the first loop.

Step 3: Pull off the first loop as you work the knit stitch.

Step 4: Purl into the second yarn over loop and continue in the pattern as indicated.

Part 2: Working the Yarn Overs, Option B

This works in stockinette stitch patterns, and I love it when dealing with 2, 3, 4 and MORE yarn overs!

Step 1: Work to where the yarn overs were placed. Using your index finger, gently push the top of the yarn over to create a gap on the back leg of the yarn over, large enough for your needle to go through.

Step 2: Insert your needle into that gap from back to front, working a purl through the back loop (p1-tbl).

Step 3: Purl the stitch through the back loop completely.

Step 4: Pull the old yarn over off the needle and prepare to work your second yarn over by repeating Steps 1-3.

I worked a few different varieties of yarn overs here so you can compare the differences. The single yarn over should be familiar to you. The double yarn over is worked by purling into the yarn overs on the wrong-side row and the 5 yarn overs technique is worked by purling through the back loops of all the yarn overs on the wrong-side row. Sounds complex, but I think you'll love the effects these eyelets will have on your lace!