Easy Mesh Stitch Knitting Pattern (Lace Knit Top)

This blog post will show an easy mesh stitch knitting pattern – a lace knit top.

The mesh stitch is a popular pattern that creates an open, airy fabric, perfect for summer garments.

The pattern is easy to follow and suitable for knitters of all levels.

Whether you’re new to knitting or a seasoned pro, you’ll enjoy learning this stitch and creating a lovely top you can wear with pride.

So grab your needles, and let’s get knitting!

Scroll down to view the free pattern, or grab your printer-friendly, ad-free PDF here.

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Easy Mesh Stitch Knitting Pattern

Skill Level – Easy (Advanced Beginner Knitters)

If you love lacework then you are going to love this knitting pattern.

It’s a great creative project to make for spring and summer.

This easy mesh lace knitting stitch pattern is perfect for those who enjoy intricate designs and delicate details.

The finished product is absolutely stunning and is sure to impress anyone who sees it.

Whether you’re a seasoned knitter or just starting out, this project is easy to follow and will provide you with a sense of accomplishment when it’s complete.

Scroll down to view the free pattern, or grab your printer-friendly, ad-free PDF here.

The top belongs in the in the Muses collection – 12 Summer Knits (The Muses Collection)

Copyright Info

Please do not copy, sell, redistribute, or republish this pattern.
If you wish to share this pattern, please provide a link to the pattern page only.
You may sell items produced using this pattern.
Do NOT use the copyrighted photos for your product listing.
For the copyright T&C, please read my Terms of Use.

Size Information

Gauge – 12 sts/14 rows in 4 inches/10 cm in pattern.

This top can be made in the following sizes…

S (M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL)

Bust Size (inches)

38 (42, 46, 51, 57, 63)

Waist Size (inches)

34 (38, 42, 47, 53, 59)

The pattern is written for all sizes, starting with the smallest size and with changes for different sizes listed in all necessary places.

To follow patterns more easily, circle or highlight all numbers pertaining to your size before beginning.

The Supplies You Need…

Yarn

The Pima Cotton From We Are Knitters in Sand (This cotton is 100% Pima Cotton) 100g/3.05oz/232 yds/212m.
Use my code – MGM4VHHAT – for 10 off on your WAK yarn order.
This is an Aran/Worsted/10 Ply yarn.

For the following sizes, you will need;

Small – 2 – (200g/464yds/424m)
Medium – 2 – (200g/464yds/424m)
Large – 3 – (300g/696yds/636m)
XL – 3.5 – (350g/812yds/742m)
XXL – 4 – (400g/928yds/848m)
XXXL – 4.5 – (450g/1,044yds/954m)

Needles

5 mm (US 8) knitting needles
The top is worked back and forth on the needles – knit flat

Notions

Scissors
Darning needle/yarn needle
Tape measure
Stitch holder

Knitting Abbreviations

CO – Cast on
Cont – Continue
Dec – Decrease (cast off)
g st – Garter stitch
K – Knit
K2tog – Knit the next two stitches together (decrease)
Patt – Pattern
P – Purl
SKP – Slip, Knit, Pass (slip 1, K1, pass slipped stitch over)
St(s) – Stitch(es)
Rem – Remaining
Rep – Repeat
RS – Right side
WS – Wrong side
YO – Yarn over

Abbreviations Chart

Multiple of 2 stitches
2 stitch repeat.
Purl on the WS – wrong side

Video Tutorial

For extra help, check out the video tutorial on how to knit the mesh stitch knitting pattern here…

Pattern Instructions

Worked flat knitting back and forth on two needles:

Work the Front and Back pieces the same.

Cast on 64 (72, 80, 88, 100, 112) sts.

Row 1 (RS): *YO, K2tog; Rep from * to end.
Row 2 (WS): Purl.
Row 3: *SKP, YO; Rep from * to end.
Row 4: Purl.

Cont to repeat rows 1 – 4 until your piece measures = 30 (32, 34, 36, 38, 40)cm / 11.8 (12.5, 13.3, 14.1, 15, 15.7) inches.

Shape Armholes

Row 1 (RS): Cast off 4 stitches at the beg of the row, work in patt to end.

Row 2 (WS): Cast off 4 stitches at the beg of the row, work in patt to end.

Decrease (cast off) 1st at the beg of every row until you have 32 (36, 40, 44, 48, 52) sts left on the needle.

End with a RS row.

Tip – Stay in the pattern on the RS rows when decreasing by looking for the SKP stitches and working back from those – to see which stitches you have lost and where you need to start from on that row.

Straps (Garter Stitch)

First Strap

Row 1 (RS): K4 sts, cast off the rem sts until you reach the final 4 sts at the end of the row and turn the work.

Row 2 (WS): K the 4 sts and place the other 4 sts on the other side of the work onto a stitch holder.

Cont to work in g st until the strap measures = 14, (14, 16, 16, 18, 18) cm / 5.5 (5.5, 6.2, 6.2, 7, 7) inches.

Cast off.

Second Strap

Rep with the other 4 sts, re-attach the yarn to the first stitch on the right side and knit in g st until the strap is the same length as the first one.

Cast off.

Making Up

Sew the side seams together using the mattress stitch or any seaming method of your choice.

If you wish, you can leave a 10 cm/4-inch vent on either side of the seam near the bottom.

Sew the loose ends of the straps to the coordinating points on the other piece (front or back) at the top of the work.

Finishing and Blocking

You may wish to block your top; you can do that as follows:

Lay the item out on blocking mats, lightly stretch it into place, and pin it with blocking pins.
Spray with cold water.
Allow to dry completely.
Blocking Tutorial – Blocking Knits.

What Is The Mesh Stitch Pattern?

The mesh stitch pattern, also known as the openwork or lace stitch, is a versatile knitting technique that creates a fabric with an airy, open texture resembling a mesh or net.

It is achieved by alternating rows of yarn overs (increases) and corresponding decreases, such as knit two together or slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over (SKP) to create holes or “eyelets” in the fabric.

The result is a lightweight and breathable fabric that is perfect for warm weather garments, accessories, and decorative items.

Mesh stitch patterns can vary in complexity, with some featuring simple repeats of yarn overs and decreases, while others incorporate more intricate lace motifs.

This stitch pattern is popular among knitters for its delicate appearance and versatility, allowing for a wide range of design possibilities to suit different preferences and project types.

What Can You Make With The Mesh Stitch?

The mesh stitch is a beautiful pattern that offers a multitude of creative possibilities for knitting projects.

Lightweight and breathable, it’s ideal for crafting airy and delicate garments such as lacy tops, summer cardigans, or lightweight scarves and shawls, perfect for warm weather wear.

The openwork texture of the mesh stitch lends itself beautifully to accessories like hats, gloves, and cowls, adding a touch of elegance to any ensemble.

Additionally, mesh stitch patterns are popular choices for knitting market bags, tote bags, and beach bags due to their sturdy yet flexible construction.

Making a beautiful summer scarf is a great way to try out this stitch pattern for the first time.

These bags are not only stylish but also practical, providing ample ventilation for storing fresh produce, groceries, or beach essentials while reducing plastic waste.

Whether you’re knitting for fashion, function, or both, the mesh stitch offers endless opportunities to create beautiful and versatile handmade items suitable for any occasion.

What Do You Need To Make A Summer Top?

To make a summer top, you’ll need several essential knitting supplies.

Firstly, you’ll require a suitable yarn for warm-weather garments, preferably one that is lightweight, breathable, and comfortable against the skin.

Cotton yarn, linen, bamboo, or blends of these fibers are popular choices for summer yarns due to their airy properties and moisture-wicking capabilities.

Next, you’ll need knitting needles appropriate for your chosen yarn weight.

Circular needles are often preferred for seamless construction, as they allow you to knit the body of the top in one piece without seams.

Stitch markers will help you keep track of key points in the pattern, such as shaping for armholes and necklines.

A tape measure is essential for ensuring accurate sizing, while a yarn needle or a tapestry needle is handy for weaving in ends and finishing touches.

Plus if you are planning to block your garment, you will also need t-pins and blocking mats.

Learn everything about the different yarn weights here – Yarn Weight Guide {+ Conversion Chart}
Learn how to read a yarn label here – How To Read A Yarn Label (Step By Step)
Learn everything about yarn fibers here – Yarn Types Explained: A Guide To Different Fibers

Knitting Lessons

If you are a new knitter and need help with the knitting basics, check out these posts here and be your own knitting instructor – Knitting Lessons (With Video Tutorials).

There, you will find step-by-step tutorials for all the different knitting techniques a newbie needs to know.

Including how to cast on, how to bind off, how to knit the basic knit stitches, how to knit the knit stitch, how to knit the purl stitch, the stockinette stitch, the rib stitch, the garter stitch, the mattress stitch, short rows, how to yarn over(yo), how to measure gauge, how to fix knitting mistakes, and a list of knitting abbreviations (UK + US terms), and more.

For easier projects, check out this pattern category; here, you will find a range of knitting patterns for new knitters – Beginner Knitters

And if you need more video tutorials to help you practice your basic knitting skills, check out my YouTube channel here – Handy Little Me – YouTube.

Could you share your work with us…

I love seeing your finished projects on social media.

If you enjoyed making the mesh top, I’d love to see yours on Instagram, be sure to tag me @handylittleme.

If you are on Facebook, stop over to the Handylittleme Facebook Group and share a photo.

You can also check out my Facebook page here.

You can also find us on Pinterest, Ravelry, and Twitter.

I’d love to see your work.

Happy Knitting!

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