Horseshoe Lace Knitting Pattern

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The horseshoe lace knitting pattern forms graceful arches that fan out like rows of little horseshoes. It is a classic Shetland-style lace built on a short 6-row repeat with a fully symmetrical motif: paired yarn overs open up around a central double decrease, and narrow purl ribs separate each arch.

Because the repeat is short and the motif is easy to read on the needles, this is a lovely first “real” lace pattern once you are comfortable with yarn overs. It looks stunning on shawls, tops, and anywhere you want an airy, feminine texture.

Pattern Details

Skill level: 3/4 Technique: Lace Stitch count: Multiple of 9, plus 2 edge stitches Repeat: 6 rows

The chart below shows one 9-stitch repeat. Edge stitches are not shown.

Horseshoe lace – 9 × 6 chart Horseshoe lace – 9 × 6 chart 9-st repeat · edge sts not shown 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 2 3 4 5 6 purl on RS yarn over k3tog blank = knit shaded rows (WS): work sts as they appear

How to Read the Chart

  • Read right-side (odd) rows from right to left
  • Open circles are yarn overs; the double-peak symbol is k3tog (knit 3 together)
  • Shaded wrong-side rows: work every stitch as it appears (purl the lace stitches, knit the purl ribs)
  • New to charts? See our full guide on how to read knitting charts

Row-by-Row Instructions

Cast on a multiple of 9 stitches, plus 2 edge stitches.

  • Row 1: edge st, *p2, yo, k2, k3tog, k2, yo*, repeat between *s, edge st
  • Row 2 and every even row: edge st, *p7, k2*, repeat between *s, edge st
  • Row 3: edge st, *p2, k1, yo, k1, k3tog, k1, yo, k1*, repeat between *s, edge st
  • Row 5: edge st, *p2, k2, yo, k3tog, yo, k2*, repeat between *s, edge st

Repeat rows 1-6 to continue the pattern. See the knitting abbreviations reference for any shorthand used here.

Tips for a Crisp Horseshoe Lace

Keep the stitch count honest. Every repeat pairs two yarn overs with one double decrease, so the count returns to 9 stitches per repeat on every right-side row; a quick count after each lace row catches a missed yarn over early.

A lifeline through the stitches after each completed 6-row repeat saves the day if a yarn over escapes. And as with all lace, blocking is transformative: wet block and pin the fabric open so every arch shows.

Project Ideas

  • Shawls and wraps – the arching motif flows beautifully over large surfaces
  • Summer tops and tank-top layers – the classic use; airy lace over a bright base layer
  • Scarves – the purl ribs keep the edges tidy without extra borders
  • Baby blankets – a soft, traditional lace that is easier than it looks
  • Sleeve and hem panels – a single band of horseshoes dresses up plain stockinette

Recommended Supplies

Best yarn choice: A smooth fingering or sport weight yarn in a solid light color shows the arches best. Wool or wool-silk blends block beautifully; crisp cotton works for summer tops.

Needles: US 4-6 (3.5-4mm) for fingering to sport weight. Going up a needle size opens the lace for an even airier fabric.

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