Intro to Broomstick Lace

In this video, Brenda teaches how to create basic broomstick lace, a lovely stitch pattern that’s surprisingly simple and quick to complete. Depending on the yarn thickness and the size of the knitting needle (or “broomstick”), this stitch can be airy and open or solid, warm, and squishy.

To start, chain a multiple of 5 stitches. In this tutorial, Brenda chains 25. She notes that the foundation chain will likely “shrink up” as you work the following rows, so keep this in mind if you’re aiming for specific measurements. Also, the right side of the fabric is always facing you in this stitch pattern.

**Row 1 (Setting up for the Loops):** Begin by elongating the working loop and placing it over the knitting needle (remove the crochet hook from the loop). Insert the hook under the bottom bump (or “horizontal dash”) of the next chain, yarn over, and pull up a loop, elongating it to rest on the knitting needle. Continue pulling up loops from each chain across and place them onto the needle.

**Row 2 (Grouping the Loops):** Move the working yarn to the back. Insert the hook through the first five loops on the needle, yarn over, and pull up a loop through all five elongated loops. Chain 1 to anchor the working loop and group those five loops together. Then, work five single crochet stitches into the same space. Repeat this step for every set of five loops across the row. Your stitch count remains unchanged—in Brenda’s case, 25 stitches.

**Row 3 (Creating the Loops):** Elongate the working loop and place it over the knitting needle to start this row (remove the hook). This counts as the first stitch. *Insert the hook under the next single crochet, yarn over, and pull up a loop, elongating it until it fits on the knitting needle. Repeat this process until all stitches are picked up.

Repeat Rows 2 and 3 as needed, finishing with a repeat of Row 2.

This stitch pattern has many wonderful uses such as blankets, hats, sweaters, scarves, and lacy shawls or stoles, making it a beautiful and versatile option for various crochet projects!