The Dewdrop Drape Napkin Edge: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Modern, Textured Lace Trim
Introducing the Dewdrop Drape Napkin Edge
Elevate your table linens with this delicate yet modern knitted lace edging, featuring a unique dewdrop stitch pattern that adds a touch of organic elegance. This pattern transforms simple napkins into heirloom-quality pieces with a soft, textured border. The Dewdrop Drape is a sideways-knitted lace trim that creates a scalloped, undulating finish, perfect for adding a handmade touch to any home decor. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or a confident beginner looking for a rewarding project, this free pattern will guide you through creating a stunning, modern lace edge.
Materials Needed
To recreate this exact napkin edge at home, you will need the following materials. The yarn and needle size are crucial for achieving the delicate, open lace effect.
- Yarn: Fingering weight cotton or linen blend (e.g., Knit Picks Curio or Berroco Modern Cotton). You will need approximately 50 yards per napkin. A creamy off-white or natural color works beautifully to show off the stitch detail.
- Knitting Needles: US Size 2 (2.75 mm) knitting needles. These small needles are essential for creating the fine, delicate lace.
- Gauge: 28 stitches and 36 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch, blocked. While gauge is not critical for the edging's fit, matching it ensures the lace pattern opens up correctly after blocking.
- Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and attaching the edging to the napkin. Matching sewing thread or fine yarn for attachment.
- Napkin: A plain linen or cotton napkin of your choice. The pattern is designed to fit any size.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This edging is knitted sideways and then attached to the napkin edge. The pattern is worked over a multiple of 8 stitches + 3. Read through all instructions before beginning. The pattern creates a beautiful, repeating dewdrop motif.
Abbreviations
- k = knit
- p = purl
- yo = yarn over
- k2tog = knit two together (right-leaning decrease)
- ssk = slip slip knit (slip two stitches knitwise, knit them together through the back loops – left-leaning decrease)
- sl1 = slip one stitch purlwise with yarn in front (creates a neat edge)
- rep = repeat
Knitting the Edging
Cast on: Cast on a multiple of 8 stitches + 3. For a standard napkin, cast on 43 stitches (5 repeats of 8 + 3). Adjust the number of repeats to fit your napkin's perimeter. The edging is worked in rows, creating a long strip.
Row 1 (Right Side): Sl1, k2, *yo, k2tog, k1, ssk, yo, k3; rep from * to last 8 stitches, yo, k2tog, k1, ssk, yo, k2, k1.
Explanation: The first stitch is slipped to create a clean edge. The pattern repeat creates a yarn over and two decreases, forming the first half of the dewdrop shape. The final stitches mirror the beginning for symmetry.
Row 2 (Wrong Side): Sl1, p2, *p2tog, yo, p1, yo, p2tog, p3; rep from * to last 8 stitches, p2tog, yo, p1, yo, p2tog, p2, p1.
Explanation: On the wrong side, purl decreases and yarn overs continue the lace pattern. The p2tog decreases are worked purlwise.
Row 3: Sl1, k2, *k2tog, yo, k3, yo, ssk, k1; rep from * to last 8 stitches, k2tog, yo, k3, yo, ssk, k2, k1.
Explanation: This row centers the dewdrop shape. The k2tog and ssk decreases frame the yarn overs, creating a rounded, textured bump.
Row 4: Sl1, p2, *p2tog, yo, p3, yo, p2tog, p1; rep from * to last 8 stitches, p2tog, yo, p3, yo, p2tog, p2, p1.
Explanation: Continue the purl-side shaping. The p3 in the center of the repeat helps the dewdrop stand out.
Row 5: Sl1, k2, *k1, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k2; rep from * to last 8 stitches, k1, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k2, k1.
Explanation: The decreases are now positioned to close the dewdrop. The yarn overs at the edges of the repeat prepare for the next motif.
Row 6: Sl1, p2, *p2, yo, p2tog, p1, ssp, yo, p1; rep from * to last 8 stitches, p2, yo, p2tog, p1, ssp, yo, p2, p1.
Explanation: Note the ssp (slip slip purl) decrease, which is a left-leaning purl decrease. This maintains the symmetry of the lace. If you don't know ssp, you can substitute p2tog through the back loops.
Row 7: Sl1, k2, *k3, yo, ssk, k2tog, yo, k1; rep from * to last 8 stitches, k3, yo, ssk, k2tog, yo, k2, k1.
Explanation: The dewdrop is now fully formed. The k3 in the center of the repeat creates a small gap between motifs.
Row 8: Sl1, p2, *p1, yo, p2tog, p1, ssp, yo, p2; rep from * to last 8 stitches, p1, yo, p2tog, p1, ssp, yo, p2, p1.
Explanation: This completes one full pattern repeat. The yarn overs at the edges of the repeat set up for the next row 1.
Repeat Rows 1-8 until the edging is long enough to fit around your napkin, ending with a Row 8. Bind off loosely in pattern (knit the knits and purl the purls as they appear, working yarn overs as regular stitches).
Attaching to the Napkin
- Block the Edging: Gently wet block the knitted lace to open up the stitches and define the dewdrop shapes. Pin it to the desired dimensions and allow it to dry completely. This step is crucial for the lace to look its best.
- Position the Edging: Lay the blocked edging along the edge of your napkin, with the straight edge (the cast-on or bind-off edge) aligned with the napkin's hem. The scalloped, dewdrop edge should face outward. Pin it in place, ensuring the lace lies flat and the corners are neatly mitered if desired.
- Sew the Edging: Using a tapestry needle and matching thread or fine yarn, sew the straight edge of the knitted lace to the edge of your napkin. Use a whip stitch or invisible stitch, catching the edge of the lace and the napkin fabric. Work carefully to keep the stitches even and the lace flat. For a professional finish, sew through the slip-stitch edge of the knitting.
- Final Press: Once sewn, give the napkin a light press with a warm iron (avoiding the lace directly if using acrylic yarn) to set the attachment.
Your Dewdrop Drape Napkin Edge is now complete. Enjoy your beautifully transformed table linens!
