The Moonlit Web Lace Table Topper: A Free Knitting Pattern

The Moonlit Web Lace Table Topper: A Free Knitting Pattern

Transform your dining table into a scene of ethereal beauty with this intricate lace table topper, inspired by the delicate geometry of a spiderweb. Knitted in a soft, heathered grey, it adds a touch of gothic elegance to any room. This pattern is perfect for intermediate knitters looking to expand their lace skills while creating a stunning home decor piece.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Fingering weight yarn (approx. 400-500 yards). Sample uses Knit Picks Stroll Tonal in 'Heathered Grey'.
• Needles: US Size 4 (3.5 mm) circular needles, 24-inch or longer, or size needed to obtain gauge. Also, a set of double-pointed needles for the center.
• Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch after blocking.
• Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle for weaving ends, blocking pins and mats.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked in the round from the center out. The lace pattern is charted and written out.

Abbreviations

• k = knit
• p = purl
• yo = yarn over
• k2tog = knit two together
• ssk = slip, slip, knit (decrease)
• sk2p = slip 1, knit 2 together, pass slipped stitch over (double decrease)
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• rep = repeat

Center

Using double-pointed needles, cast on 8 stitches. Divide evenly over 4 needles (2 sts each). Join in the round, being careful not to twist.

• Round 1: Knit all stitches.
• Round 2: *Yo, k1; rep from * around. (16 sts)
• Round 3: Knit all stitches.
• Round 4: *Yo, k2; rep from * around. (24 sts)
• Round 5: Knit all stitches.
• Round 6: *Yo, k3; rep from * around. (32 sts)
• Round 7: Knit all stitches.
• Round 8: *Yo, k4; rep from * around. (40 sts)
• Round 9: Knit all stitches.
• Round 10: *Yo, k5; rep from * around. (48 sts)
• Round 11: Knit all stitches.
• Round 12: *Yo, k6; rep from * around. (56 sts)
• Round 13: Knit all stitches.
• Round 14: *Yo, k7; rep from * around. (64 sts)
• Round 15: Knit all stitches.

Lace Pattern (Worked over 8 sts)

• Round 16: *K2, yo, ssk, k2, k2tog, yo; rep from * around. (64 sts)
• Round 17: Knit all stitches.
• Round 18: *K1, yo, ssk, k1, yo, sk2p, yo, k1, k2tog, yo; rep from * around. (72 sts)
• Round 19: Knit all stitches.
• Round 20: *K2, yo, ssk, yo, sk2p, yo, k2tog, yo, k1; rep from * around. (80 sts)
• Round 21: Knit all stitches.
• Round 22: *K3, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k2; rep from * around. (80 sts)
• Round 23: Knit all stitches.
• Round 24: *K4, yo, sk2p, yo, k3; rep from * around. (80 sts)
• Round 25: Knit all stitches.
• Round 26: *K2, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, k2; rep from * around. (80 sts)
• Round 27: Knit all stitches.
• Round 28: *K1, k2tog, yo, k3, yo, ssk, k1; rep from * around. (80 sts)
• Round 29: Knit all stitches.
• Round 30: *K2tog, yo, k5, yo, ssk; rep from * around. (80 sts)
• Round 31: Knit all stitches.
• Round 32: *K1, yo, ssk, k3, k2tog, yo, k1; rep from * around. (80 sts)
• Round 33: Knit all stitches.
• Round 34: *K2, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k2; rep from * around. (80 sts)
• Round 35: Knit all stitches.
• Round 36: *K3, yo, sk2p, yo, k3; rep from * around. (80 sts)
• Round 37: Knit all stitches.

Repeat Rounds 16-37 until the piece measures approximately 18 inches in diameter, or desired size. End with a Round 37.

Edging

• Round 1: *K1, yo, k2tog, yo, k3, yo, ssk, yo, k1; rep from * around. (96 sts)
• Round 2: Knit all stitches.
• Round 3: *K2, yo, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, yo, k2; rep from * around. (112 sts)
• Round 4: Knit all stitches.
• Round 5: *K3, yo, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, yo, k3; rep from * around. (128 sts)
• Round 6: Knit all stitches.
• Round 7: *K4, yo, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, yo, k4; rep from * around. (144 sts)
• Round 8: Knit all stitches.
• Round 9: *K5, yo, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, yo, k5; rep from * around. (160 sts)
• Round 10: Knit all stitches.
• Round 11: *K6, yo, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, yo, k6; rep from * around. (176 sts)
• Round 12: Knit all stitches.
• Round 13: *K7, yo, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, yo, k7; rep from * around. (192 sts)
• Round 14: Bind off loosely in knit.

Finishing

Weave in all ends. Soak the table topper in lukewarm water with a gentle wool wash for 20 minutes. Gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring). Roll in a towel to remove more moisture. Lay flat on a blocking mat, pinning out the points of the lace pattern to create a perfect circle. Allow to dry completely.