April 26th, 2021
Mesh Stitch — Knit & Crochet Tutorial with Patterns
The mesh stitch is one of those magical stitches that looks complex but is surprisingly approachable — and the finished texture is dreamy. Both the knit and crochet versions of the mesh stitch lay perfectly flat, drape beautifully, and add gorgeous visual interest to any project. Here’s a quick spotlight on how to work up the mesh stitch in both knit and crochet so you can choose your favorite. 🧶✨
The mesh stitch is one of my go-to texture stitches when I want something more interesting than stockinette or basic single crochet, but not as complex as cables. It’s particularly stunning in blankets, bags, totes, market bags, and lightweight wraps. The open lacework lets the yarn color shine and creates a wonderfully airy fabric. Let’s dive in.
Why You’ll Love the Mesh Stitch
✔ Looks impressively textured but works up surprisingly fast
✔ The mesh stitch lays beautifully flat — no curling edges
✔ Open lacework drapes wonderfully on garments and wraps
✔ Perfect for blankets, bags, totes, and market bags
✔ Available in both knit AND crochet versions
✔ Beginner-friendly with just k, p, yo, k2tog (knit) or sc, sl st (crochet)
✔ Showcases bright or variegated yarn colors beautifully
✔ Creates an airy, breathable fabric perfect for spring/summer pieces
Materials You’ll Need
- 🧶 Any worsted-weight yarn — Red Heart Super Saver works beautifully for practice swatches
- 🪝 5.0mm crochet hook (for crochet version)
- 🧷 6mm knitting needles (for knit version)
- 🧵 Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
- ✂️ Scissors
Shop the materials
The mesh stitch works in any yarn weight, but I love it best in worsted #4. Red Heart Super Saver gives reliable stitch definition without breaking the bank, and Yarnspirations stocks the full color range. The Craft Yarn Council has helpful info on matching hook and needle sizes to yarn weights.
Abbreviations
Knit Abbreviations
- k — knit
- p — purl
- rep — repeat
- sts(s) — stitch(es)
- yo — yarn over
- k2tog — knit two together
- ws — wrong side
Crochet Abbreviations
- Ch — Chain
- St — stitch
- Sc — single crochet
- Sl st — slip stitch
- Hdc — half double crochet
- Sk — skip
The Mesh Stitch Pattern: Knit Version
This knit mesh stitch uses simple yarn-overs and knit-two-togethers to create the classic open lacework. Cast on a multiple of 2 stitches to keep the pattern even.
CO a multiple of 2 stitches
Row 1: Knit across
Row 2: K2, *yo, k2tog,* repeat * to last 2 sts, k2
Row 3: Knit across
Row 4: K3, *yo, k2tog,* repeat * to last 1 st, k1
Repeat Rows 1-4 for pattern. The yarn-overs create those beautiful little holes that give the mesh stitch its signature open texture.
The Mesh Stitch Pattern: Crochet Version
The crochet mesh stitch creates the same lacework look using slip stitches and chain spaces. It works up faster than the knit version and is even more beginner-friendly.
Chain an odd number of stitches
Row 1: Sc across, ch 2, turn
Row 2: Skip the first stitch in your foundation row and slip stitch in the next stitch, *ch 2, sk st, slip stitch into next stitch; repeat from * across to last stitch. Ch 2, turn.
Row 3: Sl st into 1st group of ch 2 stitches below, *ch 2, sl st into next group of ch 2 stitches below. Repeat from * across
Repeat Row 3 for the rest of your project. The chain-2 spaces create those signature mesh stitch holes, while the slip stitches anchor everything in place beautifully.
Tips for the Perfect Mesh Stitch
- Keep tension even: the mesh stitch pattern can look uneven if your tension is too tight or too loose. Practice a small swatch first to find your sweet spot.
- Block before judging: wet-blocking opens up the mesh stitch lacework dramatically. The “pre-block” texture often looks much tighter than the finished piece.
- Stitch markers help: if you lose your place mid-row, stitch markers every 10 sts make it easy to count and verify.
- Smooth yarn shows best: the mesh stitch shines in smooth, plied yarns. Fluffy or fuzzy yarns can hide the texture detail.
- Mix with solid sections: alternate bands of mesh stitch with solid sc or stockinette for striking visual interest in larger projects.
- Use a larger hook/needle: when working the mesh stitch in cotton or stiff fibers, go up a size to keep the fabric drapey.
- Great for summer: the open texture makes the mesh stitch perfect for lightweight summer pieces — wraps, market bags, baby blankets.
Want to See the Mesh Stitch in Action?
Check out my Simple Comfy Blanket Sweater pattern — it uses both the knit and crochet mesh stitch and is a wonderful next project once you’ve nailed the swatch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the mesh stitch beginner-friendly? Absolutely! Both the knit and crochet mesh stitch use only basic stitches — yo, k2tog (knit) or sc, sl st (crochet). If you can do those, you can do the mesh stitch.
Will it curl? No — the mesh stitch lays beautifully flat in both knit and crochet versions. No border or edging required.
What projects work best with the mesh stitch? Blankets, throws, market bags, lightweight wraps, summer scarves, baby blankets, and beach cover-ups all shine in mesh stitch.
Can I substitute the mesh stitch in another pattern? Yes, with a few caveats. The mesh stitch is more open than stockinette/sc, so swatch first to check your gauge and adjust hook/needle size as needed.
Does the mesh stitch use more yarn? Slightly less actually — the open holes use a bit less yarn than solid stitch patterns of the same dimensions.
What’s the difference between mesh stitch and filet crochet? Filet crochet uses dc and chain spaces in a grid for picture-making. The mesh stitch is a simpler all-over texture pattern.
More Stitch Tutorials You’ll Love
- Browse All Tips & Tutorials
- How to Crochet the Bobble Stitch
- Textured Crochet Stitches Round-Up
- How to Make Bulky Yarn Tutorial
- Simple Comfy Blanket Sweater (uses Mesh Stitch)
Save This Mesh Stitch Tutorial
Want to come back to this mesh stitch tutorial later? Save it to Pinterest so you can find it when you’re ready to add this beautiful texture to your next project — and share it with your knit and crochet friends!