One of the great things about lace is that once you dig into the pattern, the final product looks so much more intricate than it actually is! It’s also good to remember that lace doesn't have to be super fancy or done in cobweb-like yarns as shown by the collection of patterns below.

We hope the following patterns inspire and encourage you to crochet or knit some lace, whether you're a lace-lover, a lace-rookie or a lace-avoider!

©Agneta Nauclèr

This asymmetrical triangle shawl has puff stitches that look like eyes - hence the name - and can be customized in terms of size and color/fade! Instructions are written only. No chart.

Pattern: Dragon Eyes Shawl
Designer: Agneta Nauclèr
Craft: Crochet
Difficulty: Advanced Beginner/Intermediate
Tools: 3mm, 3.25mm, 3.5mm, 3.75mm and 4mm hooks
Suggested Yarn: Schoppel Wolle Zauber Perlen

©Cookie A

Channel your inner Katniss Everdeen and feel fierce wearing these all over flame patterned socks. Not familiar with The Hunger Games books/movies? You’ll still feel a boost wearing these stunning socks with simple but dramatic lace!

Pattern: Girl of Fire
Designer: Cookie A
Craft: Knitting
Difficulty: Intermediate
Tools: US 1.5 (2.25mm) needles
Suggested Yarn: Bibi Yarn Bibi Twist

©Jennifer Ozses

Use this as a swim cover up, over a summery dress, or use thicker yarn for a cooler weather top! The pattern has loads of tips for modifications and features simple construction despite looking intricate!

Pattern: Vanier V-Neck Tunic
Designer: Jennifer Ozses
Craft: Crochet
Difficulty: Advanced Beginner/Intermediate
Tools: 5mm hook
Suggested Yarn: Universal Yarns Bamboo Pop

©Noora Backlund

This is a one-skein project that highlights the beauty of variegated yarns through lace simple enough for beginner knitters. Hard to beat that! Oh wait...it’s a free pattern!

Pattern: Reyna
Designer: Noora Backlund
Craft: Knitting
Difficulty: Beginner/Advanced Beginner
Tools: US 4 (3.5mm) needles
Suggested Yarn: Malabrigo Sock

©Jennifer Ozses

Another Jennifer Ozses pattern because she combines beauty with simple construction for such a stylish and modern aesthetic. Four stitches is all you need to create this top and it looks fantastic in solid yarns, striping yarns, variegated yarns, speckled yarns...well, let’s just say it looks good made from just about anything!

Pattern: Kanata Kerchief Tank
Designer: Jennifer Ozses
Craft: Crochet
Difficulty: Beginner/Advanced Beginner
Tools: 6mm hook
Suggested Yarn: Rowan Softyak DK

©Rachel Brockman

Vests are a great project for summer and Rachel’s design is both timeless and modern! The lace at the bottom is eye catching - delicate but not fussy - and the open front of the vest drapes beautifully making this a great choice for all body types. There are also no seams as this is crocheted in one piece - yay!

Pattern: Cowan
Designer: Rachel Brockman
Craft: Crochet
Difficulty: Advanced Beginner
Tools: 3.5mm hook
Suggested Yarn: Universal Yarns FibraNatura Unity (The thick/thin quality of this yarn would produce slightly different lace than the pattern, but would add interest to the solid fabric of the vest!)

©Juliana Lustenader

We love when a hat incorporates the decreases into a design! If you look at this pattern more closely, Juliana also brings the ribbing from the brim right up into the lace pattern as well - stunning! Knit in bulky yarn on big needles with charted and written instructions, we’re pretty sure you’re going to enjoy this free pattern!

Pattern: Spindrift Hat
Designer: Juliana Lustenader
Craft: Knitting
Difficulty: Advanced Beginner/Intermediate
Tools: US 10.5 (6.5mm) and US 13 (9mm) needles
Suggested Yarn: Malabrigo Rasta

©Ksenia Naidyon

Here is another free one-skein pattern that features easily memorized panels that can be added or subtracted to accommodate different yarns and desired dimensions! Crocheters - there is a crochet adaptation of this pattern listed as well!

Pattern: Stormy Sky Shawl
Designer: Ksenia Naidyon
Craft: Knitting
Difficulty: Beginner/Advanced Beginner
Tools: US 9 (5.5mm) needles
Suggested Yarn: Malabrigo Mechita 

©Tine Sommer Hansen

You know we can’t resist anything purple with an adorable sheep! We also love the use of gradient yarn for this baby blanket - it looks so beautiful and the yarn is doing all the hard work! If you know (or can learn!) five basic crochet stitches, you will be able to create this stunning shell pattern and treat the newest addition to a timeless and snuggly gift!

Pattern: Deluxe Baby Blanket
Designer: Tine Sommer Hansen
Craft: Crochet
Difficulty: Beginner
Tools: 3.5mm hook
Suggested Yarn: Hikoo Concentric Cotton (The Urchin colorway is almost identical to the pattern photos!)

What do you think? Could one of these encourage you to choose lace for your next project? Tell us which is your favorite in the comments below!