making: how to knit lace
this is one post in a series of technique blog posts. you can also find how to knit cables, how to work in the round, knitting socks, and knit that sweater in this series. each blog post gives a couple of pointers, some helpful links, and suggests a collection of patterns to build up your skills. if you want to spend some time practicing a specific skill, these posts are the ones for you!
i always semi-joke that my design aesthetic is “lace for all”, but that really does define it pretty well. i absolutely love lace, both to knit and to wear, and the more lace in my wardrobe and everyone else’s wardrobe, the better. it’s beautiful and delicate but also makes for a super stable fabric, which probably explains why i love it so much. it’s like being a queer femme turned into fabric. black lace is a classic option, but you can work with any colours you like, as you’ll see below!
some of my top tricks for good lace are:
use sharp needles. it will be exponentially easier to be combining stitches when you have a sharp point (my personal favourite are chiaogoo lace circulars).
try thicker yarn for your lace! bulky lace is basically my winter aesthetic.
lace looks best post-blocking to open up those yarn overs, so invest in a good set of blocking wires and t-pins and grab some puzzle mats!
patterns to build up your skills
(click on the photos to get to the patterns)
fescue is a fantastic pattern to practice your yarn over increases and decreases. you’ll be working with thick enough yarn to easily see your stitches and have a finished project quickly!
Eldfjall has an all-over lace body with a simple garter border, but as far as lace goes it’s easy peasy! you’ve got a short chart to repeat that’s easy to memorize and you’re working with thicker yarn, so it’ll be cast off before you know it. a perfect layering piece for those transitional periods of the year.
coven is the little black dress of your shawl collection. an all-over lace body and lace border look extra elegant without being overly complicated.
gemini gives you some breaks in the simple lace chart by interruptions with easy ribbing that flow easily in and out of each other.
poison ivy will walk you through three different charts, but don’t worry, the main chart can be memorized after not too long and you’ll get to enjoy watching your shawl grow quickly in front of your eyes.
apple is a great option for when you’re feeling a bit more confident and don’t need a social knitting project on your needles. opt for charts or written instructions to help you get to your garter border!
cancer is the ultimate lace pattern with an all-over body and sideways lace border to bind everything off. you’ll want a good set of blocking mats and wires for this one - aggressive blocking is your friend when it comes to opening this lace up!