LACE KNITTING
by Helen James
MANY KNITTERS admire the beauty and
complexity of lace, but believe that it is
beyond their own ability to produce such
intricate knitted fabrics. This book by
Helen James aims to give knitters the skills
a n d c on f i d e n c e to t a c k l e l a c e d e si g n s, by
exploring a range of basic and much more
complicated motifs.
Helen sets out the fundamentals we need
for successful lace knitting, beginning by
exploring yarn choice. Large swatch
photos show the incredibly varied results
achievable by using different yarn weights
and fibre types. Basic techniques are then
covered in detail, with step-by-step
instructions and photographs; these
include a range of different cast-on and
cast-off methods, increases and decreases,
different ways to join in new yarns,
grafting, and lace blocking.
The book presents a brief history of lace
knitting traditions in Europe, focusing
on Shetland, Orenburg and Estonian lace.
Many of the most famous motifs from these
traditions then appear in the ‘Stitchionary’
section - a stitch dictionary presenting
65 patterns and edgings.
Great reads
Boost your lace knitting skills, and explore an array of beautiful
motifs, with this guide to techniques and stitch patterns
S om e of t h e s e w i l l b e re c o g n i s a bl e to
keen knitters - feather and fan, cat’s paw,
and Print of the Wave, for example - while
there are many other stunning yet less
familiar stitches, such as fir cone lace,
Madeira Cascade, Germaine Stitch (which
combines lace and cables), and an old
pattern called Spanish Diagonal Lace.
There is a selection of lace panels and
insertions which are suitable for adding
to the front bands of cardigans or around
the bottom of sweaters, along with an
appealing array of decorative edgings.
Each stitch pattern is written out and
charted, with large swatch photos.
Helen provides advice on embellishing
lace with bobbles and beads, and offers
g u i d a n c e on d e ve lopi n g you r ow n l a c e
p at te r n s by t a k i n g i n s pi rat ion f rom you r
surroundings and combining motifs to
create a special, personalised wrap.
The book has a selection of complete
knitting projects, which could be adapted
w it h you r ow n c h oi c e of l a c e m ot i f s. T h e s e
include a pair of socks with a razor shell
pattern, a multi-coloured hap shawl, and
a cushion cover using the Crest of the Wave
stitch. There is also a beautiful beaded lace
bridesmaid’s wrap, and a delicate wrap for
brides using a harebell lace stitch.Lace Knitting is published by
The Crowood Press, priced £25.
To order a copy at the special price of
£20, visit http://www.crowood.comReviews
The Knitter 34 Issue 141 Subscribe now at TheYarnLoop.com