Lace: It’s Not Just for Heirlooms Anymore

One of my favorite myths to dispel in beginning knitters is that lace can only be made with tiny yarn and needles. While that is the case in most historic traditions, creating lace is defined by just one thing: placing holes in the proper locations.

One repeat of the Pyrope Shawlette on size 4 needles with Lisa Souza Yak/Silk laceweight yarn. Photo by Katrina King

If the idea of tiny needles and laceweight yarn causes you to break out in hives or is simply not your style, why not try it with yarn you do like? The Pyrope Shawlette pattern is a perfect opportunity to test your lace-knitting skills. The only additional equipment needed is a kitchen scale.

Useful not only in the kitchen, a digital scale can help divide a quantity of yarn evenly. Photo by Katrina King

The shawlette is knitted side to side, increasing for the first half of the pattern and decreasing for the second half. Determine how much yarn you would like to use for the entire project and weigh it. Record the weight and start knitting. Once you finish the repeat just before the halfway point of your yarn, it is time to begin the decrease side.

One element to consider when changing yarn sizes is the rate of increase. With larger yarns, you may need to add and subtract stitches more or less frequently to create a shape that’s similarly deep or shallow.

One repeat of the Pyrope Shawlette on size 7 needles with worsted-weight yarn. Notice how the proportion of garter stitch is different in this swatch than the laceweight one. Photo by Katrina King

This is where swatching comes in. Don’t forget to block your swatch to bring out the lace pattern to full effect.

One benefit to working with larger yarn is being able to see and fix mistakes more easily. And as always, larger yarn take less time to knit! It’s a great way to take that first big step into lace knitting.

Visit the Farm & Fiber Knits Library to download the Pyrope Shawlette pattern.

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Katrina King is the assistant editor of PieceWork magazine, an avid crafter, and continuing student of life.