Lace may seem difficult, but it’s actually a simple technique! Don’t let it intimidate you. Once you have mastered knit and purl stitches and basic increases and decreases, you are ready to begin knitting lace.
When you are learning how to knit lace, it’s important to start with an easy eyelet pattern. As you get the hang of it, you’ll quickly develop the skill and confidence to tackle more difficult patterns that require a bit more concentration and effort.
Our latest special issue Quick Knits includes a Beginner’s Guide to Lace. It’s full of great information and four swatch patterns to help you gradually build your skills.
For this blog post, I’ve knit swatch number 4 from the Quick Knits article. The lace pattern is worked on both sides. I love the look! It wasn’t a difficult pattern to knit, but if you are just learning to knit lace, I’d recommend trying one of the easier swatches first.
I used size 8 knitting needles and Extra Soft Wool Blend yarn by Martha Stewart Crafts in the color lilac. I love the light color, soft fiber, and subtle sheen of this yarn. It’s worsted weight, which is a nice weight for learning to knit lace.
I knit the pattern while chatting with a few friends, and I didn’t lose my place in the pattern once! My trick? I put a sticky note just below the row I was on and moved it when I was ready for the next row. That way my eye fell on the correct point on the page, and it was easy to keep track of my rows.
How about you? Do you enjoy knitting lace? Have any tips to share?
Do you know the name of the lace pattern posted on facebook? Its very pretty and i would love to try it.Please let me know where i can find it
Thank You
Annmarie LaGuardia
Hi Annmarie. I’m glad you like the lace pattern! You can find it in a magazine called Quick Knits. You can purchase a copy here: http://www.quiltandsewshop.com/category/s?keyword=lok21212
lifeline is mandatory for me every 5 to 10 rows, always lots of stitch markers & highlighter tape for the chart – sooooo very much easier than the strip of file folder & paper clips I used to use – I just wish Office Depot or Office Max would stock it!
Another trick is to put the sticky note ABOVE the row you are working on when you use charts. Then you can “read” your knitting and the chart. “Reading” your knitting helps your knitting intutition.
Finally something worth reading on the net. Good articles are harder and harder to find nowadays.