Carri Hammett - Notable Knit Lace: Complete Instructions for 6 Projects

Complete Instructions for
6 Projects

ABBREVIATIONS

Here is the list of standard abbreviations used for knitting. Until you can readily identify them, keep the list handy whenever you knit.

A very easy lace pattern is used to create this stunning scarf made from hand-dyed sock weight yarn. The bottom edges are accented with a subtle row of beads that are added while casting on. Two identical halves are made and joined in the middle of the scarf so that both ends are accented with scallops. Scarf instructions begin on page 158.

WHAT YOULL LEARN..........

How to make a beaded cast-on edge

How to make a simple lace pattern

How to make a double decrease (psso)

How to join two scarf halves with three-needle bind-off

How to block lace

WHAT YOULL NEED..........

YARN

Super fine weight, smooth yarn, approx. 300 yd (274 m).

Either wind the yarn into two balls of equal weight or weigh the total yarn before beginning knitting so you will know when approximately half the yarn is used and the second half of the scarf should be started.

NEEDLES AND NOTIONS

US size 5 (3.75 mm) needles or size needed to achieve gauge, 2 sets

US size 6 (4 mm) needle or one size larger that size needed to achieve gauge for three-needle bind-off

Beading needle, big eye style, at least 2" (5 cm) long

Seed beads, size 6 (3.3 mm); at least 62 beads in colors to coordinate with yarn

Circular stitch markers

Yarn needle for weaving in ends

Rustproof T-pins for blocking

Tape measure

EQUIPMENT

Iron

Ironing board

Blocking board or carpeted floor

Towel

GAUGE

20 sts = 4" (10 cm) in stockinette stitch

23 sts = 4" (10 cm) in lace pattern

Skills and Useful Information

PASS SLIPPED STITCH OVER (PSSO)

This is a technique that is used in combination with a k2tog decrease to create a double (2-stitch) decrease.

Slip 1 stitch from the left needle to the right needle. To do so, insert the right needle into the first stitch on the left needle as if getting ready to knit and slip it off the left needle an on to the right needle.

Knit the next 2 stitches together (k2tog) as if they were one.

Use the left needle to pass the slipped stitch over the decreased stitch and off the end of the needle. Two stitches have been decreased. Note: if a simple knit stitch (instead of k2tog) is combined with a psso, then only one stitch is decreased.

BLOCKING LACE

Lace must be blocked in some manner once finished or else it will have a bumpy surface texture and uneven edges. Start by blocking lace using steam, as described below. In most cases the lace will require additional blocking. Pin the lace to a blocking board, carpeted surface, or bed mattress and cover it with a damp towel or enclose it in a sandwich of two damp towels.

BLOCKING LACE

If the lace item you are blocking is small enough, you can start the process with steam blocking. A steam iron or steamer is used to penetrate your knit piece with steam that relaxes the fibers and evens out the stitches. At no point should the steam iron actually touch the knittingit should be held an inch (2.5 cm) above.