Workshop: Intro to Lace

Explore the wonderful world of lace knitting! In this workshop you’ll learn to knit a lace swatch and how to read a chart. Being able to read charts allows you to read your knitting, visualize a pattern before you begin, and even opens up the possibility of knitting patterns written in another language.

The chart is provided for this class but students are required to purchase their own yarn, needles, and notions. Students get a 15% discount on materials purchased for their class.

Run Time

1 session x 2 hours.

Project

A lace swatch for the shawl Hilbre by Gill Slater.  See our sample on Ravelry.

Skills Taught

• Increase (yo)
• Decrease (k2tog, ssk)
• Read common chart symbols
• Follow charts when knitting flat (we will discuss working in the round)
  

Skills Required

• Cast on, bind off
• Knit, purl
• Follow a pattern
  

Materials Provided

• Lace charts
• Resources page

Supplies to Purchase

• Approx. 50 g of DK weight yarn. We recommend solid colours, as variegated colourways will obscure the pattern. Light and bright colours are preferred so it’s easy to see your work. If you wish to continue with the pattern, we suggest:
  • De Rerum Natura Ulysse, Drops Karisma, Drops Lima, Gathering Yarns Merino Yak, Juniper Moon Patagonia, Malabrigo Arroyo, Sandnes Garn Duo, West Yorkshire Spinners Fleece BFL DK
• 4.5 mm (US 7) needle
• 5 stitch markers

Lesson Plan

• Demonstrate increases and decreases used
• Common abbreviations and terms
• How to read a chart (knitting flat)
• Learn common symbols
• Understand a chart with a repeating section
• Importance of blocking lace