Weaving is an old craft for making lace. Lace-making has experienced multiple periods of popularity, including the Victorian times and the 1950s and 60s. They say that the English name for lace-making comes from the word "tatters" (rags, shreds) to denote a non-durable type of fabric. Recently, this craft has been revived again with renewed vigor. Weaving lace can be a rewarding hobby - easy to learn (contrary to what you might feel while admiring the incredibly intricate designs created in the lace weaving process) and there is a vast array of products available to the avid weaver. Lace products are elegant, sophisticated and useful - they can be napkins, decorative stripes, collars, tablecloths, handkerchiefs, pillow borders and much more. If you are just getting started with weaving lace, this article will provide you with the basics of the process before you start your piece.
Steps
Step 1. Familiarize yourself with the threads used for lace
Suitable yarns combine cotton yarn and mercerized cotton. DMC is one of the popular brands known for its lace threads. You can buy yarns both online and at a craft store. (Please note: While teaching weaving, I suddenly noticed that if you use two colors of thread, one in a bobbin and one in a ball, you can quickly determine if you made a mistake. The product should be the same color if it is done correctly. If you see two colors, you know something went wrong).
Step 2. Purchase some tatting shuttles
Previously, shuttles were made from bone, turtle shell, bakelite, or steel. Modern shuttles are made of plastic. You will be able to collect antique versions, although acquiring a turtle shell shuttle can be difficult due to the endangered species regulation. Start with modern ones, and if you have a passion for weaving, you might be interested in collecting vintage shuttles for exhibitions!
Step 3. Learn to wind the thread around the hook
Wrap the thread around the bobbin in the center of the shuttle. If there is a hole, thread it through and tie a knot before starting. Please note that in some designs the babin can be removed. Do not wrap the thread outside the hook.
Step 4. Practice using the shuttle
This is described in illustrated details at. For a complete understanding, there is a short description here.
- Take a shuttle with the end marked and two balls of mercerized cotton. Wind as described above.
- Take the shuttle in your right hand with your thumb and middle finger, index should be free.
- Pinch the bottom of the hook between the middle and ring fingers, placing it on the middle.
- Wrap the thread around the middle three fingers of your left hand, in a loop, keeping the middle and ring fingers apart, and return the thread between your thumb and forefinger, leaving it to fall into the palm of your hand until the end of the thread that is attached to the shuttle wraps around the nail thumb.
Step 5. Try a variety of loops
After reading the information above, start with simple loops such as double loops, rings, chains, etc. You will be able to get comfortable and show your personal style before you tackle the product.
Step 6. Understand how to deploy the job
As you weave the lace, you will notice that the round end of the buttonhole you are working with is pointing up. However, you can create an interesting effect by turning your wrist up and then down. This will turn the work around. To do this, when you have already knitted the ring, turn it with the base up, and make a new ring as usual, with a loop on top.
Step 7. Start your first product
Start with the edges and gussets. Look for ideas on WikiHow's in the lace category.
Advice
- If you use two colors of thread, one in a bobbin and one in a ball, you can quickly determine if you've made a mistake. A correctly made product should be of the same color. If you see two colors, you know that something went wrong.
- If you have a passion for collecting shuttles, note that some of them are made of ivory and turtle shell. When you collect them, make sure they are vintage and get them legally, only from antique stores. Do not buy new ivory or turtle shells. it is a violation of the Endangered Species Act. Other vintage types of shuttles are made of bone, mother of pearl, and even wood with a mosaic design. Collecting shuttles can be an enjoyable pastime for the vintage craft aficionado.
- Weaving lace is completely different from crocheting, and consists of loops forming knots. It imitates needle lace and is very often used for finishing linen because of its strength.
- Note that the term reverse knitting is sometimes used to refer to Josephine's pico or knot. In many Victorian patterns, it stands for pico.
- Learn the abbreviations used in weaving lace:
- r - ring
- lr - large ring
- sr - small ring
- ds - double node
- p - picot
- lp - long pico
- sm p - small picot
- sep. - divided
- cl - tighten
- rw - flip work
- sp - space
- ch - chain