LACEWORK TOOL KIT
QI’m going away for Christmas this year and taking my first lace pattern with me. What tools will I need to bring?
Debra Smith, via Facebook
There’s nothing more frustrating than finding out you don’t have what you need to knit your project when you’re away from home, Debra. Here’s what I always take with me when I’m knitting lacework:
Safety pins in various sizes are perfect for stitch holders, marking repeats or catching dropped stitches further back in your work. Waste yarn makes really good stitch and row markers, is perfect for holding live stitches and also to make lifelines when your lace pattern is really complex. It’s best if the yarn is smooth and finer than the knitting yarn. It’s also a good idea to make sure it’s colour-fast so that you can wash it with your lace, if necessary, and so that the dye colour won’t rub o on your work. Pencils are very helpful when you’re knitting lace so that you can make any notes on the chart straight away before you forget. Contrast background such as a piece of fabric or card will really help you to see your stitches more easily as you work your pattern. If you need to sort out a mistake, you can use it as a background to help the individual stitches show up really clearly. Tapestry needle for sewing in any loose yarn ends – the finer the better!
Crochet hook in the same gauge as the knitting needles you’re using or finer, which will help if you need to pick up stitches. Double-pointed needles in the same gauge as the knitting needles you’re using or finer, which will allow you to work up several stitches at a time.
Kirstie