Broomstick Lace Tutorial
Broomstick Lace is a two-row process. The first row is loading loops onto a knitting needle. The second row is securing the loops with stitches—for this pattern, specifically single crochet stitches. So many things can be done with these loops! For the Summer Nights Poncho, I am pleased to share this tutorial of straight and crossed loops. Also, I’ve included a trick for changing yarn colors between these long lacy rows.
Broomstick Lace
Broomstick Lace begins by working into a foundation row of stitches. In the Summer Nights Poncho, we start with foundation single crochet, but you can practice this technique by working into a small swatch of single crochet stitches. Just make sure you have an even number of single crochet stitches in your foundation row. After you have worked the foundation row, pull up a lp (see Photo 1) and add it to the needle. Insert hook into the
next st (see Photo 2), yo, pull up a lp onto the needle (see Photo 3).
Continue this process across, working into each st, until all lps are added (see Photos 4–6). This is the first row of Broomstick Lace. Turn.
Now, in the second row of Broomstick Lace, we work all the loops off. Working in groups of 2, slide 2 lps off the needle, insert hook into lps (see Photo 7), ch 1 (see
Photo 8), work 2 sc in same group (see Photo 9).
Continue to work 2 sc in each 2-lp group across (see Photo 10). Turn.
When making the Summer Nights Poncho, you will place a marker in the last loop of yarn. Then, after you turn, you will join the next color in the first stitch before beginning the Crossed Loops Broomstick Rows.
Crossed Loops Broomstick Lace
The first row of Crossed Loops Broomstick Lace is similar to standard, straight Broomstick Lace. For the Summer Nights Poncho, you will work the first row onto the smaller-size knitting needle.
Ch 1 (see Photo 11), pull up a lp onto the needle. Continue to pull up lps in each st across (see Photo 12).
Remove 4 lps from needle, sk first 2-lp group, insert hook in next 2-lp group, ch 1, 2 sc in same group, cross sk group in front of lps just worked, 2 sc in the sk 2-lp group (see Photo 13).
Continue in this manner and alternate the direction of the crossed lps as follows: Sk next 2-lp group, 2 sc in next 2-lp group, cross sk 2-lp group behind lps just worked, 2 sc in sk 2-lp group, sk next 2-lp group, 2 sc in next 2-lp group, cross sk 2-lp group in front of lps just worked, 2 sc in sk 2-lp group (see Photo 14).
You will have a group of skipped loops crossed in back. Then a group of skipped loops after that is crossed in front.
Changing Colors
Now, to change colors, remove marker and replace lp on hook, ch 4 (see Photo 15), remove hook from ch, insert hook through first st, pull ch through first st (see Photo 16).
I know you will love making this poncho and learning about broomstick lace. It is a fun lace technique to explore. Broomstick lace has many variations and offers unlimited possibilities. Let your imagination take on a lacy crochet adventure!