Getting Started with Hairpin Lace
I have been having so much fun working with Clover’s Hairpin Lace Tool I have 4 projects going at the same time. Each time I start to research the lace technique I come across a new pattern that I just have to try.
Several sites linked Hairpin Lace with Maltese Lace but I found it was only a small part of what is classified as Maltese Lace and is linked with broomstick lace (another blog bit later).
Over the years hairpin lace tools have evolved into the easy to use ones of today. Clover’s Hairpin Lace Tool is compact and easy to use while allowing different width and lengths of lace strips.
This picture shows hairpin lace and broomstick lace. Notice the oversized knitting needle in the picture…it is used to make broomstick lace and Clover’s larger sized knitting needles work well for this form of lace making.
Clover’s Hairpin Lace tool makes quick work of the process.
The above pics show the basic steps of making lace.
Hairpin lace
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Hairpin lace is a crochet technique done using a crochet hook and a hairpin lace loom, which consists of two parallel metal rods held at the top and the bottom by removable bars. Historically, a metal U-shaped hairpin was used, from which the name originates.
Hairpin lace is formed by wrapping yarn around the prongs of the hairpin lace loom to form loops, which are held together by a row of crochet stitched worked in the center, called the spine. The resulting piece of lace can be worked to any length desired by removing the bottom bar of the hairpin and slipping the loops off the end. The strips produced by this process can be joined together to create an airy and lightweight fabric. Various types of yarns and threads can be used to achieve different color, texture and design effects. Examples of items made with hairpin lace include scarves, shawls, hats, baby blankets, afghans, and clothing. Hairpin lace can also be added to sewn, knitted, and crocheted works as a decorative accent.
Making the lace strip is easy…..what makes Hairpin Lace so amazing is how the strips are joined. Over the next few weeks I will be showing you different ways to work with the hairpin lace from simple to feathery and elegant joining.
A scarf and book mark using the basic joining techniques will be my first projects. From there working Haripin Lace in the round will be featured and I have found some beautiful designs to work into shawls, placemats, and garments.
Next week I will have directions for a basic scarf and book mark to make.
REMEMBER: A drawing will be made from those of you that comment on the blog for a free Hairpin Lace Loom!
I am at Beaver Dam, WI at the NANCY’S NOTIONS event and will be sharing pictures of the special people that attend this fun event. Have a great week and let me know you adventures with Hairpin Lace.
