Very Easy Guide to Lace Knitting

Lynne Watterson, also author of The Very Easy Guide to Cable Knitting, has been knitting and designing for as long as she can remember. She has worked in prestigious editorial roles and is now one of the most experienced craft editors in the business, having edited many craft magazines, including Fashioncraft, Hand Knitting News, Cross Stitch, Needlecraft Magic and Cross Stitch Magic. Lynne lives in the Cotswolds, UK, where she works as a designer, writer and editor.

• Introduction 6Lesson 1: Yarns 8, Lesson 2: Knitting kit 10, Lesson 3: Circular needles 12Knitting basics 14Lesson 4: Casting on 16, Lesson 5: Knit and purl 18, Lesson 6: Reversible fabrics 20, Lesson 7: Casting off 21, Lesson 8: Decorative increases 22, Lesson 9: Decorative decreases 23, Lesson 10: Tension 24, Lesson 11: Charts 26The lace knits 28Lesson 12: Eyelet patterns 30, Technique: Simple eyelets 32, The stitch collection 34, Project 1: Baby blanket and slippers 44, Project 2: Hat and scarf 46, Project 3: Child’s cardigan 48, Lesson 13: Lace panels 50, Technique: Eyelets in diagonal lines 52, The stitch collection 54, Project 4: Cushion wraps 70, Project 5: Jewellery purse 72, Project 6: Women’s sweaters 74, Lesson 14: Lace patterns 78, Technique: Double decrease 80, The stitch collection 82, Project 7: Scarf 104, Project 8: Wrap 106, Project 9: Evening bag 108, Project 10: Pillow cover 110, Lesson 15: Lace edgings 112, Technique: Double increase 114, The stitch collection 116, Project 11: Shrug 120, Project 12: Baby’s shawl 122, Project 13: Guest towels 124Finishing techniques 126Lesson 16: Blocking and pressing 128, Lesson 17: Perfect seams 130, Lesson 18: Adding beads and sequins 132, Lesson 19: Basic tassels 134, Lesson 20: Beaded tassels 135, Lesson 21: Adding buttons 136, Lesson 22: Pompoms 138, Lesson 23: Aftercare essentials 139Abbreviations and chart symbols 140, Index 142, Credits 144

I am very impressed with this book! Although it has a few patterns in this book it is primarily a source book for some beautiful lace patterns. These patterns, which are very well produced and detailed, can then be applied to any knitting you might need to add some decoration. I knit a lot of socks and can see me adding panels of lace to a plain sock. This could be applied to any garment you may need to add interest. The photographs are very clear and text is easy to read and understand. All the patterns are in written and chart form. There are several useful techniques listed and I personally found the article on blocking your completed work extremely informative. This very well-presented book is a brilliant book for any knitter’s library.