Lace Crochet

Traditionally lace crochet used fine cotton threads to make round mats (doilies) table runners, lace collars and tablecloths. Now thanks to better choice and a wider selection of cottons and threads we can make traditional lace crochet without having to resort to the very fine traditional cottons (thread). DMC petra for example comes in sizes from 3, 5 and 8 all of which come in a range of lovely colours. Use them to make traditional crochet lace and you will produce stunning results without losing out on quality.

The wonderful thing about the colour selection of cotton threads is that you can now create table runners and covers for modern settings as well as the more classic designs. Don’t restrict making lace crochet to the more traditional styles. Lace crochet creates light airy structures perfect for creating lace shawls and lightweight scarves and you can do this with DK (light worsted) or 4 ply yarns.

Make crochet lace as simple or as intricate as you like. For beginners to crochet rows of basic shells creates a simple but very pretty lace finish and would make a stunning crochet long style scarf or cowl, particularly if you use a blended yarn. Basic net crochet is a good place for beginners to crochet to start with lace. Net crochet in its simple form is created by making 1 or 2 ch spaces between trebles (double crochet) and it’s very simple to make using fine thread or yarn. Add in groups of 4 trebles and make filet crochet which can be used to create designs and images, everything from birds to people, houses and animals.

You can also use net crochet combined with clusters and shells together in one row or make a scarf with simple net crochet and add a scalloped edge to create a stunning scarf with a simple design.  Use lace crochet to make round or square motifs and you can do this with fine cotton or thicker yarn. As with other lace projects make your motifs as simple or as complicated as you wish. Granny squares for example made in a finer yarn creates a very pretty lace effect.

Irish crochet lace has always had its own style creating simple motifs in a variety of shapes, including spirals and leaves which have particularly featured in traditional Irish crochet. For more experienced crocheters this has developed from its own traditional style into free form crochet.

Table Runner Story

When I started out in crochet fine crochet was all I made. Since then I’ve used a variety of yarns and learned to love them all! Following my review and testing of Puppets Eldorado I decided to try something new with this finer cotton. Traditionally fine or thread crochet is intricate and ‘open’ to create a lace effect. With a new design I wanted to change this and I was sure a closer texture would create a modern look. Gone are the days when finer crochet cotton came in white, cream and ecru only! Puppets Eldorado comes in a whole range of colours and sizes 6, 10, 12, 16. The traditional colours still exist but for a more contemporary feel go for a darker colour.

Colours range from pale pinks and blues to darker like a deep red, dark brown, black and dark green.  Autumn colours for my new design were my inspiration. I wanted to show fine (thread) crochet can fit beautifully into contemporary surroundings.

I started out by working on a small motif design. Using gold and cream cotton kept the design looking modern and updated. By using a combination of the two colours in each motif and in the layout of the design by accident the design created a ‘wheel effect which I liked. The motifs I crocheted together using picots as the joining stitches as I went along which I always prefer! The finished runner didn’t need an edging which would have ‘spoilt’ the contemporary look.

The key is to keep the design simple, The finished runner would look good in grey or deep purple and light and dark peach.

Puppets Eldorado

Gone are the days when finer crochet cotton only came in white, cream and ecru! Puppets Eldorado cotton comes in a whole range of colours and sizes 6, 10, 12, 16. The traditional colours still exist but for a more contemporary look go for a darker colour. Colours range from pale pinks and blues to darker like a deep red, dark brown, black and dark green. I love the broze and gold yellow. Puppets Eldorado also has a range of lovely blends which I’ve used for my 3D flowers.

I used Puppets Eldorado number 10 for my gold table runner and number 20 for my pot pourri bags, it’s 100% cotton and lovely quality. Using a 1.75mm crochet hook the round motifs of my bronze/cream runner measure 2.5” (6.5cm). No 10 comes in 50g balls and has around 265 metres of cotton.

Use puppets Eldorado to make traditional doilies and table covers but also for delicate edgings and flower trims for summer straw hats.

I think an edging or trim using puppets Eldorado would make a lovely anniversary or wedding gift when crocheted to match bought towels.
You can buy puppets Eldorado from purpleinda crafts