Pattern 200 is a similar pattern to this, worked in human hair!
Pattern:
Bobbins: 8 pairs
Style: Plaited
Description:
This is a braided or plaited lace. So the thick lines in the pattern are not single pairs, but plaits, made of 2 pairs each. This explains why so many bobbins are needed at the two starting pins. Make sure that the pairs are twisted round each other, otherwise the top will spring apart when the pin is taken out.
When plaiting the pairs, make sure that you do enough half stitches to get to the next pin (but not too many!) You also need to tighten the threads well, as there are lots of stitches between the pins. You can see how I failed to do this at one point! The plait description explains how tightening is easier if you hold the 2 pairs in your hands, a pair in each hand, and make the stitches by manipulating the bobbins with your fingers. This means that the stitches can be tightened by just moving your hands apart.
Where the plaits cross over, the 4 pairs do a lazy join.
© Jo Edkins 2017 - return to lace index