Solid areas are dense areas of lace, used as a contrast to the ground. Click here for different shapes available.
A solid area is worked in rows, with every stitch the same type. This is usually cloth stitch or half stitch, although it is possible to use cloth stitch and twist. However, it is possible to work the top half of the shape in one stitch, and the bottom half in another. Here, the top half of a diamond is cloth stitch, and the bottom half is half stitch.
Working: Work the top half of the shape as usual, in the required stitch, until you have done the half-way row. Then, work the next row in the second stitch, and carry on with that.
You might think that something else would be needed to change stitches, but no! As long as you tighten the top half of the shape as usual, the lace seems to cope with the change of direction of the threads.
A particularly effective result is to do a zigzag with the "zig" as cloth stich, and the "zag" as half stitch. It gives the impression of shading.
Here is a piece of lace from my lace colletion:
Here is a piece of lace from my lace colletion:
Since there are three types of stitch available (cloth stitch, half stitch and cloth stitch and twist), you can have different combinations. Here is a sample piece showing the possibilities!
© Jo Edkins 2020 - return to lace index