My 6 Best Tips for Crocheting Lace

Making crochet lace is as easy as learning a new stitch pattern, but many crocheters seem to shy away from using the finer threads for different reasons. In this article, I’ll share six different ways to get on board using finer weights of yarn!

Tip 1: Don’t listen to the label!  

Usually, yarn weights dictate which hook size we should use. For example, with worsted-weight yarns, the most common hook sizes used are G, H, and I. So, when we see lace-weight yarns, we immediately think about our grandmothers with their size 6 steels and bedspread-weight cotton and think, “No way, I can’t work with a hook that small!”

Well, what if I told you that you could use a size G with lace weight and get great results? Think of filmy lace the same way you do with a lace pattern in a blanket. The only difference is getting comfortable with a finer weight of yarn and learning to use a larger hook with it. PRACTICE is important!

Tip 2: The most important thing to remember when creating lace is to keep your work loose.  

It will be a whole lot easier to maintain your tension. You will get the right drape. Your fabric will get the larger holes that are inherent to lace.

Tip 3: Do not pull your yarn when completing a stitch.  

This will make your stitches too tight, which means that you will not be able to insert your hook into the stitch when you are working on the next row.

Tip 4: Keep your starting chain LOOSE.  

Use a larger hook to create the foundation chain if necessary. Using foundation stitches also can help with this.

Tip 5: If you tend to crochet loosely to begin with, try not to crochet TOO loosely.  

Having your stitches too loose creates unsightly loops in the fabric that actually can catch on objects.

Tip 6: Remember, lace isn’t finished until you BLOCK it.  

Because the work is so loose, your finished project may look “unfinished”. This is normal. To rectify this, make sure you pin out the project and steam block it. You will be amazed at the difference!

Now – Tell me about your experience with Crocheted Lace.

Do you like it drapy and soft with lace-weight yarn? Do you like to just have openwork in heavier weights? Have trouble with blocking? Let me know. And if you have other tips! Share them with us!