Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Feb. 09 Program: Thread Lace - Punch Lace by Carole Wurst

It was a pleasure to have Carole of St. Cloud's Rocking Horse Farm demo Thread Lace at our February meeting!



The Thread Lace technique can usually be worked on knitting machines with a fairisle setting. The terminology Thread Lace refers to that produced on a Brother machine, versus Punch Lace on Studio, Singer, and Knitmaster machines. In the end of the day, Punch Lace and Thread Lace are the same technique.



When selecting your pattern to create Thread Lace, there are a couple of things to remember:
  • Use a heavy yarn and a thin yarn for best results.
  • When threading the mast, the thin yarn (thread) can be wrapped around the tension unit two times. You may also choose to use a tighter tension.
  • Avoid long floats.
  • Use weights - be sure to place them evenly along your work, moving them up as you knit.
  • The thread in feeder 2 or "B" will knit the pattern. Both yarns will knit together on non-patterned areas, so be sure to set the tension for knitting both threads together.
  • Set end needles to working position every row to ensure that both threads knit together.
SK Machines (Silver Reed, Studio, Singer): put end stitches in hold every row.
KH Machines (Brother, KnitKing): Push back the end needles if selected by pattern every row.

  • Either side of your knitted work can be the right side, depending on your visual preference.
  • If you use tuck stitches in your pattern work, your piece will not curl.
  • Knit with a smooth rhythm, and pay attention to your edge stitches.

Spring is upon us - get to work creating Thread Lace Scarves - the perfect weight for the season!

QUICK TIP: Fun and Easy Fringe!
Creating a fringed edge on your knitted piece is super easy and fun.
1. Pick up and hang to stitches from the edge of your work.
2. Determine desired fringe length and pull out 2 additional needles to working position at this length.
3. Knit 2 rows.
4. Pick up next 2 stitches along edge of work and hang on first 2 needles.
5. Knit 2 rows.
6. Repeat.

In the end, you don't even need to trim your fringe. Give it a try - you'll love the results!