Broomstick Lace

Lace Lovers is another local guild to which I belong.  They are dedicated to teaching traditional handicrafts and embellishments that beautify, add warmth and are generally amazing for the simple way things are formed.

I'll be teaching broomstick lace.  

Have you tried this technique before?  It's really fabulous for blankets, shawls, and purses.

Why is it called broomstick lace?  Back in the 18th century when it was invented, the handle of the broom was used to hold the stitches until they were worked off.  

How do you do it?  Chain the number of stitches for your project or just a swatch.  Do it in a multiple of 5 for your practice swatch. Put the loop on the "broomstick" or in today's crafting, a very fat knitting needle, size 19 to 50.  Use a crochet hook that you usually use for the size yarn you have.  So for worsted weight, use a US G to I hook.  Insert the hook into the second chain from the end and pull up a loop.  Put it on the needle.  Do not twist.  Insert the hook into the next chain from the end and pull up a loop.  Put it on the needle. Keep doing this until you have no more chain stitches.  Use your hook and go into the first 5 stitches.  Draw up a loop.  Wrap the yarn around the hook and pull through.  This is your chain 1.  Now insert the hook back into the 5 loops and work 5 single crochet.  Drop the loops off the needle.  Insert the hook into the next 5 loops and work 5 single crochet in the loops.  Drop the loops off the needle.  Continue this until you have no more loops to work single crochets into.

Without turning (because broomstick lace is worked from the front in each direction), put the loop on the hook onto the needle.  Working in the back loop only, pick up a loop from the second and each single crochet across, one at a time, and put them on the needle.  Now follow the chain and single crochet directions from above.  Keep going in this manner.

IS it easier to see how to do it?  Yes it probably is.  Can some people follow just written directions?  yes.