I had never worked with lace yarn and honestly didn’t know much about it! I learned to crochet in a class at Joann Fabric, which is filled with mostly worsted weight acrylic yarn. There is of course other types of yarn, but that was the most popular at my store. Therefore, that is what I always worked with, created patterns with, and taught classes with. It wasn’t till one day that a customer asked me how to adjust my pattern, to be made with mohair yarn. I didn’t really have an answer, I could only guess and give my best estimations. So, I went to my local yarn shop and looked around, asked questions, and bought some baby alpaca and silk blend yarn. I just loved it. I used it to create my favorite shell bonnet hat and wrap (it’s a heavy lace yarn – Cumulus by Fyberspates).
With my wrap and bonnet hat, I wanted it to be very open and lacy. I used a L/8.00 mm crochet hook. From there I wanted to see how it would look with my normal (and favorite Furls hook – affiliate link), size H/5.00 mm crochet hook, so a baby girl dress and headband set was created!
At this point, I really couldn’t stop myself. I ended up ordering more yarn. 🙂 I really fell in love with Debbie Bliss Angel (used above in dress) and Rowan Kidsilk Haze (used in romper below), both of which are a mohair and silk blend.
I figured out basic sizing and my gauge, but wanted to go one step further and try out a plush animal. Using the lace yarn was tricky because I had to use such a tiny hook, so that you couldn’t see the spaces/holes. Therefore, I ended up holding two strands together, to create my little bear plush. Of course, I had to add in a matching sleepy hat for the baby and bear. I have not published this pattern yet, but I will soon! Wanting to try something a little different, I also just created a puff pixie bonnet hat, will be available soon!
As much as I loved working with all of this lace yarn (thinking about making another wrap too), it can be a little tricky for a beginner. The main struggle I had was when I needed to pull out my stitches, sometimes the yarn would snag, catch, and tangle, which made it so hard to pull out. As long as you go slow and pay attention, you should be able to manage frogging your work, but it can still get tangled and stuck. I was also a little off put by the price tag, but it’s so worth it for this soft and halo style lace yarn!
I would love to see what you have created with lace yarn?! Have you ever tried using it? Is there any brand I need to try?
**In the spirit of full disclosure, this is an affiliate link, which means that I may get a commissions if you decide to purchase anything from Furls. I only recommend products that I use and love myself, so I know you’ll be in good hands.**
