I'm doing a simple leaf pattern on a scarf, my first lace knitting pattern. The yarn is cotton, silk and jade fibers. It seems a little bunchy and not smooth. The pattern does not say to block the scarf, but do you always block lace? Also, should my tension be pretty loose? If I knit my normal tension, it seems too tight so I am deliberately knitting loosely. Lace knitting tips, anyone? Is there a list of certain "this is how it is with lace knitting patterns" place to go for my questions? The patterns always assume you know what you're doing!
Lisa, it may be several things that are causing you trouble. Sometimes there just isn't thorough information in a pattern so even though it doesn't mention blocking, you may want to try a swatch and block it to see if that helps smooth it out.
You could also try a different needle size. It may also be that the yarn you are using just doesn't lend itself to that pattern. You may just have to try a different pattern with that yarn to determine whether it is the yarn, the pattern or both.
As for what to expect when trying a pattern some authors are very good about including info as to what to expect and some aren't. Without knowing what your pattern or yarn is, it is hard to say.
If you really love the pattern you have selected I would suggest you do the swatch and block it. That way you know whether to proceed or not.
Lori
I can't imagine a situation where you wouldn't block lace, it always needs the help. It often looks like seaweed on the needles and needs the extra help of blocking.
How did your gauge swatch work out with the needle size you are using? What does the pattern say about gauge? Often with scarves they aren't too particular about gauge, since it isn't as though you are going for fit, but you still need some idea of how your yarn is going to act in the pattern when you have the finished product.
If there is no gauge listed I would still do a swatch, the usual 4x4, though I might make it a little larger myself. Make certain that you have full pattern repeats and then add a couple stitches on each side for garter stitch. Then wash and block, and see what you have. It may just be that the yarn isn't right for the pattern.
good luck.
I do like the pattern, and it's easy enough for me to do with the directions right in front of me (and when hubby is not talking to me) so I'm continuing with it. I like the yarn, smooth and soft, but it is a bit bulkier than the pattern should have, I think. I have to use wood needles as metal are just too slick and I have a tendency to knit tighter with metal needles. I did a swatch and blocked it -- looked much better but a bit "flat." But then I read that I should wash it first before blocking. Hmmm. So another swatch and I'll try that, too. Thank you!
Shelley, thank you for the advice. I blocked a swatch, which helped a lot, just a bit flat. Maybe I shouldn't have steamed it quite so much. My tension worked out right on with the pattern's swatch, but I think the yarn is a bit bulkier than is meant although I like the smoothness of it. I'm sticking with it so far, but I will do another swatch and wash it first before blocking it to see if that works better. I really like the pattern and the challenge ... I hope it will be respectable enough to post a picture of it when I'm done. Thanks!
If you like the yarn and the pattern you could try a size or two larger needle to open it out a bit. You will get a wider scarf unless you leave out a pattern repeat. This might or might not be to your liking.....The knitting police will not get you for this
Lace needs to be blocked. My first lace shawl I went up a needle size because it was easier for me. I am now on my fifth lace shawl because everyone loved the first one. These are all gifts. It is a great pattern for the yarn I'm using. The rest I have done in the size needle in the pattern. Some of them I didn't like until they were blocked. I hope this helps.
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