Summer is approaching fast, and as the weather grows warmer, the yarn we knit with grows thinner.
Today we’re going to discuss an often misunderstood yarn category; lace.
What is it? What is it good for?
We’ll answer that and more by the end of this article.
What is Lace weight yarn?
Lace weight yarn, according the the Craft Yarn Council is any yarn with a average stitch gauge of 33-44 sts per 4 inches (10cm). That’s about 8 sts or more per inch.
Yarns in this weight class are the thinnest and lightest of all 8 yarn weight categories, being listed with a CYC #0.
Terms like cobweb lace, #10 crochet thread, LIGHT fingering, and lace* yarn are all used to describe yarns in this category.
Most lace weight yarns will have 2 plies (twisted with 2 strands of fiber), although you may see single ply and 3 ply lace yarns.
*NOTE: There are some yarns called “lace” that are technically fingering weight as their gauge is less than 8 sts per inch. Not a huge deal but something to be aware of.
What needle size is best for lace weight yarn?
While the gauge listed in your project will determine your needle size, your yarn ball band may recommend needles in the range of US 000 - US 1 (yes they’re so small they need multiple zeros). In metric that’s between 1.5mm and 2.25mm.
However, a lot of patterns that use lace weight yarn will have you use bigger needle sizes to help accentuate the lace eyelet pattern.
What kind of fibers are most common in lace weight?
You can find lace weight yarns made from all kinds of fibers, but most often you’ll find yarns spun from:
- Wool
- Mohair
- Silk (blended with something else)
- Cotton
What projects are best for lace weight yarn?
The obvious pick is a lace shawl.
Traditional shetland and Estonian lace projects make great use of the light weight yarn.
However, lot of lace yarns are used as “carry” yarns, where the yarn is marled with another larger weight yarn.
The mohair style yarns give the fabric a soft, fuzzy halo effect.
😍 Lace Weight Yarns We Love
Here’s some of our favorite lace weight yarns you might want to check out:
Friends Kid Silk by Hobbi - Get It Here****
Details - 72% Mohair, 25% Silk, 3% Wool (218yds / 25g)
This yarn is extremely versatile and can also be paired with another yarn to add softness and fluff to your project. The result will definitely be outstanding and elegant.
Alpaca Cloud Lace by Knit Picks - Get It Here****
Details - 100% Baby Alpaca (440yds / 50g)
Alpaca Cloud Lace is a soft, light, and amazingly warm fiber made of 100% Baby Alpaca. Perfect for shawls and light accessories, Alpaca Cloud can also be doubled for gorgeous garments you’ll wear constantly.
Gloss Lace by Knit Picks - Get It Here****
Details - 70% Merino Wool, 30% Silk (440yds / 50g)****
Gloss Lace is a luxurious blend of soft, cushiony merino with the sheen and velvety texture of silk. Light plays brilliantly off the silk, making this yarn perfect for showcasing the most intricate of lace stitches. With elegant drape and fluidity, Gloss Lace is a stunning choice for luxe scarves or wraps - perfect for heirloom knitting to be enjoyed for years.
Ariel by Berroco - Get It Here****
Details - 65% superkid mohair, 35% silk (284yds / 25g)****
Looking for gorgeous colors, soft mohair, and shiny silk? Look no farther than Berroco Aerial. This super-soft yarn makes an ideal carry-along - it also looks amazing all on its own, talk about a heavy hitter!
So there you have it. A quick overview of lace weight yarn.
What’s your favorite thing to make with lace yarn?
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Estonian Starflower Stitch
Spring is in full bloom here in Estonian, so why not celebrate with a stitch pattern made of flowers.
This motif is used in the project below, but it is also beautiful on its own.
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Decoding Charts Workshop • May 27th @ 10AM Pacific
Learn to read Lace, Cable, and Colorwork charts
Sign ups open soon…