The Magic of Shetland Lace Knitting: Stitches, Techniques, and Projects for Lighter-than-Air Shawls & More

by Elizabeth Lovick

The ethereal beauty and intricacy of Shetland lace knitting might seem beyond the powers of the everyday knitter, but the skills needed are within the reach of everyone who can knit, purl, cast on, and bind off. The Magic of Shetland Lace Knitting is designed to take the novice knitter from their first "yarn over" through the steps needed to master the more complex patterns. The techniques are introduced with clear step-by-step instructions, charts, and detailed photographs of knitted samples. Aimed primarily at beginners, more experienced knitters will also appreciate the way the book organizes the stitches, allowing for easy substitution of patterns. Those interested in different lace traditions will be excited by the collection of specifically-Shetland stitches. And as more knitters want to stretch themselves and learn new techniques, this book will be a useful guide aimed at helping these knitters take their first steps in making a Shetland lace project. Included are all the traditional Shetland motifs, patterns, and insertions including Cat's Paw, Candlelight, Horse Shoe, and many more. With suggestions for how to work the different stitches into elegant and traditional Shetland Lace accessories such as scarves, hats, and shawls. Atmospheric photographs taken in the wild Scottish landscape and historical information about the development of Shetland lace are sure to delight all knitters and textile lovers.

Genres: Knitting, Nonfiction, Crafts, Reference, Art

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

An in-depth and easy to follow guide that includes clear instructions and a directory of stitches.

There are some beautiful project ideas too that I look forward to trying, once I actually learn how to knit.

[Tawney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book compliments of St. Martin's Griffin through the Goodreads First Reads Program.

The awesome amount of practical, usable information Elizabeth Lovick has put into these pages is worthy of 4.5 stars. I have read through the informational sections and perused the patterns, but not actually picked up needles and yarn to work through any of it yet. I but feel confident that any problems will come from my own inattention. If I find otherwise this review will be edited.

The book has three major sections, the first explaining techniques. This includes discussion of the mechanics of the knitting: yarn, stitches, edges, dressing (blocking). The number of stitches to learn is not large and the the illustrations are excellent. Information on designing your own pieces is next. This is especially welcome to a Floridian who hoped this book would make it possible to to knit items that are light enough to be used more than once or twice a year. After good pointers on the design its on to making a chart and combining motifs.

The stitch directory is both window shopping (ooow, nice!) and reference (photo, chart, written directions). This is the largest section of the book where the overall patterns, inserts and lace motifs for pattern building are found.

Then come a nice selection of projects. There are charming funky socks. but I'll do better to start with the scarf.

The author has a well balanced attitude. She encourages patience and doing a good job, but in dealing with mistakes points out that they can be hard to see and sometimes the best approach is to fudge. She says "Knitting lace is really just knitting." and her book makes you believe her.

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as part of Goodread' First Reads give-away.

This is a really excellent book on the art and craft of Shetland lace. It starts with a history of Shetland lace knitting, then moves into a primer on lace knitting in general -- stitch techniques, how to read a chart, things of that nature. The majority of the book is a truly excellent stitch dictionary with many, many motifs and lots of advice on how to combine them into a shawl or stole. The book wraps up with a handful of projects to help knitters get the right idea.

The techniques and the stitch dictionary are the strongest part of this book, and the best argument for buying it. The projects are nice enough, but if knitters are simply interested in finding lace patterns, I'd advise seeking out a book that has patterns as its focal point. This book is really best as a tool for designing one's own shawls and stoles.

[HadiDee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book, with a very useful dictionary of stitches. Bit advanced for me as a beginner knitter

[Jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This volume begins with a section on essential techniques, which covers basics, like how to read a chart, yarns and works up to design elements and how to combine motifs. This is the longest section of the book. The middle section is a well-illustrated stitch directory and the final section contains 7 projects, from socks, to jackets and shawls... For each project alternate pattern are suggested.

The cobweb shawl is the one I’d most like to try

[Laryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Think of this book like Hitomi Shida's "Japanese Knitting Stitch Bible" but for making gorgeous lace. This book includes so many swatches with written and charted instructions for traditional Shetland lace patterns & edgings. It includes advice on how to put different motifs together, as well as how to design different garments, such as a stole or christening gown. A gorgeous book that I'd call a knitting essential.

[Bekki Shining Bearheart · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the first books I bought on lace knitting, it is filled with wonderful background information and lots of lace stitch patterns. I find it useful for inspiration.

Being a left-handed knitter it took me a while to be able to do the stitch patterns correctly, and I have often resorted to youtube videos in get the basics down, but once I learned to read patterns it got much easier, and this book has been great for understanding the construction of lace.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I am very impressed with this book. Cute and easy to read, well thought out, and helpful. The author explains clearly both how to read charts, and how to imagine original pieces. The stitch dictionary is beautiful, and by using different colours per swatch invites the reader to engage their own imagination. Suitable for either beginners or more advanced knitters.

[Colette Brennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book with detailed instructions. The instructions include stitch directory with indicated level of difficulty and steps to designing your own shetland lace project. There are also instructions for seven projects in the book including a traditional cobweb shawl, 10 stitch socks and a Crescent shawl. I am really pleased with my investment in this book as I will use it for years to come.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tons of knowledge and antique patterns, just not 100% what I'm looking for. I'm working on learning about which patterns come from where, I suppose ;)

[Celeste Hoffart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guide for to how the patterns are knit and then how to put them together into original designs

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good resource for lace stitch patterns. More stitch patterns of Shetland lace type. They are awesome. Only one pattern that I'd knit - not many patterns.

[Elizabeth S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shanon Miller's Heirloom Knitting has been pretty much the standard for which I judge Shetland lace books. If you have it you will realize it has a pretty much complete list of Shetland lace stitch patterns as well as advice for every step of the process.

Sadly HK is very expensive at 40+ dollars and unless you are very interested in making gossamer shawls probably not worth the investment. The patterns are beautiful but most are intended for a very fine gauge. Lovick's book is much less detailed but she gears the information to beginners much better. The stitch patterns are in color and with much thicker yarn which means you can count the stitches. She also divides the patterns into Centers, borders, edgings and insertions. There are far fewer stitch patterns and they tend to be less complex then HK but are still plenty to get you started. The regular patterns are the only thing I found disappointing because I didn't want to make any of them. The design section was one I found very intriguing. I only wish it was a little longer.
On the whole this a great book even if you already have HK. It is quite reasonably priced and the clear instruction and picture of stitch patterns make it well worth the investment.

[Emily Webb · Rating 2 out of 5]

I understand this type of knitting is delicate and detailed, but there was so much to read. If people are getting this book they already know how to knit quite well. I don't think there is a need to explain the basic types of stitching, different types equipment, etc. I would have started by going over the different types of charts since that is a big part of the lace knitting and that is something that not everyone will know. Finally after learning how to chart it gets into the good stuff learning the lace techniques and the projects. So to sum it up, I was bored at the beginning and once it got to the techniques I needed to learn for making these projects it was more interesting.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first-read win of a craft book.It is a beautiful book. I like the way it is setup. It gives you the history of Shetland Lace. I love the colors. I like the stitch selector, where it shows all the stitches reduced in size, organized by category, also the stitch and row count. It also gives the page number. There are suggested alternative stitches for each project. But I don't know if I can learn to knit, but it gives good directions. I haven't tried it yet.I think that I will be able to.

[Debbie Payne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just a stunning book. The projects are beautiful and I think that I might be able to do some of the easier ones. Directions seem to be very clear. Occasionally I go to a knitting group at my local YMCA and know the ladies will love browsing through this well - presented book. The words in the beginning of the book and the photographs made me feel as if I was there where this magical style of knitting began.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free through a Goodreads First Reader giveaway.

There is a huge amount of information in this book, with beautiful pictures and very clear charts. I haven't knit any of it yet, but I look forward to trying some of the patterns and motifs very soon.

[Eloise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as part of the First Reads program. It is a wonderful book full of useful information. It would be a great resource in designing shawls. I think it is more for an intermediate or expert knitter but beginners can still find many things of interest.

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great resource of patterns, both main and boarder edges

[Cayenne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is gorgeous! The perfect guide to knitting shetland lace. It covers shawl shapes, history, yarn options & techniques. It has a beautiful stitch dictionary and an easy-to-use layout.

[Mckinley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicely done. A variety of patterns and levels of experience ending with a few examples of how to create one's own project.
Only 3 stars because I don't plan on making any of these.

[Anne Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!
Clear graphics and directions given for special stitches.
Fun projects for every skill level.



This book was a win from the Goodreads First Reads Program.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Projects are lovely. Pictures are inspiring. And it is clearly written.

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

good background ideas - a few mistakes in the patterns to watch for!