Fans of crochet rightfully consider Irish lace one of the most advanced techniques. Due to the complexity of execution, this ancient knitting technique can easily be elevated to the level of art. Small, openwork elements, smooth and voluminous motifs, assembled into amazing patterns, various textures and colors allow you to create a lace fabric that is simply unique in its beauty, which cannot leave anyone indifferent.
Knitting technique
Classic elements of Irish lace:
- simple leaf,
- round leaf,
- leaf with a central vein,
- sheet with an openwork window,
- dense trefoil,
- rose with three rows of voluminous petals,
- bunch of grapes.
When working with Irish lace elements, it is customary to use a consistent knitting technique. First, individual motifs (patterns) are knitted, then they are laid out on a sketch or pattern, and combined together with a lattice or brids.
There are several options for connecting lace motifs. The most popular is the connection of motifs with a mesh. It is done quite simply - the finished elements are laid out on the diagram, and the space between them is knitted with a mesh.
Sometimes, when connecting motifs of different sizes, “voids” of various shapes can form, which cannot be filled with regular types of mesh (loin or honeycomb mesh); in this case, they resort to using an irregular mesh that smoothly flows around the elements.
The reverse option of collecting lace is also possible. First, an openwork fabric or a mesh base is knitted, and then motifs are attached to it. You can also take regular tulle as a basis and sew elements on it.
In addition, lace motifs can be collected sequentially, tying them to each other as you work. Most often, small products from homogeneous elements are assembled this way, because it is quite difficult to assemble a whole canvas in this way.
But you can sew an openwork fabric if you take tightly fitting motifs and sew them together using a needle and sufficiently long untucked ends of the motifs.
Also, when assembling products from Irish lace, brids - stitches made of threads trimmed with a cutwork stitch - can be a great help.
Motives and schemes
When working in the Irish lace technique, diagrams, as such, are only necessary for copying original works, because the technique is largely free and does not require adherence to strict boundaries.
Use the examples of motifs and patterns below to create your own original works. 
Creating a Lace Element
To work, you will need a crochet hook and white threads of suitable thickness.
Throughout our work we will use abbreviations:
- VP - air loop;
- p/p - half loop;
- treble crochet - double crochet;
- dc - single crochet.
First we will create the base for the motif ring. To do this, wrap the thread several turns around your finger.
The resulting ring of threads should be tied with single crochets. Then form 1 ch rise and continue to type st.b/n. Your task is to place 35 tbsp in the ring.
Please note that on the reverse side of the product there should be characteristic free patches. The next row will begin with them.
Check the photos. It should look like in the photo. Form a chain of 5 chains.
Attach this chain to the ring using the free stitches to the 3rd st.b/n. You will get a kind of arch.
Similarly, tie four more similar arches. In the last, sixth arch, cast on only 3 ch and attach it to the ring of treble s/n.
Unfold the knitting and, on top of the already knitted arches, make four more arches of 5 ch, and the outermost arch of 3 ch and 1 treble.
On the next level, make six arches again. To do this, fasten the first chain of 5 ch into the extreme arch of the previous row.
Behind it, knit four more arches of 5 ch.
Make the sixth arch using 2 ch and 1 dc.
At the fourth level you need to connect 5 arches again. The last one will be made of 2 ch and dc.
Fifth level. The first arch is 3 ch. The next two arches are 5 ch each and the outermost arch is 2 ch and dc.
Sixth level. The first arch is 4 ch, the second is 5 ch, the third is 1 ch and dc.
Seventh level. The first arch is 5 ch, and the second is 2 ch and dc.
Eighth level. Finish the central part of the motif with an arch of 10 ch and cut the thread.
Take a new thread and make 1 ch for the rise, attaching it to the base of the very first 5 ch arch.
Then tie all the outer arches with single crochets. At the highest point of the arch of 10 ch between the columns you need to make 1 ch. To make it clearer, tie it according to the following pattern: 31 st.b/n, 1 ch, 32 st.b/n. Count on one side of the ch rise as the first dc.
Now move on to the ring. It should be tied to the p/n located on the reverse side, returning to the fastening of the second thread.
St.b/n we go through the entire next row. Only through the ch left at the highest point of the element will you need to knit 3 treble crochets, thereby making an increase.
Having reached the edge of the mesh opposite to the fastening of the second thread, you should start knitting back in a “crawfish step”.
Knit a “crawfish step” using the front half-loops to the point where the thread is attached.
When there are 7 loops left to the top of the head, form 3 ch insteps and knit 26 treble crochets. Consider the top of the head to be the eighth loop.
Knit 6 tbsp into each loop, then 2 tbsp into one loop. 1 sc.b/n and symmetrically in the other direction - 2 sc.b/n from one loop, 6 sc.b/n.
Then go through 28 st.s/n.
Now you can proceed to tying the ring. To do this, form 2 treble crochets from one loop.
2 treble s/n from each loop of the previous row, 9 treble s/n from each loop, 2 treble s/n, 2 treble s/n from one loop. And finally connect everything to the beginning of the row.
Tie the entire row in a crawfish step and cut the thread.
Take a new thread and, not counting the ch stitch, attach it to the 7th stitch of the previous row and make 1 ch rise.
Knit four treble stitches.
From the sixth column 2 tbsp.
After the next 20 st.s./n.
On the top of the element, tie 5 treble crochets and then symmetrically 20 treble crochets, 2 treble crochets from 1 loop, 5 treble crochets. Now turn the knitting over, as in the case of arches, this will be the only purl row in the pattern.
Make 1 ch rise, after it 2 treble s/n, 6 treble s/n, 2 treble s/n from 1 loop.
Then 15 treble s/n, 2 treble s/n from one loop.
1 tbsp s/n, 5 tbsp/n should be above similar columns of the previous row.
Similarly, tie the second half of the product - 1 treble s/n, 2 treble s/n from one loop, 15 treble s/n, 2 treble s/n from one loop, 6 treble s/n, 3 Art. b/n.
Tie a double stitch around the perimeter of the ring and return to the beginning of the row.
Go through the entire element again in a “crawfish step” and trim the edge of the thread.
Attach a new thread to the first double stitch of the penultimate row of the binding, with the exception of the row from the “crawfish step”.
Form a large loop using 10 ch.
Tie this loop with 22 st.b/n. Turn the product over. Connect each starting and ending stitch of the binding to the loops of the element, thereby uniting them together.
Turn the knitting over again and re-tie the double stitch.
Make one dc into the loop of the element. Tie a loop with a st.s/n.
The last row of binding is done in st.b/n. For all four rows, the number of stitches in the binding should remain equal to 22.
Along the element, go 5 dc and form a second large loop of 10 ch. Tie it in the same way as the first one. After this, tie 7 more large loops throughout the entire element. The knitting of the motif should be completed with a “crawfish step” binding.
Among the many types of needlework, one of the most popular is lace making. Its methods are varied. Among them, Irish lace stands out; it has no equal in terms of the technique and beauty of the products. Irish lace motifs, the patterns of which are small in volume, allow you to create a rather impressive model in a short period of time.
Types of lace
According to the technique of execution, the following types of lace are distinguished:
- (Vologda, Mikhailovskoe, Yeletskoe, Vyatskoe). This is a common type of women's needlework. Initially it was carried out by nuns. In Ancient Rus' these were various elements of clothing in the form of trim along the edge of the fabric. Then the word “lace” began to be used to describe openwork products made from threads. The main tool for making this lace is the bobbin. This is a wooden stick, at one end of which there is a neck where the thread is wound.
- Weaving with a needle, or needle sewn lace. The main tool is a sewing needle. It is often considered a type of embroidery. In Russia, this is Tver, Novgorod, Yaroslavl, Ivanovo sewing. Argentine Spanish embroidered lace and Irish lace are world famous.
- Crochet. The essence of this type of lace is that individual elements are made using a hook, which are then sewn into a single piece. Examples include Irish and Bruges.
In this article we will look at the motifs of Irish lace, the patterns of which are varied. Let us note that its main feature is that it is still an exclusive handmade work.
Irish lace
Irish lace is one of the most beautiful knitting techniques. In addition, this is a rather complex technique, and only experienced lacemakers can make such products. At the same time, if you master the implementation of the basic elements (flowers, leaves), then you can safely start working. And you will notice how your skill improves from one thing to another.
The main feature of this technique is drawing up a pattern; this will be the basis of the work.
Knitting methods:
- Connecting motifs together using a needle or directly during knitting.
- You can knit a mesh separately and then sew motifs onto it.
- Connect the motifs together with a mesh.
The mesh can be fillet or in the form of a honeycomb. But it’s better to knit cells of different sizes, so the lace will be more elegant.
The attractiveness of the product will be given by the use of different threads in the work: we knit the main motifs with the same threads, and the mesh with thinner threads. This lace takes on a neat and delicate look. Knitting patterns for Irish lace motifs will help you create designs that appeared in the mid-nineteenth century. But even today, products made using this technique attract attention with their beauty and elegance.
Motives
Irish lace motifs with patterns will help you create an elegant and beautiful fabric. Simple elements are used to create complex designs that fascinate with their beauty of execution, weightlessness and intricacy.
Irish lace consists of individual elements or motifs connected to each other. These motifs are varied, but the most popular have always been natural ones: flowers, clusters, leaves, rosettes, insects, buds, silhouettes of grass and patterns of branches.
The constituent elements can be flat or three-dimensional and located on top of each other. First, all the motifs are knitted, and only then they are assembled into a whole canvas. When assembled, they are laid out face down and tied with mesh.
The most common element is the leaf. It can be different: trefoil, twig, round, pointed, ribbed, smooth, with a jagged edge.
Irish lace is unique and beautiful; its motifs and patterns may include this shamrock.
Schemes
Since the product is made by combining individual motifs, you must first master the technique of knitting various flowers, leaves, etc. Irish lace motifs with diagrams show how such work is done.
A simple flat leaf is another element often used in this type of weaving.
Using these simple motifs of Irish lace, the diagrams of which are presented above, you can create a beautiful canvas: a composition of flowers and leaves against the backdrop of an openwork mesh.
Crochet lace
Irish crochet lace is unique. This is a whole direction in hand crocheting. It is also called guipure or typesetting, since it is made from separate fragments. Irish lace motifs, patterns for their implementation, methods of combining motifs into the final work can captivate with their uniqueness. And also the opportunity to make an exclusive thing.
Here is an example of a simple work that makes it easy to learn how to connect individual motifs. The Irish combination of elements allows you to develop it yourself, creating your own unique pattern step by step.
A beret made using a similar technique turns out to be very openwork and elegant. You will need a 100-gram skein of white cotton yarn, hook No. 2. You need to knit the required number of flowers according to the pattern presented just above. The larger the beret, the more individual elements will be needed. Then the flowers must be connected with an irregular grid. We will make the band of the beret using single crochets and tie a picot. The beret is ready.
This photo shows how an irregular mesh is crocheted when connecting motifs into a single whole.
Irish lace products
Since its inception, Irish lace has been used to make cuffs and collars, as well as dresses and even coats.
Today there is also great interest in such handicrafts. Many masters are trying to master this interesting creativity. The motifs of Irish lace, the patterns of which are varied, allow you to create models such as dresses, vests, hats, handbags, tablecloths and napkins, even underwear and swimsuits.
Finished knitted products convey not only the traditions of this type of art, but also the talent of the author, his personality and mood.
Things made using this technique are incredibly beautiful. Having mastered Irish lace, the motifs and patterns of which are varied, you can make your wardrobe unique.
Master class on freeform
Master class on freeform
from Elena Sinyukova.
The essence of the freeform technique is that anything is possible. There are no restrictions on the color or texture of the yarn, only your taste, sense of proportion and flight of fancy! The basis of any composition in freeform is contrast. Everything here is built on this principle. But not only in color, as we are used to, but also in the combination of convex and smooth areas, areas of sparse fabric (openwork, mesh) and dense knitting, shiny and matte thread. Always trying to carefully select the color scheme in my works, I came to the conclusion that there should be only a warm or only a cold range, you cannot mix them, the result will be bad. Then there must be an idea for the work. What do you want to get out of it? For myself in freeform, I come up with something like a motto, three words that convey the essence of the work, for example: sea-heat-sand; spruce-rain-clearing. Further, all motifs must be of the same style, even different in shape. That is, if these are fantasy motifs, then everything (leaves, circles, squiggles) should be designed in this style. If there is a repetition of natural motifs, then accordingly.
Irish lace is an ancient crochet technique whose history dates back to the 14th century. It was in those times that Irish typeset paintings were born, the relevance of which has not been lost today. On the contrary, products decorated with Irish lace or completely knitted from motifs of this technique reflect current trends in knitted fashion, while at the same time adding a luxurious twist to a woman's look.
Many needlewomen avoid lace crocheted based on Irish motifs, because the work on it is incredibly painstaking and requires the craftswoman to have masterful crocheting skills. However, you shouldn’t shy away from Irish fabrics, the main thing is to try it once, fortunately, today needlewomen are offered a huge number of master classes on knitting products with Irish lace.
The basic principle of Irish lace fabric is to make it from individual motifs (leaves, flowers, openwork cords, paisley cucumbers, other plant elements), which are subsequently combined into a single composition using an openwork mesh (regular or irregular).
Before you start Irish knitting, you need to carefully select the materials: yarn and hook. You need to choose a thread taking into account its stiffness and thickness. To knit Irish lace, it is better to immediately stock up on three types of threads in thickness: thick (for making dense voluminous patterns), medium (for knitting most lace patterns), thin (for tying a future product with mesh).
If the lace is knitted from silk or thin cotton yarn, it is better to take a hook with a diameter of no more than 1-1.2 mm, this is the only way to forget about the need to constantly monitor the tightness of the loops. In order to get larger motifs and thick yarn, it is better to use a hook No. 1.5-2.
The pattern of any product made using the Irish lace technique is knitted from motifs that are connected to each other using a thin openwork background (mesh), forming a typesetting fabric.
To get to know Irish lace better, and at the same time practice knitting the most popular motifs, we suggest picking up a hook, thin yarn and following the detailed instructions given in the master classes presented below.
Volumetric three-tiered flower using Irish knitting technique
Volumetric multi-row flowers are one of the most popular motifs in Irish knitting; for many they are an indicator of the use of this technique on the finished product.
This floral element is called “Irish rose”. There are countless variations of the knitting motif, and if you understand the principle of its knitting, then anyone, even a novice needlewoman, can easily modify the shape of a flower, changing the shape of the petals and increasing/decreasing the number of tiers.
The flower is knitted from soft yarn; to make the edge of the petal more rigid, you should crochet a number less than the thickness of the thread, or use a bourdon (a thicker base thread).
Knitting pattern:
Conventional abbreviations in the text:
- VP – air loop;
- runway – lift runway;
- СС – connecting column;
- RLS – single crochet;
- Dc – double crochet;
- C2H – double crochet stitch;
- C3H – double crochet stitch;
- PR – previous row;
- PS – half-column.
1) We collect a chain of 5 VPs, connect them into a circle using a SS, tie the ring with the 8th sc.
2) In each PR loop we knit 2 Dcs - in total you should get 16 Dcs.
3) We knit with rapports: 5 VP + 2 RLS in the next 2 PR loops. We finish the series. We get 8 petals.
4) We make a binding for each petal: 1 sc + 5 sc + 1 sc, in the jumper between the petals - 1 PS.
5) To give the flower volume, the petals are knitted with embossed columns.
Densely arranged petals overlap each other, thereby creating a voluminous effect.
So, we knit the second tier of petals: 7 VP + a relief column, capturing the PR column at work. We repeat the row with rapports until the very end.
6) We tie all the resulting arcs of the second tier with rapports: 1 sc + 7 sc + 1 sc; We knit 1 PS into the loop between the arcs. The second tier is ready:
7) We knit the third tier of petals: an arc of 10 VP + a relief column, capturing the PR column at work. We repeat the row with rapports until the end.
8) We tie each received arc of the third tier with rapports: 1 sc + 10 sc + 1 sc; We knit 1 PS into the loop between the arcs. The third tier is ready:
9) We tie the edges of the petals of the third tier with rapports: 1 PS + 1 VP. The motive is complete!
In order to familiarize yourself with the process of knitting voluminous Irish flowers in real time, we suggest viewing a vibrant selection of video tutorials on floral motifs:
Fantasy leaf with lush columns
Elements of Irish lace such as leaves are in demand no less than floral motifs. They can be very different - both openwork flat and ornate volumetric. We bring to your attention step-by-step instructions for knitting such an original leaf:
Work progress
1) We assemble a base chain of 18 VPs (more or less is possible, the actual size of the sheet depends on this).
2) We knit a row of sc along the chain from the VP, but skip the last VP.
3) Turn the knitting over and cast on a chain of 8 VPs.
4) We perform C3H, skipping two loops in the base chain. We do not knit the last stitch of the post and loop.
5) We make eight twists of thread around the post.
6) We drag the main thread through all the entanglements, but in order to get a fluffy column, it is better not to tighten the thread too much.
7) We knit two loose loops together.
8) We collect 3 runways, we do this after each volumetric column.
9) Knit the next C3H, skipping 2 loops at the base of the leaf.
10) We repeat all the steps with entwining the thread around the column. By analogy, we knit two more such lush columns with 8 entanglements.
11) We knit the fifth volumetric column with a double stitch and make 6 twists of thread on it.
12) We knit the sixth column with PS + 5 twists.
13) Finish the row: 5 VP + SS in the last loop of the base of the leaf.
14) We tie the second part of the base of the sheet similarly to the first part, but in the opposite order.
15) We finish with a chain of 8 VP + SS.
16) Then - we tie the arches between the posts - we knit RLS.
17) We collect a chain of 18 VPs, using it to create a leaf stalk.
18) Turn the knitting over, tying the handle with a sc.
19) We tie the leaf itself with the following rapport: 1 SS + 1 VP. Ready!
In Irish technology, there are a huge number of options for knitting leaves, detailed master classes on how to make them can be found in the following videos:
Openwork heart motif
Such an unusual Irish motif will definitely attract attention. It not only gives the Irish canvas incredible relief, but also adds an exquisite gloss to it. The shape of the motif resembles a heart or a horseshoe, and can be used to decorate formal dresses, including evening and even wedding dresses.
Work progress
1) We collect a base chain of 16 VPs. Using a SS, wrap the chain into a circle.
2) We tie the circle with 22 sc, inserting the hook inside the circle.
3) Turn the knitting over and cast on 4 VPs. We knit with the “corn” pattern, skipping 2 PR loops. We finish the row with 1 VP + 1 Dc.
4) Turn the knitting over, tie the arches from the VP with the 5th RLS.
5) Turn over and tie next to each other using RLS.
6) The next step is to knit a row of sc, at the same time, you need to insert the hook into the back half loop of the PR.
8) We complete the motif by knitting a “crawfish step”.
9) Turn the knitting over to the front side, knit arches of 4 VP along the upper edge. And the last step is to tie them with the 6th sc.
We offer a detailed video tutorial on how to crochet another type of Irish heart:
Fashionable paisley lace motif
Paisley cucumbers are widely used to decorate women's clothing - their curls complement the design of blouses, skirts and dresses. Irish lace offers us an original version of knitting paisley cucumbers - this work is not at all difficult, and the result is breathtaking.
Work progress.
1) We collect a base chain of 6 VPs, enclose it in a ring using a SS, and tie the 8th RLS.
3) Close the ring with SS. We knit 4 VPs, skip one DC PR, and knit a SP in the next column.
5) Attach bourdon threads (4-5 threads folded together), tie the entire RLS element.
6) As soon as the knitting has reached the sharp end of the bourdon, cast on 20 sc, connect them in a circle, retreating from the end of the motif by about 6 loops.
7) We continue to tie the sc.
8) We knit the final row with RLS, but with the following repeats: 2 STB + picot from 4 VP.
The cucumber paisley motif in Irish style is ready!
Video master classes on knitting Indian cucumbers using the Irish lace technique:
Irish lace knitting patterns
For professional craftswomen who are fluent in crocheting, we provide a large-scale selection of patterns of Irish motifs:
Undoubtedly, Irish lace is one of the most difficult crochet techniques. In order to master it perfectly, you need days and even months of hard training in knitting lace motifs. However, it is definitely worth it - works made with Irish lace are highly valued not only aesthetically, but also financially.
Note that the Irish lace technique is used for knitting all kinds of women's wardrobe items: light blouses, blouses and tunics, airy sundresses and romantic floor-length dresses, as well as all kinds of accessories - stylish handbags, lacy gloves and exquisite collars. Irish lace also looks interesting in interior decor - they are used to knit openwork napkins and tablecloths, tie vases and even photo frames.
Irish lace is a masterful art in crochet. Lace inlaid or guipure technique involves individual knitted elements, which are then assembled into one composition. Basically, all the patterns are floral. At first glance, it seems that only real professionals use this technique, but this is not so. Any beginner can try his hand at fine needlework. The most important thing here is attention, perseverance and imagination.
Photo of Irish lace
Products made from fine patterns with floral motifs find their application in both clothing and accessories. For example, a knitted handbag in an openwork style looks gentle and bohemian. It will look expensive and elegant, and will be appropriate for a walk, the beach or a shopping trip.
And yet, the main area of application for fine work is lace dresses, which have long gone beyond the boundaries of nationality and have gained immortal popularity in different regions of the planet. Such dresses, embroidered with weightless patterns of flowers, will look luxurious at any evening or even wedding.
Irish lace pattern
Even a non-professional can try his hand at creating delicate floral scatterings on fabric - just know the basics of crochet, and then follow the instructions and pattern exactly.
There is a main feature of Irish lace: it is not knitted all over, but consists of individual motifs of different sizes and with different patterns, but consistent with the overall concept. After the individual parts are knitted, the fabric is assembled from the elements on the pattern, basted and woven using one of the joining techniques.
Model of a top made with Irish lace, with a description
To work with the top, hook No. 2 is used. Before starting work, it is best to cut out all the components of the model on the fabric and fit the blouse to your figure. The top is made using a very complex technique of interlocking lace, but if you lay out each piece on the pattern and pin it with pins, then there will be no problems with subsequent joining.
- Tie flowers and leaves according to patterns 1-7.
- To give rigidity and volume to the elements, use a crayfish stitch to tie them.
- After this, you should iron each element and place it face down on the pattern, close to each other.
- Then connect the motifs together with a needle from the wrong side: this way no one will see the connecting threads.
Your top is ready, and you can proudly wear a new, spectacular outfit, created with such a complex technique with your own hands. Such models exist outside of time, delighting and attracting attention in different periods of human history.
Irish lace techniques with descriptions
Fine needlework includes a huge number of patterns, each of which, with apparent versatility, is traditionally used in certain areas. However, the main difference between the techniques lies in the construction of the connection of the elements. This important and special element in lace knitting is, in fact, the secret of many professionals. The appearance of the entire composition of the canvas depends on the connecting meshes.
Pay attention! Many craftswomen use from one to several types of joints in one product. This gives the product a unique openwork look, inimitable and effective.
Methods for joining Irish lace:
- Continuous connections - this method is very labor-intensive and requires careful calculation of each loop. The essence of this method is that one element smoothly transitions into another without interrupting the knitting.
- Mesh connection is one of the common methods. All motifs of different sizes are collected into one canvas by knitting an arbitrary mesh between them.
- A mesh base is the easiest way. First, a mesh is knitted around the entire perimeter of the canvas, and then ready-made motifs are attached to it.
- If you don’t want to knit a mesh at all, then you can take tulle as a basis and sew knitted elements onto it.
- Brid or needle lace - the motifs are connected to each other by stitches of thread, which are subsequently trimmed with a cutwork stitch.
- The patterns can also be sewn together with a regular tailor's needle.
Video tutorials on Irish lace
If you want to learn how to crochet, the best way to do this is to use video tutorials on Irish lace for beginners or attend a master class in person. You can also download books that contain step-by-step instructions, photos of products, models with descriptions and pattern diagrams. You can view knitting lessons for individual laces here:
Features and secrets of Irish lace products
The Irish pattern technique is one of the most difficult, so it is best to practice on the easiest patterns:
In addition to strictly following the techniques and instructions for creating aerial patterns, there are also some tricks that craftswomen who work on lace knitting have identified for themselves:
- instead of cutting a finished product from essentially disposable fabric, you can use a reusable one from tracing paper;
- It is convenient to use a sheet of polystyrene or foam rubber as a stand: it is soft, light, warm, it is easy to draw the necessary shape on it, and secure the blanks with tailor’s pins;
- when calculating the size of the mesh joints, it is worth adding 2-3 cm, because the mesh always shrinks even during storage, not to mention washing;
- particularly skilled craftsmen can assemble motifs not on a pattern, but directly on a mannequin; This way you can make a whole product in one go.
During work, each craftswoman intuitively chooses exactly those tricks that will help make her work easier.
