Belgian Lace is one of those techniques that people either know a lot about or have never heard of before. So what is Belgian Lace? Long strips are crocheted, each row containing chain loops on the end, which can then be joined in particular ways to create numerous shapes. Common shapes you might see are S-formations or waves, like what is pictured to the left.

So now that you know what Belgian lace is, you might be asking yourself, what could I possibly do with long crocheted strips to make an actual project from them? Well, the possibilities are truly amazing. There are some absolutely beautiful garments that exist in Belgian Lace – skirts, dresses, tops – the fabric lends itself to flowing pieces that look great as over-garments.

Belgian lace also works great as an embellishment: the “Springtime Clutch” from Lion Brand (LB# 60030) in fact uses a basic strip of the lace to add some whimsy to a simple crocheted purse.

The construction of a basic strip is so simple, even a beginner can make it. The strips are worked in rows of double crochet (the width of the strip is up to you; for a wider strip, make a longer beginning chain). At the end of each row, where you would normally make your turning chain of 3 for the next row, you make a turning chain that is twice as long (6 chains) and work a double crochet in each stitch across in the next row. This row is repeated until the strip is as long as you want.

To find out how to join these ingenious strips into unique shapes and get some inspiration for fun projects you can make out of Belgian Lace, hang out with me in my workshop on May 1!

Many of you know that in addition to all the fun events and groups the Lion Brand Yarn Studio hosts, we also run nearly 100 classes a month. We have classes every day, night and all day on Sunday in three classrooms! To view our class page, click here. To book a class online, click here.

Since we hold over 90 specialty workshops in knitting, crochet, weaving, machine knitting and dyeing, we know so many choices can make your head spin!