How long is long enough? measure-as-you-go easy method

How do you know how long you need to make your lace edging so that it fits nicely around your fabric center doily?

If you are exactly getting the gauge specified in the Lace-edged Doily pattern (i.e. Lace edging repeat of 20 sts by 12 rows is 1¾” by 7/8″ (44 by 22 mm) blocked), then just follow the instructions to work the 12 row repeat a total of 35 times, then rows 1 – 10 once more.

You might have noticed that it is really easy to count the repeats you have completed in this pattern because each repeat creates one “sawtooth” spike.

But even if you are not exactly getting gauge, there’s no problem in adjusting the number of repeats you will need. Or even if you think you are knitting to the exact post-blocked gauge, this easy method of checking your length will give you the confidence that you are on course. 

Tip 1: Do a temporary light finger blocking of your in-progress lace edging before making this measurement. This will give you more accurate results.

Lay the straight edge of your in-progress lace edging along the perimeter of the pre-washed fabric doily circle, easing it in slightly so that the outer edge of the lace still lies flat. When long enough, your lace edging should just barely reach around the doily.

Tip 2: Just keep the stitches on your knitting needle while doing this. If you need to knit some more, you will be ready to go.

Remember that for this Lace-edged Doily project, you will want to complete through row 10 as indicated in the pattern so you will have an invisible join later. If necessary, a smidgeon of extra length is better than too short. A minor amount of extra can be eased in. But if too short, the lace edging will cup rather than lying flat.

If not long enough yet, knit some more and re-check.

Tip 3: As you get close to the length you will need, check more frequently so that you don’t knit way too much and have to rip some out, though!

Corollary to Tip 3: On the other hand, if you knit WAY to much, you could just tell people you re-designed this as a ruffled edge doily, lol.

Well, back to the serious side …

This measure-as-you-go method is my preferred way to do lace edging projects where the lace will be attached to a non-stretchy item such as woven fabric or solid surface. It avoids having to do mind-numbing calculations and exacting gauge, thereby keeping the  knitting more relaxed and enjoyable. Then just use this easy method to check how your lace edging length is progressing compared to the item to which you will be attaching.

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5 Responses to How long is long enough? measure-as-you-go easy method

  1. Pingback: Grafting an Invisible Join | Knit HeartStrings

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  3. Karen Gass says:

    How could we make our own doily centers? I have nice linen, but am unsure how to cut or hem the edges. thanks! 🙂

    • jackiees says:

      Hand sewing and embroidery books usually will have instructions for cutting fabric, hemming, and hemstitching. You can also do a google search.

      Another approach I have sometimes used with fabric I have on hand is just to cut and make a rolled hem. (again, you could do a search for instructions on this topic) Then, work a row of chain or single crochet stitch stitch around the perimeter directly into the fabric using a fine crochet hook (the tip of the hook can be carefully inserted between the threads of the woven fabric; also be careful not to snag the fabric when pulling the hook through to complete the stitches). Since there will not be the decorative holes as in the hemstitched version, you might want to use a lace edging with a decorative heading.

  4. Tandy says:

    I LOVE Corollary to Tip 3: On the other hand, if you knit WAY to much, you could just tell people you re-designed this as a ruffled edge doily, lol.
    “Yes, that is EXACTLY what I intended to do!”

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