Estonian Lace Explained
Nancy Bush
Class Preview
0:48
- In-depth Instruction; over 125 mins
- On-demand video access anytime
- Bonus downloadable PDF resources
- Access to class Q&A
A History of Haapsalu Lace
13:36
Meet Estonian lace expert Nancy Bush and learn about the history of lace from Haapsalu, a port city famed for its gorgeous, intricate shawls and scarves in a variety of shapes. In this class you'll make a smaller sampler shawl that will familiarize you with Estonian knitting techniques. The pattern for a full-sized shawl is also included.
Casting On & Working the Lace Edge
15:51
Nancy shows you how to use a knitted cast-on with doubled yarn to create a firm edge for the top of your shawl, then how to follow the chart for the edging's lace stitches. When your top edge is complete, Nancy demonstrates how to transition into the central stitch pattern.
Working the Center
13:27
A tidy edge is key for smooth seaming when you attach the edging later. Nancy shares the technique for a slip-stitch edge and garter border before knitting the lacy center. You'll also learn how to create the star feature of Estonian shawls, the nupp (pronounced "noop").
A Close-Up Look at Nupps
21:36
A nupp is a "gathering of light" -- a group of stitches that are knitted together to form a bud of fabric within a lace pattern. Nancy discusses the history and uses of the nupp in Estonian knitting, then shares tips for fixing them should you discover a mistake. You'll also learn how to make nupps with more stitches when you're working with finer yarn.
Finishing the Center
14:35
Estonian lace shawls can be gratifying to knit because they decrease to a point. The closer you get to the end, the faster the knitting goes! Nancy shows how to handle the decreases and bind off the last three stitches in the Estonian style. Along the way, she'll show you two methods for invisibly splicing if you need to add new yarn.
The Outer Edge
28:21
Your shawl is almost finished! You'll knit an edging in the same pattern as the top of the shawl, bind it off, then sew it to the edge of your shawl. Thanks to your tidy edges and Nancy's clear instruction, you'll find that your edges match up perfectly. Finally, you'll attach the edging at the corners.
Finishing
16:48
Weave in those ends with Nancy's guidance, then wet-block your scarf for a perfect finish. Your gorgeous accessory is ready to wear and collect admiring glances!
Take your lace knitting to the next level as you join the world expert on Estonian knitting, Nancy Bush. Nancy will show you how to create all the features that set Estonian lace apart, from the trademark nupps to a tidy edge, guiding you step by step through the skills you need to knit the full-size version of her exclusive Estonian lace scarf design. Start off with a little bit of historical knowledge before you knit a small, sampler version of the scarf, familiarizing yourself with Estonian style and stitches. Then, use what you’ve learned in class to knit the larger version, applying important techniques to create beautiful borders, a clean finish, smooth seams and more!
Nancy Bush
Nancy Bush's passion for and robust knowledge of traditional and regional knitting techniques have led many to call her the world expert on Estonian knitting. She is the owner and operator of the Wooly West, a mail-order yarn service based out of Utah. Nancy has been published in a variety of magazines, such as PieceWork, and is the proud author of a bounty of knitting books, including Folk Knitting in Estonia and Knitted Lace of Estonia. When sheÂ’s not writing or knitting, she can be found teaching workshops all over the world.
Bonus materials available after purchase