Working the Lace

Day 353: The first step in making Teneriffe lace is to form the web over which the pattern will be stitched, and this applies whether you are creating it on fabric or as an independent motif like this one. The thread is taken from point to point until a radial grid is formed, and then the weaving begins. Typically, the first few rounds are done in "double darning," i.e., over one pair of threads, under the next pair. This is followed by a few rounds of single darning, i.e., splitting the pairs by going over one thread, under the next. There are other ways to start the weaving (backstitch, open center, etc.), but for this example, I've begun in the traditional manner, and have secured the darning stitches with a round of Teneriffe knots. The paper "plan" underneath the work helps me keep the stitches aligned and uniform. From this point on, I can be inventive, using various types of darning and filling stitches to create a unique design.