[Lisa crafts 62]

I want to start learnning how to make knitted lace & the book pattern saya to use worsted-weight wool. Can I use crochet cotton instead of the wool?

 

[e.ridenh]

(((((((( I don't see why not, Lisa. You can choose any material, really then use the needle/hook size recommended on the label.

I'd run a test swatch to see if you like the way it works up. You might like the speed crocheen thread, too. It would depends on what your item is, of course.

Good luck & HAND!
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quote=Lisa crafts 62]I want to start learnning how to make knitted lace & the book pattern saya to use worsted-weight wool. Can I use crochet cotton instead of the wool?[/quote]

 

[courier770]

Crochet cotton is not nearly the weight of worsted weight yarn. You will have to play with needle size to get the right results, given the difference this will be a difficult process. All in all I'd say it wouldn't be a good choice as a replacement, as crochet cotton is thinner than even sock weight yarn. Sock weight yarn is roughly half the weight of worsted.

 

[ellieblue]

If you want to use cotton yarn, I would suggest something like Shine from Knitpicks or any cotton worsted weight knitting yarn

 

[courier770]

ellie is right, there are worsted weight cotton and cotton blends, yet there is another issue here. Worsted weight cotton is very heavy, very! 100 yards of worsted weight cotton is twice as heavy as worsted weight wool of the same yardage. Most lace projects require a large amount of yarn...you might want to take that into consideration, how "heavy" the garment will be.

 

[deemail]

I mostly choose the material i want to use and then play with the needles till the pattern looks right or matches the gauge... you can use any material for any project... thats the fun of being our own designers/knitters.... have fun

 

[joesew]

I would not substitute crochet cotton for worsted weight yarn,especially when the pattern calls for a certain wieght,it's usually because the gague for the design calls for it.
I'm surprised the pattern calls for that weight for a lace design,usually lace patterns call for a fingering weight,or lace weight. There are so many beautiful lace patterns for sweaters etc.
Be prepared however, for a whole new type of knitting experience. Lace designs depend on using a chart and careful attention is needed to keep the pattern correct.

 

[Lisa crafts 62]

It is a practice piece to learn the stitches & I wanted to use dishcloth cotton & size 7 needles instead of worsted weight wool

 

[courier770]

OH! well that makes sense. You can use whatever you want to practice on. Though I agree with joesew, true knitted lace is made from very lightweight yarns.

In fact "laceweight" yarn is the lightest weight of yarn.

 

[Lisa crafts 62]

Thank you for all of your help & advice

 

[Janey]

I've been learning with DK weight cotton yarn -- Rowan Glace, because it was on sale at LYS. Have had great success w baby hat pattern knit on size 8s

 

[emcontrary]

For practice, worsted is a good idea

 

[joesew]

that would be a good idea for practice pieces. you will be able to see the design much easier with heavier yarn,and it would go much quicker.

 

[MaryE.]

Worsted is much easier to handle than lace-weight or crochet cotton. Those are fine yarns and more difficult to knit.

 

[kksmunchkin]

Check not only the gauge but the final measurements. Crochet cotton will block the same as other yarns....and that may be a factor. I also agree with the comment about the weight of the finished garment.

 

[sheriet]

I would say that it depends on what you are making. If you want something fine with lots of holes such as a doily or a bookmark or a light lacy shawl then the crochet cotton would work very well. If you are making a sweater with lots of holes then the heavier weight would be appropriate. What is your pattern for? Actually you can have a beautiful shawl from either weight it just depends on what you want the finished product to look like! For learning purposes heavier is easier to work with.Lace knitting is fun! It is what I do most of the time now, from doilies to shawls and everything in between it is fun. Don't be afraid of the charts.

 

[CamillaDesertMouse]

I agree with what most are saying..
I both knit and crochet...
It always depends on pattern..
ie...Jarrod Floods Hemlock Ring Throw is a circular lace but done with a bulky weight.
and some lace is done with cob web.
I also agee...check with Knit Picks..they always have a wonderful selection and lace pattern books.

 

[CamillaDesertMouse]

Also...expierment a bit...
knitting a gauge is always good..so you can go up a needle size or down a size..but what ever you prefer and feel comfortable doing.

 

[stuent]

I have been making knitted lace for years and one day I made a circle with sock wool and it puckered up a lot so I added a cuff and made it into a hat which I wear all winter and no one in the world has one like it. I made mitts to match. I have made things that took over an hour for one round and gave them all away. It is not like crocheting though. If you drop a stitch it goes down the lace so fast not like pulling back one stitch when you crochet. Stuent from Canada

 

[margaretmary]

I wouldn't start with a yarn that fine. As a beginner, I would suggest a worsted weight to practice the chart, and then once you get the techniques and feel comfortable with the look of your lace you can move onto a smaller guage and weight yarn. Good luck!