Lace 102 Sampler

Lace 102 Sampler by Kate Atherley

Project Overview

The Lace 102 Sampler is an intermediate-level knitting project designed as both a beautiful finished scarf and a comprehensive learning tool for lace knitters. Created by designer Kate Atherley, this sampler provides hands-on experience with a diverse range of lace stitch patterns, making it an ideal choice for knitters seeking to expand their lace-working skills beyond beginner techniques.

What Is Being Made

This project produces a scarf featuring multiple lace stitch patterns worked throughout. The sampler format allows knitters to explore various lace techniques within a single, wearable garment, combining decorative lace sections with structural elements into one cohesive design.

Lace Stitch Patterns and Techniques

The Lace 102 Sampler incorporates a wide variety of lace-working approaches to challenge knitters in different ways:

• All-over lace patterns that cover entire sections with continuous lace motifs
• Single lace motifs worked on plain stockinette backgrounds for contrast and visual interest
• Lace with stockinette stitch grounds, featuring purl stitches on the wrong side for structure
• Lace with garter stitch grounds, worked with knit stitches on the wrong side for a different texture
• One-sided lace patterns that are worked on the right side only
• Two-sided lace patterns that feature lace details on both right and wrong sides
• Patterns with variable stitch counts that require careful attention to increasing and decreasing
• Delayed decreases, an advanced technique that creates specific shaping effects
• Estonian nupps, decorative bobble-like stitches that are often considered challenging by lace knitters
• Applied edging worked at the conclusion of the project to finish the scarf professionally

Advanced Stitches and Techniques

This sampler incorporates several tricky and unusual stitches that expand a knitter's technical repertoire. The s2kpo (slip 2 stitches together, knit 1, pass slipped stitches over) is a double decrease that creates elegant diagonal lines in lace. The p2tog tbl (purl 2 together through the back loop) is a less common purl decrease that produces specific directional effects in lace patterns. These techniques, combined with the Estonian nupps and other pattern variations, provide comprehensive skill-building opportunities.

Yarn and Materials

The Lace 102 Sampler is worked with 4-ply yarn, a fingering-weight yarn that is ideal for creating delicate, detailed lace stitches with good stitch definition. Knitters will need appropriate needles for their chosen yarn weight to achieve proper gauge and fabric drape.

Skill Level and Learning Value

Designed for intermediate knitters, this project assumes foundational knitting knowledge while introducing more advanced lace techniques. The sampler format makes it an excellent alternative for knitters who cannot attend in-person lace classes, offering structured, progressive skill development through hands-on practice with multiple pattern types.