Recent crochet sightings have awakened an interest in me to learn these two crochet techniques – hairpin lace and broomstick. To that end, I’ve done some surfing and come upon some great sites to learn these techniques. So, as usual, I thought I’d share:
Here’s a close up of broomstick (in a pretty blue). I found a good tutorial for it at:
http://www.crochetcabana.com/specialty/broomstick_lace_jiffy_lace_.htm
And, remember my recent post about the ‘orphan’ broomstick shawl I found at the thrift store? It’s really a beauty. I NEED to learn this technique!
Even more interesting is the hairpin lace site I found as it comes with spoken directions in addition to great pictures of the technique with the voice over:
Here’s a sample from the site:
from this site:
http://www.sykospark.net/hairpin/
As I have investigated these techniques, I’ve discovered a variety of tools used to create them. First, broomstick got its name because originally a broomstick was used! While you can still cut off your dollar store broom to create the tool, an inexpensive plastic ‘broomstick’ is more commonly used.
As for the hairpin loom, there are several different types available. The one pictured above is an older style and can be purchased inexpensively new or at garage sales. A slightly more expensive tool is now available from Clover:
I can’t speak to the effectiveness or ease of use of either one as I’ve yet to try this technique. Although you’ll hardly ever find me in a skirt, it’s this pattern that originally interested me in hairpin lace:
I just LOVE the drape of this skirt and would love to see it applied to other garments. When I master this technique, I’ll report back…..
Fellow Editors,
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Regard,
Linda
Broomstick crocheting. Is the very first thing I was taught to do it. It is so easy and so beautiful. I’d like to point out that wooden dowls, lightly sanded and the one end round off to a pointish works wonderul. Escpecially if you are making a larger piece item. The larger the round of the dowl the lacier the look the smaller of the round the tighter the look. When making scarfs you can vertical and leave your ends out and incorporate them into your fringe.
Do you know where I can get a broomstick for broomstick lace?
Thanks
Mary Lou,
Broomstick lace or broomstick crochet is to named because crocheters initially cut broom handles to use! So, you could do that. But, most people now get a jumbo knitting needle to use for the broomstick. They are sold individually as ‘broomstick crochet hooks’ although they are not hooks. Or, you could buy a pair of jumbo knitting needles and share with a friend. I’ve had good luck finding the jumbo sized needles at thrift stores. They must not be popular for knitting. But, they work fine for us crocheters!
jd