For knitters with at least one year of knitting experience! Some experience with knitting lace is recommended.

Estonia is known for its beautiful lace knitted shawls from the Haapsalu region. The filmy square shawls consist of a patterned centre section, a garter stitch frame and a lace edge. Estonian knitted lace has a number of characteristics, among which the ‘nupp’, a three-dimensional element that emphasizes the lines in the lace and gives the lace its specific character. Even more as we see in for example Orenburg or Shetland lace, Estonian lace has a variety of complicated stitches that are used in the lace patterns. Furthermore many lace patterns are inspired by leaf and flower or geometrical motifs.

During the class Estonian Lace you will get acquainted with specific Estonian ways of casting on, edge stitches and casting off. I will explain in detail the construction of several types of Haapsalu shawls. I will show a lot of shawls from my own collection.

During the class we will knit a square mini shawl in which all these techniques will be used. The shawl's lace edge will be joined to the centre section in the traditional way. In the centre section we will knit nupps using a number of different methods and knit a number of typical Estonian lace stitches, among which the cross and the star stitch.

After this workshop, you will receive on request via e mail a handy Excel spreadsheet which you can use to calculate the numbers of cast on stitches for your scarves.

The classes are given in Dutch but it is often possible for English-speaking knitters to participate in the class. Please, consult The Dutch Knitters in advance.

terms for participation

Check the Agenda for places and dates of this class and enter by phone at the location of your choice.