Fringe from The Young Ladies' Journal Complete Guide to the Worktable

There are many net edges called Fringe. This one is #49 on page 135 of The Young Ladies' Journal Complete Guide to the Worktable. The illustration is found on page 136 of the same book.

Here is my diamond mesh version of the instructions.  This stitch pattern needs to start with an even number of loops.

Row 1:  using #2 knitting needle 

     Net 12 loops in the foundation loop.

Row 2:  using  3/4" flat mesh stick

     Net 1 knot in each loop.

Row 3: using #1 knitting needle 

     *Skip a loop, net 1 knot in the next loop, pass the skipped loop behind the netted loop, net into the skipped loop*; repeat from * to *.

Row 4:  using  3/4" flat mesh stick

     Net 1 knot in each loop.

Row 5: using #1 knitting needle 

     Net 1 knot in the first loop, *skip a loop, net 1 knot in the next loop, pass the skipped loop behind the netted loop, net into the skipped loop*; repeat from * 

to * ending with net 1 knot in the last loop.

Row 6:  using 1/4" flat mesh stick

     Net 1 knot in each loop.

Cut 96 two-inch lengths of thread.  Tie 8 lengths of thread into each loop made in row 6.

I wonder what it would look like if I:

• used an 1/8" mesh stick instead of a 3/4" mesh stick. 
• used a 1/4" mesh stick instead of a 3/4" mesh stick. 
• passed the skipped loop in front of the netted loop.

Maybe some day I'll try it and see.

Neckerchief Border from The Young Ladies' Journal Complete Guide to the Worktable

This edge came from the edge of a net neckerchief. It is #48 on page 135 of The Young Ladies' Journal Complete Guide to the Worktable. The illustration is found on page 136 of the same book. The instructions and illustration matched each other!

Here is my diamond mesh version of the instructions.  This stitch pattern needs to start with an odd number of loops.

To create the sample above, begin by using #2 knitting needle (size 12 knitting pin)

     Net 9 loops into the foundation loop.

Rows 1-2:  using #2 knitting needle (size 12 knitting pin)

     Net 1 knot in each loop.

Row 3: using 1/2" flat mesh stick

     Net 4 knots in the first loop, *skip the next loop, net 4 knots in the following loop*; repeat from * to *.

Rows 4-5:  using #2 knitting needle (size 12 knitting pin)

     Net 1 knot in each loop.

Row 6: using 1/2" flat mesh stick

     *Skip a loop, net 4 knots in the next loop*; repeat from * to * ending with skip a loop, net 1 knot in the last loop.

Row 7:  using #2 knitting needle (size 12 knitting pin)

     Net 1 knot in each loop.

To edge a handkerchief, I made the following changes to convert the instructions from rounds to rows:

Begin by netting 1 knot in each hemstitch and 6 knots in each corner.

Round 1 

     using a #2 knitting needle as a mesh stick

Net 1 knot in each loop except for the 6 loops before and after the 5 corner closed loops, net 2 knots in each of those 17 loops.

Round 2

     using a #2 knitting needle as a mesh stick

Net 1 knot in each loop

Round 3

     using a 1/2" mesh stick

Net 3 more knots in the loop formed by the CK, skip a loop, *net 4 knots in the following loop, skip the next loop*; repeat from * to *, tie the CK.

Round 4

     using a #2 knitting needle as a mesh stick

Net 1 knot in each loop.

Round 5

     using a #2 knitting needle as a mesh stick

Net 1 knot in each loop except for the last loop. 

     Set the netting needle aside. 

     Fasten a tapestry needle onto the loose end thread used to tie the CK.

     Remove the mesh stick and place it through the first 3 loops of this round. 

     Turn the netting so the mesh stick is on your left.

     Using the tapestry needle and thread, net 1 knot in the last loop. Tie the CK.

     The loop formed by the CK should be directly under the middle of the closed loops created in round 3.

Round 6

     using a 1/2" mesh stick

Net 3 more knots in the loop formed by the CK, *skip a loop, net 4 knots int he next loop;* repeat from * to * round, ending with skip the last loop, tie the CK.

Round 7:  

     using #2 knitting needle

Net 1 knot in each loop.

Border: Cross Netting and Twisted Loops from The Young Ladies' Journal Complete Guide to the Worktable

This edge is another one where the printed instructions and the illustration do not match. The instructions for Border: Cross Netting and Twisted Loops - Pattern #47 is found on page 134 of The Young Ladies' Journal Complete Guide to the Worktable. The instructions for Cross Netting are found on page 126, #7 and #10, (with illustrations on page 124) and instructions for the Twisted Loop are found on page 134, #42, (with the illustration on page 133).

Following the printed instructions the edge looked like this:

Here is how I re-wrote the instructions for myself. 

Row 1: using 1/8" flat mesh stick

     Net 10 loops into the foundation loop.

Row 2: using 1/8" flat mesh stick

     Net 1 knot in each loop.

Row 3: using 3/8" flat mesh stick

     Net 1 knot in each loop.

Row 4: using 1/8" flat mesh stick

     Twist each loop twice before netting into the loop.

Row 5: using 1/8" flat mesh stick

     Net 1 knot in each loop.

Row 6: using 1/8" flat mesh stick

     *Net a wrapped long loop in the next loop, net a short loop in the next loop;* repeat from * to *.

Row 7: using 1/8" flat mesh stick

     *Net 1 knot in the next loop, net a long loop in a short loop*; repeat from * to *.

Row 8: using 1/8" flat mesh stick

     *Draw the long loop of row 4 up through the long loop of row 3, net a wrapped loop in the loop from row 4, net a short loop in the portion of the next loop that is partially up in the long loop of row 3*; repeat from * to * ending with net a wrapped long loop in the last long loop.  This loop will be as long as the other long loops of this row.

Row 9: using 1/8" flat mesh stick

     Net 1 knot in each loop

Row 10: using 3/8" flat mesh stick

     Net 1 knot in each loop.

Row 11: using 1/8" flat mesh stick

     Twist each loop twice before netting into the loop.

Row 12: using 1/8" flat mesh stick

     Net 1 knot in each loop.

When I looked at the illustration for  Border: Cross Netting and Twisted Loops - Pattern #47  on page 133 of The Young Ladies' Journal Complete Guide to the Worktable, I could tell immediately it was NOT Crossed Netting in the center of the sample. I thought it was Rose Netting. 

The instructions for Rose Netting are found on page 126, #8 and #11, (with illustrations on page 124) and instructions for the Twisted Loop are found on page 134, #42, (with the illustration on page 133).

Here is how I wrote the instructions for myself. 

Row 1: using 1/8" flat mesh stick

     Net 10 loops into the foundation loop.

Row 2: using 3/8" flat mesh stick

     Net 1 knot in each loop.

Row 3: using 1/8" flat mesh stick

     Twist each loop twice before netting into the loop.

Row 4: using 1/8" flat mesh stick

     Net 1 knot in each loop.

Row 5: using 3/8" flat mesh stick

     Net 1 knot in each loop.

Row 6: using 1/8" flat mesh stick

     Draw the first loop up through the 2nd loop and net into it.  Draw the second loop (the part under and between the legs of the first loop) up through the first loop and net into it.  Repeat this process with the next two loops and work across the row.

Row 7: using 3/8" flat mesh stick

     Net 1 knot in each loop.

Row 8: using 1/8" flat mesh stick

     Twist each loop twice before netting into the loop.

Row 9: using 1/8" flat mesh stick

     Net 1 knot in each loop.

I think the illustration should have been labeled Border: Rose Netting and Twisted Loops.

Border: with Tufts and Scalloped Edge from The Young Ladies' Journal Complete Guide to the Worktable

The instructions for Pattern #45 on page 134 of The Young Ladies' Journal Complete Guide to the Worktable, Border: with Tufts and Scalloped Edge, took some thought to understand a process that may have been so commonly used that there was not need to explain. Eventually I thought of one way to have the directions make sense. Here is the way I achieved this:


draw the next loop very tightly:

1. Bring the thread across the front of the mesh stick and the fingers of the left hand.
2. Wrap the thread around the fingers but not behind the mesh stick. Instead, bring the thread in front of the mesh stick (resting on the mesh stick).
3. Put the thread under the thumb and throw it back over the foundation loop.
4. Making sure to keep ALL threads on top of the mesh stick, place the netting needle through the loop around the fingers, across the front of the mesh stick, and through the next loop.
5. Bring this "next" loop close to the loops with 3 loops, tighten the knot.  NOTE: as the knot is tightened, check to be sure that all threads are above the mesh stick and moving any that are around the mesh stick off the mesh stick.
6. There will be no new loop formed, perhaps just a small straight thread between the "next" loop and the loop to the left which has 3 loops in it.  The close these two are, the better.

This pattern needs a multiple of 4 loops if the netting is circular or add 1 loop to that number if you plan to go back and forth in rows. If the netting is circular, just use the instructions from * to *.

Here are the instructions for the sample:

Begin:  #3 knitting needle
     Net 13 knots into the foundation loop.

Row 1:  #3 knitting needle
     Net 1 knot in each loop.

Row 2:  1/4" flat mesh stick
     Without a mesh stick, net 1 knot in the first loop, now using the mesh stick, *net 3 knots in the same loop, draw the next loop very tightly as explained above*; repeat from * to * across the row.

Row 3:  #3 knitting needle
     Net 3 loops together across the row.

Row 4:  1/4" flat mesh stick
     Without a mesh stick, net 1 knot in the first loop, now using the mesh stick, *net 3 knots in the same loop, draw the next loop tightly as explained above*; repeat from * to * across the row.

Row 5:  #3 knitting needle
     Net 3 loops together across the row.

Row 6:  #3 knitting needle
     Net 1 knot in each loop.

Row 7:  1/4" flat mesh stick
     Net 8 knots in the first loop, *wrap the thread once around the mesh stick, skip 3 loops, net 9 knots in the next loop*; repeat from * to *.

Row 8:  #3 knitting needle
     Net 1 knot in each loop for 8 loops, *place the long loop up through the middle of the skipped loops, net 1 knot in the long loop, net 1 knot in each loop for 8 loops*; repeat from * to to*.

Row 9:  #3 knitting needle
     Net 1 knot in each loop.

Border: Rose and Sheaf Pattern from The Young Ladies' Journal Complete Guide to the Worktable

Pattern #44 on page 134 of The Young Ladies' Journal Complete Guide to the Worktable, Border: Rose and Sheaf Pattern, was the same as the Border: Rose and Sheaf Pattern from page 113 of Tatting and Netting.

This time I did not place the lines of thread across the top and bottom of the Rose Pattern, even though both books showed that.  I also did not use Round Netting on Row 14 of the pattern this time but used regular plain netting for that row.  If you want to see how those affected the look of the edge, click here to go to the other post.

Here are the instructions as I wrote them for myself:

Fill three netting needles - one with single thread, one with double thread (2 threads held together and treated as one thread), and one with treble thread (3 threads held together and treated as one thread)

Row 1:  #3 knitting needle, netting needle filled with single thread

     Net 12 knots into the foundation loop.

Rows 2-3:  #3 knitting needle, netting needle filled with single thread

     Net 1 knot in each loop.

Rose Stitch 

NOTE: When comparing my instructions to those in the book, remember that the Rose Stitch is a two row pattern.  When they say do 2 rows of the Rose Stitch, they really meant complete 2 rows of the Rose Stitch which is 4 rows of netting.  Therefore, my instructions after row 5 have two more numbered rows than are indicated in the book.

Row 4:  3/8" flat mesh stick, netting needle filled with single thread

     With one knot, net together the two threads from each double-thread loop.

Row 5:  #2 knitting needle, netting needle filled with single thread

     Draw the first loop up through the 2nd loop and net into it.  Draw the second loop (the part under and between the legs of the first loop) up through the first loop and net into it.  Repeat this process with the next two loops and work across the row.

Row 6:  3/8" flat mesh stick, netting needle filled with single thread

     With one knot, net together the two threads from each double-thread loop.

Row 7:  #2 knitting needle, netting needle filled with single thread

     Net 1 knot in the first loop, draw the first loop up through the 2nd loop and net into it.  Draw the second loop (the part under and between the legs of the first loop) up through the first loop and net into it.  Repeat this process with the next two loops and work across the row. End with net 1 knot in the last loop.

Rows 8-9:  #3 knitting needle, netting needle filled with single thread

     Net 1 knot in each loop.

Row 10:  #3 knitting needle, netting needle filled with treble thread

     Net 1 knot in each loop.

Row 11:  #3 knitting needle, netting needle filled with single thread

     With one knot, net together the three threads from each treble-thread loop.

Row 11-13:  #3 knitting needle, netting needle filled with single thread

     Net 1 knot in each loop.

Row 14:  #3 knitting needle, netting needle filled with double thread

     Wrap the thread once around the mesh stick before starting this row, skip a loop, net 1 knot in the next loop, *wrap the thread once around the mesh stick, skip a loop, net 1 knot in the next loop*; repeat from * to *. 

Stripe for Shawls from The Young Ladies' Journal Complete Guide to the Worktable

The instructions for Pattern #43 on page 134 of The Young Ladies' Journal Complete Guide to the Worktable, Stripe for Shawls, were simple. 

I was glad for the illustration, though, since it showed that on both rows 4 and 6 the double-thread loops were to be treated as one loop instead of two loops. 

That is one clarification I made when I wrote the instructions for myself.  Two other changes I made were to make the edge sample in size 20 crochet thread rather than yarn and to change the size of the mesh sticks thereby adjusting to the size of the thread.

Fill two netting needles - one with single thread and one with double thread

Row 1:  #3 knitting needle, netting needle filled with single thread

     Net 12 knots into the foundation loop.

Row 2:  #3 knitting needle, netting needle filled with single thread

     Net 1 knot in each loop.

Row 3:  1/4" flat mesh stick, netting needle filled with double thread

     Net 1 knot in each loop:

Row 4:  #3 knitting needle, netting needle filled with single thread

     With one knot, net together the two threads from each double-thread loop.

Row 5:  1/4" flat mesh stick, netting needle filled with double thread

     Net 1 knot into each loop.

Row 6:  #3 knitting needle, netting needle filled with single thread

     With one knot, net together the two threads from each double-thread loop.

Row 7:  #3 knitting needle, netting needle filled with single thread

     Net 1 knot in each loop.

Design with Twisted Loops from The Young Ladies' Journal Complete Guide to the Worktable

Pattern #42 on page 134 of The Young Ladies' Journal Complete Guide to the Worktable, Design with Twisted Loops, was straightforward and easy to follow. I'm not sure if the Design with Twisted Loops was meant to be an edge or a lace insert.  With a minor change it could be used for either. 

The edge

The insert (as shown on page 133)

The first 7 rows are the same for either an edge or an insert

Row 1:  #5 knitting needle
     Net 10 knots into the foundation loop.

Row 2:  #5 knitting needle
     Net 1 knot in each loop.

Row 3:  1/2" flat mesh stick
     Net 1 knot in each loop:

Row 4:  #5 knitting needle
     Twist each loop twice before netting into the loop.

Rows 5-6:  #5 knitting needle
     Net 1 knot into each loop.

Row 7:  #5 knitting needle
     *Skip a loop, wrap the thread around the mesh stick once before netting 1 knot in the next loop*; repeat from * to *.



Instructions to complete the lace insert:

Remove the mesh stick from the netting.
Remove the netting from the foundation loop.
Untie the knots in row 1.
Place the foundation loop cord through row 7 and tie its ends together to create a new foundation loop.
Cut the thread from the netting needle.
Tie the netting needle onto the loose thread end at the beginning of row 1.
Repeat Row 7 working across row 1.

Diamond Pattern from The Young Ladies' Journal Complete Guide to the Worktable

Pattern #41 on page 134 of The Young Ladies' Journal Complete Guide to the Worktable was straightforward and easy to follow. I'm not sure if the Diamond Pattern was meant to be an edge or a stitch - it could be used for either. 

I did notice that the illustration (found on page 132) was upside down. If you look closely you will notice that two knots appear on the bottom of each diamond and only one knot is on the top of the diamond. The increase in row 2 (two knots in a loop) should be on top, while the decrease in row 4 (2 loops net together in one loop) should be on the bottom of the diamond. Fortunately for this pattern it did not really matter.  

Any number of loops can be used.  I chose to net 5 loops onto the foundation loop.  I used a 1/4" mesh stick for all the rows.

Here is the sample I made (right side up) with my wording of the directions below.

Row 1:  #8 knitting needle or 1/4" flat mesh stick

Net any number of loops into the foundation loop using the #8 knitting. (In the sample I used 5 loops.)

Row 2:  #8 knitting needle or 1/4" flat mesh stick

Net 2 knots in each loop.

Row 3:   #8 knitting needle or 1/4" flat mesh stick

Net 1 knot in each loop.

Row 4:  #8 knitting needle or 1/4" flat mesh stick

Net 2 loops together, repeat across the row.

Row 5: #8 knitting needle or 1/4" flat mesh stick

Net 1 knot in each loop.

Repeat rows 2-5 as often as needed.

With a hand sewing needle and matching thread, run a thread from knot to knot across each row 3 by going into each knot with the hand sewing needle.

Border with Round-Loop Heading from The Young Ladies' Journal Complete Guide to the Worktable

When I looked at this edge, I immediately wondered how it would look without the top rows (rows 1-6) of Border with Round-Loop Heading #40 from The Young Ladies' Journal Complete Guide to the Worktable (page 134, illustration on page 132).

So I made that first (so I could check out my instructions without making rows 1-6).

The pattern called for wool (wound double around the netting needle) and silk, 2 round mesh sticks (one half the size of the other), and a 3/4" wide mesh stick.  I decided to use size 10 crochet thread (wound double around the netting needle) and size 20 crochet thread. For mesh sticks I chose to use a #8 knitting needle, a #3 knitting needle, and 3/4" flat mesh stick.

Round netting:
     Round netting only differs from regular netting in the direction the netting needle is put through the loops of the previous row.
     Wrap the thread around the fingers in the usual manner, put the netting needle through the loop around the fingers and under the mesh stick. Instead of going up through the loop formed in the previous row, come from above the loop and go down into it with the netting needle passing over the mesh sticks. Remove the threads from around the fingers and tighten the knot in the usual manner.

NOTES:
Use an odd number of loops for rows. Fill 2 netting needles: 1 filled with double thread (size 10) and one filled with single thread (size 20).

Instructions for the edge:

Begin by netting an odd number of loops into the foundation loop. I used 9 in the sample. Net 3 rows of netting (1 knot in each loop) with the #3 knitting needle and the single thread netting shuttle.

Row 1: double-thread netting needle, #8 knitting needle
     Net 1 knot in each loop using round netting.

Rows 2-3: single-thread netting needle, #3 knitting needle
     Net 1 knot in each loop.

Row 4: double-thread netting needle, #8 knitting needle
     Net 1 knot in each loop using round netting.

Rows 5-6: single-thread netting needle, #3 knitting needle
     Net 1 knot in each loop.

Row 7: double-thread netting needle, 3/4" flat mesh stick
     Net 3 knots in the first loop, *skip a loop, net 3 knots in the next loop;* repeat from * to *.

Row 8:  single-thread netting needle, #3 knitting needle
     Net 1 knot in each set of double loops.

Row 9:  single-thread netting needle, #3 knitting needle
     Net 1 knot in the first loop without using a mesh stick (no loop formed), net 1 knot in each of the remaining loops.

Row 10: double-thread netting needle, 3/4" flat mesh stick
     *Net 1 knot in the 1st loop, net together the 1st loop and the 2nd loop (the one next to the 1st loop), net 1 knot in the 2nd loop, skip a loop,* repeat using the next 2 loops as the 1st and 2nd loops.

Row 11: single-thread netting needle, #3 knitting needle
     Net 1 knot in each set of double loops.

I also wondered how it would look with the entire edge made with a single strand of thread.

So I tried it with size 20 crochet thread.

Edging: Double Fan or Sheaf from The Young Ladies' Journal Complete Guide to the Worktable

I think this is a first.  The same edge from two different books. Almost a year ago (25 October 2014) I made an edge from page 112 of The Art of Tatting and Netting.  When compared to this edge from page 131, item #38 of The Young Ladies' Journal Complete Guide to the Worktable, the names are close: Edging in Double Fan or Sheaf Design and Edging: Double Fan or Sheaf. The illustrations look similar and the instructions for rows 1-5 are word-for-word identical until you get to the heading and then they are the same thing said slightly different.

The Art of Tatting and Netting was published in 1895 and The Young Ladies' Journal Complete Guide to the Worktable was published in 1885.  I wonder if this was a very common pattern or if the editor of one book "borrowed" it from the other book.

I wish I could find a way to get this look without tying each sheaf together after everything else is finished.

Here are my notes on making this edge.

Multiple of 3 loops

I used size 20 crochet thread, a 1/4" mesh stick, and a 1" flat mesh stick.
One netting needle filled with single strands of crochet thread
One netting needle filled with double strands of crochet thread

Row 1: (1/4" flat mesh stick and a netting needle filled with single thread)
     Net 12 loops in the foundation loop.

Rows 2-3: (1/4" flat mesh stick and a netting needle filled with single thread)
     Net 1 knot in each loop.

Row 4: (1" mesh stick and a netting needle filled with double thread)
     Net 1 knot in each loop.

Row 5:  (1/4" flat mesh stick and a netting needle filled with single thread)
     Net 1 knot in each double strand loop.


To form a sheaf:
     The long loops of row 4 are caught together in clusters of three double-thread loops. The thread is wrapped around the center of the loops and then fastened in the back (the thread ends are cut short).

*          *          *          *          *          *          *          *          *          *          *          *          *

I finally pulled the photos taken at the Big E (Eastern States Exposition) from my camera. From the 10 days I demonstrated, I can count on one hand the number of people that were knowledgeable about netting. There was actually one person who asked me what I was netting.  That made my week!

More common questions or comments were:
     "Is that tatting? My grandmother (or aunt) used to tat."
     "I've never seen that before!"

It was extra fun this year to have one of my granddaughters demonstrating netting with me on two different days.

Border with Bunches of Loops from The Young Ladies' Journal Complete Guide to the Worktable

The instructions for Border with Bunches of Loops (page 131, item #38 from The Young Ladies' Journal Complete Guide to the Worktable) matched the illustrations very well.

I did make some changes:

• The original instructions called for wool and a 1/2" mesh stick. I decided to use size 20 crochet thread and a #8 knitting needle or 1/4" flat mesh stick for each row. 
• I used single thread rather than doubled; therefore I put more loose loops in each bunch than the instructions in the book described. This gave each bunch more thickness or body.
• I added one stitch on either side of the sample so the instructions need a multiple of 6 rather than a multiple of 4 as the instructions in the book needed.

To net each Bunch of Loops:

1. Wrap the thread around the mesh stick and insert the netting needle through the last loop, going from the back to the front of the loop, pull the netting needle through the loop, repeat this 2 more times (a total of 3 wraps).
2. Net 1 more knot in the same loop.
3. Wrap the thread as if to tie a regular netting knot but do not go through the loop, instead go around the back of the loop the bunch is attached to and out on the other side of the bunch.                 
4. Pull the knot tightly against the top of the bunch WITHOUT forming a new loop. 
1. This can be done by removing the mesh stick just before tightening the knot, 
2. tying the knot without the mesh stick, 
3. or when wrapping the thread around the mesh stick for this final knot bring it around the fingers as usual and then in front of the mesh stick rather than behind it. If the mesh stick was removed, replace it into the loop to the left of the bunch - not into the bunch.

WARNINGS:

•      DO NOT net into the loops in the bunches.  Net into the open loops on either side of the bunches.
•      DO NOT pull on the individual loops in the bunches as they may change size.

Multiple of 6 loops

Begin by netting 6 loops into the foundation loop.    

Row 1: Net 1 knot in each loop

Row 2: Net 1 knot in each loop for 3 loops, net a Bunch of Loops, net 1 knot in the next loop, net a Bunch of Loops, net 1 knot in each loop for 2 loops.

Row 3: Net 1 knot in each loop for 2 loops, *net a Bunch of Loops, net 1 knot in the next loop,* repeat from * to * 2 more times for a total of 3 bunches, net 1 knot in each loop for 2 loops.

Row 4: Repeat Row 2.

Row 5: Repeat Row 3.

Row 6: Repeat Row 2.

Rows 7-8: Net 1 knot in each loop.

Row 9: Net 1 knot in each loop for 3 loops, net a Bunch of Loops, net 1 knot in each loop for 3 loops.

Row 10: Repeat Row 2.

Row 11: Repeat Row 3.

Row 12: Net 1 knot in each loop for 2 loops, *net a Bunch of Loops, net 1 knot in the next loop,* repeat from * to * 3 more times for a total of 3 bunches, net 1 knot in each loop for 1 loop.

Row 13: Net 1 knot in each open loop between the bunches.

Fan Netting from The Young Ladies' Journal Complete Guide to the Worktable

For a change, the instructions of the edge I matched the photo. This made it easier to make the sample for this edge. Here is Fan Netting (page 131, item #37) from The Young Ladies' Journal Complete Guide to the Worktable.

Here's my phrasing for instructions for this edge.

This pattern needs an odd number of loops in row 1.

Use a #8 knitting needle or 1/4" flat mesh stick for each row.

Row 1: Net 9 loops into the foundation loop.

Row 2: Net 1 knot in each loop.

Row 3: Wrap the thread over the mesh stick one time before netting one knot in the loop in the usual manner, repeat that for each loop.  This makes the loops longer.

Row 4: Net 1 knot in each loop.

Row 5: Wrap the thread over the mesh stick one time before netting one knot in the loop in the usual manner, net a total of 5 knots, each made in the same way, in each loop created in row 4.

Row 6: Net 1 knot in each loop for 4 loops, *skip the next loop, net 1 knot in each loop for 4 loops*; repeat from * to * across the row.

Row 7: Without the mesh stick, net 1 knot in the first loop of the row, now using the mesh stick, net 1 knot in each loop for 3 loops, *wrap the thread over the mesh stick, skip a loop, net 1 knot in each loop for 3 loops (creating one long loop and two short loops)*; repeat from * to * ending with net the last 2 loops together.

Row 8: Net 1 knot in each loop for 2 loops, *wrap the thread over the mesh stick, skip the long loop, net 1 knot in each loop for 2 loops (creating a long loop and a short loop)*; repeat from * to * across the row.

Border with Double Loose Loops from The Young Ladies' Journal Complete Guide to the Worktable

As I attempted to understand the instructions for this edge, I found a source for diamond graph paper - http://incompetech.com/graphpaper/diamond/. I found it helpful to draft the design from the instructions before attempting to net it, since I found the directions hard to visualize, even with the illustration..

Here is Border with Double Loose Loops (page 131, item #36) from The Young Ladies' Journal Complete Guide to the Worktable.

I did add row 12 to fasten down the loose loops made in row 11.  If I were to make them again, I would add one more loop in the beginning row.  That would make the final row come out correctly. Below are the directions I wrote as I attempted to understand and follow what was printed.


Loose Loops Stitch: 
Bring the netting needle down across the front of the mesh stick, around the mesh stick, and then up through the loop above the closest knot to the right in the previous row


To Begin: Net 19 loops into the foundation loop over a #8 knitting needle or 1/4" flat mesh stick.

Rows 1-2:  Using a #8 knitting needle or 1/4" flat mesh stick
Net 1 knot in each loop.

Row 3:  Using a #8 knitting needle or 1/4" flat mesh stick
Net 1 knot in each loop for 5 loops, create Loose Loops Stitch, net 1 knot in each loop for 8 loops*; repeat

from * to * ending with net 1 knot in each loop for 2 loops.

Row 4:  Using a #8 knitting needle or 1/4" flat mesh stick
Net 1 knot in each loop for 2 loops, *create Loose Loops Stitch, net 1 knot in each loop for 3 loops, net 3 loops together, net 1 knot in each loop for 7 loops, net 1 knot in each loop for 4 loops*; repeat from * to * ending with net 1 knot in the last loop.

Row 5:  Using a #8 knitting needle or 1/4" flat mesh stick
Net 3 loops together, *net 1 knot in each loop for 3 loops, create Loose Loops Stitch, Net 1 knot in each loop for 2 loops, create Loose Loops Stitch, net 1 knot in each loop for 2 loops, net 3 loops together*; repeat from * to *, ending with net 1 knot in each loop for 2 loops.

Row 6:  Using a #8 knitting needle or 1/4" flat mesh stick
Net 1 knot in each loop for 4 loops, *net 3 loops together, net 1 knot in the next loop, net 3 loops together, net 1 knot in each loop for 5 loops*; repeat form * to * eding with net 1 kot in each loop for 4 loops.

Row 7:  Using a #8 knitting needle or 1/4" flat mesh stick
Net 1 knot in each loop for 3 loops, create Loose Loops Stitch, *net 1 knot in each loop for 4 loops, create Loose Loops Stitch*; repeat from * to * ending with net 1 knot in each loop for 4 loops.

Row 8:  Using a #8 knitting needle or 1/4" flat mesh stick
Net 1 knot in each loop for 3 loops, *net 3 loops together, net 1 knot in each loop for 3 loops*; repeat from * to *.

Row 9:  Using a #8 knitting needle or 1/4" flat mesh stick
*Net 1 knot in each loop for 2 loops, create Loose Loops Stitch, net 1 knot in each loop for 3 loops, create Loose Loops Stitch, net 1 knot in each loop for 3 loops, create Loose Loops Stitch*; repeat from * to * ending with net 1 knot in each loop for 3 loops.

Row 10:  Using a #8 knitting needle or 1/4" flat mesh stick
*Net 1 knot in each loop for 2 loops, net 3 loops together*, repeat from * to * 2 more times, net 1 knot in the next loop, net 3 loops together, repeat from * to * 2 times, net 1 knot in each loop for 2 loops.

Row 11:  Using a #8 knitting needle or 1/4" flat mesh stick
Net 1 knot in the first loop, create Loose Loops Stitch, *net 1 knot in each loop for 8 loops, create Loose Loops Stitch; repeat from * to * ending with net 1 knot in each loop for 2 loops.

Row 12:  Using a #8 knitting needle or 1/4" flat mesh stick
Net 1 knot in the first loop, net 3 loops together, net 1 knot in each loop for 7 loops, net 3 loops together, net 1 knot in the last loop.

Row 13:  Using a 1/2" flat mesh stick
Net 3 knots in each loop

Row 14:  Using a #0 knitting needle
Net 1 knot in each loop.

Row 15:  Using a 1/2" flat mesh stick
Net 1 knot in each loop.

Row 16:  Using a 1/2" flat mesh stick
Without the mesh stick net 6 loops together, now with the mesh stick, net 6 loops together across the row.

Loose Loop Pattern from The Young Ladies' Journal Complete Guide to the Worktable

I really wanted to do item #36 on page 131 from The Young Ladies' Journal Complete Guide to the Worktable. However, to understand that pattern I had to go back to the Loose Loop Pattern (item #32 on page 127, illustration on page 125).  Once again the instructions do not seem to match the illustration.

Here is the sample I made up following the instructions.

Below are the instructions as I wrote them for my future reference.




Starting number of loops: (multiple of 3)-11

Use a 1/8" mesh stick throughout the instructions.












To Begin:
Net 11 loops into the foundation loop.

Rows 1-2:
Net 1 knot in each loop.

Row 3:
Net 1 knot in each loop for 2 loops, *bring the netting needle down, around the mesh stick, and then up through the loop above the closest knot to the right in the previous row, net 1 knot in each loop for 3 loops*; repeat from * to *.

Row 4:
Net 1 knot in each loop for 2 loops, *net together the next 3 loops (including the 2 loose loops), net 1 knot in each loop for 2 loops;* repeat from * to * ending with net 1 knot in each loop for 2 loops.

Row 5:
Net 1 knot in each loop.

Row 6:
Net 1 knot in the  first loop, *bring the netting needle down, around the mesh stick, and then up through the loop above the closest knot to the right in the previous row, net 1 knot in each loop for 3 loops*; repeat from * to *, ending with net 1 knot in the last loop.

Row 7:
Net 3 loops together (including 2 loose loops), *net 1 knot in each loop for 2 loops, net 3 loops together (including 2 loose loops);* repeat from * to * ending with net 1 knot in the last loop.

Row 8:
Net 1 knot in each loop.

Row 9:
Net 1 knot in each loop for 2 loops, *bring the netting needle down, around the mesh stick, and then up through the loop above the closest knot to the right in the previous row, net 1 knot in each loop for 3 loops*; repeat from * to *.

Row 10:
Net 1 knot in each loop for 2 loops, *net together the next 3 loops (including the 2 loose loops), net 1 knot in each loop for 2 loops;* repeat from * to * ending with net 1 knot in each loop for 2 loops.

Row 11:
Net 1 knot in each loop.

Here is the sample I made following the illustration. Below I have included my instructions for how to make this version of the pattern.



Starting number of loops: (multiple of 3)-11

Use a 1/8" mesh stick throughout the instructions.

To Begin: 

Net 11 loops into the foundation loop.

Rows 1-2: 

Net 1 knot in each loop.

Row 3: 

Net 1 knot in each loop for 2 loops, *bring the netting needle down, around the mesh stick, and then up through the loop above the closest knot to the right in the previous row, net 1 knot in each loop for 3 loops*; repeat from * to *.

Row 4: 

Net 1 knot in each loop for 2 loops, *net together the next 3 loops (including the 2 loose loops), net 1 knot in each loop for 2 loops;* repeat from * to * ending with net 1 knot in each loop for 2 loops.

Row 5:

Net 1 knot in each loop for 3 loops, *bring the netting needle down, around the mesh stick, and then up through the loop above the closest knot to the right in the previous row, net 1 knot in each loop for 3 loops*; repeat from * to * repeat from * to * ending with net 1 knot in each loop for 2 loops.

Row 6:

Net 1 knot in the first loop, *net together the next 3 loops (including the 2 loose loops), net 1 knot in each loop for 2 loops;* repeat from * to * ending with net 1 knot in each loop for 3 loops.

Row 7:

Net 1 knot in each loop for 3 loops, *bring the netting needle down, around the mesh stick, and then up through the loop above the closest knot to the right in the previous row, net 1 knot in each loop for 3 loops*; repeat from * to * repeat from * to * ending with net 1 knot in each loop for 2 loops.

Row 8:

Net 1 knot in the first loop, *net together the next 3 loops (including the 2 loose loops), net 1 knot in each loop for 2 loops;* repeat from * to * ending with net 1 knot in each loop for 3 loops.

For an easier comparison, here are the two samples side by side. 

Scallop from The Young Ladies' Journal Complete Guide to the Worktable

This week the illustration of Scallop (item #35, page 131, illustration on page 132) from The Young Ladies' Journal Complete Guide to the Worktable matched the instructions. Amazing what small events bring joy into my life.

Below are the instructions as I would write them, along with the mesh stick and thread sizes I used.

Fill 3 netting needles with thread as follows:
     1 netting needle with single strands of thread (size 20 crochet thread)
     1 netting needle with double strands of thread (size 20 crochet thread)
     1 netting needle with "coarser cotton" (size 10 crochet thread)

Row 1: mesh stick - 3/8" flat  (single thread needle)
     Form a grommet with 27 loops. Do NOT form the last loop with an overhand knot, just tie one overhand knot to form the grommet

Row 2: mesh stick - #2 knitting needle (double thread netting needle)
     Turn the netting and net 1 knot in the loop just tied in row 1, continue netting 1 knot in each loop across the row.

Rows 3-5: mesh stick - #2 knitting needle (single thread netting needle)
      Net 1 knot in each loop

Row 6: mesh stick - 3/8" flat (coarser cotton netting needle)
      Net 1 knot in each loop

Row 7: mesh stick - #2 knitting needle (coarser cotton netting  needle)
     Pull the 1st loop up through the loop to the right of it, net knot in the 1st loop (loop just pulled up), pull up the part of the 2nd loop that is now centered behind the 1st loop and net through the part of the 2nd loop just pulled up, repeat this process across the row working with two loops at a time.

Rows 8-10: mesh stick - #2 knitting needle (single thread  netting needle)
      Net 1 knot in each loop

Row 11:  mesh stick - 3/8" flat  (double thread netting needle)
     Net 1 knot in each loop.

Row 12:  mesh stick - 3/8" flat (double thread netting needle)
     Net 2 loops together across the row, net 1 knot in the last loop.

Trimming with Thick Loops and Fan Edge from The Young Ladies' Journal Complete Guide to the Worktable

I started following the instructions for Trimming, with Thick Loops and Fan Edge - Item #31 on page 127 from The Young Ladies' Journal Complete Guide to the Worktable. As I finished row 5 I realized that the instructions did not match the photo on page 125. I made the choice to follow the instructions and continued making the sample until I reached row 9. At that point the numbers did not work and the pattern did not center properly. To fix that I added one row of plain netting (row 9).

Since I made some changes in the instructions, I thought I had better include my instructions.

To Begin, using  #4 knitting needle for a mesh stick
     Net 11 loops onto the foundation loop.

Rows 1-2: #4 knitting needle for a mesh stick
     Net 1 knot in each loop.

Row 3: #4 knitting needle for a mesh stick
     Net 1 knot in each loop for 2 loops, *net 4 knots in the next loop, net 1 knot in each loop for 2 loops*; repeat from * to *.

Row 4: #4 knitting needle for a mesh stick
     Net 1 knot in each loop for 2 loops, *net 3 loops together, net 1 knot in each loop for 3 loops*; repeat from * to *.

Row 5: #4 knitting needle for a mesh stick
     Net 1 knot in each loop.

Row 6: #4 knitting needle for a mesh stick
     Net 4 knots in the first loop, *net 1 knot in each loop for 3 loops, net 4 knots in the next loop*; repeat from * to *, ending with net 1 knot in the last loop.

Row 7: #4 knitting needle for a mesh stick
     Net 1 knot in the first loop, net 3 loops together, *net 1 knot in each loop for 4 loops, net 3 loops together*; repeat from * to *, ending with net 1 knot in the last loop.

Row 8: #4 knitting needle for a mesh stick
     Net 2 loops together, *net 1 knot in each loop for 3 loops, net 2 loops together*; repeat from * to *, ending with net 1 knot in the last loop.

Row 9: #4 knitting needle for a mesh stick
     Net 1 knot in each loop.

Row 10: 1/2" mesh stick
     Net 5 knots in the first loop, *skip 3 loops, net 5 knots in the next loop*; repeat from * to *.

Row 11: #4 knitting needle for a mesh stick
     Net 1 knot in each loop for 5 loops, *take the next loop, pass it up through the center of the three loops skipped in the previous row, net 1 knot in that loop (make the loop a long loop with the
knot near the bottom of the the loop from the previous row).

Then, because I liked the way the illustration looked, I decided to make a sample of the illustration of the trimming.

Here are the instructions for the illustration. I'm grateful my husband was willing to spend a couple hours working with me to create these instructions. I could never have done it that quickly, if ever, on my own.  He figured out the math so the instructions would worked out properly.  You don't want to see the one I did on my own.

To Begin, using  #4 knitting needle for a mesh stick
     Net 14 loops onto the foundation loop.  [number of loops = (a multiple of 8)-2]

Rows 1-2: #4 knitting needle for a mesh stick
     Net 1 knot in each loop.

Row 3: #4 knitting needle for a mesh stick
     Net 1 knot in the first loop, net 4 knots in the next loop; repeat across the row.

Row 4: #4 knitting needle for a mesh stick
     Net 3 loops together, net 1 knot in each loop for 2 loops; repeat across the row.

Row 5: #4 knitting needle for a mesh stick
     Net 4 knots in the first loop, net 1 knot in each loop for 2 loops; repeat across the row.

Row 6: #4 knitting needle for a mesh stick
     Net 1 knot in each loop for 2 loops, net 3 loops together, *net 1 knot in each loop for 3 loops, net 3 loops together*; repeat from * to *, ending with net 1 knot in the last loop.

Row 7: #4 knitting needle for a mesh stick
     Net 2 loops together, net 1 knot in each loop for 2 loops; repeat across the row.

Row 8: 1/2" mesh stick
     Net 5 knots in the first loop, *skip 3 loops, net 5 knots in the next loop*; repeat from * to *.

Row 9: #4 knitting needle for a mesh stick
     Net 1 knot in each loop for 4 loops, *take the next loop (the one under the three skipped loops) up through the center of the three loops skipped, net 1 knot in that loop, net 1 knot in each loop for 4 loops*; repeat from * to *.

Trimming from The Young Ladies' Journal Complete Guide to the Worktable

Item number 23 on page 127 of The Young Ladies' Journal Complete Guide to the Worktable asks for both a netting needle filled with double thread and one filled with single thread. I decided to use size 80 tatting thread for the single thread and size 10 crochet thread for the double thread.  This is what my sample of Trimming looked like.

I like the look of the two different sized of thread, but I didn't like the extra thread ends that result from joining the different threads, so I cleaned the photo up to see what it might look like without all the loose thread ends.

I wondered what this edge would look like if I just used a single thread throughout the netting.  So I tried it using size 20 crochet thread with this result.

My instructions for Trimmings #23 from The Young Ladies' Journal Complete Guide to the Worktable (page 127, illustration on page 126)

Made with either a single crochet thread (size 20 or 30) or with a thin thread (tatting thread size 80) and a thick thread (size 10).

Row 1:  #0 knitting needle for a mesh stick

     Net 10 loops in the foundation loop. (any even number of loops)

Rows 2-4: #0 knitting needle for a mesh stick

     Net 1 knot in each loop.

Row 5: #6 knitting needle for a mesh stick (optional - thicker thread)

     Skip a loop, net 1 knot in the next loop; repeat across the row.

Row 6: #0 knitting needle for a mesh stick

     Net 2 knots in each loop.

Rows 7-9: #0 knitting needle for a mesh stick

     Net 1 knot in each loop.

Row 10: #6 knitting needle for a mesh stick (optional - thicker thread)

     Skip a loop, net 1 knot in the next loop; repeat across the row.

Row 11: #0 knitting needle for a mesh stick

     Net 2 knots in each loop.

Rows 12-14: #0 knitting needle for a mesh stick

     Net 1 knot in each loop.

Row 15: #6 knitting needle for a mesh stick (optional - thicker thread)

      Skip a loop, net 1 knot in the next loop; repeat across the row.

Second of Trimmings from The Young Ladies' Journal Complete Guide to the Worktable

On page 127 of  The Young Ladies' Journal Complete Guide to the Worktable there are instructions given for two net Trimmings, items 20 and 22. An illustration of that pattern is given on page 125.

Last week I showed number 20, here is number 22, also without the "row of darning-stitch . . . worked in scallops at each edge of the star patterns" (rows 9 and 11).  "No. 22 shows a variation of the same pattern, working more rows over the small mesh, and omitting the edge row described for No. 20."

Below are the instructions, with my wording rather than as it was stated in the book. I used size 20 crochet thread.

Row 1:  #2 knitting needle for a mesh stick
     Net 11 loops into the foundation loop. (any odd number more than 3 will work)

Rows 2-8: #2 knitting needle for a mesh stick
     Net 1 knot in each loop.

Star Netting (rows 9-11)
Row 9: #2 knitting needle for a mesh stick
     Wrap the thread around the mesh stick one time before netting in the first loop, *net 1 knot in the next loop, wrap the thread around the mesh stick one time before netting in the next loop*; repeat from * to *.  This will create a long loop followed by a short loop and ending with a long loop.

Row 10: #2 knitting needle for a mesh stick
     Net 1 knot in the first loop (a long loop), *net 1 long loop in a short loop, net 1 knot in the next loop*; repeat from * to *.  The knot into the long loops should rest on the top of the mesh stick.  The knot into a short loop will be higher than the mesh stick, creating a loop that is longer than a short loop but shorter than a long loop. This row will be even along the bottom of the row, no long and short loops.

Row 11: #2 knitting needle for a mesh stick
     Draw the first loop up through the long loop on the left (the long loop was created in row 6), net into the first loop, *draw the next loop up through the next long loop (created in row 6), net in the loop drawn up, draw the next loop up through the same long loop just used (it may have been drawn up when the other loop was pulled through the loop created in row 6), net into the loop just drawn up;* repeat from * to *.

Rows 12-13: #2 knitting needle for a mesh stick
     Net 1 knot in each loop.

Row 14: #6 knitting needle for a mesh stick
     Skip the first loop, *net 1 knot in the following loop, skip the next loop;* repeat from * to * ending with net the last 2 loops together.

Trimmings from The Young Ladies' Journal Complete Guide to the Worktable

Today I started looking at net edges in a different book:  The Young Ladies' Journal Complete Guide to the Worktable.  This book has sections that cover different types of handcrafts.  It was edited by E. Harrison, published in 1884, and revised in 1885.  The section for netting begins on page 121 and is called Fancy Netting.  In this section the items are numbered from 1 to 51.  Some of the items are instructions for stitches or edges, other items are directions for netting techniques, while some are patterns for articles of clothing.

On page 127 there are instructions given for two net Trimmings, items 20 and 22. An illustration of that pattern is given on page 125.

Here is Trimming number 20, without the "row of darning-stitch . . . worked in scallops at each edge of the star patterns" (rows 6 and 8).

Below are the instructions, with my wording rather than as it was stated in the book.

Row 1:  #2 knitting needle for a mesh stick
     Net 11 loops into the foundation loop. (any odd number more than 3 will work)

Rows 2-5: #2 knitting needle for a mesh stick
     Net 1 knot in each loop.

Star Netting (rows 6-8)

Row 6: #2 knitting needle for a mesh stick
     Wrap the thread around the mesh stick one time before netting in the first loop, *net 1 knot in the next loop, wrap the thread around the mesh stick one time before netting in the next loop*; repeat from * to *.  This will create a long loop followed by a short loop and ending with a long loop.

Row 7: #2 knitting needle for a mesh stick
     Net 1 knot in the first loop (a long loop), *net 1 long loop in a short loop, net 1 knot in the next loop*; repeat from * to *.  The knot into the long loops should rest on the top of the mesh stick.  The knot into a short loop will be higher than the mesh stick, creating a loop that is longer than a short loop but shorter than a long loop. This row will be even along the bottom of the row, no long and short loops.

Row 8: #2 knitting needle for a mesh stick
     Draw the first loop up through the long loop on the left (the long loop was created in row 6), net into the first loop, *draw the next loop up through the next long loop (created in row 6), net in the loop drawn up, draw the next loop up through the same long loop just used (it may have been drawn up when the other loop was pulled through the loop created in row 6), net into the loop just drawn up;* repeat from * to *.

Rows 9-10: #2 knitting needle for a mesh stick
     Net 1 knot in each loop.

Row 11: #6 knitting needle for a mesh stick
     Skip the first loop, *net 1 knot in the following loop, skip the next loop;* repeat from * to * ending with net the last 2 loops together.

Row 12: #6 knitting needle for a mesh stick
     Net 1 knot in each loop.

Edge of Netted Collar from Tatting and Netting

The edge of the Netted Collar is found on pages 148-149 of Tatting and Netting or page 150 in this version of the book.

What I'm calling the edge began on row 24 and continued through row 29.  Because I made a sample and not the collar I'll number the rows of the sample with the collar rows in parentheses.

Fill one netting needle with single thread and one with double thread.  Begin using the one with single thread.

Row 1: Net 12 loops into the foundation loop over a 1/8" flat mesh stick.

Rows 2-3 (24-25): Net 1 knot in each loop over a 1/8" flat mesh stick.

Row 4 (26): Net 1 knot in each loop over a 3/8" mesh stick.

Row 5: (27): Draw the 1st loop through the 2nd and net into the first loop, then draw the 2nd loop through the 1st loop and net through that loop.  Repeat this pattern across the row over a 3/8" mesh stick.

     Cut the single thread and attach the end to the netting needle with double thread.

Row 6: (28): Using double thread and over a 3/8" mesh stick, net 1 knot in the first loop, *net 6 loops in the next loop, net 1 knot in each loop for 3 loops*; repeat from * to * ending with net 1 knot in each loop for 2 loops.

     Cut the double thread and attach the end to the netting needle with single thread.

Row 7: (29): Using single thread and over a 1/8" mesh stick, net together 2 double loops (it looks like 4 single loops), *net 1 knot in each single loop of the next 6 double loops for 12 loops, net together 3 double loops (it looks like 6 single loops)*; repeat from * to * ending with net the last 2 double loops together.