Square-mesh netting and the darning stitch - pattern one

Earlier this year I was asked to teach our local lace group something about square-mesh netting. I decided to also teach them how to do a simple lacis or net embroidery stitch. I checked a few lacis or filet lace books, got some ideas, and designed three different square-mesh bookmark patterns that used the darning stitch - one of the easier net embroidery stitches. I used some patterns from The Techniques of Filet Lace by Pauline Knight found on pages 94 and 95 to design some bookmarks.

The bookmarks can be made with any mesh stick. The size of the bookmark will vary depending on which mesh stick is used.

Here is one of the examples I made.

Square Mesh Instructions

Begin the Bookmark by Increasing

Row 1:  Leaving an 8" tail, net 2 knots into the foundation loop.  (2 loops)

Row 2:  Net into the first loop and increase by netting twice into the second loop.  (3 loops)

Row 3:  Net 1 knot in each loop except for the last loop, net 2 knots into that loop.  (4 loops)

Row 4:  Net 1 knot in each loop except for the last loop, net 2 knots into that loop.   (5 loops)

Row 5:  Net 1 knot in each loop except for the last loop, net 2 knots into that loop.   (6 loops)

Row 6:  Net 1 knot in each loop except for the last loop, net 2 knots into that loop.   (7 loops)

Row 7:  Net 1 knot in each loop except for the last loop, net 2 knots into that loop.   (8 loops)

Turn One Corner

Row 8:  Net 1 knot in each loop until there are 2 loops left.  Net the last 2 loops together. (7 loops)

Lengthen Bookmark by Increasing and Decreasing

Row 9:  Net 1 knot in each loop, net 2 knots in the last loop. (8 loops)

Row 10:  Net 1 knot in each loop until there are 2 loops left.  Net the last 2 loops together. (7 loops)

Rows 11 - 26:  Alternate between instructions for row 9 and for row 10.

Turn a Corner and Complete the Bookmark by Decreasing

Row 27: Net 1 knot in each loop.

Rows 28-32:  Net 1 knot in each loop until there are 2 loops left.  Net the last 2 loops together.

Create Last Corner

Row 33:   Net the last 2 loops together without using a mesh stick.  Cut the thread.  Fasten loose end of thread into the net bookmark, or cut it leaving a small tail.

Complete the First Corner of the Bookmark

1.       Remove the beginning of the netting from the foundation loop and, with the 6"-8" tail. 

2.       Two loops will be visible. Net the first two loops of the bookmark together without using a mesh stick.

3.       Fasten loose ends of the thread in the same manner you did for Row 33.