2016 Eastern States Exposition (The Big E) week 1

This week I spent four days demonstrating netting at The Big E. It was fun to meet with people. Most of them had never seen netting before.


Three of those days were with my daughter. Each day we were in a slightly different location. These photos are from Thursday and Saturday.

Thursday we had a small table out next to an enclosed display case.

Saturday I was in the "corral" with a large table working on the second handkerchief.

During the week I worked on a doily, two handkerchiefs (I finished one), and a shawl. My daughter finished two scarves.

A Basic Vandyke Edge with Two Final Vandykes

It did not take me long in my exploration of net Vandyke Edges to discover that some Vandyke Edges need more than one Vandyke to turn the corner and create a vertical edge on the last Vandyke.  With my husband's mathematical help, we discovered that there were still four types of turns; however, the directions changed slightly from when there was only one final Vandyke.

Today's sample has 11 squares in the border and 3 points on each side of the Vandykes and needs 2 Vandykes to create the last vertical edge.

The directions are as follows:

First Vandyke with straight, vertical side
1 Net 2 knots in the foundation loop. (2 loops in the row)
2 Net 1 knot in each loop except for the last loop, net 2 knots in the last loop. (3 loops in the row)
3 Net 1 knot in each loop except for the last loop, net 2 knots in the last loop. (4 loops in the row)
4 Net 1 knot in each loop except for the last loop, net 2 knots in the last loop. (5 loops in the row)
5 Net 1 knot in each loop except for the last loop, net 2 knots in the last loop. (6 loops in the row)
6 Net 1 knot in each loop except for the last loop, net 2 knots in the last loop. (7 loops in the row)
7 Net 1 knot in each loop except for the last loop, net 2 knots in the last loop. (8 loops in the row)
8 Net 1 knot in each loop except for the last loop, net 2 knots in the last loop. (9 loops in the row)
9 Net 1 knot in each loop except for the last loop, net 2 knots in the last loop. (10 loops in the row)
10 Net 1 knot in each loop except for the last loop, net 2 knots in the last loop. (11 loops in the row)
11 Net 1 knot in each loop except for the last loop, net 2 knots in the last loop. (12 loops in the row)
12 Net 1 knot in each loop. (12 loops in the row)
13 Net 1 knot in each loop except for the last loop, net 2 knots in the last loop. (13 loops in the row)
14 Net 1 knot in each loop. (13 loops in the row)
15 Net 1 knot in each loop except for the last loop, net 2 knots in the last loop. (14 loops in the row)
16 Net 1 knot in each loop. (14 loops in the row)
17 Net 1 knot in each loop except for the last loop, net 2 knots in the last loop. (15 loops in the row)
18 Net 1 knot in each loop for 12 loops; turn and net back across those loops.

Repeating Vandyke
13-18     Repeat instructions to create new Vandyke.

Final Vandykes
1 Net 1 knot in each loop except the last 2 loops, net those 2 loops together. (11 loops in the row)
2 Net 1 knot in each loop. (11 loops in the row)
3 Net 1 knot in each loop except the last 2 loops, net those 2 loops together. (10 loops in the row)
4 Net 1 knot in each loop. (10 loops in the row)
5 Net 1 knot in each loop except the last 2 loops, net those 2 loops together. (9 loops in the row)
6 Net 1 knot in each loop for 6 loops, turn the netting and begin the next row. (6 loops in the row)
7 Net 1 knot in each loop except the last 2 loops, net those 2 loops together. (5 loops in the row)
8 Net 1 knot in each loop. (5 loops in the row)
9 Net 1 knot in each loop except the last 2 loops, net those 2 loops together. (4 loops in the row)
10 Net 1 knot in each loop. (4 loops in the row)
11 Net 1 knot in each loop except the last 2 loops, net those 2 loops together. (3 loops in the row)

If you would like to know the math involved, here it is.

A. To find how many final Vandykes are needed:

1. If the number of squares in the border is less than or equal to 2 times the number of points -1 then you have just 1 final Vandyke.
2. If the number of squares in the border is greater than 2 times the number of points -1 then you need more than 1 final Vandyke.

(For this example:number of squares in the border 11 and number of points is 3, then 2 times 3 = 6, subtract 1 = 5. Since 11 is greater than 5 we will need more than 1 Vandyke.)

B. To determine how many more Vandykes are needed:

1. Subtract 2 times the number of points - 1 from the number of squares in the border (for this example 2 times 3 subtract 1 = 5)  
2. Subtract that number from 11 (for this example: 11-5 = 6)
3. Divide the result by 2 times the number of points. If the answer is not a whole number, round up to the next whole number. (for this example: 6 divided by 2 times 3 = 6 divided by 6 which equals 1)
4. The whole number is how many more Vandykes are needed. (for this example the answer is 1).

B. Total number of final Vandykes needed:

1. Take the number just calculated of how many more Vandykes are needed (for this example: 1).
2. Add 1 to that number to find the total number of final Vandykes (for this example  1 + 1 = 2).

D. To determine which of the 4 types of instructions to use for the final Vandykes:

1. Double the number of points along one side of the Vandyke (for this example the answer is 6).
2. Take the answer from B4 (for this example that answer is 1).
3. Multiple the answer from D1 by the answer from D2.
4. Add the answer from B1 to the answer from D3 (for this example that answer is 5 so 6+5=11)
5. Subtract the number of squares in the border from the result (for this example 11-11 = 0)
6. The resulting number will be 0, 1, an even number greater than 0, or an odd number greater than 1.

E. Generic instructions for the final Vandykes
If your resulting number is 0, the rows are as follows: 

(N= the number of points which in this example is 3)

(N - 1) pair(s) of Decrease & Plain rows, then 1 Decrease row, the next Plain row leaves the last N loops without a knot,  turn netting and net (N - 1) pair(s) of Decrease & Plain rows,  followed by 1 Decrease row.

The Fourth Basic Vandyke Edge

For the final Basic Vandyke I'm going to include 2 different patterns. They have a different number of squares in the border and a different number of points on the sides of the Vandykes.  The first pattern has 5 squares in the border and 5 points on the sides. The second pattern has 3 squares in the border and 6 points along the Vandykes. The reason they are both included in this post is that they both have 1 final Vandyke and they also have the same type of instructions used in creating that final Vandyke.


The patterns for these Vandykes are:

Our first example (5 squares and 5 points):

First Vandyke with straight, vertical side

Tie the thread from the netting needle onto the foundation loop, leaving a 6" tail.

Row 1: Net 2 knots in the foundation loop. (2 loops in the row)

Row 2: Net 1 knot in the first loop, net 2 knots in the last loop. (3 loops in the row)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Row 9: Net 1 knot in each loop except for the last loop, net 2 knots in the last loop. (10 loops in the row)

Row 10: Net 1 knot in each loop except for the last loop, net 2 knots in the last loop. (11 loops in the row)

Row 11: Net 1 knot in each loop except for the last loop, net 2 knots in the last loop. (12 loops in the row)

Row 12: Net 1 knot in each loop except for the last loop, net 2 knots in the last loop. (13 loops in the row)

Row 13: Net 1 knot in each loop. (13 loops in the row)

Row 14: Net 1 knot in each loop except for the last loop, net 2 knots in the last loop. (14 loops in the row)

Row 15: Net 1 knot in each loop. (14 loops in the row)

Row 16: Net 1 knot in each loop except for the last loop, net 2 knots in the last loop. (15 loops in the row)

Row 17: Net 1 knot in each loop. (15 loops in the row)

Row 18: Net 1 knot in each loop except for the last loop, net 2 knots in the last loop. (16 loops in the row)

Row 19: Net 1 knot in each loop. (16 loops in the row)

Row 20: Net 1 knot in each loop except for the last loop, net 2 knots in the last loop. (17 loops in the row)

Row 21: Net 1 knot in each loop. (17 loops in the row)

Row 22: Net 1 knot in each loop except for the last loop, net 2 knots in the last loop. (18 loops in the row)

Row 23: Net 1 knot in each loop. (18 loops in the row)

Row 24: Net 1 knot in each loop except for the last loop, net 2 knots in the last loop. (19 loops in the row)

Row 25: Net 1 knot in each loop. (19 loops in the row)

Row 26: Net 1 knot in each loop except for the last loop, net 2 knots in the last loop. (20 loops in the row)

Row 27: Net 1 knot in each loop for 13 loops, leave 7 loops without a knot, turn the netting. (13 loops in the row)

Repeating Vandyke

Rows 14-27: Repeat instructions to create a new Vandyke.

Last Vandyke with a straight vertical side

Rows 1: Net 1 knot in each loop. (13 loops in each row)

Rows 2: Net 1 knot in each loop. (13 loops in each row)

Row 3: Net 1 knot in each loop except the last 2 loops, net the last 2 loops together. (12 loops in the row)

Row 4: Net 1 knot in each loop. (12 loops in the row)

Row 5: Net 1 knot in each loop except the last 2 loops, net the last 2 loops together. (11 loops in the row)

Row 6: Net 1 knot in each loop. (11 loops in the row)

Row 7: Net 1 knot in each loop except the last 2 loops, net the last 2 loops together. (10 loops in the row)

Row 8: Net 1 knot in each loop. (10 loops in the row)

Row 9: Net 1 knot in each loop except the last 2 loops, net the last 2 loops together. (9 loops in the row)

Row 10: Net 1 knot in each loop. (9 loops in the row)

Row 11: Net 1 knot in each loop except the last 2 loops, net the last 2 loops together. (8 loops in the row)

Row 12: Net 1 knot in each loop. (8 loops in the row)

Row 13: Net 1 knot in each loop except the last 2 loops, net the last 2 loops together. (7 loops in the row)

Forming the first square of the netting

1.      Remove the foundation loop from row 1 of the netting.

2.      Tie the tail onto a tapestry needle, which is used in place of the netting needle.

3.      Place the foundation-loop cord through another row of meshes.

4.      Tie the foundation-loop cord into a circle and attach it to a tension device.

5.      Net the first two loops together without using a mesh stick.

Our second example (3 squares and 6 points):

First Vandyke with straight, vertical side

Tie the thread from the netting needle onto the foundation loop, leaving a 6" tail.

Row 1: Net 2 more knots in the foundation loop. (2 loops in the row)

Row 2: Net 1 knot in the first loop, net 2 knots in the last loop. (3 loops in the row)

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

Row 4: Net 1 knot in each loop. (4 loops in the row)

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

Row 6: Net 1 knot in each loop. (5 loops in the row)

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

Row 8: Net 1 knot in each loop. (6 loops in the row)

Row 9: Net 1 knot in each loop except for the last loop, net 2 knots in the last loop. (7 loops in the row)

Row 10: Net 1 knot in each loop. (7 loops in the row)

Row 11: Net 1 knot in each loop except for the last loop, net 2 knots in the last loop. (8 loops in the row)

Row 12: Net 1 knot in each loop. (8 loops in the row)

Row 13: Net 1 knot in each loop except for the last loop, net 2 knots in the last loop. (9 loops in the row)

Row 14: Net 1 knot in each loop. (9 loops in the row)

Row 15: Net 1 knot in each loop except for the last loop, net 2 knots in the last loop. (10 loops in the row)

Row 16: Net 1 knot in each loop for 4 loops, turn and prepare to begin the next row without netting into the last 6 loops. (These 6 loops form one side of the Vandyke.)

Repeating Vandyke

Rows 5-16: Repeat instructions to create a new Vandyke.

Last Vandyke with a straight vertical side

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

Row 2: Net 1 knot in each loop. (5 loops in the row)

Row 3: Net 1 knot in each loop except for the last loop, net 2 knots in the last loop. (6 loops in the row)

Row 4: Net 1 knot in each loop. (6 loops in the row)

Row 5: Net 1 knot in each loop except for the last loop, net 2 knots in the last loop.  (7 loops in the row)

Row 6: Net 1 knot in each loop. (7 loops in the row)

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

Row 8: Net 1 knot in each loop. (8 loops in the row)

Row 9: Net 1 knot in each loop for 6 loops, net the last 2 loops together. (7 loops in the row)

Row 10: Net 1 knot in each loop. (7 loops in the row)

Row 11: Net 1 knot in each loop for 5 loops, net the last 2 loops together. (6 loops in the row)

Forming the first square of the netting

1.      Remove the foundation loop from row 1 of the netting.

2.      Tie the tail onto a tapestry needle, which is used in place of the netting needle.

3.      Place the foundation-loop cord through another row of meshes.

4.      Tie the foundation-loop cord into a circle and attach it to a tension device.

5.      Net the first two loops together without using a mesh stick.

If you would like to know the math involved, here it is.

To find how many final Vandykes are needed:

• If the number of squares in the border is less than or equal to 2 times the number of points -1 then you have just 1 final Vandyke.
• If the number of squares in the border is greater than 2 times the number of points -1 then you need more than 1 final Vandyke.

 First Example: 

• number of squares in the border 5 
• number of points is 5 then 2 times 5 subtract 1 = 9
• since the number of squares in the border is less than the other number we will need 1 Vandyke. 

 Second Example: 

• number of squares in the border 3 
• number of points is 6 then 2 times 6 subtract 1 = 11
• since the number of squares in the border is less than the other number we will need 1 Vandyke. 

To determine which of the 4 types of instructions to use for the final Vandyke:

1. Double the number of points along one side of the Vandyke 
1. for the first example the answer is 10
2. for the second example the answer is 12
2. Subtract 1 
1. for the first example the answer is 9
2. for the second example the answer is 11
3. Subtract the number of squares in the border from the result 
1. for the first example the answer is 9 - 5 = 4
2. for the second example the answer is 11 - 3 = 8

When the answer is an even number (in this week's example, the numbers are 4 and 8) - Alternate increase and plain rows (which combined equal the even number), then alternate decrease and plain rows (until the last decrease row, which has no plain row following it). You can tell it is the last decrease row because it has the correct number of loops on the last side of the final Vandyke.

A Third Basic Vandyke Edge

The pattern for today is another basic Vandyke. It has 4 squares in the border, 4 points along each side of the Vandyke, 1 square at the point, and 1 column of squares between Vandykes.

The pattern for this Vandyke is:

First Vandyke with straight, vertical side

Tie the thread from the netting needle onto the foundation loop, leaving a 6" tail.

Row 1: Net 2 more knots in the foundation loop. (2 loops in the row)
Row 2: Net 1 knot in the first loop and 2 knots in the last loop. (3 loops in the row)
Row 3: Net 1 knot in each loop for 2 loops, net 2 knots in the last loop. (4 loops in the row)
Row 4: Net 1 knot in each loop for 3 loops, net 2 knots in the last loop. (5 loops in the row)
Row 5: Net 1 knot in each loop. (5 loops in the row)
Row 6: Net 1 knot in each loop for 4 loops, net 2 knots in the last loop. (6 loops in the row)
Row 7: Net 1 knot in each loop. (6 loops in the row)
Row 8: Net 1 knot in each loop for 5 loops, net 2 knots in the last loop. (7 loops in the row)
Row 9: Net 1 knot in each loop. (7 loops in the row)
Row 10: Net 1 knot in each loop for 6 loops, net 2 knots in the last loop. (8 loops in the row)
Row 11: Net 1 knot in each loop. (8 loops in the row)
Row 12: Net 1 knot in each loop for 7 loops, net 2 knots in the last loop. (9 loops in the row)
Row 13: Net 1 knot in each loop for 5 loops, turn the netting and prepare to start the next row, leaving the other 4 loops to form one side of the Vandyke.

Repeating Vandyke
Rows 6-13: Repeat instructions to create a new Vandyke.

Last Vandyke with a straight vertical side
Row 1: Net 1 knot in each loop for 4 loops, net 2 knots in the last loop. (6 loops in the row)
Row 2: Net 1 knot in each loop. (6 loops in the row)
Row 3: Net 1 knot in each loop. (6 loops in the row)
Row 4: Net 1 knot in each loop. (6 loops in the row)
Row 5: Net 1 knot in each loop for 4 loops, net the last 2 loops together. (5 loops in the row)
Row 6: Net 1 knot in each loop. (5 loops in the row)
Row 7: Net 1 knot in each loop for 3 loops, net the last 2 loops together. (4 loops in the row)

Forming the first square of the netting.
1. Remove the foundation loop from row 1 of the netting.
2. Tie the tail onto a tapestry needle, which is used in place of the netting needle.
3. Place the foundation-loop cord through another row of meshes.
4. Tie the foundation-loop cord into a circle and attach it to a tension device.
5. Net the first two loops together without using a mesh stick.




If you would like to know the math involved, here it is.

To find how many final Vandykes are needed:

• If the number of squares in the border is less than or equal to 2 times the number of points -1 then you have just 1 final Vandyke.
• If the number of squares in the border is greater than 2 times the number of points -1 then you need more than 1 final Vandyke.

          Example: 

• number of squares in the border 4 
• number of points is 4 then 2 times 4 subtract 1 = 7
• since the number of squares in the border is less than the other number we will need 1 Vandyke.

To determine which of the 4 types of instructions to use for the final Vandyke:

1. Double the number of points along one side of the Vandyke (for this example the answer is 8)
2. Subtract 1 (for our example the answer is 7)
3. Subtract the number of squares in the border from the result (for this example 7-4 = 3)

When the answer is an odd number greater than 1 (in this week's example, the number is 3)- Alternate increase and plain rows (which combined equal one less than the odd number), then net two plain rows, and finally alternate decrease and plain rows (until the last decrease row, which has no plain row following it). You can tell it is the last decrease row because it has the correct number of loops on the last side of the final Vandyke.