Top-down spiral net bag with decreases at the bottom

I am gradually going through all my old bag patterns and checking the instructions. This bag starts with the handles. The handles are all joined together to form the mouth of the bag. The body of the bag is formed with spiral netting. The bottom of the bag is formed with 4 decrease rows.

Now if I can just get the instructions updated in my computer.

Square-mesh netting and the darning stitch - pattern three

Using some net embroidery patterns from pages 94-95 in The Techniques of Filet Lace by Pauline Knight, I designed three bookmarks that used the darning stitch.

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 the third example 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)

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

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

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

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

Turn One Corner

Row 12:  Net 1 knot in each loop until there are 2 loops left.  Net the last 2 loops together. (10 loops)

Lengthen Bookmark by Increasing and Decreasing

Row 13:  Net 1 knot in each loop, net 2 knots in the last loop. (11 loops)

Row 14:  Net 1 knot in each loop until there are 2 loops left; net the last 2 loops together. (10 loops)

Rows 15 - 26:  Alternate between instructions for row 13 and for row 14.

Turn a Corner and Complete the Bookmark by Decreasing

Rows 27-33:  Net 1 knot in each loop until there are 2 loops left; net the last 2 loops together.

Create Last Corner

Row 34:   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 32.

Square-mesh netting and the darning stitch - pattern two

Using some patterns from pages 94-95 in The Techniques of Filet Lace by Pauline Knight, I designed three bookmarks that used the darning stitch.

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 the second 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)

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

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

Turn One Corner

Row 10:  Net 1 knot in each loop until there are 2 loops left.  Net the last 2 loops together. (9 loops)

Lengthen Bookmark by Increasing and Decreasing

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

Row 12:  Net 1 knot in each loop until there are 2 loops left.  Net the last 2 loops together. (9 loops)

Rows 13 - 38:  Alternate between instructions for row 11 and for row 12.

Turn a Corner and Complete the Bookmark by Decreasing

Row 39:  Net 1 knot in each loop until you come to the last 2 loops; net the last 2 loops together.  Row 40-45: Repeat the last row until there are just 2 loops left.

Create Last Corner

Row 46:   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 46.

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.

A Square Frame of Square-mesh Netting - Outer Edge is 11 by 11 squares; Inner Edge is 5 by 5 squares

The final pattern I was looking for was a frame of square-mesh netting. A square frame was shown in the Encyclopedia of Needlework by Therese De Dillmont. The size of the square and the opening in the center depends on the thread and mesh sticks used. The thicker the thread or larger the mesh stick is, the larger the square will be for the same number of square-meshes.  Lacis or net embroidery can be added to decorate the frame.

Here are my instructions for creating this piece of square-mesh netting.

Before starting the actual netting:

1. Fill a netting needle or shuttle with thread or cord.
2. Attach it to a foundation loop.  To do this:
1. Tie a slip knot in the thread or cord coming from the needle or shuttle.  Leaving a tail, at least 2 to 3 inches.
2. Slip the foundation-loop cord through the slipknot.
3. Tie the foundation-loop cord into a circle thereby creating a foundation loop.
4. Tighten the slipknot.
3. Attach the foundation loop to a tension device.
4. Choose a mesh stick.

Increase Portion of the Square

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

Remove the mesh stick and turn the work so that the next row can be worked from left to right. (This will be done at the end of each row.)

Row 2:  Net 1 knot in the first loop; increase by netting two knots in the 2nd 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)

Rows 4-7:  Net one knot in each loop except the last loop; net 2 knots in that last loop. (5 loops in the row)

Forming the top of the square

Row 8 (part 1): Net 1 knot in each loop for 4 loops. (4 loops in the row)

Row 9: Net 1 knot in each loop, except the last loop, increase by netting 2 knots in the last loop. (5 loops in the row) The increase is on the outer edge.

Row 10: Net 1 knot in each loop, except for the last 2 loops, net the last 2 loops together. (4 loops in the row) The decrease is on the inner edge.

  

Turn Corner and Start Side

Row 11: Net 1 knot in each loop, except the last loop, increase by netting 2 knots in the last loop. (5 loops in the row)

Row 12: Net 1 knot in each loop except the last 2 loops, net the last 2 loops together, net 1 more knot in those two loops. (5 loops in the row)

Row 13: Net 1 knot in each loop, except for the last 2 loops, net the last 2 loops together. (4 loops in the row) The decrease is now on the outer edge.

Row 14: Net 1 knot in each loop, except the last loop, increase by netting 2 knots in the last loop. (5 loops in the row) The increase is now on the inner edge.

Row 15: Net 1 knot in each loop except the last 2 loops, net the last 2 loops together. (4 loops in the row) The decrease is on the outer edge.

Row 16 (part 1): Net 1 knot in each loop, except for the last loop, net 2 knots in the last loop. (5 loops in the row) The increase is now on the inner edge.

Cut the thread on the inside edge.

Start the Second Half of the Square

Tie the thread from the shuttle onto the bottom of the first loop of row 7.

Row 8 (part 2 - Finish netting the rest of row 8): Net 1 knot in each loop for 4 loops. (4 loops in the row)

Row 9: Net 1 knot in the first loop; increase by netting 2 knots in the last loop. (5 loops in the row) The increase is on the outer edge.

Row 10: Net 1 knot in each loop for 2 loops, net the last 2 loops together. (4 loops in the row) The decrease is on the inner edge.

Turn Corner and Start Side

Row 11: Net 1 knot in the first loop; increase by netting two knots in the 2nd loop. (5 loops in the row)

Row 12: Net 1 knot in each loop except the last 2 loops, net the last 2 loops together, net 1 more knot in those two loops. (5 loops in the row)

Row 13: Net 1 knot in each loop for 2 loops, net 2 knots in the last loop. (4 loops in the row) The decrease is now on the outer edge.

Row 14: Net 1 knot in the first loop; increase by netting two knots in the 2nd loop. (5 loops in the row) The increase is now on the inner edge.

Row 15: Net 1 knot in each loop except the last 2 loops, net the last 2 loops together, net 1 more knot in those two loops. (5 loops in the row)

Row 16 (part 2): Net 1 knot in each loop for 2 loops, net 2 knots in the last loop. (4 loops in the row) The decrease is now on the outer edge.

Cut the thread on the inside edge.

Join Partial Rows and Decrease

Tie the thread from the shuttle to the bottom of the first loop formed in row 16.

Row 17: Net together the first and second loops of Row 16, net 1 knot in each loop for 2 loops, net the two closed loops together, joining both parts of row 16, net 1 knot in each loop except the last 2 loops, net the last 2 loops together (7 loops in the row)

Row 18: Net 1 knot in each loop except for the last 2 loops, net the last 2 loops together.

Repeat row 18 until there are two loops left.      

Tie the Last Corner         

Finish the final row by netting these two loops together, but without a mesh stick.

Cut the thread near the knot just tied.

Tie the First Corner

Remove the foundation loop from row one of the net. 

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

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

Cut the thread near the knot just tied.

A Rectangle of Square Diamond Netting

After finally figuring out how to make a square of Square Diamond Netting, I wanted to make a rectangle of Square Diamond Netting.

The same instructions about making the long and short loops I gave last week still pertain. I've listed again the three ways to create the long loop.

NAME	INSTRUCTIONS
wrapped long loop	Wrap the yarn once around the mesh stick by putting it across the front of the mesh stick, around the mesh stick, and up the back side of the mesh stick.  Then tie the netting knot in the usual way.
long loop in a long loop	Remove the mesh stick if necessary.  Tie the netting knot so the bottom of the long loop is touching the top of the mesh stick.
long loop in a short loop	Tie the knot at the bottom of the short loop by gradually pulling the thread slightly upwards not downwards when ending the netting knot. DO NOT have the bottom of the short loop touch the top of the mesh stick.

I've also included the two ways to create the short loop.

NAME	INSTRUCTIONS
short loop in a short loop	Pull short loop down so the bottom of the short loop is touching the top of the mesh stick.  Tie the netting knot in the regular way.
short loop in a long loop	Tie the netting knot in the regular way.  The bottom of the long loop is touching the mesh stick

  

Here are my instructions for creating a rectangle of Diamond Square Netting.

Before starting the actual netting:

1. Fill a netting needle or shuttle with thread or cord.
2. Attach it to a foundation loop.  To do this:
1. Tie a slip knot in the thread or cord coming from the needle or shuttle.  Leaving a tail, at least 2 to 3 inches.
2. Slip the foundation-loop cord through the slipknot.
3. Tie the foundation-loop cord into a circle thereby creating a foundation loop.
4. Tighten the slipknot.
3. Attach the foundation loop to a tension device.
4. Choose a mesh stick.

Increase Portion of the Square

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

Remove the mesh stick and turn the work so that the next row can be worked from left to right. (This will be done at the end of each row.)

Row 2:  Net a long-wrapped loop in the first loop net both a short loop and a long-wrapped loop into the last loop. (3 loops, long, short, and long in the row)

Repeating Increase Rows

Odd Rows: (the loops at the bottom of the finished row are even with each other)

*Net a short loop in the long loop, net a long loop in the short loop; *

repeat from * to * until there is one loop left,

net 2 short loops in the last loop and turn the netting.

Even Rows: (the loops at the bottom of the finished row are jagged)

Net a long-wrapped loop in the first loop,

*net a short loop in the long loop, net a long loop in the short loop; *

Repeat from * to * until there is one loop left,

Net both a short loop and a long, wrapped loop into the last loop.

Repeat the odd and even rows until the number of small squares desired appear on the sides of the triangle. The last row will be an odd row.

Corner Turning Row:

Net a short loop in the first loop,

*Net a long-wrapped loop in the next loop, net a short loop in the following loop; *

repeat from * to * until there is one loop left,

net a short loop in the last loop, turn the netting.

Lengthening Rows:

                Odd Increase Row: (the loops at the bottom of the finished row are even with each other)

                                Without a mesh stick, net 1 knot in the small loop,

*net a short loop in the long loop, net a long loop in the short loop*;

repeat from * to *, end with net 2 short loops in the last loop,

turn the netting.

                Even Decrease Row: (the loops at the bottom of the finished row are jagged)

Net a long-wrapped loop in the first loop,

*Net a short loop in the next loop, net a long-wrapped loop in the following loop; *

repeat from * to * until there is one loop left,

net a short loop in the last loop, turn the netting.

Repeat these two rows to lengthen the rectangle until the desired # of small squares are on the long side of the rectangle, ending with an increase row.

Decreasing Rows

Even Rows: (the loops at the bottom of the finished row are jagged)

Without a mesh stick, net 1 knot in the first loop, now with a mesh stick, *net a short loop in the next loop, net a long-wrapped loop in the following loop; *repeat from * to * across the row.

Odd Rows: (the loops at the bottom of the finished row are even with each other)

Without a mesh stick net, 1 knot in the first loop, now with a mesh stick, *net a short loop in the next loop, net a long loop in the following loop; * repeat from * to * across the row, turn the netting.

Repeat these two decreasing rows until 2 loops remain.

Final Odd and Even Rows

Last Even Row: Without a mesh stick, net 1 knot in the first loop, now with a mesh stick, net a short loop in the next loop.

Last Odd Row: Without a mesh stick, net 1 knot in the short loop. Cut the thread near the knot just tied.

Tie the First Corner

Remove the foundation loop from row one of the net. 

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

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

Cut the thread near the knot just tied.

A Square of Square Diamond Netting

One of the patterns I was looking for several months ago was one with big squares and little squares.
It is called Square Diamond Netting.

This pattern is very confusing. None of the directions I looked at were clear.  One of the sources quoted in The Art of Netting, edited by Jules and Kaethe Kliot gave only the following instructions:

"In making a foundation of this style, the work is begun in the usual manner. For the small squares the thread is wrapped once about the mesh-stick; for the large squares it is wrapped twice. This makes a pretty foundation for darning fancy patterns upon."

I finally resorted to looking very closely at the few drawings of the stitch that I could find. From that, and subsequent practice, I learned that there are two lengths of loops tied in this type of stitch – a long loop and a short loop. I found, however, that there are three ways to create the long loop.

NAME	INSTRUCTIONS
wrapped long loop	Wrap the yarn once around the mesh stick by putting it across the front of the mesh stick, around the mesh stick, and up the back side of the mesh stick.  Then tie the netting knot in the usual way.
long loop in a long loop	Remove the mesh stick if necessary.  Tie the netting knot so the bottom of the long loop is touching the top of the mesh stick.
long loop in a short loop	Tie the knot at the bottom of the short loop by gradually pulling the thread slightly upwards not downwards when ending the netting knot. DO NOT have the bottom of the short loop touch the top of the mesh stick.

There are also two ways to create the short loop.

NAME	INSTRUCTIONS
short loop in a short loop	Pull short loop down so the bottom of the short loop is touching the top of the mesh stick.  Tie the netting knot in the regular way.
short loop in a long loop	Tie the netting knot in the regular way.  The bottom of the long loop is touching the mesh stick

Here are my instructions for creating a square of Diamond Square Netting.

Before starting the actual netting:

1. Fill a netting needle or shuttle with thread or cord.
2. Attach it to a foundation loop.  To do this:
1. Tie a slip knot in the thread or cord coming from the needle or shuttle.  Leaving a tail, at least 2 to 3 inches.
2. Slip the foundation-loop cord through the slipknot.
3. Tie the foundation-loop cord into a circle thereby creating a foundation loop.
4. Tighten the slipknot.
3. Attach the foundation loop to a tension device.
4. Choose a mesh stick.

Increase Portion of the Square

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

Remove the mesh stick and turn the work so that the next row can be worked from left to right. (This will be done at the end of each row.)

Row 2:  Net a long-wrapped loop in the first loop net both a short loop and a long-wrapped loop into the last loop. (3 loops, long, short, and long in the row)

Repeating Increase Rows

Odd Rows: (the loops at the bottom of the finished row are even with each other)

*Net a short loop in the long loop, net a long loop in the short loop; *

repeat from * to * until there is one loop left,

net 2 short loops in the last loop and turn the netting.

Even Rows: (the loops at the bottom of the finished row are jagged)

Net a long-wrapped loop in the first loop,

*net a short loop in the long loop, net a long loop in the short loop; *

Repeat from * to * until there is one loop left,

Net both a short loop and a long, wrapped loop into the last loop.

Repeat the odd and even rows until the number of small squares desired appear on the sides of the triangle. The last row will be an even row.

Decrease Portion of the Square

                First Odd Decrease Row:

                        Net a short loop in the next loop,

                        *net 1 long-wrapped loop in the following loop, net a short loop in the next loop*; repeat from * to * across the row.

                First Even Decrease Row:

Net a short loop in the first loop,

*Net a long-wrapped loop in the next loop, net a short loop in the following loop; *

repeat from * to * until there is one loop left,

net a short loop in the last loop, turn the netting.

Repeating Decrease Rows

Odd Rows: (the loops at the bottom of the finished row are even with each other)

Without a mesh stick net 1 knot in the short loop, now with a mesh stick, *net a short loop in the long loop, net a long loop in the short loop; *

repeat from * to * across the row, turn the netting.

Even Rows: (the loops at the bottom of the finished row are jagged)

Without a mesh stick, net 1 knot in the first loop, now with a mesh stick, *net a short loop in the next loop, net a long-wrapped loop in the following loop; *

repeat from * to * across the row.

Final Odd and Even Rows

Last Even Row: Without a mesh stick, net 1 knot in the first loop, now with a mesh stick, net a short loop in the next loop.

Last Odd Row: Without a mesh stick, net 1 knot in the short loop. Cut the thread near the knot just tied.

Tie the First Corner

Remove the foundation loop from row one of the net. 

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

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

Cut the thread near the knot just tied.