Knotted needle laces have been made in many parts of the Eastern Mediterranean and are all based on the same knots but with slight stylistic differences. In this class we will focus on knotted needle lace edgings made in Armenia and by the Armenian diaspora. Beautiful edgings can be made with this technique using simple needle and thread. Students will learn the basic knot and several traditional patterns while working on a fabric base. From this technical foundation students will be prepared to explore more elaborate designs, including doilies and oya motifs.
F8: Armenian Knotted Lace Edgings
Size 20, 40, or 50 cotton tatting thread, e.g., Lizbeth 20 or 40, or DMC cordonnet special 50, in white or a light color. You won’t use much during class so a partial ball will be fine; several GOOD QUALITY embroidery needles size 5 or close to 5 (3 if using size 20 thread). Embroidery needles have a sharp point and an elongated eye and are also called crewel needles. I like to get a mixed-size package of sizes 3-9 so I can find the best size for the thread. Good quality brands are Bohin, S Thomas & Sons, Tulip, Richard Hemming & Son, John James; small sharp scissors; magnifier and light if you need them for handwork; optional but really helpful are a few size 24 tapestry needles and a pin cushion or needle minder.