Crochet technique
Irish Crochet Lace
Irish crochet lace is a traditional lace made by crocheting separate motifs such as roses, leaves and shamrocks, then joining them with a mesh of chains and picots. Motifs are often raised over a padding cord for dimension. Fine cotton thread and small steel hooks are used.
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How to get started with irish crochet lace
- Choose fine mercerised cotton thread and a steel hook around 1.0–1.5 mm.
- Crochet individual motifs, working sc over a padding cord where the pattern calls for raised edges.
- Block each motif and pin it face down onto a fabric or paper template.
- Fill the gaps between motifs with a mesh of chains, picots and sc joins.
- Remove the lace from the template once all motifs are connected.
- Wash and block the finished piece.
What is Irish crochet lace?
Irish crochet lace is a style of crochet lace developed in nineteenth-century Ireland, built from individual motifs joined by an irregular mesh background.
Collars, cuffs, doilies and dresses are traditional uses.
What thread is used for Irish crochet?
Irish crochet uses fine mercerised cotton crochet thread, commonly size 40 to 80, with steel hooks sized to match.
Beginners can learn the motifs in size 10 thread with a 1.5 mm hook.
How do you join Irish crochet motifs?
Irish crochet motifs are joined by pinning them to a template and working a filler mesh of chains and picots between them.
The mesh is worked freely, adjusting chain lengths to reach each motif.
Frequently asked questions
Is Irish crochet hard?
It is an advanced technique because of fine thread and freeform joining.
What is a padding cord?
Extra thread worked over inside stitches to create raised edges.
Can Irish crochet use yarn?
Yes, modern versions use fingering or DK yarn for larger pieces.