Thistle Lace Wrist Warmers

Traditionally, Shetland lace uses very fine ‘cobweb’ spun wool to create multiple, complex designs over significant objects such as shawls and wedding dresses and is knitted on long, fine double pointed needles balanced by a leather knitting belt. With major transport links established over the nineteenth century (and the fashion led by Queen Victoria), such lace knitting supplemented the income of crofters who often made items for the luxury and tourist market, sending delicate and intricate pieces to cities in Scotland, England and around the world. In particular, the island of Unst in Shetland was considered the centre of lace knitting expertise. Here, renowned knitters such as sisters Mrs Mowat and Mrs Priest could command prices which made Shetland lace knitting worth more than its weight in gold.

With very few professional Shetland Lace knitters remaining, it is considered a ‘red list endangered craft’ by the Heritage Crafts Association. The tradition is kept alive by enthusiastic and skilled amateurs, or those who earn their main income in other ways.

This wrist warmer pattern is inspired by the traditional lace techniques of using yarn over increases and knitted together decreases to form motifs. However, using fingering weight wool and a single thistle design, it is made easy for modern wear and warmth.