6 Ways to Modernize Lace for Knitters

A quick Google search of “modern lace” returns a handful of image and article results that don’t feel particularly modern. And while the lace stitches, shawls, and doilies from the Google search look beautiful, they don’t fit into today’s sleek and minimalist styles.

One search result highlighted a book called The First Book of Modern Lace Knitting, initially published in 1954! (Insert exploding brain emoji here.) How can something published 69 years ago still be considered “modern”? Even home styles from the ’50s have been rebranded from “modern” to “mid-century modern,” in acknowledgement that what is considered modern is constantly evolving.

Lace knitting has a reputation for being fancy or elegant. You might think the new, laid back knitters are forgoing lace patterns. However, new knitters are still choosing to become lace knitters, much like there are sweater knitters or sock knitters. Considering the massive shift in fashion (hello 90’s baggy jeans) and the younger generations picking up the needles, lace knitting deserves a modern overhaul. Watching what they do with lace knitting and how they incorporate it into today’s fashion trends will be interesting.

So, then the question is: how can you modernize traditional lace knitting stitches and your projects? Here are a few suggestions to modernize your lace knitting when searching for your next lace cast on.

6 Ways to Modernize Lace

Change the Fit

Add a traditional lace stitch pattern like Frost Flowers to a more modern silhouette, like an oversized sweater with drop shoulders for sleek seams and a casual, everyday vibe. Or opt for a cropped cardigan that will pair perfectly with the higher-waisted jeans, which seem to be here to stay for a while.

Be Unexpected

Forgo the expected lace-weight yarns and pair your lace stitches with worsted-weight or bulky-weight yarns. Not only will you finish your project sooner, but it will give the lace stitches a completely different look.

Use a crisp cotton or linen yarn to lend a delightful summer feel to your project. Some of my favorite patterns are lace pullovers that layer perfectly over a bathing suit so you can confidently go from the beach to lunch.

Choose Color

The Pantone color of the year, Viva Magenta, is a great way to modernize your lace knitting. How fun would it be to wear a lace shawl in a bright magenta color? You’ll be modern, showstopping and get to show off your lace knitting skills in an unexpected way.

At the other end of the spectrum, opting for dark grey or black is a great way to add a little edge to your knitting. Plus, you’ll have the special pride that can only come with knitting lace on black yarn.

Be Subtle

Exchange all-over lace stitch patterns in favor of those that use them sparingly. Look for designs with a lace stitch pattern as a cleverly placed insertion. Use tiny eyelets to add a little hint of lace to a project. Eyelets are also an excellent option for those newer to lace knitting—you just need to master one humble yarnover.

Go Geometric

Forget softer stitch patterns like English Mesh lace or VanDyke, and look for bolder, more geometric designs. Shawls that feature lace columns, sweaters with horizontal lace stripes, or socks with a mix of lace and textured stitches.

Change Your Outfit

For the lace pieces that you’ve already made, update the rest of your outfit to lend a more modern look to your knitting. Swap your ankle boots and skinny jeans for lug-sole boots and straight-leg denim. Add a leather jacket or oversized flannel shacket.

There’s no question that part of the appeal of lace knitting is its timelessness. But being timeless doesn’t need to mean being boring. These tips will help you modernize your lace knitting practice and ensure you enjoy wearing your completed lace projects yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

Related: Level Up Your Lace Knitting

Kirsten Joel is a knit and crochet designer based in Charleston, South Carolina, where she spends her time with her husband and 2 kiddos and can often be spotted knitting at the beach. When she’s not knitting, she’s working in customer service for a software company. Follow Kirsten on Instagram @kirstenjoel_designs or online at kirstenjoel.com.