I have been having so much fun working with Clover’s Hairpin Lace Tool I have 4 projects going at the same time. Each time I start to research the lace technique I come across a new pattern that I just have to try.
Several sites linked Hairpin Lace with Maltese Lace but I found it was only a small part of what is classified as Maltese Lace and is linked with broomstick lace (another blog bit later).
Over the years hairpin lace tools have evolved into the easy to use ones of today. Clover’s Hairpin Lace Tool is compact and easy to use while allowing different width and lengths of lace strips.
This picture shows hairpin lace and broomstick lace. Notice the oversized knitting needle in the picture…it is used to make broomstick lace and Clover’s larger sized knitting needles work well for this form of lace making.
Clover’s Hairpin Lace tool makes quick work of the process.
The above pics show the basic steps of making lace.
Hairpin lace
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Hairpin lace is a crochet technique done using a crochet hook and a hairpin lace loom, which consists of two parallel metal rods held at the top and the bottom by removable bars. Historically, a metal U-shaped hairpin was used, from which the name originates.
Hairpin lace is formed by wrapping yarn around the prongs of the hairpin lace loom to form loops, which are held together by a row of crochet stitched worked in the center, called the spine. The resulting piece of lace can be worked to any length desired by removing the bottom bar of the hairpin and slipping the loops off the end. The strips produced by this process can be joined together to create an airy and lightweight fabric. Various types of yarns and threads can be used to achieve different color, texture and design effects. Examples of items made with hairpin lace include scarves, shawls, hats, baby blankets, afghans, and clothing. Hairpin lace can also be added to sewn, knitted, and crocheted works as a decorative accent.
Making the lace strip is easy…..what makes Hairpin Lace so amazing is how the strips are joined. Over the next few weeks I will be showing you different ways to work with the hairpin lace from simple to feathery and elegant joining.
A scarf and book mark using the basic joining techniques will be my first projects. From there working Haripin Lace in the round will be featured and I have found some beautiful designs to work into shawls, placemats, and garments.
Next week I will have directions for a basic scarf and book mark to make.
REMEMBER: A drawing will be made from those of you that comment on the blog for a free Hairpin Lace Loom!
I am at Beaver Dam, WI at the NANCY’S NOTIONS event and will be sharing pictures of the special people that attend this fun event. Have a great week and let me know you adventures with Hairpin Lace.
Clover Needlecraft 
WOW…….I am just getting started using a VERY large needle and a crochet hook, playing with some broomstick lace. This sounds really interesting!
Hair pin lace looks interesting, I would also like to try tatting.
Way too cool. I just got a hairpin lace loom at a rummage sale for a $1.00. I’ll have to get the tool. I will be paying close attention so I can learn how to do this process. It is so pretty and delicate. Thank you!
hey Lynn, i have been on the road most of May but am thrilled to hear you are going to try some hairpin lace. there are so many beautiful things you can make. some of the current magazines have featured hairpin lace so i know it is being rediscovered. any questions just let me know…fran@clover-usa.com and i would love to see your finished project.
I remember Hairpin Lace and Broomstick Lace from way back, in mean in the 70’s. Wow it’s true about things coming full circle…I would love to try the Hairpin Lace again. I look forward to your patterns. Thanks for sharing
My mom had an old hairpin lace tool and a broomstick lace tool at one point. Was never sure exactly what to do with them. I look forward to your blog!
I made hairpin lace MANY years ago using tatting thread. I then crocheted it into a lace edging for a batiste handkerchief. Back then, I depended solely on the steel bar bent into a u-shape. I would LOVE a modern tool that would make the process more uniform and precise. Thank you for the opporturnity. Blessings,
Thx for the hairpin lace information. I look forward to more about this technique. I’ve never tried it. Looks like fun.
Well this may be my lucky day! I just got a hairpin lace pattern at Joanne’s and was wondering how I would learn. Will be watching for all the posts about this “new/old” idea. Thanks for sharing.
awesome, Doris, l would love to see a pic of your finished project!
Me gusta mucho el encaje de horquilla, empecé a hacerlo antes de encontrar la horquilla y usaba una aguja de tricotar metálica doblada en forma de gancho, ahora es mucho más fácil.
Un saludo
LOLA
thanks, Lola
I have seen hairpin lace. My Grandmother made me an afghan out of Hairpin lace. I am very sorry to say I no longer have it. I would like to try it, but I am a bit of a coward. LOL It looks intimidating.
Debbie, it is really simple, google for a tutorial and you can watch someone do it step by step. make a memory for someone you love.
I’ve always wanted to learn to make hairpin lace. Now that I am retired I have the time. I am looking forward to your directions for the scarf and book mark.
This like a fun project to get into, I love lace and can do a little bit of needle tatting, just a beginner. This would give a me a new addition to my jewelery making too, I’m sure I could use it to add a little extra to necklaces and bracelets. Thanks.
ohhhhh! Angie,i would love to see jewlery you have made using the hairpin lace tool. so would our readers…so…when you finish this beautiful piece of work send us a pic.
Thank you for the tutorial. It made it a lot easier to do.
I’ve made lots of broomstick lace pieces, have tried Tunisian crochet, used to tat and so on – but have never had the money or opportunity to buy a Hairpin Lace loom or tool. This is now #1 on my Bucket List – and the directions look easy enough for even this old lady to follow. Thanks
Norma
Norma, you are in the drawing for a Hairpin Lace Loom so keep your fingers crossed!
Hairpin lace is so neat looking. I have always wanted to try it and just have not yet.