Difference Between Gossamer & Lace Knitting

Gossamer knitting and lace knitting are quite similar. The main differences lie in the materials used in the final effect. Gossamer is lighter and more delicate than lace.

Knit lace

Yarn

Lace yarn and gossamer yarn are different in size, called "weight" in knitting. Gossamer yarn is a great deal thinner and more delicate than lace yarn, which is itself much thinner than the more common worsted weight, or even fingering weight.

Needles

You must use different needle sizes when dealing with gossamer knitting, as opposed to other kinds of knitting. Both lace and gossamer need relatively small needles. It's rare to use larger needles for gossamer; most patterns call for the small sizes. Also, because gossamer yarn is so delicate, you must use needles with very smooth, nonstick surfaces.

Mesh

An identical, repeating unit in lacework is called a mesh. Mesh in lace can be different sizes and can be either relatively coarse or fine. The mesh in gossamer knitting is always very fine.

Ply

Both lace knitting in general and gossamer knitting use two-ply yarn. It is possible to knit lace in other other kinds of yarn, however.

Gauge

Lace knitting usually must adhere to a gauge, but gossamer knitting often does not specify gauge.

References

• Majoring in Lace, Part II
• Sadia's Designs: Creating Lace

Resources

• Lace Extravaganza
• Gossamer: The Splendid Cloth