Shawn L. Bird

You may recall that I started with a 2X3 inch seed stitch base.  The last two entries have shown the bottom layer and edging.

Three more layers were added, spaced an inch apart, and the end.  I just eyeballed the length of the lace section in each case, making each about 1.5 inches shorter than the previous.  Although the lowest layer was made in a fan shape, the subsequent layers I doubled the stitches on the first two knit rows after picking up 14 stitches in the base, and just went straight down from there.

Once all four layers were knit and edged, I pulled out the fine yarn, and using a 3.25 mm needle, picked up 5 stitches and seed stitched a collar to the neck length.

Upon completion I made two loops at the end (stitch around twice, then blanket stitch the top loop).  Add a button on the base.

All done!

Here is how I am constructing the knit lace jabot:

Using a fine weight white yarn, I knit 15 stitches in seed stitch (knit, purl) until work measured 3 inches long by 2 inches wide.  This is the base.

Using a 0 weight (lace) crochet thread rated for a 1.5 mm needle, pull the threads through spaces in the base across the bottom onto a 2.75 mm needle.  (14 holes=14 stitches on knitting needle) knit one row, then purl back.  Add a stitch in the hole between each stitch (27) purl back. For pattern: knit 4, Yarn Over, Knit 2 together until last 4 stitches, knit.  Next row, purl back.  Continue for1,5 inches, then a knit row purl row (repeat), then add a stitch between each stitch and continue in pattern.  Repeat sections until you get the length you want.

(I played with adding some movement to the lace by starting some with 5 knit stitches and others with 4.  Decided I didn’t really like it, so changed my technique for subsequent layers)

Then add the fancy border.  See the next post for that!

FYI- I used Aunt Lydia’s crochet thread size 10, 100% viscose from Bamboo.

So, if you should happen to be a handsome gentleman in the 18th century, there would be an essential item of clothing that we rarely see in the 21st century.  You would be wearing a lace jabot.

A jabot is a tiered tie made from lace.  It attaches around the neck, and drapes down the front of the chest like a bib.

If you were an 18th century wife, you probably knitted jabots for your husband (and sons) with lots of love.  They showed off your wifely skill around their necks.

So, while I’m waiting for the kilt straps and buckles to arrive, so I can finish that project, I’m knitting a jabot.

Here are the links to the instructions.