Fine Lace

Fine Lace is Rowan's classic laceweight: 80% baby Suri alpaca and 20% fine merino, with 437 yards in a 50 g ball.

The alpaca gives it a soft, slightly fluid handle and gentle drape, and the merino adds a bit of memory. The palette leans toward soft, chalky shades with a few jewel brights. Rowan says it "blocks like a dream," and that's the point of it: lace that looks crumpled on the needles opens up into an airy, even fabric once wet-blocked.

It suits lace knitters, and also anyone wanting a whisper-light layer. A single ball goes a long way toward a shawl.

Best for

• Traditional lace shawls and stoles
• Airy scarves
• Lightweight summer layers
• Held double for a soft fingering-weight fabric

Working with it

The recommended needle range is unusually wide, US 0–6, with gauges from 20–39 stitches and 33–54 rows over 4 inches. Use small needles for a denser fabric and larger ones for open lace; it works with a crochet hook too. Pointy tips help with lace decreases. Use lifelines in long lace charts, and always block a swatch, since the fabric changes a lot. Our blocking guide explains how.

Care

Rowan lists hand wash cold, dry flat in the shade, and no tumble drying. Soak gently, squeeze in a towel, then pin out to dry if you want to re-open the lace.