The technique is worked by first knitting a panel of Stockinette . Then hand stitching is worked into ladders formed from stitches that have been allowed to drop down within the panel.
A full photo tutorial is included in the pattern instructions.
In designing for ready-to-wear knits many fashion houses like to include embellishment techniques but it seems that they are often over looked in the hand knit world.
So when I decided to experiment with new types of embellishment I looked back to my childhood days of sewing on even-weave cloth. I then did some research on drawn thread work and hit on the idea of creating ladders to use as the foundation for the embroidery.
Drawn thread work was mostly used to decorate everyday items such as tablecloths or bed linens. Even today you see small scale, machine worked patterns on pillow covers and so on, which harks back to the history of this kind of embellishment.
With that in mind I designed an everyday cardigan, one that you can throw on with a skirt or jeans. Embellished with simple hand worked stitching makes it as beautiful as it is practical.
Garment photos by Fanny LaFontaine-Jacob
Reticella - a type of needle lace dating from the 15th century which remained popular up until the 17th century.
Originally a form of cutwork, involving threads being pulled (removed) from linen fabric to make a grid. Using mostly buttonhole stitch a pattern was then stitched onto this foundation.
Reticella
featured in the Spring 2016 issue of Twist Collective.
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Fiona Ellis
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Fiona Ellis. All rights reserved.