Chicken Feet

Chicken Feet Lace Wrap by Laurie Beardsley

What is Being Made

Chicken Feet is a versatile light lace wrap designed by Laurie Beardsley that offers knitters flexibility in customization. The pattern provides two finished size options: a Small wrap measuring 14 inches (36 cm) wide by 47 inches (119 cm) long, and a Large wrap measuring 23 inches (58 cm) wide by 57 inches (145 cm) long. Knitters can personalize their finished piece by deciding how many pattern rows to work, selecting when to change colors, and adjusting the width and length to suit their preferences.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This intermediate-level knitting project features lace construction techniques that create an elegant, openwork fabric. The pattern includes two distinct stitch patterns: the Dainty Chevron and the Daintier Chevron, which form the visual foundation of the wrap. These chevron patterns create the characteristic light and airy quality of the finished garment. The lace construction requires attention to yarn overs and decreases to achieve the proper stitch definition and drape. After knitting, the wrap must be blocked to achieve the correct gauge and to fully develop the lace pattern's delicate appearance.

Yarn and Needle Requirements

Chicken Feet is worked in fingering weight yarn, which creates the fine, delicate fabric appropriate for a lace wrap. The Small size requires 375 to 400 yards (343 to 366 meters) of yarn total, while the Large size requires 800 to 850 yards (731 to 777 meters) of yarn total. Knitters have the option to work with one solid color or to incorporate two colors for added visual interest. The pattern recommends using any fingering weight yarn in a fiber suitable for blocking; highly variegated colorways are not recommended for the Dainty Chevron sections but will be effective in the Daintier Chevron sections. Knitting needles required are US 3 (3.25 mm) size.

Gauge and Finishing

The target gauge for Chicken Feet is 18 to 19 stitches over 4 inches (10 cm) in the Dainty Chevron pattern after blocking. The pattern notes that gauge is not critical to the success of the project, though it will affect the total amount of yarn used and influence the size and drape characteristics of the finished wrap. Blocking supplies are necessary to complete the project, as blocking is essential for setting the lace pattern and achieving the intended finished dimensions and fabric hand.