Dissent

Dissent Lace Collar by Mary E Rose Designs

Project Overview

The Dissent is a knitted lace collar designed as a tribute featuring a customizable message worked into the fabric. This intermediate-level knitting project combines traditional lace techniques with an adapted cross stitch alphabet, creating a wearable piece that celebrates meaningful figures and causes. The collar is a quick-to-knit design suitable for knitters with foundational lace experience.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a decorative lace collar with the following finished dimensions: 3.5 inches deep (9 centimeters), 16 inches (40.5 centimeters) at the top circumference, and 29 inches (73.5 centimeters) at the bottom circumference. The collar features a flared silhouette that widens from the neckline to the outer edge, making it a statement accessory that can be worn over various garments.

Design Elements and Techniques

The Dissent incorporates several advanced knitting techniques that contribute to its visual impact and wearability:

• Lace Alphabet Integration: A cross stitch alphabet has been adapted and converted into lace knit stitches, allowing knitters to personalize their collar with a message of choice. This technique transforms traditional charted patterns into openwork fabric.
• Lace Leaf Motifs: Decorative lace leaves are incorporated throughout the design, adding organic visual interest and complementing the alphabet messaging.
• Picot Bind Off: The top edge features a picot bind off, creating a delicate, decorative finished edge with small loops that adds refinement to the neckline.
• Chain Loop Bind Off: The bottom circumference is finished with a chain loop bind off, worked using a crochet hook. This technique creates an elegant, flexible edge that allows the collar to drape gracefully.

Stitches and Stitch Work

This pattern is worked primarily in lace patterning, which involves strategic yarn overs and decreases to create openwork sections. The lace stitches form the foundation for both the alphabet chart and the decorative leaf elements. The pattern requires understanding of basic lace construction, including yarn over increases and corresponding decreases to maintain stitch count. Knitters should be comfortable reading lace charts and working from written instructions for the various bind off techniques employed.

Materials and Gauge

The Dissent is designed to be worked in lace-weight yarn. The pattern is shown in Shepherd Baby Wool 2 ply, a 100% wool yarn that provides approximately 372 yards (340 meters) per 50 grams (1.76 ounces). This yardage is sufficient to complete the collar as shown.

Needles and Tools: US 2 (2.75 millimeter) needles are used for the main knitting. A 2.75 millimeter crochet hook is required for the chain loop bind off at the bottom edge. Additional notions include a large-eyed tapestry needle for weaving in ends and three small buttons for closure or embellishment.

Gauge: The pattern specifies a gauge of 36 stitches and 48 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in lace patterning after blocking. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished dimensions and drape of the collar.

Optional Materials: Smooth waste yarn may be used for a provisional cast on method, and stitch markers are recommended to help track pattern repeats and design sections.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, this pattern is suitable for knitters who have completed basic lace projects and are comfortable working from charted patterns. The combination of lace techniques, alphabet adaptation, and specialized bind off methods requires solid foundational skills and the ability to troubleshoot lace knitting issues.