This collection of traditional Shetland laces includes Auld Shell and Cat’s Paw. Each is given in its usual, traditional format, and with my variations, which alter the spacing slightly.

I work these laces on a stocking stitch background, which means they have a right and a wrong side, though it’s not very noticeable. I recommend you add a garter stitch border to a Cat’s Paw scarf, to minimise the tendency of stocking stitch to curl at the edges.

You can use whichever gauge of yarn you please, likewise needle size - if you’re using 4 ply, try 4mm, 4.5mm or 5mm needles; if you try chunky, use 8mm, 9mm or 10mm needles. The width and length of your scarf will be up to you - it’s difficult to say how much yarn you might need. I worked the samples in Jamieson’s of Shetland Spindrift on 4mm needles - and three balls could be enough for a scarf….. I offer guidance on calculating how many stitches you need to cast on - but be prepared to experiment!

I prepared these charts and instructions as an introduction to people wanting to explore lace knitting, and as my gift to the knitting community during the 2020 coronavirus global pandemic. I hope you find them easy to follow, encouraging and inspiring!