Sprang Lace Patterns Inspired by Dutch Sashes by Carol James

Sprang is an ancient textile method where every row of work results in two rows of mirror-image cloth. A variety of stitches are possible with this technique, including some very lacy stitches.

The book titled Vlechtwerksjerpen van de Noordbrabantse Schuttersgulden recounts information on an exhibition of some 47 Dutch sashes belonging to several Dutch guilds, several of which were restored by Dutch textile artist Coby Reijnders-Baas in the 1980s. The exhibition of sprang sashes, and the publication of Vlechtwerksjerpen happened largely through efforts of members of Sint-Jorisgilde Gestel en Blaarthem. The year 2021 is the 30th anniversary of the publication of this book. It is also the 590th anniversary of Sint-Jorisgilde. It is fitting on this anniversary year to give the world a key to the magnificent sprang patterns evident in these sashes.

During the time of COVID isolation, Carol returned to Vlechtwerksjerpen and set about to develop patterns from the photos seen in that collection of sashes, and the resulting pattern adaptations are the core of this book. Each motif appears in a written pattern, and in a chart, accompanied by a sample photo of each sprang lace motif made using that chart/pattern.

Sample Pages:

  • Image Description for https://d3oezqarn9h8ok.cloudfront.net/carol_james/sprang_lace_patterns_dutch_sashes/Preview01.Cover.png
  • Image Description for https://d3oezqarn9h8ok.cloudfront.net/carol_james/sprang_lace_patterns_dutch_sashes/Preview03.ToC01.png
  • Image Description for https://d3oezqarn9h8ok.cloudfront.net/carol_james/sprang_lace_patterns_dutch_sashes/Preview04.ToC02.png
  • Image Description for https://d3oezqarn9h8ok.cloudfront.net/carol_james/sprang_lace_patterns_dutch_sashes/Preview05.ToC03.png
  • Image Description for https://d3oezqarn9h8ok.cloudfront.net/carol_james/sprang_lace_patterns_dutch_sashes/Preview06.Sample.Chart14.png
  • Image Description for https://d3oezqarn9h8ok.cloudfront.net/carol_james/sprang_lace_patterns_dutch_sashes/Preview07.sample.NestedDia.png
  • Image Description for https://d3oezqarn9h8ok.cloudfront.net/carol_james/sprang_lace_patterns_dutch_sashes/Preview08.thumbs01.png
  • Image Description for https://d3oezqarn9h8ok.cloudfront.net/carol_james/sprang_lace_patterns_dutch_sashes/Preview09.thumbs02.png
  • Image Description for https://d3oezqarn9h8ok.cloudfront.net/carol_james/sprang_lace_patterns_dutch_sashes/Preview10.thumbs03.png
  • Image Description for https://d3oezqarn9h8ok.cloudfront.net/carol_james/sprang_lace_patterns_dutch_sashes/Preview11.thumbs04.png

This book assumes a familiarity with the sprang technique, and the interlinking stitch. The user must be able to set up a frame, and work plait and overplait (braiding and follow-up) rows, the basic and double interlinking stitches, as well as a finishing technique. The introduction to the book includes information on the pattern-writing method, definitions of the plain stitch, edge stitches, and double stitch, as well as the notation abbreviations and chart legend. Should you find yourself in need of this basic instruction, I recommend Sprang Unsprung; you may also with to consult my DVD Introduction to Sprang. In addition, you may enjoy access to ongoing support groups and instruction available through my website, spranglady.com.

This book has not yet received enough ratings to calculate an average rating

Customer reviews: