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Watch the video: “How to Crochet a Beautiful Ribbon Lace with Twisted Columns” by Knitted items
If you love subtle texture and rhythmic stitches, this ribbon lace is a gem. Twisted columns spiral into a sculptural cord, then a simple binding frames the edges into a graceful ribbon you can use as an Irish lace element, a belt, or any decorative accent. We’ll follow the video’s exact moves—no guesswork—so your lace looks like the original.
What you’ll learn
- How to start with an 8-chain ring and orient your work correctly
- The exact motion for twisted columns (five capes, long loops, and a clean close)
- When and how to turn with three lifting chains for tidy stacking
- How to bind the cord with arches of five air loops, plus an optional filled-edge finish
- Checks, fixes, and tension tips for consistent results
Introduction to the Beautiful Ribbon Lace This lace begins with a compact ring and grows into a cord of twisted columns. The technique is rhythmic: three lifting chains to turn, five capes to build height, then a single sweep to close the loops. The result is a textured braid that reads as both delicate and dimensional.
What is Twisted Column Lace? Twisted columns are built by repeating a yarn over (called a “cape” in the tutorial), pulling up long loops five times, and then drawing through everything at once before a final close. The column turns slightly with height, giving that elegant spiral you see in the sample. If your loops are too short, the column looks tight; if too long, it can look slouchy—steady loop length is key. magnetic embroidery hoop
Versatile Uses for Your Crochet Creations The instructor notes this ribbon lace works as an Irish lace element, a belt, or general decor. Because it’s a linear motif, you can work to the exact length you need, then add a binding to frame the edges. If you plan to pair it with other needle arts later—say, integrating a small monogram on a fabric backing—choose materials and finishes that complement the lace’s scale.
Tools and Materials You'll Need You only need the basics shown in the video: a crochet hook and mercerized cotton yarn. The tutorial uses a 1mm hook, and the yarn is mercerized cotton labeled 100 grams/565 meters. There’s no specific brand stated—just the fiber, weight, and the hook size. This combination yields crisp stitch definition so the twist reads clearly.
Yarn Type and Hook Size
- Yarn: Mercerized cotton (100g/565m)
- Hook: 1mm
This pairing gives smooth glide and sharp stitch edges. If you experiment with other sizes, remember the video’s results correspond to a 1mm hook and mercerized cotton; thicker yarns or larger hooks will change the drape and width. embroidery machine hoops
Workspace Setup A clear, flat surface is sufficient. Keep your yarn ball free to unwind smoothly. Good lighting helps you see the chain spaces and the gap between columns when you add the binding later.
Step-by-Step: Crocheting the Twisted Column Cord Creating the Foundation Chain 1) Make your first loop on the hook. 2) Chain 8 air loops. Double-check you have eight; accuracy here keeps your ring balanced.
Quick check Count to eight before closing. If you miscount, unravel and rebuild the chain—this is faster than fighting a skewed ring later.
Close the Chain into a Ring Join the first and last chain with a connecting column (slip stitch). Ensure the chain isn’t twisted before you close; a twist will distort the base. If you find a twist after closing, simply undo and rejoin cleanly.
Mastering the Twisted Column Stitch
- After closing, chain 3 (lifting chains).
- Yarn over (“cape”), insert into the ring, pull up a long loop.
- Repeat the sequence until you have five long loops/capes on the hook.
- Draw through all loops at once, then close the remaining two loops together.
That completes one twisted column. If your column doesn’t look tall enough, you may have shortened your long loops; aim for even length each time.
Pro tip Keep your hand position steady when you pull up each long loop. Visualize a consistent “loop height” and repeat it for all five capes. magnetic hoops
Building Your Cord to Desired Length Repeat the sequence:
- Chain 3 (lift), turn.
- Work under the previous row’s chain of three.
- Build another twisted column with five capes.
Continue until you reach the length you want. Turning after each lifting chain keeps the columns aligned and the cord balanced. If the alignment looks off, confirm you turned the work before starting the next column.
Watch out Forgetting to turn after the lifting chains will throw off the alignment. If that happens, undo that column and redo it after a proper turn.
Quick check
- Five capes before closing each column.
- The spiral should look consistent from column to column.
- Tension even? If some columns appear slimmer or wider, you may be pulling loops to different heights.
Adding the Decorative Binding Once your cord is the desired length, move to the binding. The instructor works a simple round of arches: chain five, anchor with a single crochet between columns, and repeat around. This frames the cord and gives it a scalloped edge.
The First Round of Arches
- Chain 5.
- Insert the hook between two twisted columns.
- Single crochet (the tutorial calls this a “column without a cape”).
- Repeat: chain 5, single crochet between the next pair of columns, and so on around.
Consistent chain-five arches are the secret to a regular scallop. If you skip a space or vary the chains, you’ll see the scallops shift.
Pro tip Place each single crochet snugly between columns so the arches sit evenly along the edge. A firm anchor prevents a wavy or loose border. magnetic embroidery frames
Optional: Filling the Arches for Added Texture The instructor shows an optional fill: work six single crochets into each chain-five arch. This thickens the edge and adds a tidy, beaded look to every scallop. Keep your tension even and place exactly six stitches per arch so the curve stays smooth without ruffling.
From the comments
- Several viewers praised the beauty of the lace and the clarity of the method, even when machine translation didn’t perfectly match the terminology.
- One viewer noted they’ll now always call chains “air loops.” This aligns with the tutorial’s language, where “air loops” are chains and “cape” means yarn over.
Completing Your Ribbon Lace When one side’s binding is complete, repeat the same process along the opposite edge of the cord. This balances the ribbon and produces a fully framed piece. As you finish, secure any loose ends neatly.
Binding Both Sides Mirror the first binding on the second edge: arches of five chains anchored between columns, and, if you choose, six single crochets into each arch. Aim for the same cadence of stitches on both sides for symmetry.
Finishing Touches
- Inspect both sides: Do the arches match in count and tension?
- Weave in ends discreetly.
- Lay the lace flat to admire the rhythm of the twisted columns inside their scalloped frame.
Quick check Does the lace lie flat? If the edge ripples, recount the single crochets in each arch; you may have added or skipped stitches. If it pulls tight, you might be working your single crochets too firmly or placing fewer than six in a filled arch.
Creative Ideas for Your Crocheted Lace
- Irish lace element: Use the ribbon as a connector between motifs.
- Belt or tie: Crochet to custom length, then add a closure of your choice.
- Decorative trim: Edge linens, bags, or cushions for a tactile accent.
Watch out Length and width aren’t specified in the video, so measure as you go for your intended use. Start the binding only after you’re confident about the cord length; removing a finished edge is more time-consuming than adding one more column before you bind. snap hoop monster
FAQ Q: What type of yarn is best for this lace pattern? A: The video uses mercerized cotton, which provides a smooth finish and crisp stitch definition—excellent for intricate lace work.
Q: Can I use a different hook size? A: The tutorial uses a 1mm hook. You can experiment, but expect changes to the lace’s size and drape.
Q: How can I make the lace longer or wider? A: To make it longer, continue crocheting twisted columns until your target length. The video focuses on a single ribbon width; widening would require a different design approach beyond the shown technique.
Q: What are “capes” in this tutorial? A: “Cape” refers to a yarn over before pulling up a long loop, repeated five times to build the column’s height. best embroidery machine for beginners
Troubleshooting at a glance
- Columns look uneven: Standardize your loop height. Count to five capes each time before closing.
- Edge looks wavy: Verify chain-five arches are consistent, and if you filled, confirm exactly six single crochets per arch.
- Pattern leans or skews: Be sure you turn after the three lifting chains at every row transition. mighty hoop
Planning ahead If you’ll mount this lace onto fabric for mixed-media projects, block it gently to set the shape first. For future embellishment workflows, some crafters like to test alignment on scrap fabric using tools from machine embroidery—consider learning about frame styles and accessories that help position trims and lace accurately. magnetic hoops for embroidery machines