Broomstick lace produces one of the most distinctive fabrics in crochet tall loops gathered and anchored into vertical columns that give the cloth an almost woven appearance. It is named for the thick dowel traditionally used to hold the loops, though a large knitting needle or rigid ruler works just as well.
Crochet Broomstick Lace
The two-row construction is repetitive and rhythmic: one row pulls loops onto the template, the next closes them with slip stitches. Once the rhythm is established it moves steadily. The result is a fabric with real drape, genuine visual interest, and that particular quality of looking like it required more skill than it did.
Customization Ideas
Before starting, consider what you are making — the pattern is fixed but the context is yours to shape.
- Width and length: The foundation chain is 6 stitches in this pattern, which can be extended in multiples to build a wider piece. A narrower chain gives a scarf or trim; a wider chain opens up to a wrap or blanket panel. Length is controlled by how many repeats you work.
- Loop height: The thickness of your ruler or template determines the height of each loop and therefore the openness of the lace. A thicker template produces taller loops and a more dramatically open fabric. A thinner template compresses the loops into a denser, closer weave. This one variable changes the entire character of the finished piece without changing a single stitch.
- Yarn: Smooth yarns — cotton, bamboo, silk blends — show the loop columns most clearly. Soft wool or alpaca gives the fabric warmth and a slight halo. Avoid highly textured or fluffy yarns for your first attempt, as they make it harder to see where to place the hook when closing loops in Row 2.
- Border: If the finished edges curl, a round of single crochet around the completed piece will settle them flat. This is especially useful on scarves and shawls where flat, draping edges matter.
Materials
- Crochet hook appropriate for your yarn
- Yarn of your choice
- Large rigid ruler, wide knitting needle, or cardboard template approximately 1 inch thick
- Stitch marker
The Pattern
Row 1 — Setting Up the Loops
- Start by chaining 6 stitches.
- Insert your hook into the first chain stitch, pull up a loop of yarn, and place it directly onto your ruler or template.
- Continue across: insert into each chain stitch, pull up a loop, and place it onto the ruler.
- Pull each loop to the same height — consistency here is what gives the finished fabric its uniform appearance.
- Use a stitch marker or lock on the first loop to prevent it from unraveling while you work.
- Once you reach the end of the row, chain 6.
Pull each loop gently rather than forcing it onto the ruler. Loops should be loose enough to slide comfortably on the template — tight loops are difficult to remove cleanly in Row 2 and will compress the lace.
- Never read a crochet pattern before? No problem! The video tutorial below is perfect for beginners, or give the written pattern below a try!
Row 2 — Closing the Loops
- Remove the loops from your ruler and turn your work.
- Insert your hook through the loops and work a series of slip stitches across to secure them.
- Keep slip stitches relaxed — pulling them tight causes the fabric to scrunch and the lace to close up.
- When you reach the last loop (the one with the stitch marker), remove the marker, insert your hook, and complete the final stitch with a single crochet to secure it.
Work slowly when removing loops from the ruler. Keep them organized as you lift them off — twisted or crossed loops will show in the finished column. If loops keep sliding off accidentally before you reach them, add a second stitch marker at the far end until you are comfortable with the process.
Continuing the Pattern
- Chain 6.
- Turn your work.
- Begin pulling up loops again as in Row 1.
- Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until the piece reaches your desired length.
As additional repeats accumulate, vertical columns of lace become visible in the fabric. The loop row creates the height and openness; the closing row locks each column into position. The fabric develops a flowing, structured appearance that improves with every repeat.
Tips
- Loop height is the single most important variable. Every loop in a given row needs to reach the same height on the ruler. Uneven loops are visible in the finished fabric as irregular columns — some taller, some compressed. If the fabric looks uneven, check loop height before anything else.
- Never pull slip stitches tight. The lace effect depends on the closed loops having room to fan out. Tight slip stitches crush the columns and produce a dense, stiff fabric instead of an open one. If the lace looks compressed, this is almost always the cause. Practice with noticeably relaxed tension until it becomes instinctive.
- Add a border if edges curl. Some yarns — especially those with stretch — will cause the side edges of broomstick lace to roll slightly. A single round of single crochet around the finished piece resolves this cleanly. Work the border after blocking for best results.
FAQ
1. Can I use a substitute if I do not have a large knitting needle or ruler? Yes. Any rigid, smooth object approximately 1 inch thick will work — a wooden dowel, a thick marker, a length of PVC pipe, or a piece of firm cardboard cut to size. What matters is that it is rigid enough not to bend under the loops and smooth enough to let the loops slide off cleanly when you begin Row 2. Avoid anything with texture or grip.
2. Why do my loops keep sliding off the ruler before I reach them? The most reliable fix is a stitch marker placed at the first loop, as the pattern specifies, plus a second one at the far end of the ruler. Some makers also hold the ruler firmly with their non-dominant hand while pulling up loops with the other. A slightly thicker ruler can also help — loops sit more securely on a wider surface.
3. My finished fabric looks dense rather than open and lacy. What went wrong? Two causes are common: slip stitches pulled too tight in Row 2, or a template that is too thin. Tight slip stitches close the columns; a thin template produces short loops that compress when gathered. Try Row 2 again with deliberately loose tension, and consider switching to a thicker ruler or needle for the next swatch.
4. Is this pattern suitable for complete beginners? It is accessible to anyone who knows how to chain and slip stitch, with one caveat: the physical handling of the ruler and loops feels unfamiliar at first. Plan for a short learning curve on the first row or two while your hands find the rhythm. Most makers are comfortable with the technique by the third repeat.
