Working Lace in DK Weight – What to Expect with Silk/Linen Blends

Shaina Scott
Aug 14
2 min read

When we think of lace, most of us picture whisper-light shawls in cobweb or fingering weight yarn. But lace doesn’t have to be delicate to be beautiful—worked in DK weight, it gains a bold, sculptural quality that’s just as stunning, especially when paired with a silk/linen blend like in Queen City Yarn's Coleman DK.

If you’ve never tried lace in this kind of yarn before, here’s what you can expect (and why you might just fall in love with it).

1. Crisp, Defined Stitches

Silk and linen both have a natural sheen and a smooth surface, which means your lace motifs will pop. Even simple yarn overs and decreases take on extra drama when the stitch definition is this sharp. This makes DK lace especially rewarding for patterns with cables or textured panels alongside the lace—everything shows beautifully.

2. A Different Kind of Drape

Silk adds fluidity; linen brings body. Together, they create a fabric that’s soft but not floppy, with a graceful, slightly weighty drape. In lace, this means your finished piece will hang in sweeping lines rather than floating like featherweight lace. It’s perfect for scarves, wraps, and summer tops that you want to skim the body rather than cling.

3. A Relaxed Knitting Pace

Because DK stitches are bigger, the lace repeats grow faster. You can see your progress in a way that’s instantly satisfying—and you’ll be able to memorize the pattern more quickly. This makes it a great option if you love the look of lace but don’t want to commit to the endless rows of a laceweight project.

4. A “Bloom” After Blocking

Silk/linen blends can feel a little stiff on the needles, especially before washing. Don’t worry—blocking transforms them. The lace will open up, the fabric will relax, and the silk’s sheen will deepen. It’s like watching a flower bloom right before your eyes.

5. Built-In Season Versatility

Linen breathes and silk regulates temperature, making this fabric wearable across seasons. You’ll stay cool on warm days but still get a touch of coziness in the evening.

Pro Tips for Success:

Use sharp needles to handle the smooth fibers and get clean decreases.
Swatch and block to see the final drape and size—DK silk/linen can grow after washing.
Don’t skip the wet block—it’s essential for opening the lace and softening the linen.

If you’ve been hesitant to try lace in anything heavier than fingering, a DK silk/linen blend might be the gateway project you’ve been waiting for—fast to knit, dramatic in appearance, and wearable year-round.

🧶 Get a skein of my favorite Coleman DK from Queen City Yarn to try it for yourself ->

🧣 Cast on with the single skein stunner, The Clematis Scarf ->