Making the net by hand with a shuttle needle and a gauge involves anchoring the piece, using either a heavy cushion (which Carità (1909) recommends be made of lead but should be replaced by sand or a C clip), a chair or a stirrup around the worker's foot. Having a secure anchor against which to maintain tension, a square net is made starting from one corner and adding a new mesh on each row until the desired size is reached, then by decreasing. The individual meshes are formed on a gauge which helps ensure a uniform size and are created by knotting to a loop in the previous round: square mesh, diagonal mesh, circular, free form. By using a very fine thread and different sizes of gauge one can create a beautiful and delicate lace work.