Lace Shawl #1

An easy knitting pattern for a simple triangular lace shawl – including step-by-step written instructions

Knitted lace is the most amazing thing. It’s fun to knit and beautiful to wear. But most lace shawl knitting patterns are typically also quite difficult and inaccessible for beginners. And with this design, I tried to create a simple, yet beautiful shawl pattern that any intermediate knitter will be able to finish with a little bit of patience.

my new lace shawl pattern laying on a table with the tassels hanging down

The detailed pdf comes with 18 pages full of step-by-step written instructions, and many pictures and schematics. There is a high-resolution chart, for those who prefer that, but reading it is entirely not needed to finish this pattern.

Or get it on Ravelry

me spreading out the lace shawl to the max so you can see the full motif

Originally I came up with this design because I had some precious vicuna yarn and I wanted to knit a shawl with it. Given the extravagant price point, lace was the only option I saw. However, I think that most lace patterns are a little bit too flowery, frilly, or delicate (for my personal style). So, I started swatching and liked the swatch so much that I just continued.

I wanted something simple that looks nice and makes sense when worn. Add too many details and too many colors to a shawl and it can often become a little bit too busy when you wrap it around your neck. Plus, it’s often nothing you would want to wear on your morning commute either.

me wearing my new knitted lace shawl wrapped aruond the neck

This lace shawl, on the other hand, comes with a perfectly symmetrical design. And I do feel this looks particularly enchanting when worn, with each tip repeating the exact same open lace designs. And because the construction is very basic, even a beginner will instantly be able to make sense of the repeat and read their knitting.

me wearing the lace shawl wrapped around my shoulders with the tassels hanging down

Now, you will have to know how to read a pattern. It also takes more than just one hour to knit a shawl of that size. At the same time, I uploaded a very detailed video knit-along to my Patreon account in case you want me to take you by the hand and you want to see exactly how I knit this shawl.

Materials you need to knit this lace shawl

all the materials you need to knit this lace shawl spread out on a table

Note: I earn a small commission for purchases made through links in this article.

Absolutely feel free to pick a heavier yarn weight. This lace shawl definitely can be knitted with fingering weight/sock yarn as well and it will look just as beautiful.

Size & Gauge

me wearing my lace shawl very casually

My finished shawl is around 160 cm x 80 cm (63 x 31.5 in) after blocking. But you can easily adjust the size according to your preferences. The gauge for a blocked 5 x 5 cm (2 x 2 in) swatch in stockinette stitch is: 11.5 stitches x 19 rows

As long as you don’t knit too tightly, you are free to pick your preferred yarn weight and needle size. You may have to repeat the central motif one more time or stop a bit earlier but the pattern gives you directions on how to do that.

Required knitting techniques

my new lace shawl pattern in yellow yarn draped over a chair

The design is, all things considered, very simple and only relies on a scant few stitches. Lace charts and repeats can get incredibly complicated. This knitting pattern, on the other hand, is built up in a way that the repeat is super easy to remember – even for an advanced beginner. You need to know the following knitting techniques:

So, as you can see, you won’t need a higher degree in lace knitting to finish this shawl. The pattern uses very simple stitches in a smart way to create a well-balanced and very wearable design.

preview of the lace pattern first couple of pages

I think it could be a very lovely and fun challenge for someone who would like to knit their first lace shawl and doesn’t feel all that comfortable around charts yet. Again, there is a super high-resolution chart but you don’t need it at all.

Or buy it on Ravelry

another back view of me wearing the shawl a little bit differently

Anyway, that’s my lace shawl knitting pattern. Don’t hesitate to comment if you have any questions.

the lace shawl knitting pattern preview image

12 thoughts on “Lace Shawl #1”

  1. Norman,
    This is not my first lace shawl, but I certainly would not consider myself an accomplished lace knitter. But I have liked this scarf since I first saw you wear it, and I am looking forward to starting it. Thank you so much for all that you do. Your studio is beautiful. Much luck in your new endeavors.
    Cornelia

    Reply
  2. Hello Norman,
    Happy new year 2023 to you
    I have purchased your Lace Shawl #1 and found a mistake that you might not be aware of.
    Page 15- (graph of left handside) the row 134, column 115, there is a K2tog missing.
    hope this helps. and thank you for your wonderful pattern. Merci beaucoup. Helene

    Reply
  3. Hello,

    I purchased your pattern through ravelry and am trying to work from the chart. However the purchase through ravelry does not seem to include the high resolution chart version. Where is that chart available?

    Thank you!

    Reply
  4. Hello, I paid for Patreon but was not able to get the video to load. I have a question after row 39 where you say to repeat rows 38 & 39 until row 56. how do you accommodate for the stitches you are increasing?

    Reply
    • First of all, let me get one thing straight. My patreon account only excists so I can offer all my tutorials videos for free.
      Secondly, if you don’t reply to my messages, I cannot evaluate the problem and re-upload the video according to your specifications.
      Thirdly, the yarn overs at the beginning and at the end of the row will increase the shawl by two stitches in every second row. Since the repeat for Module 1-3 doesn’t change, the middle portion gets more stithes and you just knit across them (and purl on the wrong side)
      Kindly look at the repeat of row 56+57 where I put those 11 knit stitches in bold.

      Reply
    • Well, it’s a very fine gauge so you probably will get away with a slighly shorter cable. But I would say typically above 30 inches. The longer the better. If you have a 40 or 50″ cable that would probably be perfect.

      Reply

Leave a Comment