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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

• Lace yarn in the color and quality of your choice (around 750m/820yds)
• (optional) Scraps of yarn in a nice contrasting color for the tassels.
• Circular knitting needles matching your yarn weight. I used the Knitters Pride Karbonz needles in size 2.50 mm.
• A tapestry needle and scissors
• Stitch markers
• blocking mats and pins for blocking

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

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

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:

• K = knit
• P = purl
• K2tog = knit two together
• SSK = slip, slip, knit
• M1R = make one right
• M1L = make one left
• YO = yarn over
• PTBL = purl through back loop (optional)
• Sl1 = slip one

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.

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

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