Debbie Bliss Lace Edged Shawl Knitting Pattern

Debbie Bliss Lace Edged Shawl

What Is Being Made

The Debbie Bliss Lace Edged Shawl is a triangular wrap designed to provide elegant coverage with sophisticated lace detailing. This shawl measures approximately 170cm (67 inches) wide by 56cm (22 inches) deep, including the decorative border but excluding the final edging. The generous dimensions make it suitable for draping across the shoulders or wearing as a versatile accessory for various occasions.

Construction Method

This shawl is constructed using a two-part approach. The main triangle is worked flat from a small cast-on, increasing progressively at each end of every row until reaching the full width. Once the main triangle is complete, stitches are picked up along both side edges to create the decorative border, which is then worked in rows across the width of the shawl. This construction technique allows for a seamless integration of the lace pattern throughout the piece.

Techniques Used

• Lace knitting: The shawl features intricate lace patterning created through strategic yarn overs and decreases that form openwork designs
• Worked flat: All sections are knitted flat on circular needles rather than in the round, allowing for directional stitch work and precise pattern placement
• Increases and decreases: Yarn forward (yf) and yarn round needle (yrn) techniques create the lace holes, while knit two together (k2tog), slip slip knit (ssk), and knit three together (k3tog) decreases shape the fabric and balance increases
• Stitch pickup: The border is created by picking up live stitches along the edges of the completed main triangle, demonstrating advanced shaping techniques

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch (st st): Used for the initial rows of the main triangle to establish a foundation
• Garter stitch elements: Created through the combination of knit and purl rows in the border sections
• Yarn overs (yf and yrn): Essential for creating the lace pattern and the eyelet details throughout
• Decreases: Knit two together (k2tog), slip slip knit (ssk), and knit three together (k3tog) create the lace motifs and shape the shawl
• Make one increases (m1R and m1L): Used strategically in the border pattern for shaping

Materials

This project requires two 50g balls of Debbie Bliss Rialto Lace yarn in the Iris 38 colorway. The pattern calls for a 5mm (US 8) circular needle measuring 100cm (39 inches) in length for working the main sections, along with a pair of 5mm (US 8) straight knitting needles. A long piece of contrast yarn is also needed to hold stitches temporarily during construction.

Design Details

Designed by Jools Yeo, this lace-edged shawl showcases the delicate qualities of Debbie Bliss Rialto Lace yarn. The pattern combines a geometric triangular base with an elaborate lace border featuring repeating motifs. The strategic placement of yarn overs and decreases creates an openwork design that is both visually striking and structurally sound, with the border adding complexity and dimension to the finished piece.