Dove Shawl Wrap Knitting Pattern

Dove Shawl in Rowan Kidsilk Haze

What is Being Made

The Dove Shawl is an intermediate-level knitted wrap designed by Martin Storey. This elegant shawl measures 51 cm (20 inches) wide and 213 cm (84 inches) long once blocked, making it a generous accessory suitable for draping across the shoulders or wearing as a lightweight wrap. The elongated rectangular shape and delicate construction make it an ideal project for knitters looking to develop their lace-working skills.

Techniques Used

This shawl employs fundamental lace knitting techniques that create an open, airy fabric. The pattern features yarn overs paired with decreases to form the characteristic holes and texture of lace knitting. The design begins with a garter stitch border, which provides structure and definition to the edges. The main body uses a repeating 20-row lace pattern that shifts and evolves across the rows, creating visual movement and interest throughout the wrap. Blocking is an essential finishing technique for this project, as it opens up the lace pattern and helps the shawl achieve its finished dimensions.

Stitches Used

• Garter Stitch (g st): Used for the initial cast-on rows and final rows, creating a textured, non-curling edge
• Knit Stitch (K): The foundation stitch used throughout the pattern
• Purl Stitch (P): Creates contrast and definition, particularly in the border sections
• Yarn Over (yo): Creates the decorative eyelets and openwork characteristic of lace patterns
• Slip, Slip, Knit (SSK): A left-leaning decrease used to balance the yarn overs and maintain stitch count

Lace Pattern Structure

The 20-row repeat forms the heart of the Dove Shawl design. The pattern begins with 128 cast-on stitches arranged in eight repeating sections separated by purl stitch markers. Each 20-row cycle features a progressive shift in the yarn over placement, moving one stitch to the right with each right-side row. This creates a diagonal movement across the fabric. The pattern alternates between right-side rows (which contain the active lace elements) and wrong-side rows (which are worked in a consistent knit-and-purl sequence to maintain structure). The repeating motif continues until the shawl reaches approximately 212 centimeters in length, at which point the lace pattern is completed and the piece is finished with garter stitch rows before casting off.

Materials

The Dove Shawl is knitted using Rowan Kidsilk Haze, a luxurious yarn composed of mohair and silk. The pattern calls for six 25-gram balls of yarn, with the photographed sample worked in White 612. This yarn choice creates an exceptionally lightweight, drapey fabric ideal for a shawl. The project is worked on 3¼mm (US 3) needles (also listed as size 10 in UK sizing). The recommended tension is 25 stitches and 36 rows to 10 centimeters (4 inches) measured over the lace pattern using the specified needles and yarn.

Finishing

After completing the knitting, the shawl requires careful finishing. The pattern instructions reference pressing techniques described in the pattern information pages. Blocking is particularly important for this lace shawl, as it opens up the yarn overs and allows the full beauty of the lace pattern to emerge. The finished dimensions of 51 cm wide by 213 cm long are achieved through proper blocking and finishing techniques.