Knitting Tea and Sympathy' Shawl Pattern

Lion Brand Homespun Tea and Sympathy Shawl Pattern

Project Overview

The Tea and Sympathy Shawl is a knitted wrap designed for easy craftsmanship, making it an ideal project for knitters of all skill levels. This downloadable knitting pattern from Lion Brand (Pattern Number 50538-K) creates a finished shawl measuring 20 inches in back waist length, providing a versatile accessory suitable for layering and warmth.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a lightweight shawl or wrap that drapes elegantly across the shoulders and back. The garment is constructed using a lacy stitch pattern that creates an open, breathable fabric with visual interest and texture. The shawl is worked in a single size and uses a combination of three coordinating yarn colors to build depth and visual appeal in the finished piece.

Techniques Used

The Tea and Sympathy Shawl employs several fundamental knitting techniques suitable for beginners and intermediate knitters. The pattern incorporates increases worked through the make-one method, which adds stitches gradually to shape the garment. The construction begins with a small cast-on of 10 stitches and builds outward, allowing knitters to practice foundational shaping skills. The lacy pattern technique involves strategic yarn wrapping and dropped stitches, creating an openwork effect that is both decorative and structurally sound.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern is a lacy pattern that repeats over four rows. This pattern combines basic knit stitches with yarn-over wrapping techniques and intentional dropped stitches to achieve the characteristic lacy appearance. The pattern also utilizes the M1 (make-one) increase, which is worked by lifting the horizontal thread lying between needles and placing it onto the left needle, then working through the back loop. This increase method creates a neat, nearly invisible shaping technique. The lacy pattern sequence includes:

• Rows 1 and 2: Knit across all stitches
• Row 3: Knit each stitch while wrapping the yarn around the needle an extra time to create elongated stitches
• Row 4: Drop one loop of the wrapped yarn from the previous row to create long dropped stitches, then knit each stitch

Materials and Tools

This pattern requires Lion Brand Homespun yarn in three coordinating colors: Windsor (2 balls for the primary color A), Quartz (1 ball for color B), and Barrington (1 ball for color C). The total yardage across all three colors provides sufficient material for the completed shawl. Knitters will need Lion Brand Knitting Needles in Size 13 (9 mm) for the main fabric construction. A Lion Brand Crochet Hook in Size K-10.5 is also listed in the materials, suggesting finishing techniques or edge work. A set of large-eye blunt needles is recommended for weaving in yarn ends after completion.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 8 stitches and 12 rows measuring 4 inches (10 cm) in the lacy pattern. Achieving correct gauge is essential to ensure the finished shawl matches the intended dimensions and that the yardage provided is sufficient. Knitters should work a gauge swatch before beginning the main project, adjusting needle size as needed—using smaller needles if the swatch is too loose or larger needles if it is too tight.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as Easy, making it accessible to knitters with basic stitch knowledge and experience. The straightforward construction, simple stitch patterns, and clear instructions make it an excellent choice for those developing their knitting skills while creating a beautiful, wearable garment.