Louisa Harding Farfalla Wrap Knitting Pattern

Louisa Harding Farfalla Knitted Shawl

What is Being Made

The Farfalla is a lace knitted shawl designed by Louisa Harding. This triangular wrap features generous dimensions, measuring approximately 134.5 cm (53 inches) at its widest point and 67 cm (26½ inches) at its longest point. The shawl is worked flat using circular knitting needles, making it an accessible project for knitters seeking an elegant, wearable accessory with intricate lace detailing.

Techniques Used

This shawl employs lace knitting as its primary technique, creating an open, delicate fabric throughout. The construction is worked flat, meaning the piece is knitted back and forth in rows rather than in the round, despite the use of circular needles. The lace pattern incorporates strategic increases and decreases that shape the triangular silhouette while simultaneously creating the characteristic openwork design. Stitch markers are essential tools used throughout the pattern to help track pattern repeats and shaping sections.

Stitches Used

The Farfalla pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined to create its lace effect:

• Knit (K) and Purl (P) stitches form the basic fabric structure
• Yarn overs (yo) create the characteristic eyelets and openwork that define lace knitting
• Decreases including SSK (slip, slip, knit) and K2tog (knit two together) balance the yarn overs and control shaping
• Make one (M1) increases add stitches for expansion
• Stocking stitch (stockinette stitch) provides the smooth background between lace motifs

The lace rows feature repeating sequences of decreases and yarn overs worked across multiple stitch markers, creating symmetrical patterning. Early rows establish the foundation with simple increases, while subsequent lace rows introduce increasingly complex stitch combinations that build the open, flowing aesthetic.

Materials and Gauge

The Farfalla is photographed knitted in Louisa Harding Noema yarn, requiring 3 balls of 50g each. The project calls for two sizes of circular knitting needles: a 4 mm (US 6) needle for the initial cast-on and early rows, and a 5 mm (US 8) needle for the majority of the lace pattern work. The recommended tension is 20 stitches by 26 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) measured over stockinette stitch using the 5 mm needle, ensuring proper finished dimensions and drape of the completed shawl.