Valley Yarns Rising Sun Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Rising Sun: Lightweight Lacy Knit Shawl

What is Being Made

The Rising Sun is a deep curved shawl designed by Julie Turjoman, measuring 36 inches long by 84 inches wide when finished. This lightweight lacy shawl is specifically crafted as a summer essential, providing just enough warmth for chilly offices and late evening strolls while adding elegance to any outfit. The shawl features a distinctive deep scalloped edge created through gradual bind-offs, making it both a functional and decorative accessory.

Knitting Techniques

The Rising Sun employs several key knitting techniques that make it an intuitive intermediate-level project. The shawl is worked flat in one piece, knitted back and forth in rows rather than in the round. The construction method is particularly elegant: the outermost lace repeat is bound off at each end upon its completion, creating the signature deep scalloped edge without requiring complex shaping. This gradual bind-off approach means knitters systematically reduce stitches as they work, resulting in the curved silhouette.

The pattern uses the Long-Tail cast-on method to begin with 345 stitches, providing a stable foundation for the lace work. Stitch markers are strategically placed between each 10-stitch Leaf Lace pattern repeat to help knitters keep track of their progress and maintain pattern accuracy throughout the project.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern featured in this design is the Leaf Lace pattern, which repeats every 10 stitches and creates the delicate, openwork texture characteristic of summer shawls. The lace pattern is worked over 24 rows, providing visual interest and dimension to the fabric. Edge stitches are maintained in garter stitch (knit every row) to frame the lace and provide stability at the shawl's borders. This combination of lace and garter stitch creates a balanced design where the intricate lace is showcased while the edges remain neat and defined.

Materials: Yarn, Needles, and Notions

The Rising Sun pattern calls for Valley Yarns Westhampton, a premium yarn composed of 100% Pima Cotton. The yarn is described as having a silky smooth hand and comes in a luscious palette of soft colors. For this project, 13 balls of yarn are required, with each ball weighing 50 grams and containing 109 yards. The recommended colorway is 04 - Rose Glow, which complements the delicate lace pattern beautifully.

Knitters will need US size 6 (4.0 mm) circular needles measuring 40 inches long, or the size needed to achieve the specified gauge. The 40-inch length accommodates the wide finished width of 84 inches comfortably. Additional materials include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends after completion.

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 16½ stitches and 26 rows equal 4 inches in the Leaf Lace pattern when blocked. Achieving this gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements. Blocking is an important finishing step for lace shawls, as it opens up the delicate stitches and allows the scalloped edges to display their full beauty.

Skill Level and Project Scope

Rated as an intermediate knitting project, the Rising Sun is suitable for knitters with some experience who are comfortable working with lace patterns and managing multiple stitches. The simple lace pattern repeat and intuitive construction make it an accessible introduction to lace shawlette knitting. The one-size design eliminates the need for sizing decisions, allowing knitters to focus on technique and the meditative rhythm of the work.