Valley Yarns Plainfield Shawl Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Plainfield Shawl

What Is Being Made

The Plainfield Shawl is a lace knit wrap designed by Kirsten Hipsky. This elegant shawl measures approximately 24 inches wide by 60 inches long, making it a generous triangular wrap suitable for draping across the shoulders or wearing as a versatile accessory. The finished piece showcases an open, airy construction characteristic of lace knitting.

Craft and Construction Method

This is a knitting project worked in the seamless, flat construction method. The shawl is created by working flat on circular needles rather than in the round, building the triangular shape through strategic increases and decreases that form the lace pattern. The design progresses through distinct sections: set-up rows that establish the foundation, increasing rows that expand the width, even rows that create the decorative lace detail, decreasing rows that shape the final point, and finishing rows that complete the piece.

Techniques and Stitches Used

The Plainfield Shawl employs lace knitting techniques to create its open, decorative texture. Key stitches and abbreviations include:

• Knit (k): The fundamental stitch forming the base structure
• Yarn over (yo): Creates the characteristic holes and openwork of lace knitting by wrapping yarn around the needle to increase stitches while maintaining an open aesthetic
• Knit 2 together (k2tog): A right-leaning decrease that reduces stitches and works in tandem with yarn overs to create balanced lace
• Knit 3 together (k3tog): A more pronounced decrease used strategically to shape the shawl's point and create visual interest
• Garter stitch: The foundational stitch pattern created by knitting every row, providing structure and stability to the lace elements

The combination of yarn overs and decreases creates the characteristic openwork pattern typical of lace shawls, while the garter stitch base provides durability and prevents excessive stretching.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The pattern calls for 4 skeins of Valley Yarns Berkshire Bulky yarn in color 38 Stone Blue. This yarn is composed of 85% wool and 15% alpaca, offering warmth, softness, and a subtle sheen. Each skein provides 108 yards per 100 grams, allowing for the generous 60-inch length of the finished shawl.

The project uses US size 10 (6.00mm) circular needles measuring 32 inches in length, or the size needed to achieve proper gauge. Circular needles are used for their length and ability to accommodate the increasing stitch count, even though the work is done flat rather than in the round.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 3 stitches and 6 rows equals 1 inch in garter stitch. Achieving this gauge is essential for obtaining the finished measurements of approximately 24 inches wide by 60 inches long. Knitters should swatch and adjust needle size as needed to match this gauge before beginning the project.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as beginner difficulty, making it accessible to newer knitters while still providing the satisfaction of creating a beautiful lace garment. The straightforward stitch abbreviations and repeating row patterns make it manageable for those learning lace techniques.

Finishing

After completing the knitting, the shawl requires minimal finishing. Knitters should sew in all loose ends from yarn joins and color changes. Blocking is optional but recommended to open up the lace pattern and achieve the intended drape and dimensions of the finished piece.