Valley Yarns 40th Anniversary Mixed Tide Shawl Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns 40th Anniversary Mixed Tide Shawl

What Is Being Made

The Mixed Tide Shawl is a lacy, elegant wrap designed by Janice Kang as part of Valley Yarns' Guest Designer Series. This finished shawl measures approximately 28 inches wide and 60 inches long, making it a versatile accessory suitable for layering or draping. The design combines delicate lace elements with practical garter stitch sections, creating visual interest and texture throughout the piece.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key techniques that make it engaging for experienced knitters. The shawl is worked flat on straight or circular needles, meaning you knit back and forth in rows rather than in the round. The design features seamless construction, eliminating the need for finishing seams. Lace knitting is central to the pattern, incorporating multiple yarn overs and strategic decreases to create openwork sections that showcase the yarn's shimmer and drape.

The pattern uses a specialized lace cast-on technique that twists new stitches before placing them on the left needle, creating a refined edge. A turning stitch (TS) is employed to manage directional changes within the pattern. The shawl incorporates multiple yarn overs in succession—notated as "3yo" to indicate three consecutive yarn overs—which creates elongated stitches and airy fabric.

Stitches Used

The Mixed Tide Shawl utilizes a focused set of fundamental knitting stitches combined strategically:

• Knit (k) and purl (p) stitches form the foundation
• Yarn overs (yo) create the lace openings and are worked in multiples throughout the pattern
• Decreases including knit 2 together (k2tog), knit 2 together through back loops (k2tog tbl), and knit 3 together (k3tog) balance the yarn overs and shape the lace
• Slip, slip, knit (ssk) decreases provide alternative shaping options
• Make 1 (m1) increases add stitches where needed
• Garter stitch (knit every row) sections provide structural contrast to the lace
• Slip stitches used purlwise with yarn in front (sl1wyif) create clean edges and turning points

Stitch markers are essential to this pattern, with 11 markers used throughout to help track pattern repeats and construction sections.

Materials and Yarn

The Mixed Tide Shawl calls for 1 cone of Valley Yarns Colrain Lace in the color Majestic Blue. This yarn is a premium blend of 50% Merino wool and 50% Tencel, combining the warmth and elasticity of merino with the lustrous, fluid drape of Tencel. The cone contains 8.8 ounces and 1,540 yards of yarn, with the pattern using approximately 700 yards. This fiber composition creates the signature shimmer and elegant drape that defines the finished shawl.

The pattern is worked on US size 6 (4.00mm) needles—either straight or circular needles work equally well since the shawl is knitted flat. The recommended gauge is approximately 18 stitches and 25 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch, though gauge adjustments may be made by selecting a different needle size if needed.

Pattern Overview

This downloadable PDF pattern is formatted for intermediate knitters who are comfortable with lace techniques and reading pattern abbreviations. The design showcases how cleverly arranged, elongated stitches combined with simple garter stitch sections create a sophisticated final piece. The lace cast-on and specialized bind-off techniques add refinement to the edges, while the strategic placement of yarn overs and decreases produces the distinctive Mixed Tide aesthetic.