Valley Yarns Hazel Shawl Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Hazel Shawl

What is Being Made

The Hazel Shawl is a delicate, triangular lace shawl designed by Kirsten Hipsky. This garment measures approximately 16 inches long from neck down after blocking and is worked as a top-down construction that begins at the neckline and expands outward through strategic increases. The finished shawl features a refined Shetland lace pattern that creates an elegant, flowing drape suitable for layering or wearing as a lightweight accessory.

Techniques Used

This shawl employs top-down construction, a technique where knitting begins at the highest point (the neck) and progresses downward with increases built directly into the stitch pattern. This method allows the shawlette to develop its characteristic triangular shape naturally as stitches multiply. The lace technique is central to the design, with yarn overs and decreases creating openwork patterns throughout. The shawl is worked on circular needles in the round, though the construction flows in a flat, triangular manner.

The edging is worked sideways across the live stitches at the bottom of the shawl, a technique that adds a finished border while maintaining the shawl's elegant silhouette. After knitting is complete, the shawl requires blocking to fully develop its shape and allow the lace pattern to open and spread.

Stitches Used

• Knit (k): The fundamental stitch forming the base fabric
• Yarn over (yo): Creates the openwork characteristic of lace, increasing stitches while forming decorative holes
• Knit 2 together (k2tog): A right-leaning decrease that balances yarn overs and controls shaping
• Slip 1, knit 2 together, pass slipped stitch over (sl1-k2tog-psso): A centered double decrease used in the lace pattern for visual symmetry
• Garter stitch: Knit every row, used as the gauge measurement and foundational texture

The stitch pattern repeats Rows 5 and 6 throughout the main shawl body, with these rows containing the increases and lace motifs that define the design. The pattern is structured so that the lace flows uninterrupted across the entire shawl, creating visual continuity from neck to hem.

Materials

The Hazel Shawl is knitted using Valley Yarns 2/14 Alpaca Silk Hand-dyed, a luxurious blend of 80% alpaca and 20% silk. One skein provides 865 yards at a 4-ounce weight, offering ample yardage for the finished 16-inch shawlette. The yarn is hand-dyed in the color Olive Grove, a sophisticated neutral tone that complements the delicate lace pattern.

Knitting needles are US size 7 (4.50mm) circular needles measuring 32 inches in length, or sized as needed to achieve the specified gauge. The circular needle format accommodates the shawl's construction method while providing comfortable working length. Before blocking, the gauge measures approximately 5 stitches per 1 inch in garter stitch; however, blocking significantly opens the lace and expands the finished dimensions.

Difficulty Level

Rated as advanced beginner, the Hazel Shawl is accessible to knitters with foundational skills while introducing lace techniques and shaping concepts. The pattern requires understanding of yarn overs, decreases, and the relationship between increases and the evolving shawl shape. The top-down construction provides visual feedback as the shawl develops, helping knitters track progress and identify any errors early in the process.