Valley Yarns Montaine Shawl Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Montaine Shawl

What Is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Montaine Shawl is a luxurious triangular lace shawl designed by Sara Delaney. This decadent cashmere accessory measures 58 inches wide on its longest side and 25 inches long at the point, making it an elegant wrap suitable for layering or draping. The shawl features a rich, mossy green colorway that showcases the natural beauty of premium cashmere fiber.

Construction Method

This shawl is worked sideways using a clever decreasing construction that makes the project progressively faster as you near completion. Rather than working from the center outward or top to bottom, the sideways approach with decreasing stitches creates a satisfying rhythm where each row requires fewer stitches than the last. This design strategy keeps knitters engaged throughout the project while building momentum toward the finish.

Techniques Used

• Lace knitting: The shawl incorporates multiple lace stitch patterns that create openwork sections with visual interest and drape
• Seed stitch: Alternating knit and purl stitches in a checkerboard pattern form undulating bands that contrast with the lace sections
• Yarn overs and decreases: These fundamental lace techniques create the characteristic holes and flowing qualities of the design
• Flat knitting: The shawl is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for the sideways construction method

Stitch Patterns

The Montaine Shawl combines three distinct stitch patterns that work together to create visual rhythm and texture:

• Seed Stitch Bands: Created by alternating knit and purl stitches (K1, P1 repeats), these sections provide a solid, textured foundation and frame the more delicate lace elements
• Hourglass Lace: This pattern works over a multiple of 6 stitches and repeats over 8 rows. It features yarn overs paired with decreases (ssk and k2tog) that create an elegant hourglass or bowtie motif. The pattern includes double yarn overs that add visual interest and openwork to the design
• Waterfall Panel: Worked over 9 to 11 stitches, this pattern expands and contracts as it progresses, creating a cascading effect. It combines knit stitches with yarn overs and paired decreases to form a flowing, waterfall-like appearance

Materials and Tools

The Montaine Shawl is crafted from Valley Yarns Pocumtuck, a luxurious 100% cashmere yarn. The project requires 3 skeins in colorway 011 Moss Green, with each skein containing 50 grams and 165 yards of fiber. Knitters will need US Size 7 (4.50mm) needles or the size required to obtain proper gauge. The recommended gauge is 18 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches when worked in seed stitch, ensuring the finished shawl achieves its intended dimensions and drape.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate difficulty, the Montaine Shawl is suitable for knitters with solid foundational skills. The pattern requires comfort with lace techniques including yarn overs, single and double decreases (ssk and k2tog), and the ability to read and follow multi-row stitch patterns. The combination of seed stitch sections with more complex lace motifs provides manageable challenges while creating a sophisticated finished garment.