Valley Yarns Bluebird Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Bluebird Knit Lace Shawl

What Is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Bluebird is a luxurious triangular knit shawl designed by Julie Turjoman. This intermediate-level project measures approximately 40 inches by 78 inches when finished, making it an elegant wrap suitable for year-round wear. The shawl combines a soft all-over leaf lace pattern throughout the body with an applied leaf lace border that embellishes the long side, creating a sophisticated and versatile accessory that can dress up any outfit.

Techniques Used

This shawl is constructed using several key knitting techniques that define its elegant character. The project is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for the classic triangular shawl shape to develop naturally. The design employs lace techniques throughout, featuring intricate openwork patterns created through yarn overs and strategic decreases. The shawl uses a seamed construction method, with the applied leaf lace border sewn onto the long edge of the main triangle body. This combination of techniques creates depth and visual interest while maintaining the delicate, airy quality characteristic of lace shawls.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Bluebird features two distinct stitch patterns that work together to create the finished design:

• Leaf Lace Shawl Pattern: An all-over repeating pattern that forms the main body of the triangle. This pattern incorporates fundamental lace stitches including knit (K), purl (P), yarn overs (yo) for creating the openwork eyelets, and various decreases. Decreases include knit 2 together (K2tog), knit 3 together (K3tog), slip-slip-purl (ssp), and slip-knit-pass slipped stitch over (skp) techniques. The pattern also uses knit into front and back (kfb) for increases and purl 2 together (P2tog) for additional shaping. The main pattern repeats over 24 rows, creating a consistent rhythm of lace motifs.
• Leaf Lace Border Pattern: An applied border worked separately and then attached to the long edge of the shawl. This border pattern begins with a multiple of 6 stitches and expands to 14 stitches before returning to 6, creating individual leaf-shaped motifs. The border uses similar lace techniques including yarn overs, knit increases, and decreases to form the distinctive leaf shapes that frame the shawl's edge.

Materials and Gauge

The Bluebird is designed to showcase the luxurious qualities of Valley Yarns Colrain Lace, a blend of 50% Merino Wool and 50% Tencel. One cone of this yarn (8.8 ounces, 1,540 yards) in the Majestic Blue colorway provides sufficient yardage to complete the entire shawl. The project requires two needle sizes: US size 6 (4 mm) needles for the main shawl body and US size 4 (3.5 mm) needles for the leaf lace border. Working with the larger needles over the Leaf Lace Shawl pattern, the gauge is 22 stitches and 28 rows per 4 inches when blocked. The border pattern worked on smaller needles achieves a gauge of 24 stitches and 30 rows per 4 inches when blocked. Additional materials include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and a tapestry needle for seaming the border and weaving in ends.

Yarn Characteristics

The merino wool and Tencel blend used in this project is described as magical for creating luxurious shawls. Merino wool provides warmth, elasticity, and a soft feel against the skin, while Tencel adds a subtle sheen, drape, and breathability to the fabric. This combination makes the finished shawl suitable for layering across seasons, from cool spring evenings to light summer wraps and autumn accessories. The yarn's lace-weight construction (2/10) allows the intricate stitch patterns to display beautifully without excessive bulk.