Morvarch

Morvarch Lace-Weight Shawl by Lucy Hague

What is Being Made

Morvarch is an advanced lace-weight shawl designed by Lucy Hague. This rectangular shawl measures 17 inches (43 cm) in width and 55 inches (140 cm) in length, making it a generous wrap suitable for layering or draping. The shawl is constructed using a sophisticated multi-directional approach that combines geometric precision with elegant lace detailing.

Construction Technique

The Morvarch shawl employs an unusually complex construction method that distinguishes it from traditional shawl patterns. The knitting begins at the centre with a square worked outwards in the round, establishing the geometric foundation of the design. This centre-out approach requires careful stitch management and attention to shaping.

Once the centre square is established, the shawl is built in two symmetrical phases. Two opposite edges of the square are filled in using short rows, a technique that creates gradual shaping without casting on or binding off stitches. The body section between these filled edges is worked in stockinette stitch, providing a smooth, refined base that allows the lace details to stand out. This section is finished with lace ribbing, which adds textural interest and helps define the shawl's edges.

The remaining two edges of the original square are then filled in using the same short-row technique, and the final section of the shawl is worked to mirror the first completed side. This symmetrical, methodical approach ensures balanced proportions and a cohesive finished design.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

• Stockinette stitch: Forms the primary fabric of the shawl body, creating a smooth, classic knit surface
• Lace ribbing: Provides decorative edging with openwork details that enhance the delicate aesthetic
• Short rows: Used to fill in the edges of the centre square without traditional increases or decreases, allowing for seamless shaping
• Working in the round: The centre square is worked circularly, requiring the use of double-pointed needles or preferred small-diameter circular needle method

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Morvarch shawl is designed to showcase the qualities of premium lace-weight yarn. The pattern calls for 875 yards (800 metres) of lace-weight yarn, providing ample yardage for the generous finished dimensions.

The sample shown in the pattern uses Yarn Pony Posh Pony Lace, a luxury blend consisting of 70% alpaca, 20% silk, and 10% cashmere, with 874 yards (799 metres) per 100 grams. This fibre composition creates a yarn that is exceptionally soft, breathable, and has a subtle sheen characteristic of silk and alpaca blends. The cashmere content adds warmth and luxury feel to the finished shawl.

Needles and Tools

• 3.25mm (US size 3) circular needles: Medium-length circulars are recommended for working the main body sections
• 3.25mm (US size 3) double-pointed needles (DPNs): Used for working the centre square in the round, or needles for the knitter's preferred method of working small diameters in the round
• 4 stitch markers: Essential for tracking pattern repeats and construction phases
• Cable needle: Required for any cable techniques within the pattern
• Waste yarn: Used for provisional cast-on or stitch holders during construction

Gauge and Blocking

The pattern specifies a gauge of 25.5 stitches and 37 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch after blocking. Achieving accurate gauge is critical for this advanced pattern, as the shawl's final dimensions and drape depend on precise tension.

Blocking is an integral part of finishing the Morvarch shawl. The instructions recommend dampening the gauge swatch, stretching it out, and pinning it to imitate the effects of lace blocking. Once the swatch dries completely, pins are removed and the gauge is measured. This same blocking technique should be applied to the finished shawl to open up the lace ribbing, even out the stockinette sections, and achieve the intended finished measurements and elegant drape.