Beth

Beth Lace Shawl by Sharon Mooney

What Is Being Made

Beth is an intermediate-level knitted shawl designed by Sharon Mooney. This triangular shawl measures 66 inches (167.6 cm) along the bottom edge, 42 inches (106.7 cm) along the top edge, with a center depth of 17 inches (43.2 cm) and outer edge depth of 11 inches (27.9 cm) after blocking. The shawl is crafted from lace-weight yarn and incorporates decorative beadwork, making it an elegant accessory suitable for both everyday wear and special occasions.

Yarn and Materials

Beth requires approximately 2 skeins of Knit Picks "Aloft" yarn in color P871. This yarn blend consists of 72% Super Kid Mohair and 28% Silk, providing a luxurious and lightweight construction. Each skein contains 260 yards (237.7 meters) and weighs 0.88 ounces (25 grams). The lace-weight classification makes this yarn ideal for creating delicate, airy fabric with excellent drape.

The pattern also calls for 462 size 6/0 glass beads in Miyuki #862, which are integrated into the shawl design to add sparkle and visual interest. A yarn needle or large embroidery needle is needed for weaving in ends and potentially for bead attachment.

Needles and Tools

The Beth shawl pattern requires multiple needle sizes to accommodate different stages of construction:

• One 32-inch (80 cm) size US 8/5mm circular knitting needle for casting on
• One 32-inch (80 cm) size US 6/4mm circular knitting needle for the main shawl body
• 32 ring stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping
• 2 locking stitch markers for securing stitches
• One size US 13-14/7.5-8.5mm steel crochet hook or Fleegle Beader (smallest size) for bead application

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The Beth shawl is constructed using fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for an intermediate crafter. The pattern uses stockinette stitch (also called stocking stitch) as the primary fabric structure. The gauge is established at 5.5 stitches and 7 rows per 1 inch (2.5 cm) on stockinette stitch using size US 6/4mm knitting needles before blocking.

Circular knitting needles are employed throughout the project, allowing for seamless construction and the ability to work in the round or flat depending on the shawl's architecture. The use of multiple stitch markers indicates that the pattern likely includes repeating pattern sections or increases that require careful tracking.

Beading is a key decorative element in this design. The 462 glass beads are incorporated into the shawl using either a steel crochet hook or a Fleegle Beader tool, which allows crafters to pick up individual beads and slide them onto the working yarn before knitting stitches. This technique creates embedded beadwork that becomes part of the fabric structure.

Blocking is essential for finishing the Beth shawl. The final measurements provided in the pattern are taken after blocking, indicating that the shawl will be wet-blocked to open up the lace pattern, set the beads, and achieve the intended finished dimensions and drape.

Pattern Difficulty and Skill Level

Beth is classified as an intermediate-level knitting pattern. While the basic stitchwork involves stockinette stitch, the integration of beadwork, management of multiple stitch markers, and the shaping required for a triangular shawl make this pattern suitable for knitters with prior experience. Crafters should be comfortable reading knitting abbreviations and following multi-row pattern repeats.