Kingston Lacy

Kingston Lacy Shawl by Tess Young

What is Being Made

Kingston Lacy is a versatile triangular shawl designed by Tess Young, available in three yarn weight options to suit different preferences and skill levels. This knitted shawl features a reversible lace stitch pattern that creates an elegant all-over design with excellent drape, making it suitable for both everyday wear and special occasions. The shawl is worked from the bottom up and outward, allowing knitters to customize the finished size by continuing to work additional pattern repeats.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The Kingston Lacy shawl employs a bottom-up construction method, where stitches are cast on at the base and the shawl expands outward as you progress upward. This approach gives knitters flexibility in determining the final dimensions of their finished piece. The primary stitch pattern is a reversible lace stitch, previously used as an insert on the designer's Badbury Shawl, which creates visual interest on both sides of the fabric. The simplicity of this lace pattern makes it accessible for beginner-level knitters while still producing sophisticated results. To finish the shawl and stabilize the top edge, an applied garter stitch edging is worked along the top, which also serves to match the other two finished edges of the triangular shape.

Stitches Used

• Reversible lace stitch (all-over pattern)
• Garter stitch (applied edging)

Yarn and Needle Options

Kingston Lacy is designed to work beautifully across multiple yarn weights, with specific recommendations provided for each version:

Laceweight Version

• Yarn: 1 x Old Maiden Aunt Shetland 2ply, 100g, 800 yards (732 meters), Jasper colorway
• Needles: 3.25mm (US 3) for main body; 2.25mm (US 1) for finishing only
• Gauge: 21 stitches x 39 rows

4-Ply/Fingering Version

• Yarn: 1 x Knitting Goddess 4ply British wool and nylon blend, 100g, 437 yards (400 meters), Slate colorway
• Needles: 3.75mm (US 5) for main body; 2.75mm (US 2) for finishing only
• Gauge: 18 stitches x 36 rows

DK Version

• Yarn: 2 x Malabrigo Silky Merino DK, 50g each (100g total), 150 yards per skein (137 meters total), Lavanda colorway
• Needles: 4.5mm (US 7) for main body; 4.5mm (US 3) for finishing only

Difficulty Level

Kingston Lacy is classified as a beginner-friendly shawl pattern. The reversible lace stitch, while creating a visually striking result, is straightforward enough for knitters new to lace work. The pattern's simplicity makes it an excellent introduction to lace knitting techniques and shawl construction, while still producing a sophisticated finished garment.

Pattern Format

This design is available as a downloadable PDF, allowing knitters to access the pattern immediately and work at their own pace.