Oestra

Oestra Knitted Lace Shawl by MMario

What is Being Made

Oestra is a downloadable knitting pattern for a lace shawl inspired by Celtic knot work. The design features four arms of Celtic knot work forming a square cross motif on a background of simple lace. This is a top-down circular construction shawl that begins from a small cast-on and expands outward through strategic increases, creating a geometric and symmetrical finished piece.

Construction and Design Technique

The shawl is worked in the round using a chart-based approach, beginning with a cast-on of 8 stitches. The pattern commences on Round 2 and employs a systematic repeating structure where each row of the chart is worked 4 times per round. Uncharted rows are worked in stockinette stitch (knit plain) to create negative space and allow the lace motifs to stand out against a simple background.

The shawl increases by one stitch every 12 rows (equivalent to 6 pattern rows), which is a gradual increase rate typical of lace shawl construction. This gentle expansion allows the lace pattern to develop organically while maintaining the shawl's structural integrity. The pattern includes two distinct charts: the primary knot work chart and a secondary Chart Two, which is worked after any extensions. Rounds 48 through 87 repeat as Rounds 108 through 147, demonstrating the use of pattern repetition to achieve the desired dimensions.

The shawl is completed through Round 172, at which point knitters may bind off or add an edge treatment of their choice, allowing for customization of the finished edge.

Stitches Used

Oestra employs fundamental lace knitting stitches to create its openwork patterns:

• Yarn Over (O) — creates the eyelets and openings characteristic of lace fabric
• Knit Two Together (/) — a right-leaning decrease used to balance yarn overs and shape the lace motifs
• Slip, Knit, Pass Slipped Stitch Over (skp) (\) — a left-leaning decrease that provides directional shaping within the Celtic knot design
• Knit Front and Back in Same Stitch (v) — an increase stitch that adds stitches while maintaining texture
• Double Decrease (A) — a centered decrease that removes two stitches at once, useful for creating sharper geometric lines in the knot work
• Stockinette Stitch (knit plain) — worked on uncharted rows to provide a smooth background that allows the lace stitches to stand out

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The pattern recommends fingering or DK weight yarn, which is appropriate for lace knitting as these lighter weights allow the delicate stitch definition to be clearly visible in the finished fabric. The sample photographed was knit in a Qiviut and merino blend, a luxury fiber combination known for its softness, warmth, and excellent drape — qualities that enhance the flowing nature of a lace shawl.

Suggested needle size is 4.5 mm, which pairs well with fingering and DK weight yarns to create the proper fabric density for lace work. Circular needles are required for working this pattern in the round.

Pattern Details and Features

The stitch key provided in the pattern uses a visual symbol system common to charted knitting patterns, allowing knitters to follow the Celtic knot motif precisely. The chart includes color-coded backgrounds: a yellow background indicates the horizontal repeat section that increases by one stitch every 12 rows, while a blue background marks the 20-row by 27-stitch repeat for the knot work itself, which can be extended as needed to achieve desired shawl dimensions.

This pattern is authored by designer MMario and is presented as a downloadable PDF, making it accessible for immediate use by knitters worldwide. The design was created in 2009 and represents an independent designer's interpretation of traditional Celtic geometric motifs translated into contemporary lace knitting.