Pelham Bay Shawl in Lion Brand Touch of Merino - L80112 - Downloadable PDF

Pelham Bay Shawl Knitting Pattern – Lion Brand Touch of Merino (L80112)

The Pelham Bay Shawl is a free, beginner-friendly knitting pattern (Skill Level: Easy) designed by Irina Poludnenko and published by Lion Brand Yarn Company. Pattern number L80112, it is available as a downloadable PDF at no cost. The finished shawl measures approximately 20 x 65 inches (51 x 165 cm), making it a generously sized wrap suitable for year-round wear.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a long rectangular shawl worked entirely in one piece, back and forth in rows. The shawl is divided into five distinct blocks, each knitted in a different stitch pattern and a different yarn color, creating a striking striped, textural design. The result is a colorful, multi-textured accessory that showcases a variety of classic knitting techniques within a single, manageable project.

Materials Used

The pattern calls for Lion Brand Touch of Merino (Art. #676), a 3-ply yarn weight that blends softness with durability. Five colors are used, one ball each:

• 133 Amberglow (A)
• 098 Gardenia (B)
• 113 Beet Red (C)
• 150 Oxford Grey (D)
• 153 Black (E)

Additional materials include Lion Brand knitting needles size 4 (3.5 mm), Lion Brand stitch markers, and a Lion Brand large-eyed blunt needle for finishing.

Gauge

The recommended gauge is 21 stitches = approximately 4 inches (10 cm) over Block I. Checking gauge before beginning is strongly advised to ensure the finished shawl matches the intended dimensions.

Construction Technique

The shawl is worked flat, back and forth in rows, as a single piece from one end to the other. Each of the five blocks is worked in a different stitch pattern and transitions to a new yarn color, making color changes straightforward and well-spaced. This construction method means there is no seaming required, which is ideal for knitters who are newer to shawl construction.

Stitches and Techniques Used

A key feature of this pattern is its use of multiple stitch patterns across the five blocks, giving knitters the opportunity to practice a range of techniques within a single project. The pattern also incorporates a consistent side border worked simultaneously with the body of the shawl on every right-side and wrong-side row. The border is created by slipping the first stitch as if to purl and working the following stitches in a specified manner, producing a neat, polished edge throughout.

• Slipped stitch border – worked on both RS and WS rows for a clean selvedge edge
• Multiple block stitch patterns – each of the five blocks features a distinct texture or pattern, providing variety and visual interest
• Stitch marker placement – used to delineate sections and assist with pattern tracking
• Color changes between blocks – one color per block, making color management simple and beginner-accessible

Why This Pattern Is Great for Beginners

Rated as Easy, the Pelham Bay Shawl is an excellent project for knitters who have mastered basic knit and purl stitches and are ready to explore simple stitch patterns and color changes. Because each block is self-contained with its own color and stitch pattern, the project naturally breaks into manageable sections. The integrated border means no separate border pickup is needed at the end. The use of Lion Brand Touch of Merino, a smooth and consistent yarn, makes it easy to see stitches clearly — a significant advantage when learning new stitch patterns.

Pattern Format and Availability

The Pelham Bay Shawl pattern L80112 by Irina Poludnenko for Lion Brand is available as a free downloadable PDF, making it immediately accessible for