Shawls & Scarf in Stylecraft Life Changes & Life DK - 9543 - Downloadable PDF

Stylecraft 9543: Shawls and Scarf in Life Changes DK and Life DK – Pattern Summary

Stylecraft pattern 9543 is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern offering three distinct accessories: a Lace Edge Garter Stitch Shawl, a Two Colour Shawl with Lace Edging, and a Zigzag Scarf. All three designs are rated as intermediate difficulty and are worked in double knitting (DK) weight yarn, making this a versatile pattern collection for knitters looking to expand their shawl and scarf repertoire. Each design is one size, and all three showcase the beautiful tonal and variegated qualities of Stylecraft's specialist DK yarn ranges.

Design 1: Lace Edge Garter Stitch Shawl

What Is Being Made

This is a graceful, elongated shawl measuring approximately 37.5 cm wide by 160 cm long (14¾ x 63 inches at its widest point). The shawl is worked in a single colourway and features a decorative lace border running along one edge, contrasting beautifully with the simple, textured body of the piece.

Techniques and Stitches Used

• Garter stitch forms the main body of the shawl, created by knitting every row. This produces a squishy, ridged fabric that lies flat without curling — ideal for shawl construction.
• A lace edging is worked simultaneously with the body, incorporating yarn-over increases (yon, yfwd, yrn) and decreases (k2tog, k3tog, p2tog) to form the decorative open-work border.
• Thumb method cast-on is specified for starting the piece.
• Stitch markers are placed and slipped throughout to separate the lace edging from the garter stitch body.
• Make 1 (m1) increases are used to shape the shawl as it grows.
• The lace pattern is worked over a repeating sequence of rows, building a pointed or scalloped decorative edge characteristic of traditional knitted lace.

Materials

• Yarn: Stylecraft Life Changes DK, 2 x 100g balls in Roses 2701
• Needles: 1 pair of 5 mm (UK 6 / USA 8) knitting needles
• Tension: 17 stitches and 35 rows to 10 cm over garter stitch on 5 mm needles

Design 2: Two Colour Shawl with Lace Edging

What Is Being Made

This shawl is slightly longer and narrower than the first, measuring 35.5 cm wide by 180 cm long (14 x 71 inches). It introduces a second yarn colour as a contrast, adding visual interest and depth to the lace edging. The combination of a variegated main colour with a solid contrast creates a striking, contemporary accessory.

Techniques and Stitches Used

• Like the first shawl, this design features a garter stitch body worked alongside a knitted lace edging, using yarn-overs and paired decreases to form the open-work pattern.
• Two-colour knitting is employed, with the main yarn and contrast yarn used in different sections of the shawl to create colour contrast — particularly effective when using a variegated yarn as the main colour alongside a solid contrast.
• A circular needle is used, likely to accommodate the length and drape of the fabric comfortably, even though the shawl is worked flat.
• Stitch markers are again used to delineate pattern sections throughout construction.

Materials

• Main Yarn: Stylecraft Life Changes DK, 2 x 100g balls in Rivers 2705