Delynn

Delynn Lace Shawl by Melanie Berg

What is Being Made

Delynn is an advanced-level lace shawl designed by Melanie Berg. This knitted shawl is constructed tip to tip in a single piece, featuring a distinctive triangular or crescent silhouette that expands to its widest point at the center before tapering back down to its original width at the completion.

Construction Method and Shaping

The shawl employs a three-section construction technique that begins at one tip and progresses through distinct phases:

• Increase Section: The knitter begins at one end and works increases on every right side row, gradually expanding the shawl's width. After each stockinette portion in this section, a single stitch is created using the M1 (make one) increase method.
• Straight Section: Once the shawl reaches its maximum intended width, a straight section is worked where the width remains consistent.
• Decrease Section: The final phase mirrors the increase section in reverse. Decreases are worked on every right side row, with the M1 increase stitch from the increase section being eliminated by knitting two stitches together (k2tog), gradually reducing the shawl back to its original narrow width.

Stitch Pattern and Border Details

The shawl features a structured border system that frames the lace pattern throughout the piece. Each right side row (with the exception of the first row) begins with four border stitches worked as follows: slip one stitch with yarn forward (slwyf), knit one stitch (k1), yarn over (yo), and knit two stitches together (k2tog). The corresponding wrong side rows end with the mirror border sequence: knit one stitch (k1), yarn over (yo), knit two stitches together (k2tog), and knit one stitch (k1). This border construction creates a finished, decorative edge while the interior contains the lace pattern worked in stockinette stitch sections interspersed with the strategic increases and decreases.

Yarn and Materials

Delynn requires one skein of Wollfaktor Mia, a premium yarn composed of 100% Merino wool. The skein provides 656 yards (600 meters) of yardage and weighs 100 grams. This lace-weight yarn is ideal for creating the delicate, open lacework characteristic of tip-to-tip shawl construction. The pattern specifies that approximately 50 centimeters of yarn is used at the center of the shawl.

Needles and Tools

The pattern calls for US 7 (4.5 mm) circular needles. Circular needles are essential for this construction method, as they accommodate the increasing number of stitches during the expansion phase and provide flexibility for managing the shawl's growing width.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as advanced difficulty. Knitters should be comfortable with lace knitting techniques, including yarn overs and decreases, as well as understanding how to read and execute a multi-section construction that requires attention to shaping transitions and border maintenance throughout the piece.