Dew

Dew Eyelet Lace Shawl by Maria Montzka

What is Being Made

The Dew is an eyelet lace shawl designed by Maria Montzka and published by Stitched in Sweden. This downloadable knitting pattern is available in two sizes: a Small Shawlette and a Large Shawl. The design features delicate eyelet lace work, making it an elegant accessory suitable for various occasions and seasons.

Difficulty Level and Craft

This pattern is rated as beginner difficulty, making it an accessible introduction to lace knitting for those new to the craft. The project uses knitting as the primary technique, allowing knitters to develop fundamental skills while creating a beautiful finished piece.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The Dew incorporates several essential knitting techniques that are characteristic of eyelet lace shawls:

• Stockinette stitch forms the base fabric structure
• Yarn overs (yo) create the distinctive eyelet holes that define the lace pattern
• Decreases including k2tog (knit 2 stitches together) and ssk (slip, slip, knit) are used to balance yarn overs and shape the shawl
• Increases using m1L (make 1 left) and m1R (make 1 right) techniques add stitches strategically throughout the design

These techniques work together to create the characteristic openwork pattern of eyelet lace while maintaining the shawl's structure and drape.

Yarn and Materials

The Dew is designed for fingering weight yarn, which is a thin, delicate yarn weight ideal for creating intricate lace patterns. Yarn requirements vary by size: the Small Shawlette requires approximately 437 yards (400 meters), while the Large Shawl requires approximately 875 yards (800 meters). The sample photographed was worked in The Wool Barn Alpaca sock yarn in Natural gray, demonstrating how the eyelet pattern showcases beautifully in a neutral colorway.

Needles and Gauge

This pattern calls for US 4 (3.5mm) circular needles measuring 40 inches (100cm), or needles necessary to obtain the correct gauge. The recommended gauge is 18 stitches and 34 rows over 4 inches (10cm) in stockinette stitch after strong blocking. However, the pattern notes that gauge is not critical for this shawl, though adjusting tension will affect both the yarn requirement and the finished size of the completed piece. Strong blocking is essential to fully develop the lace pattern and achieve the intended drape.