Fascia Shawl

Fascia Shawl by Amy Maceyko

What is Being Made

The Fascia Shawl is a sideways lace knit shawl designed by Amy Maceyko. This intermediate-level knitting project features a distinctive construction method worked end to end, allowing crafters to customize the finished size based on available yarn weight. The shawl combines multiple design elements including a prominent lace panel, stockinette sections, and decorative edging to create visual depth and varied texture.

Design Inspiration and Construction Method

Amy Maceyko drew inspiration from a sideways lace design class with Sivia Harding and Japanese stitch dictionaries to develop this pattern. The shawl is worked horizontally from one end to the other, incorporating increases during the first half of the project and decreases for the remainder. This end-to-end construction allows knitters to adjust the final dimensions by monitoring yarn weight as they work, switching from the increase phase to the decrease phase when approximately half the available yarn has been used.

Lace Panels and Stitch Details

The Fascia Shawl features a striking lace panel at its top, complemented by an edge design that repeats columns of faggoting stitches. A panel of stockinette stitch is positioned between these lace elements to showcase the characteristics of hand-painted yarn and create textural contrast. The pattern includes common stitches found in lace knitting, with patterning worked on both sides of the fabric, requiring attention to detail on every row.

Pattern Format and Skill Requirements

The Fascia Shawl pattern is provided in both written instructions and chart format, making it accessible to knitters who prefer either notation style. This intermediate-level project requires familiarity with lace knitting techniques and the ability to work reversible stitch patterns. Knitters should be comfortable reading charts and managing increases and decreases as part of the shaping process.

Yarn and Finishing Options

The shawl can be worked in various yarn types, as demonstrated by the pattern samples. A brighter sample version includes beads to add weight and enhance drape, while a shimmery bamboo yarn version drapes beautifully without beading. The inclusion of a stockinette panel specifically allows hand-painted or variegated yarns to display their color variations effectively, making yarn choice an important design consideration for the finished piece.