Malgven

Malgven Circular Lace-Weight Shawl by Lucy Hague

What is Being Made

Malgven is an advanced circular lace-weight shawl featuring a striking Celtic knot design. The shawl is constructed from a single continuous strand that loops infinitely around itself, creating an intricate geometric pattern. The finished shawl measures 44 inches (112 centimeters) in diameter and is completed with a simple lace edging that can be blocked out into decorative points for added visual interest and dimension.

Knitting Techniques and Construction Method

This shawl employs a center-out construction method, meaning the knitter begins at the center of the circular shawl and works outward toward the edges. This approach is characteristic of many circular shawl designs and allows for gradual increases in stitch count as the diameter expands. The center-out technique requires careful stitch marker placement and attention to pattern repeats as the shawl grows in size.

The lace edging finish uses a simple lace pattern that responds beautifully to blocking. Proper blocking technique is essential for this project—the pattern instructions recommend dampening the finished shawl, stretching it out, and pinning it to achieve the characteristic open, airy appearance of lace-weight knitting. The edging can be blocked into points, which creates an elegant scalloped or pointed perimeter.

Stitches and Stitch Details

The shawl is worked primarily in stockinette stitch as the base fabric, with lace stitches incorporated throughout the Celtic knot pattern and the edging. The gauge is 25.5 stitches and 37 rounds over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in stockinette stitch after blocking. Achieving accurate gauge is particularly important for lace-weight projects, as the delicate yarn and intricate stitch patterns require precise tension and blocking to reach the intended finished dimensions.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

• Yarn: 1300 yards (1189 meters) of lace-weight yarn. The sample shown uses Old Maiden Aunt merino silk lace-weight in the colorway "Moody," which is composed of 80% merino wool and 20% silk, providing a luxurious blend of warmth, drape, and sheen appropriate for delicate lace work.
• Needles: 3.25mm/US size 3 circular needles in medium and long lengths for the main body of the shawl. Additionally, 3.25mm/US size 3 double-pointed needles (DPNs) or needles suited to the knitter's preferred method for working small diameters in the round, particularly useful for the center of the shawl where circular needles may be too long.
• Notions: One stitch marker (or up to 12 markers if tracking all pattern repeats), a cable needle for any cable stitches within the Celtic knot design, a darning needle for weaving in yarn ends, and pins or blocking wires for securing the shawl during the blocking process.

Skill Level and Knitter Considerations

Malgven is classified as an advanced knitting project and is best suited for experienced knitters. The combination of lace-weight yarn, intricate Celtic knot patterning, center-out circular construction, and the critical importance of proper blocking to achieve the finished dimensions makes this a challenging undertaking. Knitters should be comfortable reading complex stitch patterns, managing multiple stitch markers, and executing advanced blocking techniques to successfully complete this design.