Ooh La Lace Shawlette

Ooh La Lace Shawlette by Michele Bernstein

Project Overview

The Ooh La Lace Shawlette is an advanced beginner knitting project designed by Michele Bernstein, inspired by a lifelong appreciation for French aesthetics and culture. This crescent-shaped shawlette features intricate lace patterning reminiscent of a can-can dancer's frilly petticoat, combined with iconic Eiffel Tower motifs, creating an elegant accessory with sophisticated European charm.

Construction and Techniques

This shawlette employs several advanced knitting techniques to achieve its distinctive silhouette and decorative details. The pattern begins at the lower edge with waves of delicate lace work that form the foundation of the design. The construction continues with a row featuring iconic Eiffel Tower stitch patterns, adding visual interest and thematic detail. The crescent shape is achieved through the strategic use of short rows, a shaping technique that allows the knitter to add depth and dimension without increasing stitch count uniformly. The upper edge is finished with a garter stitch eyelet border, which creates a refined edge treatment featuring small decorative holes characteristic of eyelet lace work.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

• Lace stitches – Wave patterns at the lower edge creating the frilly petticoat effect
• Eiffel Tower motif – Iconic stitch pattern integrated into the design
• Short rows – Used to shape the crescent silhouette
• Garter stitch – Forms the eyelet border at the upper edge
• Stockinette stitch – The primary stitch used for gauge measurement
• Eyelet stitches – Decorative holes in the border finish

Yarn and Materials

The Ooh La Lace Shawlette requires 325 to 410 yards of fingering-weight yarn, depending on which of the two available sizes is being knitted. The pattern provides specific yarn recommendations from two premium suppliers. The large size sample was created using Knitted Wit Shine, a blend of 50% merino and 50% tencel offering 410 yards per 115 grams (4 ounces), shown in the Brown Sugar colorway. The small size sample features Blissful Knits BFL Silk Sock Yarn, composed of 55% Bluefaced Leicester and 45% silk, providing 438 yards per 100 grams (3.5 ounces), displayed in the Platinum colorway. Both yarn choices offer the smooth, lustrous qualities ideal for showcasing lace stitch definition.

Needles and Notions

This project requires two sizes of circular needles to accommodate the different gauges needed for various sections. A US #5 (3.75 mm) 24-inch circular needle is used for the main body of the shawlette, worked at a gauge of 22 stitches over 4 inches in stockinette stitch before blocking. A US #7 (4.5 mm) 24-inch circular needle is used specifically for the cast-on and bind-off edges, allowing for a more relaxed edge treatment. Additional notions include a yarn needle for weaving in ends and 16 to 18 stitch markers (optional), which can assist in tracking pattern repeats and short-row shaping.

Finished Dimensions and Gauge

The shawlette is available in two sizes to accommodate different preferences. Gauge is measured at 22 stitches over 4 inches in stockinette stitch before blocking, which is essential for achieving the correct finished dimensions. Blocking is an important finishing step for lace projects, as it opens up the stitch definition and allows the shawlette to reach its intended measurements.

Skill Level and Difficulty

This pattern is rated as advanced beginner, indicating that while it incorporates sophisticated techniques such as lace work, short-row shaping, and eyelet borders, it remains accessible to knitters who have progressed beyond basic skills. The combination of lace patterning and shaping techniques makes this an excellent project for intermediate knitters looking to expand their technical repertoire and create a refined, wearable accessory.