Tutta Shawl in Viking Nordlys - Downloadable PDF

Tutta Shawl in Viking Nordlys – Knitting Pattern Summary

The Tutta Shawl is a beautifully expansive hand-knitted shawl designed by Gerd Auestad and published by Viking of Norway. Available as a downloadable PDF (pattern reference UK-1927-5), this intermediate-level knitting project produces a generous, lace-patterned shawl that makes an elegant accessory for a wide range of occasions. The finished piece is worked in the striking colourway Multi Royal Blue No. 927, giving it a rich, jewel-toned appearance with the characteristic colour variation that makes Viking Nordlys yarn so distinctive.

Finished Dimensions

The completed Tutta Shawl is a substantial piece, designed to drape generously around the shoulders or be worn in multiple ways:

• Width: approximately 180 cm (70¾ in)
• Height at centre back: approximately 90 cm (35½ in)

These measurements are taken on the finished shawl when lightly stretched, which is standard practice for lace and openwork knitting to allow the pattern to bloom and the stitches to open up fully. The shaping is worked from the top centre point outward, growing steadily through a series of increases until the full wingspan is achieved.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for Viking Nordlys, a premium 4-ply weight yarn with a composition of 75% superwash wool and 25% nylon, sold in 100g skeins. You will need 4 skeins in Multi Royal Blue No. 927 to complete the shawl as shown.

• Yarn: Viking Nordlys, 4-ply weight
• Fibre content: 75% superwash wool, 25% nylon
• Quantity: 4 × 100g skeins
• Colourway used: Multi Royal Blue No. 927
• Recommended needle size: 4 mm

The superwash treatment on the wool means the finished shawl can be machine washed with care, making it a practical as well as beautiful project. The addition of nylon adds durability and a subtle sheen, helping the shawl hold its shape and wear well over time. The multicolour nature of Nordlys yarn means the colour shifts gradually along the skein, creating a self-striping or pooling effect that adds visual interest without requiring any additional colour changes by the knitter.

Needle Requirements

The Tutta Shawl is knitted entirely on 4 mm needles, worked back and forth in rows rather than in the round. This produces a flat, triangular shawl shape. The recommended tension is 21 stitches in pattern over 10 cm (4 in) on 4 mm needles. As with all lace and patterned knitting, achieving the correct tension is essential — knitters are strongly advised to work a tension swatch before beginning the main piece, as variations in tension will directly affect the finished dimensions.

Construction and Shaping

The shawl is constructed using a classic top-down, centre-out triangular shaping method. The knitter casts on just 3 stitches and works back and forth for 2 rows to establish the foundation. From this point, the work grows through regular increases on right-side rows, following a charted lace pattern. This approach means the shawl begins very simply and gradually builds in width and complexity as more stitches are added.

• Cast on: 3 stitches
• Shaping method: Increases worked on right-side rows throughout
• Pattern worked: From chart, with a defined repeat section
• Worked: Back and forth in rows on straight or circular needles

The main body of the shawl is worked following a charted lace diagram that includes a clearly defined repeat section. Knitters continue working the pattern and increasing until the piece — measured l