Alva

Alva Lace Shawl by Karie Westermann

What Is Being Made

Alva is a one-ball triangular shawl pattern designed as an accessible entry point into lace knitting. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a finished shawl from a single ball of yarn, making it an efficient and beginner-friendly project for knitters new to lace techniques.

Craft and Construction Method

This is a knitting project worked in the triangular shawl construction method. The shawl is created by casting on a small number of stitches and then increasing strategically along both edges and on either side of a centre stitch. This unique construction automatically forms two small triangles that combine to create one large triangle—a technique that may initially seem unconventional to knitters unfamiliar with triangular shawl architecture.

A critical aspect of successfully completing Alva is maintaining straight edge stitches and centre stitches throughout the project. The pattern recommends using stitch markers to clearly identify and track these important structural elements.

Stitches and Techniques Used

Alva employs fundamental lace knitting stitches and techniques suitable for intermediate-level knitters and absolute lace novices:

• Knit (k): Basic knit stitch
• Purl (p): Basic purl stitch
• Yarn over (YO): Creates the characteristic eyelets and lacy openwork typical of lace patterns
• Knit two together (k2tog): A decrease stitch that pairs with yarn overs for balanced lace construction
• Cast on (CO): Initial stitch setup
• Bind off (BO): Final edge finishing

The pattern utilizes standard knitting abbreviations and references both right side (RS) and wrong side (WS) rows, indicating a structured approach to lace pattern placement.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

Alva is designed as a one-ball project with flexible yarn options:

• Primary yarn option: One 50g ball of Rowan Kidsilk Stripe (shade no. 200, "Twillight" pictured)
• Alternative yarn option: Two balls of Rowan Kidsilk Haze may be substituted for the single ball of Rowan Kidsilk Stripe
• Needles: 5mm needles (UK size 6)
• Notions: Safety pins or other stitch markers for tracking edge and centre stitches

The specified yarn weight is lace, a delicate and lightweight category that creates the open, airy drape characteristic of lace shawlettes. Both yarn options are premium luxury fibres from Rowan, known for their softness and elegant drape.

Difficulty Level

Alva is rated as an intermediate difficulty pattern. Despite being explicitly described as perfect for absolute lace novices, the intermediate classification reflects the introduction of lace techniques and the triangular shawl construction method, which may be new territory for knitters transitioning from basic projects. The pattern's careful construction notes and emphasis on maintaining key stitches provide essential guidance for knitters encountering these techniques for the first time.