Bloom Time

Bloom Time Triangular Shawl by Christal LK Designs

Project Overview

Bloom Time is an intermediate-level triangular shawl pattern designed by Christal LK Designs (Christelle Nihoul). Originally published in Homecoming, a collection curated by Martin's Lab, this downloadable knitting pattern creates an elegant shawlette suitable for knitters with some experience in lace and shaping techniques.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a triangular shawl worked flat from the top down. The triangular construction creates a versatile garment that can be worn as a wrap, shawlette, or decorative accessory. The finished dimensions will vary based on individual gauge and blocking, making it an adaptable project for different preferences.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Dot Stitch: The primary stitch pattern worked flat throughout the shawl, creating texture and visual interest
• Yarn Overs (YO): Used strategically to create lace elements and shaping increases
• Jeny's Surprisingly Stretchy Bind-Off (JSSBO): A specialized bind-off technique applied after blocking to create a flexible, non-restrictive edge that maintains elasticity
• Nupp Stitch: An ornamental lace technique where multiple yarn overs are worked into the same stitch using a crochet hook, then decreased back to a single stitch, creating decorative bobble-like details

Stitches and Stitch Details

The shawl employs a combination of stockinette and textured stitches enhanced by strategic yarn overs. The Nupp stitch technique involves slipping stitches onto a crochet hook, knitting one with the crochet hook, and creating yarn overs three times in the same stitch to form raised, dimensional elements. The bind-off uses a specific sequence: make a yarn over at the beginning of the row, knit the first stitch, pass the yarn over over the first stitch, make another yarn over, knit the next stitch, and pass the yarn over over this stitch, continuing this pattern to the end of the row.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for 3 skeins of Aubrey by Martin's Lab, a sport-weight yarn containing 55% Bluefaced Leicester and 45% Silk, with 300 meters per 100 grams. The sample shown is worked in the Pearl colorway. Sport-weight yarn creates a delicate, drapey fabric ideal for shawl construction.

Needles required include a 100 cm (40 inch) circular needle in US size 6 (4mm) for working the main shawl, plus a crochet hook for executing the Nupp stitch elements.

Gauge and Sizing

The working gauge is 20 stitches and 29 rows over 10 cm (4 inches) in Dot Stitch worked flat. While the pattern notes that gauge is not crucial for this project, variations in personal gauge will affect both the finished dimensions and the total yardage required. Blocking is recommended to set the stitches and achieve the intended drape and shape.

Difficulty Level

Classified as intermediate, this pattern is suitable for knitters comfortable with lace techniques, yarn overs, and specialty stitches like Nupps. The triangular construction and use of Jeny's Surprisingly Stretchy Bind-Off require some technical knowledge but are achievable for experienced crafters.