Fallen petals

Fallen Petals Knitted Shawl by Ruth Garcia-Alcantud

What is Being Made

Fallen Petals is an intermediate-level knitted shawl pattern designed by Ruth Garcia-Alcantud. The pattern offers two distinct construction options: a garter stitch body version and a stockinette stitch body version, allowing knitters to choose their preferred aesthetic and construction method. Both versions feature lace edging that creates an elegant, delicate finish characteristic of modern shawl design.

Finished Dimensions

Stockinette Stitch Body Version: The shawl measures 16 inches in depth with a 35-inch inner circumference and a 92-inch outer circumference when blocked.

Garter Stitch Body Version: This variation is slightly larger, measuring 17 inches in depth with a 32-inch inner circumference and a 116-inch outer circumference when blocked.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for intermediate-level crafters. The construction utilizes both stockinette stitch (knit on right-side rows, purl on wrong-side rows) and garter stitch (knit on every row) for the body, depending on which version is selected. The shawl incorporates lace stitching for the decorative edging, which adds visual interest and creates the characteristic openwork detail.

Key techniques include:

• Central double decrease for shaping and creating design lines
• Purl 2 together (p2tog) decreases for lace construction
• Slip, slip, knit (ssk) decreases for balanced shaping
• Increases to expand the shawl dimensions
• Slip stitches for edge management and pattern transitions
• Stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and design sections

The pattern includes standard abbreviations and notations for repeating sections, making it accessible to intermediate knitters familiar with basic shaping techniques.

Yarn and Materials

The Fallen Petals pattern accommodates two luxurious yarn options, allowing knitters to customize their finished shawl:

Stockinette Stitch Body Option: The Mulberry Dyer BFL/Silk Luxury Yarns in Shreya Queen Silk (55% bluefaced Leicester, 45% silk blend; 400 meters per 50-gram skein). This version requires 2 skeins. The shade shown in the pattern is 004.

Garter Stitch Body Option: A 100% silk lace yarn (500 meters per 100-gram skein) requiring 1 skein. The shade shown is Lac/Logwood.

The combination of bluefaced Leicester and silk creates a yarn with excellent drape and sheen, while the pure silk lace yarn option provides delicate, refined construction. Both yarn choices are premium luxury fibers suitable for heirloom-quality shawlwork.

Needles and Notions

The pattern calls for US Size 4 (3.25 millimeter) circular knitting needles. Circular needles are essential for managing the increasing stitch count as the shawl expands from the center outward or from the cast-on edge.

Blocking gauge: The pattern specifies 26 stitches equals 4 inches (10 centimeters) in stockinette stitch, and 24 stitches equals 4 inches in garter stitch when properly blocked.

Additional notions required include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors, and optional lifeline materials if the knitter chooses to use them for safety during complex lace sections.

Pattern Format

Fallen Petals is available as a downloadable PDF pattern, making it immediately accessible for digital devices and home printing. The pattern includes comprehensive abbreviation guides and standard knitting notation for ease of reference throughout the project.