Kelly's Lace

Kelly's Lace Crochet Shawl by Julie Blagojevich

Project Overview

Kelly's Lace is an intermediate-level crochet shawl designed by Julie Blagojevich. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a delicate, lace-weight wrap measuring 72 inches in length and 29 inches at its widest point when blocked. The design showcases elegant lace construction techniques suitable for crocheters with foundational skills looking to expand their repertoire.

Yarn and Materials

This project uses Freia Fine Handpaints Flux Lace, a premium lace-weight yarn available in 50-gram balls with 393 meters (430 yards) per ball. The yarn composition is 75% wool and 25% nylon, providing both warmth and durability. The pattern calls for 3 balls of yarn in the Purpleheart colorway. A size F (3.75 mm) crochet hook is used throughout the project, along with a darning needle for weaving in ends.

Crochet Techniques and Stitches

Kelly's Lace employs several fundamental and decorative crochet stitches to create its intricate lace pattern. The primary stitches used include:

• Chain (ch) – the foundation stitch used to create the base and throughout the pattern
• Single crochet (sc) – a short, tight stitch used in clusters and picot edging
• Double crochet (dc) – a medium-height stitch incorporated into the cluster stitch pattern
• Triple crochet (tr) – a tall stitch used both in the body and in decorative bobbles along the edging
• Slip stitch (sl st) – used to join rounds and create seamless transitions

Special Stitch Patterns

The pattern features custom stitch combinations that create visual interest and texture:

• Cluster (Cl) – A composite stitch consisting of a single crochet, chain-1 space, and double crochet all worked into the same stitch or space. Clusters form the primary structural element of the shawl body and are repeated throughout the pattern.
• Picot – A decorative embellishment created by chaining 3 stitches and working a single crochet into the third chain from the hook. Picots are reserved for the edging only, adding a refined, finished appearance to the shawl's perimeter.
• 2-Triple Crochet Bobble (2-tr bobble) – A textured stitch used exclusively in the edging to create dimensional details
• 3-Triple Crochet Bobble (3-tr bobble) – A larger bobble variation also used in the edging for added visual complexity

Pattern Structure and Gauge

The pattern begins with a simple foundation of chain 3, with the first cluster worked into the third chain from the hook. The second row is marked as an increase row, indicating that the shawl grows progressively wider as you work upward. The gauge is established at 9 clusters by 18 rows of clusters equaling 4 inches square before blocking. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished dimensions of 72 inches in length and 29 inches at the widest point after blocking.

Design Characteristics

The lace-weight yarn combined with the cluster stitch pattern creates an open, airy fabric ideal for a shawl. The inclusion of picots and bobbles in the edging elevates the design from simple to sophisticated, making Kelly's Lace suitable for both everyday wear and special occasions. The blend of wool and nylon in the yarn provides elasticity and resilience, helping the shawl maintain its shape and drape after blocking.