Lichen mists

Lichen Mists Knitted Shawl by Ruth Garcia-Alcantud

What Is Being Made

Lichen Mists is an advanced knitting pattern for a triangular shawl designed by independent designer Ruth Garcia-Alcantud. This downloadable PDF pattern offers two finished size options: a smaller shawl measuring 47 inches (120 cm) wide by 26 inches (66 cm) deep, and a larger version at 72 inches (180 cm) wide by 39 inches (100 cm) deep. The shawl is suitable for experienced knitters seeking a sophisticated lace project with elegant drape and visual depth.

Techniques and Stitches Used

The Lichen Mists shawl features the Frosty Pattern as its primary stitch work. This lace pattern creates the distinctive visual texture that defines the shawl's aesthetic. The pattern employs standard knitting abbreviations including bind-off techniques worked purlwise for finished edges. Knitters will use markers to track pattern repeats and shaping increases throughout the construction. The shawl is worked from the top down or in a similar construction method typical of triangular lace shawls, requiring careful attention to stitch counts and pattern alignment across multiple rows.

The advanced difficulty level reflects the complexity of executing lace stitches consistently while maintaining proper tension and gauge. Knitters must be comfortable reading stitch patterns, managing multiple stitches on needles, and blocking finished lace to achieve the intended finished dimensions.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern accommodates two yarn weight options, each requiring different needle sizes and producing distinct finished characteristics:

• Fingering Weight Version: Uses BabyLongLegs Perfection 4ply, a 100% Mulberry silk yarn offering 460 yards (421 meters) per 100-gram skein. Knit on size 3.75mm (US 5) needles. The blocked gauge for this version is 14 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in the Frosty Pattern.
• Lace Weight Version: Uses The Yarn Yard spinel, a blend of 80% wool and 20% silk providing 875 yards (800 meters) per 100-gram skein. Knit on size 3.5mm (US 4) needles. The blocked gauge for this version is 13 stitches and 20 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in the Frosty Pattern.

Both versions require only one skein of yarn, making this an efficient project for stash busting or trying luxury fibers. Additional notions include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and scissors. Achieving the correct blocked gauge is essential to ensure the finished shawl measures accurately for the chosen size option.

Pattern Notes

This is a downloadable PDF pattern for personal, non-commercial use only. The pattern includes complete abbreviations and instructions for executing all required techniques. Knitters should select their needle size based on the yarn weight they choose and verify their gauge before beginning the project to guarantee proper finished dimensions.