Rhombus lace shawl

Rhombus Lace Shawl by SiuluGuru

What Is Being Made

The Rhombus Lace Shawl is an intermediate-level knitted shawl featuring an elegant lace pattern constructed using charted instructions. This downloadable PDF pattern produces a finished shawl measuring 135cm x 65cm (approximately 53 inches x 25.5 inches), making it a generous wrap suitable for layering or draping.

Construction Method

This shawl is knitted using a structured approach that combines different stitch patterns across rows. The construction alternates between garter stitch rows (knitted on both sides) and stockinet stitch rows, creating textural contrast. The shawl is worked from charts that guide the lace pattern placement. The design features strategic yarn overs placed in every second row throughout the middle section, which creates the characteristic openwork and allows the shawl to expand while the edges remain consistent. The pattern requires repeating specific chart sections: charts 2-A and 2-E are repeated across rows 33-44, charts 3-B and 3-D are repeated across rows 45-54, and chart 3-C is worked according to pattern with forward knitting to maintain stable edges while increasing the central lace area.

Stitches and Techniques Used

The Rhombus Lace Shawl employs several fundamental knitting stitches and techniques:

• Garter Stitch: Created by knitting every row, this stitch forms the structural foundation and appears on both sides of the fabric
• Stockinet Stitch: Used on alternating rows to create smooth fabric sections that contrast with garter stitch areas
• Yarn Overs (Yo): Essential for creating the lace pattern and openwork effects; placed strategically every two rows in the shawl's middle section
• Knit Two Together (K2tog): A right-leaning decrease used to shape the lace pattern
• Knit Three Together (K3tog): A more pronounced decrease for creating definition in the lace design
• Slip Slip Knit (Ssk): A left-leaning decrease that pairs with K2tog decreases for balanced shaping
• Slip Slip Slip Knit (Sssk): A triple decrease for more dramatic shaping in the lace pattern
• Slip Stitch (Sl) and Pass Slip Stitch Over (Psso): Techniques used in combination with other stitches for decorative decreasing
• Purl (P): Used selectively within the charted pattern sections

Materials Required

The Rhombus Lace Shawl pattern calls for specific materials to achieve the intended drape and lace definition. The yarn requirement is one skein of Myak Yak Lace yarn, which is composed of 100% baby yak fiber. This single skein provides 50g (1.76 oz) of yarn with 350 meters (380 yards) of yardage, offering the delicate weight necessary for lace knitting. The recommended needle size is 3.5mm (US E/4 or UK 9) as a circular needle, which accommodates the shawl's width and allows for comfortable working of the lace pattern. Additional supplies include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends after completion. Stitch markers are listed as optional but can be helpful for tracking pattern repeats and maintaining accuracy across the charted sections.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to work with lace patterns and chart-based instructions. The combination of garter stitch, stockinet stitch, and lace techniques requires comfort with reading knitting charts and managing yarn overs and decreases in a coordinated manner.