Victoria

Victoria Triangular Shawl by Rebecca Blair

What Is Being Made

Victoria is a solid triangular scarf designed by independent knitter Rebecca Blair. This elegant shawl features a sophisticated construction that transitions from a dense, structured center to increasingly lacey edges. The finished dimensions are 46 inches by 23 inches after blocking, making it a versatile accessory suitable for layering or draping. The triangular shape and graduated lace pattern create visual interest and movement in the finished piece.

Design Inspiration and Pattern Heritage

Victoria is based on Mrs. Montague's Pattern, a traditional Shetland knitting design with historical significance. According to the pattern notes, Mrs. Montague was renowned for knitting silk stockings that impressed Queen Victoria so thoroughly that no other stockings would suffice for the monarch. The designer imagines that these legendary stockings featured this very pattern, and Victoria represents a modern interpretation of this classic motif. The pattern development emphasizes the decorative decrease lines that form sinuous curves throughout the shawl.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This advanced-level shawl employs strategic decreases to create the triangular shape and distinctive visual lines. The knitting is worked at a slightly tighter gauge than is typical for fingering-weight yarns used in shawlettes, which emphasizes and highlights the sinuous curves formed by the decrease sequences. As the knitter progresses, the lace pattern becomes progressively denser toward the bottom edge, creating a gradual transition from solid stockinette in the upper sections to increasingly open lacework at the lower portions. This graduated approach requires careful attention to stitch placement and pattern repeat management.

Stitches Used

The pattern relies on fundamental knitting stitches combined in strategic ways to achieve its effects:

• Stockinette stitch forms the solid foundation of the upper shawl sections
• Decrease sequences create the directional lines and shaping that define the triangular silhouette and lace patterning
• Lace stitches develop progressively throughout the pattern, becoming denser and more prominent toward the finished edges

Materials and Yarn Specifications

Victoria is designed for 4-ply yarn weight, which provides the appropriate drape and stitch definition for this advanced project. The pattern calls for Abuelita Yarns Baby Merino Lace, a luxurious 100% merino wool yarn available in 420 yards (384 meters) per 100-gram skein. Only one skein is required to complete the shawl, making this an efficient project for using premium yarn. The recommended colorway is 6505 Jasper, though the pattern may be adaptable to other colors in the same yarn line.

Tools and Notions Required

Successful completion of Victoria requires the following equipment:

• US #4 (3.5mm) circular needle, 32 inches or longer to accommodate the increasing stitch count as the shawl expands
• Stitch markers to track pattern repeats and shaping sections
• Darning needle for weaving in yarn ends and finishing
• T-pins for securing the shawl during the blocking process
• Blocking wires (optional) to shape and set the lace pattern and edges

Gauge and Finished Dimensions

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for this pattern. The recommended gauge is 24 stitches and 44 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Working at this gauge with the specified yarn and needle size produces the finished dimensions of 46 inches wide by 23 inches deep after blocking. Proper blocking is important to open up the lace sections and achieve the intended finished measurements and drape.

Difficulty Level

Victoria is rated as an advanced knitting project, appropriate for experienced knitters comfortable with lace patterns, decreases, and pattern management. The gradual transition from stockinette to lace and the emphasis on decrease lines require careful attention to stitch counts and pattern repeats throughout the project.

Designer Support

For technical questions or support regarding the Victoria pattern, knitters may contact designer Rebecca Blair at doilyblog@gmail.com.