Minarets and Lace

Minarets and Lace Knitted Shawl by Mary-Anne Mace

What is Being Made

Minarets and Lace is a top-down crescent-shaped shawl designed by Mary-Anne Mace. This intermediate-level knitting project measures 48 cm (19 inches) deep at the centre and 175 cm (69 inches) wide along the top neck edge. The shawl celebrates traditional Estonian lace knitting techniques, reimagined in a modern crescent silhouette that creates an elegant, wearable accessory.

Design and Stitch Motifs

This shawl is a masterclass in deconstructed and reconstructed Estonian lace stitches. The pattern features multiple traditional motifs stacked and layered throughout the design, creating visual complexity and depth. The stitch elements include:

• Eyelets – small decorative holes that add airiness and texture
• Nupps – characteristic bumpy Estonian stitches that create three-dimensional texture
• Flower motifs – botanical-inspired stitch patterns
• Gathered stitches – stitches that draw fabric together for sculptural effect
• Lily of the valley motif – described as one of the prettiest elements in the design

These motifs are interspersed with gathered stitches throughout the shawl. When stacked together, the combined stitch patterns create unexpected architectural shapes – archways and minarets – that emerge organically from the construction. The shawl culminates in a dramatic nupp-encrusted lace edging that showcases the dimensional quality of the nupps.

Techniques and Knitting Methods

Minarets and Lace employs authentic Estonian lace knitting techniques adapted for a contemporary crescent shape. The pattern uses 7 stitch nupps throughout the design. Nupps are a signature Estonian technique that requires careful execution: each nupp is created by working multiple increases into a single stitch, then decreasing them back down on subsequent rows to create a gathered, bumpy texture. For successful nupps, the pattern notes that knitters must work loosely on right-side rows. The nupp stitch is worked as follows: all into one stitch, knit 1, yarn over, repeated 3 times, then knit 1 once more.

The top-down construction method allows knitters to try on the shawl as it grows and adjust the final size if desired. This intermediate-level project requires proficiency with lace knitting, stitch decreases, and the ability to read and follow complex stitch patterns.

Materials and Yarn

The recommended yarn for Minarets and Lace is Fyberspates Scrumptious Lace, a lace-weight yarn composed of 45% silk and 55% merino wool. This blend provides the perfect balance of drape, sheen, and elasticity needed for Estonian lace knitting. Lace-weight yarn is delicate and thin, allowing the intricate stitch patterns to be showcased beautifully while creating the characteristic transparency and flow of traditional lace shawls. The silk content adds lustrous sheen and smoothness, while the merino provides warmth and resilience.

Ideal For

This pattern is ideal for intermediate knitters with experience in lace knitting who want to explore traditional Estonian techniques in a modern context. The Minarets and Lace shawl makes an excellent project for those seeking to develop advanced lace skills while creating a stunning, architecturally interesting finished garment.