Good, detailed pattern
Good pattern instructions. Very clear and I love the way it lists what stitches you should have after every increase row. There are a lot, so it really helps to keep track of the pattern and where you are.
This is a triangular shaped shawl, worked in one piece, from the top down. Casting on requires using the garter tab cast on method, for which I have provided a tutorial link.
Instructions for this shawl are provided in both written and charted format. The chart is easy to read and ideal for knitters who haven’t followed a chart before.
This shawl is perfect for beginners to shawl knitting and also lace knitting too. The design for this shawl was inspired by my Skoosh! Shawl. After completing Skoosh!, I wanted to design a second shawl that would include a little bit of lace pattern. The thought of knitting lace can be slightly daunting to most new knitters, but this is a very straight forward lace pattern to follow: there are only four rows in this pattern repeat and only one of these four is a lace pattern row.
The Old Shale Shawl is a triangular knitted shawl designed as an accessible introduction to both shawl knitting and lace knitting techniques. The finished shawl measures approximately 70 inches (178 cm) wide and 35 inches (89 cm) long, making it a substantial wrap suitable for layering or draping.
This shawl was inspired by the designer's earlier Skoosh! Shawl pattern. Amanda created the Old Shale Shawl with the specific intention of introducing knitters to lace patterning in a straightforward, confidence-building way. The pattern demonstrates how triangular shawls develop structurally while maintaining simplicity and elegance.
The lace pattern is intentionally simple and beginner-friendly. The pattern repeat consists of only four rows, with just one of these four rows containing the actual lace pattern work. This measured approach helps new lace knitters understand the mechanics of yarn overs and decreases without becoming overwhelmed. The base fabric uses stocking stitch, which provides a smooth, classic foundation that allows the lace details to stand out clearly.
This shawl is constructed as a triangular shawl, a classic top-down construction method that creates the characteristic wedge shape. The triangular construction naturally increases in width as you work downward, eliminating the need for complex shaping instructions.
The pattern specifies a gauge of 12 stitches and 20 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in stocking stitch using 6mm needles after blocking. The designer notes that tension is not essential for this project, making it more forgiving for knitters still developing consistent gauge control.
While labeled as an advanced project, the Old Shale Shawl is specifically designed to be accessible to beginners exploring shawl and lace knitting for the first time. The straightforward pattern repeat and minimal lace rows make it an ideal stepping stone into these techniques.
| Brand: | Independent Designer |
| Yarn Weight: | Aran |
| Pages: | 0 |
| Designer: | Amanda (Shuttermonkey) |
| Craft: | Knitting |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Languages: | English |
| Notes: | You may have to adjust your needle size to achieve the required tension. |
| Number of Patterns: | 1 |
| Skill Level: | Advanced |
Tell us what you think about it.
Good pattern instructions. Very clear and I love the way it lists what stitches you should have after every increase row. There are a lot, so it really helps to keep track of the pattern and where you are.
Pattern easy to follow and looks great after doing it