1181 Cedar - Shawl Knitting Pattern for Women in Valley Yarns Whately

1181 Cedar Shawl Knitting Pattern

Project Overview

The 1181 Cedar is an elegant lace shawl designed by Julie Turjoman for Valley Yarns. This intermediate-level knitting pattern creates a versatile wrap measuring 16 inches wide by 70 inches long, making it suitable for wearing as a stole around the shoulders, draping across the neck, or wrapping for warmth on cool days. The finished piece showcases a beautiful lace pattern throughout, combining functionality with sophisticated design for both formal occasions and everyday wear.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern calls for Valley Yarns Whately, a premium blend yarn composed of 68% Baby Alpaca and 32% Organic Pima Cotton. The yarn is worked at a worsted weight with a yardage of 164 yards per 50-gram ball. The pattern requires 6 balls of yarn in the Fog colorway, providing a neutral, natural tone that complements the alpaca-cotton blend. Additional materials include US size 9 (5.5 mm) needles, locking stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, and a tapestry needle for finishing.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The 1181 Cedar employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its elegant appearance. The shawl is worked flat in rows, meaning it is knitted back and forth rather than in the round, creating a traditional rectangular stole shape. The construction is seamless and worked in one piece from the short end, eliminating the need for seaming and ensuring a smooth, continuous fabric. The allover lace pattern is worked from end to end, creating an intricate openwork design that runs the full length of the wrap.

Stitches and Pattern Details

The primary stitch pattern featured in this design is a lace pattern that repeats throughout the entire piece. Lace knitting involves creating deliberate holes and openwork by combining yarn overs with decreases, producing an airy, delicate fabric. The pattern begins with a Long-Tail cast-on method of 77 stitches, which provides an elastic edge suitable for lace work. The gauge is established at 18 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches in the lace pattern when blocked, ensuring proper sizing and drape of the finished shawl.

Skill Level and Finishing

Rated as an intermediate difficulty pattern, the 1181 Cedar is appropriate for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle lace knitting. The intermediate classification reflects the complexity of maintaining the lace pattern repeat while managing shaping and stitch counts across the 70-inch length. Blocking is recommended to fully develop the lace pattern and achieve the finished measurements, a standard finishing technique for lace garments that opens up the delicate stitchwork and ensures even dimensions.