Diamond sunburst shawl

Diamond Sunburst Shawl by Natalie Servant

What is Being Made

The Diamond Sunburst Shawl is an elegant beaded lace shawl designed to stay securely in place when worn. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a flattering garment that begins at the neck and expands downward through strategic increases, resulting in eight distinct segments separated by beaded diamond motifs. The shawl features both a decorative bottom edge and a finished collar, making it a polished, wearable accessory suitable for various occasions.

Construction Techniques

This shawl employs a top-down construction method, beginning with a provisional cast on at the collar. This technique allows the knitter to later return to the cast-on stitches to work the neck edging. The shawl is knit from neck down, with regular increases throughout the body to create the eight-segment design. A knit-on edging is worked at both the bottom and collar, applied side to side for a professional, finished appearance. This border construction adds structural integrity and visual appeal to the edges.

Stitches and Lace Work

The Diamond Sunburst Shawl features lace knitting every other row, creating an open, airy fabric with visual interest. The lace pattern is provided in both charted and written formats, allowing knitters to follow their preferred method. Glass beads in size 6/0 are strategically incorporated to highlight the diamond design elements throughout the shawl, adding sparkle and dimension to the lace motifs. The beading is integral to the design, emphasizing the geometric diamond shapes that separate the eight segments.

Materials and Gauge

The Diamond Sunburst Shawl requires approximately 700 yards of yarn in a heavy lace or light fingering weight category. The pattern recommends Woolen Rabbit Muireann, a silk and linen blend yarn available in 640-meter (700-yard) skeins per 4-ounce (113-gram) skein. The gauge is 20 stitches and 27 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in stockinette stitch. Knitters will need US 5 (3.75 millimeter) circular needles to work the project. Additional notions include 350 size 6/0 glass beads, a darning needle for bead placement, smooth waste yarn in a similar gauge for the provisional cast on, and a small crochet hook or alternative tool (such as wire or dental floss) to facilitate placing beads during knitting.

Skill Level

Rated as an intermediate project, the Diamond Sunburst Shawl is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are comfortable working with lace patterns, managing increases, and incorporating beads into their knitting. The combination of charted and written instructions supports knitters at this level in successfully completing the project.