Dirty Lace

Dirty Lace Shawl by Truly Myrtle

What is Being Made

Dirty Lace is a versatile knitted shawl designed as a long wrap that transitions seamlessly between casual and elegant styling. This garment works equally well wound around the neck for a cosy pop of colour during cool weather or draped over the shoulders for evening wear. The shawl's adaptable nature makes it suitable for various occasions, from everyday comfort to special events.

Construction Method

Dirty Lace is knitted from end to end on the bias, creating a dynamic garment with inherent movement and drape. This bias construction method contributes to the shawl's elegant flow and ensures it sits beautifully whether worn wrapped or draped. The end-to-end knitting approach allows crafters to work continuously while building the piece's length and width simultaneously.

Stitches and Techniques

The shawl features a distinctive "dirty lace" garter backdrop that creates both gorgeous visual texture and a squishy, comfortable feel. Despite its sophisticated appearance, Dirty Lace relies on easy stitches that make it accessible to knitters of all experience levels. The pattern incorporates only a handful of purl stitches, keeping the stitch vocabulary minimal and the knitting process relaxing and meditative. The design emphasizes garter stitch as the primary structural element, which builds quickly and provides excellent texture.

Colour and Design Features

Dirty Lace showcases gorgeous stripes and a riot of colour that make it a vibrant accessory. The pattern includes a thoughtful rhythm to colour changes that guides crafters through the selection process. To support creative colour planning, the pattern provides a handy "colouring-page" feature, allowing knitters to map out their colour combinations before beginning. This shawl serves as the perfect canvas for combining special yarn skeins, whether mixing unexpected colour combinations or working with multiple shades of a single hue.

Pattern Format and Instructions

The downloadable PDF pattern includes both charted and written instructions, accommodating different learning preferences and reading styles. This dual-format approach ensures that visual learners and those who prefer traditional written directions can both follow along comfortably.

Yarn and Materials

Dirty Lace is worked in 4-ply yarn weight, which creates a fabric with excellent stitch definition while remaining lightweight and drape-friendly. The pattern's flexibility with colour combinations means crafters can select yarns based on personal preference and available stash, making this an excellent project for using up special skeins or creating a cohesive multi-coloured design.

Skill Level

Rated as a beginner-friendly pattern, Dirty Lace proves that accessible knitting projects need not sacrifice beauty or sophistication. The straightforward stitch work and minimal purl requirements make this shawl ideal for knitters developing their fundamental skills while creating a garment they'll genuinely enjoy wearing.