Dove Shawl in Rowan Kidsilk Haze - RM006-00018-DEP - Downloadable PDF

Dove Shawl by Martin Storey in Rowan Kidsilk Haze – Pattern Summary

The Dove Shawl is an elegant, elongated knitted shawl designed by Martin Storey and published by Rowan. Released as a downloadable PDF (pattern reference RM006-00018-DEP), this design is rated intermediate in difficulty, making it a rewarding project for knitters who are comfortable with lace techniques and multi-row repeat patterns. The finished shawl is a substantial accessory, measuring 51 cm wide and 213 cm long after blocking and steaming — generous enough to wrap, drape, or style in multiple ways.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a single, long rectangular lace shawl. Its slim, scarf-like proportions make it extremely versatile as a wearable accessory. The design is photographed in White 612, showcasing how the delicate lace pattern catches the light and creates an airy, almost ethereal fabric — perfectly suited to the gossamer quality of the yarn used.

Materials – Yarn and Needles

• Yarn: Rowan Kidsilk Haze, a lace weight yarn sold in 25 g balls. The pattern requires 6 balls. Kidsilk Haze is a celebrated blend of kid mohair and silk, renowned for its incredible halo, softness, and subtle sheen. These properties make it an ideal choice for lace knitting, as the halo softens stitch definition just enough to give the fabric a romantic, cloud-like appearance.
• Needles: 3.25 mm (UK size 10 / US size 3) straight or circular knitting needles. Using a needle size slightly larger than one might expect for a lace weight yarn is typical with Kidsilk Haze, as it allows the lace pattern to open up beautifully and the fabric to drape with ease.

Tension and Gauge

The stated tension is 25 stitches and 36 rows to 10 x 10 cm, measured over the lace pattern using 3.25 mm needles. Achieving the correct tension is particularly important for this shawl, as the finished dimensions — especially the 213 cm length — depend on it. Blocking and steaming are essential finishing steps that open the lace and set the final measurements.

Techniques Used

The Dove Shawl employs a range of classic knitting techniques that are characteristic of traditional lace construction:

• Lace pattern knitting – The body of the shawl is worked in a structured lace repeat, creating an open, decorative fabric with a rhythmic, diagonal movement across the surface.
• Garter stitch border – The shawl begins with 3 rows of garter stitch (knit every row), providing a neat, stable foundation edge that prevents the cast-on from curling.
• Yarn overs (yarnforward/yo) – Used consistently throughout the lace repeat to create the characteristic open eyelets and decorative holes that define lace knitting.
• Twisted decreases (k2tog tbl / 2 M re verschränkt zusammenstricken) – A specific decrease technique where stitches are knitted together through the back loop, producing a neat, angled decrease that pairs with the yarn overs to maintain stitch count and create the directional movement of the lace motif.
• Purl stitches on wrong-side rows – The wrong-side (return) rows are largely worked in purl across the lace section, with garter stitch selvedge stitches maintained at each edge to keep the sides tidy and flat.
• Selvedge stitches – Garter stitch border stitches are maintained on both edges throughout the shawl, giving it a clean, finished appearance without the need for additional edging.
• Blocking and steaming – An essential finishing technique for lace knitting, particularly with mohair-blend yarns. Blocking opens the lace motifs fully and sets the shawl to its final dimensions.

Stitches Used

• Garter stitch