Light as Air

Light as Air Lace Shawl by Lina Knits

Project Overview

Light as Air is an advanced knitting pattern for a lace shawl designed by Pauliina Karru of Lina Knits. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a stunning rectangular shawl measuring 188 cm (74 inches) in length and 51 cm (20 inches) in width. The design combines lace work with striped sections to create a dynamic, visually engaging fabric that knitters find highly engaging and addictive to work.

Design Features and Construction

The shawl features three distinct lace patterns that alternate with solid stripe blocks throughout the piece. This combination of textured lace sections and smooth stripes creates visual interest and rhythm in the finished garment. The interplay between open lace stitches and dense stripe work makes this pattern suitable for experienced knitters seeking a moderately complex project with varied stitch techniques.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This pattern employs advanced lace knitting techniques, utilizing three different lace stitch patterns that are strategically alternated with garter stitch stripe blocks. The lace sections require competency with yarn overs, decreases, and reading lace charts, while the stripe sections provide visual breaks and textural contrast. The combination of these techniques creates a shawl with sophisticated drape and dimension.

Yarn and Materials

Light as Air is worked in heavy lace weight yarn using two contrasting colors. The pattern calls for approximately 880 meters (963 yards) total of heavy lace weight yarn, divided equally between two colors at roughly 440 meters (481 yards) each. The sample was knit using Skein Queen Lustrous BFL Heavy Lace in two colorways: Latte (C1) and Dodo Feathers (C2). This yarn blend contains 55% superwash Bluefaced Leicester and 45% silk, providing both durability and luxurious drape characteristic of lace weight projects.

Needles and Gauge

The pattern requires a 3.5 mm (US 4) circular needle, or the size necessary to achieve the specified gauge. The working gauge is 22 stitches and 28 rows over 10 centimeters (4 inches) in garter stitch after blocking. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished dimensions and ensuring the lace patterns display as intended.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as advanced difficulty, making it appropriate for experienced knitters with solid foundational skills in lace knitting, chart reading, and garment construction. The alternating lace and stripe sections require sustained attention and familiarity with multiple stitch techniques.