Pelham Bay Shawl

Pelham Bay Shawl by Patty Lyons

Project Overview

The Pelham Bay Shawl is an intermediate-level knitting project designed by Patty Lyons. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a beautifully proportioned triangular shawl measuring 22 inches (56cm) in width by 57 inches (145cm) in length, making it a generous accessory suitable for layering or wrapping.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a sophisticated lace shawl featuring a unique drop stitch construction. The designer notes that the stitch pattern is versatile and can be worked in multiples of 30 stitches, allowing crafters to adapt the project to different yarn weights and create anything from a delicate scarf to a larger blanket. For this particular version, the pattern calls for casting on 120 stitches in fingering weight yarn to achieve the finished shawl dimensions.

Techniques and Stitches Used

The Pelham Bay Shawl showcases a totally unique drop stitch pattern as its signature design element. The pattern utilizes the Peacock Lace stitch throughout the main fabric. Construction begins with a long tail cast on method, which provides a sturdy and elastic foundation edge ideal for shawl work. The drop stitch technique creates an open, airy fabric that is characteristic of decorative lace shawls. Video tutorials are included in the PDF via clickable links to guide knitters through the specific stitches, making this intermediate project accessible to those familiar with basic knitting techniques but expanding their lace skills.

Materials Required

• Yarn: Willow Yarns Quest in color 0015 Purple Martin; 4 balls total. This yarn is composed of 50% superwash merino wool, 25% nylon, and 25% rayon from bamboo, offering a blend of durability, softness, and sheen. Each ball contains 100 grams and yields 462 yards (420 meters), providing approximately 1,848 yards of working yarn for the complete project.
• Needles: US Size 5 (3.75mm) needles or the size needed to obtain proper gauge
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and finishing

Gauge and Finishing Details

The pattern specifies a gauge of 22 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches (10cm) when worked in the Peacock Lace stitch. Patty Lyons emphasizes the importance of gauge checking with the reminder "TO SAVE TIME, TAKE TIME TO CHECK GAUGE," underscoring that accurate gauge is essential for achieving the intended finished dimensions and fabric drape. A tapestry needle is used for the final finishing steps, including weaving in yarn ends for a polished appearance.

Pattern Format and Designer Support

This is a downloadable PDF pattern that includes interactive elements for digital devices. The pattern features clickable red links accessible from computers, phones, and tablets that connect to video tutorials demonstrating the specific stitches used throughout the project. The designer, Patty Lyons, maintains a Ravelry group dedicated to this pattern where knitters can share their progress and connect with others working on the Pelham Bay Shawl.