Teardrop Shawl

Cotton & Cloud Teardrop Shawl by Kyoko Nakayoshi

Project Overview

The Teardrop Shawl is a beautifully patterned semi-circular knitted shawl designed by Kyoko Nakayoshi in Spring 2013. This intermediate-level knitting project features a sophisticated design inspired by water droplets, making it an elegant accessory suitable for adding a refined touch to any outfit.

What Is Being Made

This design creates a semi-circular shawl with a finished diameter of 123 centimeters, including the edging. The shawl showcases dainty patterning throughout, with a distinctive horizontal garter lace edging that provides an elegant finishing detail.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Cable cast on method for establishing stitches
• Stockinette stitch as the primary fabric base
• Garter lace edging worked horizontally to frame the shawl
• Lace knitting techniques for the dainty patterning throughout the design
• Blocking to achieve proper finished dimensions and drape

Stitches and Abbreviations

The pattern employs standard knitting abbreviations including K for knit and M1 (make 1 stitch), which involves bringing the tip of the left needle to create new stitches. These fundamental techniques combine to create the intricate lace patterns characteristic of this shawl.

Materials Required

Yarn: Jamieson's of Shetland Ultra in lace weight (50% lambswool, 50% Shetland wool, spun on the Shetland Isles) totaling 4 balls of 25 grams each in the colorway Strawberry Crush (502). This yarn provides 194 meters (212 yards) per 25-gram ball.

Needles and Accessories: One set of 3.25mm (UK 10/US 3) circular needles measuring 80–100 centimeters in length, plus a yarn needle for weaving in ends.

Tension and Gauge

The pattern specifies a tension of 24 stitches and 34 rows to 10 centimeters over stockinette stitch using 3.25mm needles when blocked. Knitters are advised to adjust needle sizes as necessary to obtain the correct tension before beginning the project.

Difficulty Level

This project is rated as intermediate, making it suitable for knitters with some experience in lace knitting and pattern following. The combination of garter lace edging and dainty patterning requires attention to detail and familiarity with lace techniques.