Thelma Shawl in Viking Nordlys - Downloadable PDF

Thelma Shawl in Viking Nordlys – Knitting Pattern Summary

The Thelma Shawl is a beautifully proportioned triangular shawl designed by Gerd Auestad and published by Viking of Norway as pattern number UK-1927-10. When finished, it measures an impressive approximately 180 cm (70¾ in) wide and approximately 87 cm (34¼ in) from the centre back neck to the lower point, making it a generously sized accessory that can be worn as a wrap, draped over the shoulders, or styled in a variety of ways. This downloadable PDF pattern is rated advanced beginner, making it an ideal next step for knitters who are comfortable with basic knit and purl stitches and are ready to explore simple lace-style increases and shaping techniques.

Yarn: Viking Nordlys

The shawl is worked in Viking Nordlys, a 4-ply weight yarn with a fibre composition of 75% superwash wool and 25% nylon, sold in 100g skeins. The pattern calls for 3 skeins in the colourway multi purple/ochre, shade number 956. This self-striping, multicoloured yarn is a hallmark of the Nordlys range, and the combination of purple and ochre tones creates a rich, naturally variegated effect as the shawl grows, meaning no additional colour changes or intarsia work are required — the yarn does the decorative work on its own.

The superwash wool content gives the finished shawl excellent stitch definition, warmth, and softness, while the nylon content adds durability and helps the shawl hold its shape over time and through washing. The superwash treatment means the finished piece can be machine washed with care, a practical advantage for a frequently worn accessory.

Needles and Tension

The recommended needle size is 3.5 mm, worked both flat (back and forth in rows) on a single circular or straight needle. Achieving the correct tension is emphasised in the pattern as essential to a successful result. The stated tension is 24 stitches in stocking stitch over 10 cm (4 in) on 3.5 mm needles. Knitters are encouraged to swatch and adjust needle size as needed before casting on, as an incorrect tension will affect the final dimensions of the shawl significantly.

Construction and Shaping

The Thelma Shawl is constructed from the top centre neck downward, beginning with a modest cast-on of just 9 stitches. This top-down triangular construction is a classic and satisfying method, as the shawl grows visibly with every right-side row and the knitter can easily adjust the finished size by working more or fewer rows before casting off.

The shaping is achieved through a series of yarn-over increases placed symmetrically on every right-side (odd-numbered) row. Specifically, four increases are worked on each right-side row — two on either side of a central marker stitch that runs down the centre back of the shawl, and two at the outer edges. This creates the characteristic triangular silhouette with a defined centre spine and gently angled sides. The result is 4 stitches added per right-side row, building the shawl steadily and rhythmically.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Garter stitch – used at the cast-on edge (2 rows worked back and forth to create the first garter ridge) and maintained at the outer edges throughout
• Stocking stitch (stockinette) – the main body fabric of the shawl, worked by knitting right-side rows and purling wrong-side rows
• Yarn-over (YO) increases – the primary shaping technique, creating decorative eyelet-style increases that form the triangular silhouette
• Centre marker stitch – a single knit stitch maintained at the exact centre of every row, flanked by yarn-overs, creating a clear visual spine down the back of the shawl
• Flat knitting – the entire shawl is worked back and forth in rows rather than in the round

Pattern Structure and Suitability