Twist Collective Chimera PDF

Chimera by Holli Yeoh – Knitted Lace Shawl Pattern (Twist Collective PDF)

Chimera is a stunning square lace shawl designed by Holli Yeoh and published by Twist Collective as a downloadable PDF pattern. Measuring a generous 55 inches × 55 inches (140 cm × 140 cm), this three-quarter square shawl is an ambitious and rewarding project for knitters who love intricate lace combined with beautiful colour gradients.

Construction and Shape

Chimera is worked seamlessly from the centre outward, beginning with a garter tab cast-on. The pattern thoughtfully includes two garter tab options: the Turkish cast-on (the designer's preferred method) and the standard garter tab, giving knitters flexibility depending on their experience and preference.

The shawl grows through a clever system of increases worked at both outer edges and at two centre spine lines, which creates three distinct triangular sections separated by stacked yarnovers. This architectural construction gives Chimera its signature shape and the beautiful radiating lace panels that define its aesthetic. The piece is worked flat, meaning it is knitted back and forth in rows rather than in the round.

Lace Techniques and Stitch Patterns

The lace patterning in Chimera is presented across five charts, each accompanied by full written directions, making the pattern accessible to both chart readers and those who prefer written instructions. The design is divided into two distinct phases:

• Main colour section: One full skein of the main colour yarn is worked in the first stitch pattern, establishing the foundation of the shawl.
• Gradient mini-skein section: Five gradient mini-skeins are then worked in a second stitch pattern, creating a striking colour transition across the outer portion of the shawl.

The use of stripes through the gradient mini-skeins adds a painterly, ombre effect that complements the open lace structure beautifully. The stacked yarnovers at the centre spines are a key technical detail, creating the visual separation between the three triangular panels and adding elegant texture throughout.

An important technique note: all stitches are slipped as if to purl unless otherwise indicated, and slipped stitches at the beginning of rows contribute to the neat, tidy selvedge edges characteristic of well-finished flat lace knitting.

Finishing

Hard blocking is strongly recommended for Chimera. Lace knitting typically requires wet blocking and pinning to open up the stitch pattern fully, and this shawl is no exception — blocking transforms the fabric, allowing the lace motifs to bloom and the overall dimensions to reach their full 55-inch square measurement. The designer notes that blocking is what truly makes this pattern shine.

Suggested Materials

The pattern suggests using Wonderland Yarns Cheshire Cat, a 4-ply (fingering weight) yarn, in the following quantities and colourways:

• 1 skein of Wonderland Yarns Cheshire Cat in #35 Mock Turtle as the main colour (MC) — each skein contains 512 yards / 468 metres per 4 oz / 113 g and is spun from 100% Superwash Merino wool.
• A set of 5 gradient mini-skeins of Wonderland Yarns for the colour-transition section of the shawl.

Superwash Merino is a popular choice for lace shawls because it is soft against the skin, takes dye beautifully for rich colourwork, and responds exceptionally well to wet blocking — all qualities that make it ideal for a project like Chimera. The 4-ply weight creates a delicate, drapey fabric well suited to the open lace construction.

Pattern Format

Chimera by Holli Yeoh is available as a downloadable PDF through Twist Collective. The pattern includes both charted and written instructions for all five lace sections, two cast-on method options, and finishing guidance, making it a comprehensive resource for knitters tackling this beautiful lace shawl project.