Crystal Ball

Crystal Ball Knitted Shawl by Laurie Beardsley

Design Overview

Crystal Ball is an advanced-level knitted shawl inspired by Tommy Shaw's album of the same name. The design captures the musical quality of swirling melodies layered over an underlying rhythm, with a gradual fade toward the completion. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a generous circular shawl measuring 53 inches (135 cm) in diameter, making it a substantial and dramatic finished piece suitable for experienced knitters seeking a complex, rewarding project.

Techniques and Construction

This lace-weight shawl employs advanced knitting techniques that require careful attention and skill. The pattern incorporates beadwork as an integral design element, with approximately 1400 seed beads strategically placed throughout the shawl to enhance its visual complexity and sparkle. Beads are placed using a US 12 crochet hook, a common technique for adding embellishment to lace knitting without interrupting the main knitting process. The shawl is worked in the round using both double-pointed needles (DPNs) and circular needles, requiring knitters to manage multiple stitch markers including one unique marker designated for the end of round.

Stitches and Stitch Work

The gauge is established at 20 stitches and 28 rounds per 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch after blocking. While gauge is noted as not critical to the pattern's success, variations will affect the total yardage required and influence the final size and drape characteristics of the finished shawl. The lace construction relies on the interplay of knit and purl stitches, yarn overs, and decreases typical of advanced lace knitting, creating the intricate patterning that gives the shawl its musical quality.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

Yarn: The pattern requires 1500–1600 yards (1370–1460 m) of lace-weight yarn. The designer recommends any light, drapey lace yarn, with particular emphasis on silk and silk blends for superior drape and sheen. The sample shown was knitted in Lazy Cat Yarn Ethereal in the colorway "Upgraded," which is 100% Mulberry Silk at 875 yards per 100-gram skein, requiring 2 skeins for completion.

Needles and Tools: Knitters will need US 6 (4 mm) double-pointed needles and circular needles for the main knitting. A US 12 crochet hook is required for the bead-placement technique. Additional supplies include 8 stitch markers (with 1 unique marker for end-of-round designation), a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and standard blocking supplies for finishing.

Beads: Approximately 1400 seed beads in size 8/o (weighing approximately 45 grams) are needed for the beadwork embellishment.

Finished Object Characteristics

The completed Crystal Ball shawl is a large, circular piece with a diameter of 53 inches (135 cm). The lace-weight construction combined with silk yarn creates an exceptionally drapey, flowing garment with luminous qualities. The integrated beadwork adds visual interest and catches light beautifully, enhancing the shawl's elegance and the musical inspiration behind its design.