Felt&Lace

Felt & Lace Shawl by Bonita

Project Overview

Felt & Lace is a downloadable knitting pattern for a shawl that combines two distinct yarn types to create a unique textile transformation. This design pairs feltable wool with superwash sock yarn, allowing crafters to create an asymmetrical mosaic-patterned shawl that intentionally changes shape and character through the felting process. The finished shawl measures 35 cm x 200 cm (14 inches x 79 inches) when felted, making it a versatile accessory piece suitable for various styling options.

Design Concept & Technique

The creative foundation of this pattern centers on combining two yarns with contrasting properties. Kauni felting wool, a 100% wool fiber, is used to create structural lines that will deliberately felt and shift during washing. These felting wool sections are separated by superwash sock yarn, which resists felting and maintains its original dimensions. This intentional contrast creates an asymmetrical mosaic pattern that evolves through the washing and felting process. The varying color patterns available in superwash sock yarns add visual interest and charm to the finished piece, as the pattern changes shape and texture through felting.

Materials Required

This pattern uses a combination of specialty yarns chosen for their specific felting properties:

• Felting Wool: Kauni, 100% wool, 100 grams (400 meters / 440 yards)
• Superwash Yarn Options (choose one or combine):
  • Regia Canadian Color, 75% wool 25% polyacrylics, 100 grams (420 meters / 460 yards)
  • Hot Socks Rainbow, 75% wool 25% polyacrylics, 100 grams (420 meters / 460 yards)
  • Lang Yarns Jawoll Magic, 75% wool 25% polyacrylics, 100 grams (400 meters / 440 yards)
  • Schoeller Stahl Mexico Color, 75% wool 25% polyacrylics, 100 grams (420 meters / 460 yards)
• Needles: Size 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles

Gauge & Sizing

The pattern requires a gauge of 21 stitches and 26 rows over a 10 x 10 centimeter (3.9 x 3.9 inch) swatch worked in pattern. This gauge measurement is essential for achieving the correct finished dimensions of 35 cm x 200 cm (14 inches x 79 inches) after felting. Crafters should swatch carefully before beginning the project to ensure proper sizing and felting results.

Stitches & Pattern Structure

This shawl uses a mosaic stitch pattern, which is a fundamental colorwork technique that creates geometric designs without the complexity of traditional stranded colorwork. The mosaic pattern is presented as a chart in the pattern instructions. The asymmetrical design is created by the strategic placement of felting wool lines that separate sections of the superwash yarn, allowing the pattern to develop visually through both the knitting and the subsequent felting transformation.

Skill Level & Difficulty

Rated as a basic-level pattern, this shawl is accessible to knitters with foundational skills. The straightforward mosaic stitch technique and chart-based instructions make this project suitable for those seeking to explore felting and color patterning without advanced technical requirements.