Lyrata

Lyrata Semi-Circular Lace Shawl by Nim Teasdale

What is Being Made

Lyrata is a flowing semi-circular shawl designed by Nim Teasdale, featuring a mesmerising textured lace pattern that expands in rippling waves toward the outer edge. The shawl is named after the fiddle-leaf fig plant, whose flowing lines resemble a lyre. This design offers a relaxing knitting experience by working all lace stitches exclusively on the right side, while the knit and purl stitch pattern is worked on both sides of the fabric.

Knitting Techniques

Lyrata employs traditional lace knitting techniques combined with textured stitch work. The semi-circular construction creates natural expansion as the pattern ripples outward, a characteristic feature of shawl design that allows the lace to develop dimension and movement. The pattern is engineered with flexibility in mind, permitting knitters to customize their finished piece by skipping sections to use less yarn, repeating sections to use more yarn, or extending the final rows if yarn remains after completion.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The shawl incorporates a combination of knit and purl stitches worked across both sides of the fabric, with lace stitch patterns reserved exclusively for right-side rows. This strategic approach reduces complexity and maintains a meditative knitting rhythm by eliminating the need to work intricate lace techniques on wrong-side rows. The textured lace pattern creates the distinctive mesmerising visual effect as it expands toward the shawl's perimeter.

Yarn and Materials

• Yarn Weight: Lace to fingering weight yarn in solid or semi-solid colorways
• Yardage Requirements: Minimum approximately 600m (650 yards) with flexible yardage accommodating up to 900m depending on customization choices
• Pictured Sample: 780m (850 yards) of Vivid Fiber Art Lux yarn
• Needles: 3.25mm (US size 3) needles; gauge and needle size will vary based on yarn weight selection
• Finished Dimensions: The pictured shawl measures 150 x 65cm (60 x 26 inches)

Difficulty Level

Lyrata is classified as an advanced knitting pattern, suitable for experienced knitters comfortable with lace construction and shawl architecture. While the right-side-only lace work keeps the pattern relaxing compared to traditional two-sided lace, the overall design complexity and yardage flexibility require confident pattern reading and stitch management skills.