She's Like the Swallow

She's Like the Swallow Lace Shawl by Anna Dalvi

Project Overview

She's Like the Swallow is an advanced knitting pattern for a large circular lace shawl designed by Anna Dalvi. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a stunning crescent or circular shawl with intricate lace detailing, finished dimensions of 134 cm (53") in diameter when blocked. The design draws inspiration from the traditional folk song of the same name, combining classic knitting techniques with delicate openwork.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a substantial lace shawl suitable for wrapping and layering. The shawl is worked in the round from the center outward, creating a circular construction that showcases the lace pattern radiating from the center point. With a finished diameter of 134 cm (53"), this is a generous shawl that provides ample coverage and makes a striking statement piece.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The shawl is constructed using circular knitting methods, beginning with a small center using an invisible loop cast-on (or alternative circular cast-on method). The pattern is worked in the round, progressing outward through charted lace rounds. This construction method allows for even expansion and creates the characteristic circular shawl shape. The advanced difficulty level indicates that knitters should be comfortable with reading charts, managing increases across multiple rounds, and executing lace techniques with precision.

Stitches and Lace Pattern

The pattern utilizes charted lace stitches that create the decorative openwork characteristic of lace shawls. Knitters will work from a stitch chart for each round, requiring competency in reading knitting charts and understanding how lace patterns develop across multiple rounds. The use of a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round helps maintain pattern accuracy throughout the circular construction. The lace design creates delicate, open sections that showcase the yarn's qualities while maintaining structural integrity.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for 2 skeins of Perfection Sport from No Two Snowflakes, a luxury sport-weight yarn containing 75% merino, 15% silk, and 10% cashmere. Each skein provides 355 yards (325 meters) per 4 ounces, totaling approximately 710 yards of yarn for the finished shawl. The suggested colorway is Roses Fading, though the pattern accommodates similar sport-weight yarns. The silk and cashmere blend provides excellent drape and a luxurious feel essential for lace shawls, while the merino contributes elasticity and warmth.

Tools and Notions

Completion of this project requires 4.5 mm (US 7) needles appropriate for circular knitting, a stitch marker for round tracking, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and finishing. The needle size is selected to create the appropriate gauge with sport-weight yarn, allowing the lace pattern to open properly while maintaining shawl structure.

Skill Level Considerations

Designated as an advanced pattern, She's Like the Swallow is best suited for experienced knitters who are comfortable with lace knitting, chart reading, and managing increases across many stitches. The circular construction and lace pattern require attention to detail and understanding of how openwork develops across rounds. Knitters should have experience with blocking lace to achieve the finished dimensions and open, elegant drape.