Spring Mills

Spring Mills Knitted Shawl by Emily Wood

Garment Overview

Spring Mills is an intermediate-level knitted shawl design by independent designer Emily Wood. This elegant accessory features a cascading lace pattern that creates a sophisticated, flowing silhouette. The shawl is available in two finished sizes: a smaller option measuring 51 inches (129.5 cm) long and 20 inches (51 cm) at its widest point, and a larger version measuring 65 inches (165 cm) long and 25 inches (63.5 cm) at its widest point. The design showcases brilliant gems of airy lace that cascade along the bottom edge, creating visual interest and movement in the finished piece.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This shawl pattern incorporates multiple knitting techniques suitable for intermediate crafters. The construction utilizes both Stockinette Stitch and Lace Pattern stitches to create contrast and visual depth. The lace elements are a primary design feature, contributing to the airy, delicate aesthetic that characterizes this shawl. Knitters will work with circular needles and use stitch markers to maintain pattern accuracy throughout the project.

Gauge Information: The pattern specifies two different gauges depending on the stitch being worked. Stockinette Stitch should measure 24 stitches by 36 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) after blocking, while the Lace Pattern gauge is 22 stitches by 34 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) after blocking. The pattern notes that exact gauge is not critical but will affect both the finished size of the shawl and the total yardage required.

Materials Required

• Yarn: Approximately 500 yards (457 meters) for the smaller size or 650 yards (594 meters) for the larger size of fingering weight yarn. The sample shown was knitted in the larger size using Wonderland Yarns Cheshire Cat in the Fuchsia to Turquoise Shadow colorway (#32), which is 100% superwash merino with 128 yards per 1 ounce.
• Needles: US size 4 / 3.5 mm circular needles, minimum length of 32 inches (80 cm)
• Notions: Stitch marker and yarn needle for weaving in ends

Pattern Details

Spring Mills is designed as a downloadable PDF pattern suitable for knitters with intermediate skill levels. The pattern was supported in part by the Eat.Sleep.Knit. Pattern Academy Design Fellowship. The shawl's construction emphasizes the interplay between solid and openwork sections, with the lace pattern creating an ethereal quality that makes this design suitable for both everyday wear and special occasions. The cascading lace detail along the bottom edge serves as the focal point of the design, drawing the eye downward and creating an elegant drape.