Tendril

Tendril Laceweight Shawl by Mary-Anne Mace

Project Overview

Tendril is a delicate laceweight shawl designed by Mary-Anne Mace that captures the graceful movement of climbing plants reaching upward. The shawl measures 46 cm (18 inches) deep at the centre and 225 cm (88.6 inches) along the top edge, creating an elegant crescent-shaped accessory. The design features a sophisticated interplay of lace and cable stitches that form a network of twining tendrils crisscrossing across the fabric, with optional beaded embellishments and a beaded picot edge for added elegance.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This intermediate-level knitting project combines multiple stitch techniques to achieve its distinctive aesthetic. The primary construction uses cable stitches that form the structural tendrils, which twist and interweave across the shawl's surface. These cables are complemented by lace stitches that create an open, airy landscape throughout the design. Notably, this shawl incorporates lace stitches on wrong side rows as well, adding complexity and visual interest to both sides of the fabric.

The shawl is completed with a beaded picot edge, a decorative finishing technique that creates small loops along the border. Optional seed bead embellishments can be added throughout the design for additional sparkle and dimension, with approximately 240 size 8 seed beads recommended for full beading.

Materials and Specifications

• Yarn: Dark Harbour Yarn, Little Meryak lace weight yarn (65% superwash merino, 20% silk, 15% yak); approximately 800 metres / 872 yards total
• Needles: 3.75 mm (US 5) circular needles, 100 cm (40 inches) or longer
• Additional Tools: 0.6 mm crochet hook for beading
• Embellishments: Approximately 240 size 8 seed beads (optional)

Yarn Weight and Fiber Content

This project uses a premium lace weight yarn that combines superwash merino, silk, and yak fibers. The merino provides warmth and elasticity, the silk adds lustrous sheen and drape, and the yak contributes softness and breathability. This fiber blend creates a luxurious, delicate fabric ideal for showcasing the intricate cable and lace stitch patterns.

Skill Level

Tendril is rated as an intermediate difficulty project, making it suitable for knitters with established foundational skills. The combination of cable manipulation, lace stitch reading, and the inclusion of lace stitches on wrong side rows requires comfort with pattern following and stitch management, though it remains accessible to experienced beginners ready to expand their technical repertoire.