Tonette Shawl in Viking Nordlys - Downloadable PDF

Tonette Shawl in Viking Nordlys – Knitting Pattern Summary

The Tonette Shawl is an elegant, large-format hand-knitted shawl designed by Gerd Auestad and published by Viking of Norway under pattern reference UK-1927-3. This downloadable PDF pattern produces a beautifully proportioned triangular shawl with impressive finished dimensions of approximately 195 cm (76¾ in) wide and 75 cm (29½ in) from the centre back neck to the lower point, making it a generous, wrap-worthy accessory suitable for a wide range of occasions.

What Is Being Made

The finished project is a single large triangular shawl worked flat, back and forth in rows. Its sweeping width and deep centre back length make it ideal as a statement wrap, a cosy shoulder covering, or an elegant evening accessory. The shawl is worked in a single colour — White no. 900 — which allows the textural stitch patterns to take centre stage without the distraction of colour changes.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern is written specifically for Viking Nordlys, a 4-ply weight yarn with a fibre composition of 75% superwash wool and 25% nylon, sold in 100g skeins. The superwash treatment means the finished shawl can be machine washed with care, while the nylon content adds durability and a subtle sheen to the fabric. The pattern calls for 5 skeins of White no. 900, giving knitters a clear and precise shopping guide.

• Yarn: Viking Nordlys, 75% superwash wool / 25% nylon, 100g skeins
• Colour used: White no. 900 — 5 skeins
• Needle size: 3.5 mm straight or circular needles (for working flat)
• Tension/Gauge: 23 stitches in pattern stitch over 10 cm (4 in) on 3.5 mm needles

Achieving the correct tension is especially important for this shawl given its large size — even a small deviation per stitch will result in a significantly different finished width and depth. Knitters are encouraged to swatch carefully before casting on.

Construction Method

The Tonette Shawl is constructed using a straightforward flat, back-and-forth shaping method. The knitter casts on just 5 stitches and works in stocking stitch, increasing 1 stitch at the end of every right-side (second) row until the piece reaches 70 cm (27½ in). This gradual increase builds the triangular shape organically from the top centre point downward.

Once the increase section is complete, the knitter works a short straight section of approximately 3 cm (1¼ in) without any shaping, before beginning the decrease phase, where 1 stitch is removed at the end of every right-side row until the shawl tapers back to its conclusion. This classic triangular construction is intuitive and satisfying to work, making the shaping easy to track even for those newer to shawl knitting.

Stitches and Techniques Used

The pattern incorporates a combination of stitch patterns that create visual texture and interest across the shawl's surface. Two charted stitch diagrams — Diagram A and Diagram B — are provided within the PDF, each featuring repeated stitch motifs worked across defined repeat sections.

• Stocking stitch (stockinette): Used as the foundation fabric and during the shaping sections, creating a smooth, classic knitted surface
• Lace or eyelet motifs (Diagram A): Featuring yarn-over increases (shown as o symbols on the chart) combined with corresponding decreases to form open, decorative holes arranged in repeating columns — a hallmark of traditional lace knitting
• Textured stitch motifs (Diagram B): Incorporating purl or slip stitch elements (shown as v symbols) alongside the