Knitting Patterns

The Blue Belle Lace Shawl: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Flowing, Ocean-Inspired Wrap

Anonymous • July 30, 2026

Introducing the Blue Belle Lace Shawl

Wrap yourself in the serene beauty of the sea with this elegant lace shawl, featuring delicate wave-like stitches and a soft, drapey fabric. Perfect for adding a touch of coastal charm to any outfit, this pattern is a joy to knit. The Blue Belle Lace Shawl is a free knitting pattern designed for a flowing, ocean-inspired wrap that works beautifully as a statement accessory or a cozy layer. With its simple lace repeat and top-down construction, this pattern is accessible for adventurous beginners while still offering a satisfying project for experienced knitters.

Materials Needed

Yarn

Fingering weight yarn (approx. 400-450 yards), such as a merino-silk blend for a soft drape. Sample uses 'Sea Breeze' in 'Blue Lagoon'.

Needles

US Size 6 (4.0 mm) circular knitting needles (32-inch or longer for the lace section)

Gauge

20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (blocked)

Notions

Stitch markers (at least 2)
Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
Blocking pins and mats (optional but recommended)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Notes

The shawl is knit top-down from the center neck, increasing at the edges and center to form a triangular shape. The lace pattern is a simple 4-row repeat. Use stitch markers to mark the center stitch.

Abbreviations

CO: Cast on
K: Knit
P: Purl
YO: Yarn over
K2tog: Knit two together
SSK: Slip, slip, knit (decrease)
PM: Place marker
SM: Slip marker

Section 1: Garter Tab Cast On

CO 3 stitches.
Knit 6 rows (garter stitch). Do not turn after row 6. Rotate the piece 90 degrees clockwise, pick up and knit 3 stitches along the side edge (one in each garter ridge). Rotate again, pick up and knit 3 stitches from the cast-on edge. You now have 9 stitches on the needle.

Section 2: Increase Setup

Row 1 (RS): K3, YO, K1, YO, PM, K1 (center stitch), PM, YO, K1, YO, K3. (13 stitches)
Row 2 (WS): K3, P to last 3 stitches, K3.
Row 3 (RS): K3, YO, K to marker, YO, SM, K1 (center), SM, YO, K to last 3 stitches, YO, K3. (17 stitches)
Row 4 (WS): K3, P to last 3 stitches, K3.
Repeat Rows 3-4 until you have 41 stitches on the needle (or desired width for the lace section). End with a WS row.

Section 3: Lace Pattern

Row 1 (RS): K3, YO, *K2, YO, SSK, K1, K2tog, YO, K1, YO, SSK, K1, K2tog, YO, K2*; repeat from * to * until 1 stitch before marker, YO, SM, K1 (center), SM, YO; repeat from * to * across the second half, ending with YO, K3.
Row 2 (WS): K3, P to last 3 stitches, K3.
Row 3 (RS): K3, YO, *K1, YO, SSK, K1, K2tog, YO, K3, YO, SSK, K1, K2tog, YO, K1*; repeat from * to * until 1 stitch before marker, YO, SM, K1, SM, YO; repeat from * to * across the second half, ending with YO, K3.
Row 4 (WS): K3, P to last 3 stitches, K3.
Repeat Rows 1-4 until the shawl measures approximately 24 inches from the center neck (or desired length), ending with a WS row. The lace pattern will create a beautiful wave-like texture.

Section 4: Edging

Row 1 (RS): K3, YO, *K2tog, YO*; repeat from * to * until 1 stitch before marker, YO, SM, K1, SM, YO; repeat from * to * across the second half, ending with YO, K3.
Row 2 (WS): K3, P to last 3 stitches, K3.
Repeat Rows 1-2 three more times (8 rows total).

Bind Off

Loosely bind off all stitches (use a larger needle if needed). Weave in ends. Block the shawl to open up the lace pattern and achieve the final dimensions.

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