The Celestial Drift Shawl: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Lacy, Asymmetrical Wrap
The Celestial Drift Shawl: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Lacy, Asymmetrical Wrap
Wrap yourself in the ethereal beauty of the Celestial Drift Shawl, a modern take on the classic lace shawl with an asymmetrical, crescent shape that drapes elegantly. This free knitting pattern uses a delicate yarn-over lace pattern to create a fabric that feels like a soft, starry night sky. The shawl is worked from the top down, starting with a garter tab cast-on, and the lace pattern is a simple repeat of yarn-overs and decreases, creating a beautiful, airy fabric. The asymmetrical shape is achieved by increasing on one side only, resulting in a gentle crescent that drapes beautifully over the shoulders. Whether you choose a deep midnight blue gradient or a soft silver, this shawl will add a touch of celestial magic to any outfit.
Materials Needed
To create your own Celestial Drift Shawl, you will need the following materials:
- Yarn: Fingering weight yarn (approx. 400-500 yards), such as Malabrigo Sock in 'Azul Profundo' or a gradient set from dark blue to silver.
- Needle: US 6 (4.0 mm) circular needle, 32-inch or longer.
- Other: Stitch markers (2), tapestry needle for weaving in ends.
- Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch after blocking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Notes: This shawl is worked from the top down, starting with a garter tab cast-on. The lace pattern is a simple repeat of yarn-overs and decreases, creating a beautiful, airy fabric. The asymmetrical shape is achieved by increasing on one side only.
Abbreviations
- CO: Cast on
- K: Knit
- P: Purl
- YO: Yarn over
- K2tog: Knit two together
- SSK: Slip, slip, knit (slip two stitches knitwise, knit them together through the back loop)
- St(s): Stitch(es)
- RS: Right side
- WS: Wrong side
- pm: Place marker
- sm: Slip marker
Garter Tab Cast-On
CO 3 sts. Knit 6 rows. Turn work 90 degrees and pick up and knit 3 sts along the side edge. Turn work 90 degrees again and pick up and knit 3 sts from the cast-on edge. You now have 9 sts on your needle.
Setup Row (WS)
K3, place marker (pm), P3, pm, K3.
Shawl Body
Row 1 (RS): K3, slip marker (sm), YO, K1, YO, sm, K3. (11 sts)
Row 2 (WS): K3, sm, P to marker, sm, K3.
Row 3 (RS): K3, sm, YO, K to marker, YO, sm, K3. (13 sts)
Row 4 (WS): K3, sm, P to marker, sm, K3.
Begin Lace Pattern
Row 5 (RS): K3, sm, YO, *K2tog, YO; repeat from * to last st before marker, K1, YO, sm, K3. (15 sts)
Row 6 (WS): K3, sm, P to marker, sm, K3.
Row 7 (RS): K3, sm, YO, K to marker, YO, sm, K3. (17 sts)
Row 8 (WS): K3, sm, P to marker, sm, K3.
Row 9 (RS): K3, sm, YO, *SSK, YO; repeat from * to last st before marker, K1, YO, sm, K3. (19 sts)
Row 10 (WS): K3, sm, P to marker, sm, K3.
Row 11 (RS): K3, sm, YO, K to marker, YO, sm, K3. (21 sts)
Row 12 (WS): K3, sm, P to marker, sm, K3.
Repeat Rows 5-12 until shawl measures approximately 24 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a WS row. The number of stitches will increase by 4 every 8 rows.
Edging
Row 1 (RS): K3, sm, *K2tog, YO; repeat from * to last 3 sts before marker, K3, sm, K3.
Row 2 (WS): K3, sm, *P2tog, YO; repeat from * to last 3 sts before marker, P3, sm, K3.
Row 3 (RS): K3, sm, *K2tog, YO; repeat from * to last 3 sts before marker, K3, sm, K3.
Row 4 (WS): Bind off loosely in pattern (knit the knits and purl the purls as they appear).
Finishing
Weave in all ends. Block the shawl gently to open up the lace pattern. Pin the points and edges to shape the crescent. Allow to dry completely.
