Mermaid Shawl KAL #2: First Lace Pattern

Once your knitting measures 20 inches along the center back seam, it is time to begin the lace pattern.You can adjust the length more or less to suit the final dimensions that you want. I am going to explain how to plan for the lace patterns and then you can determine how many repeats you want on your shawl in order to get the final size that you want. One of the reasons I resist writing out row by row instructions (and don't like patterns that work that way) is because it is more difficult to make adjustments. I'd rather explain how to plan for the pattern rows and let each knitter decide for her/himself.

First: Place the Stitch Markers: On each of the two sides of the shawl count the number of stitches on your needle and mark the center stitch (left in purple). Place a marker there. Then count outwards and place two more markers so that there are 11 stitches between the two markers (indicated in orange at left). The center (purple) marker will be removed once you start working in pattern. The first lace pattern, which is shown in the chart at the end of this article, is worked over 11 stitches. Once you have marked the 11stitches at the center continue to count outwards placing a marker after every group of 11stitches. Do the same thing for the other side of the shawl.

Second: Count Your Sets: Once you have all the stitch markers in place you can count how many sets of 11 stitches you have to determine how you want to begin the first lace pattern. In the original Mermaid Shawl I marked the stitch sets 2121212 (the photo at left can be enlarged by clicking on it so you can see what I mean) but in this one, because there are more stitches at this point than on the original, I am marking them 3212321232123. The reason I amdoing this is because I want the lace pattern to be worked in gradually over three repeats of the pattern. In the 2121212 this means I worked a stitch set in stockinette stitch (2) then a set in lace (1), then a set in stockinette (2), etc.working so that the lace motif was centered in the middle of each side of the shawl. If you do that the lace pattern is worked in over only two repeats of the pattern.

Third: Begin Working First Lace Pattern: I hope this is making sense but once you start working you will understand - I hope. As you resume knitting remember to continue to M1 stitch in the appropriate place on RS rows. Every time you have increased to the point that there are 11 stitches, mark that with another marker. As I begin to knit I am working plain stockinette in the stitch sets marked 2 and 3 but working the first lace pattern in the stitch sets marked 1. Once I have completed a full lace pattern (14 rows), I will then start the second pattern repeat working palin stockinetter in stitch sets3 only and the lace pattern in stitch sets 1 and 2. By the third pattern repeat, all stitch sets will be worked in lace.

The First Lace Pattern: Use the chart at left to work your first lace pattern. Work in pattern on the RS and all purl stitches on the WS except you will knit in the back of purl stitches.

I want to add that because I was taught to knit Continental style (holding the yarn in my left hand instead of my right) my stitches may look backwards to you. Don't worry about that, it all comes out the same. The only difference is that those of us who knit continental style have learned to reverse SSK and K2tog stitches. American style knitters don't need to worry about that.

I hope this all makes sense. I'll look forward to your questions, comments, and observations!

Thanks for knitting.